Classical Studies and Scottish History

取得日期：2026-10-13、2026-11-02

https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/classical-studies/classical-studies-ma/

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https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/history/scottish-history-ma/

https://www.ucas.com/explore/courses/32f577b6-dd85-5510-f613-d8a1fc6e6ec6?studyYear=2027

https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/degree-routes/honours/joint/

Classical Studies MA - Subjects - University of St Andrews

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Classical Studies MA (Honours) 2027 entry

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Course start

September 2027

Duration

Four years full time

School of Classics

Why study this course?

The MA (Hons) in Classical Studies is a degree of remarkable range and depth. It includes not only the study of Greek and Roman literature but also the social and cultural history of the classical world, its philosophy, religion and art, and the reception of Greek and Roman culture in the modern world. Classical studies at St Andrews will allow you to discover and debate – among many other things – the power of Greek tragedy, the imposing beauty of Roman sculpture and the twists and turns of Platonic dialogue. The course encourages new ways of seeing both the classical world and the world of today.

All classical texts are studied in English translation. There is no requirement for ancient languages. There are opportunities to learn both Latin and Greek at beginner’s or more advanced levels and to take them further if you wish to. You will also be able to supplement your classical studies courses with complementary subjects such as ancient history, archaeology, and ancient philosophy.

Course details

The MA (Hons) in Classical Studies is a four-year course run by the School of Classics. The first two years focus on Greek and Roman literature, art and culture.

In your first year, you will start by exploring some of the most dynamic literary and artistic achievements of archaic and classical Greece, ranging from Homer’s epic poetry to the art and drama of classical Athens and the philosophy of Plato. You will learn how the Greeks used art, drama, myth and religion to express their sense of community and to navigate the turbulent world they inhabited. Then you will turn to the art and literature of Augustan Rome and learn how art, literature and the fabric of the city of Rome itself were reinvented by, and in response to, the new regime of the first Roman emperor.

In your second year, you will take modules that further extend and refine your knowledge of Greek and Roman culture. This year covers the art, literature and philosophy of two periods of dramatic social and political change, early Greece and the Late Roman Republic.

Rome in the Late Republic (first century BCE) experienced a series of brutal civil wars that tore the city and its empire apart and ushered in the age of the emperors. Yet the same period also produced some of Rome’s finest literature, from the seething passions of Catullus’ poetry to the slick rhetoric of Cicero’s speeches. You will study key authors of the period in their social, political and intellectual context, to learn – among other things – how they used their writing to work out what it meant to be Roman in such turbulent times.

To round off your second year, you will go back in time to the very earliest Greek poets and philosophers. You will learn how they sought to bring order to the human and divine worlds of the earliest Greek city-states, and how they used their works to explore themes of justice, love and relationships and to attack their enemies.

There is no compulsory language element in the Classical Studies MA (Hons), although you can choose to study Latin or Greek through optional modules. The classical studies programme is extremely flexible and also allows you to take sub-honours modules from the Ancient History (MA) programme, which will deepen and broaden your understanding of the historical background to Greek and Roman culture.

The analytical skills you gain in your first two years will prepare you to continue exploring a wide range of texts and topics at a more advanced level in your third and fourth years (Honours level). Your first Honours module in third year will be our Gateway to Honours module, designed not only to help with the transition to the higher level of study, but also to introduce you to new modes of assessment commonly used in Classical Studies Honours modules.

Alongside classical studies, in the first year of your studies you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year, you will usually continue to study at least one of these subjects, sometimes two. Find out more about how academic years are organised.

The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure web page.

The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits.

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If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.

“I enjoyed how broad the degree structure was in the first two years. I was able to enhance my knowledge of the ancient world with modules in Ancient History, Biblical Studies and Hebrew. The St Andrews experience is truly unique and I cannot imagine anywhere else that balances such a strong community with top-tier academics so well.”

- Herefordshire, England

How it's taught

Teaching

Teaching at sub-honours level is delivered primarily through lectures (60 to 100 students) and small group tutorials (8 to 15 students). Tutorials are an opportunity for students to discuss and develop their thinking in a small and friendly atmosphere, guided by an expert tutor.

At Honours level, students are taught through seminars (10 to 20 students), with an emphasis on students’ own contribution in informal class discussion and in group or individual presentations.

In addition to lectures and tutorials, students are expected to undertake substantial independent, but guided, work outside of the classroom. Typically, this will involve:

reading ancient texts in translation

reading journal articles and books

working on individual projects

undertaking research in the library

preparing coursework assignments and

presentations

preparing for examinations.

Open all

Assessment

Most modules in classical studies are assessed by a combination of 50% coursework and 50% examination. Coursework includes:

research essays

learning diaries

oral presentations

creative projects

literary criticisms

analysis of art.

Most modules include a written examination held at the end of each semester during a dedicated exam diet with revision time provided beforehand.

The School aims to provide feedback on every assessment within two to three weeks to help you improve on future assessments.

Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews must achieve at least 7.0 on the St Andrews 20-point grade scale to pass a module. To gain access to Honours-level modules, students must achieve the relevant requisites as specified in the policy on entry to Honours and in the relevant programme requirements. To find out the classification equivalent of points, please see the common reporting scale.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team with expertise and knowledge of classical studies. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module coordinator.

You can find contact information for all classics staff on the School of Classics website.

The University's services and support teams can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long-term medical conditions or learning disabilities, as well as many other difficulties and challenges students might face while studying.

In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours), you will take the required modules in classical studies. Typically, most students take:

Myth and Community in Ancient Greek Literature and Culture

Images of Augustan Rome

Culture and Thought in the Late Roman Republic

Early Greek Poetry and Philosophy

The Classical Studies programme is very flexible and can incorporate modules in ancient history, Latin and Greek alongside or even in place of specialist classical studies modules (though there are some minimum requirements), so that you can pursue your interests in the Greeks and Romans wherever they lead.

Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.

First year

Ancient Empires: explores how imperial states built and maintained their power; the experiences of other populations and cultures that were conquered or incorporated into ancient empires; and the contested legacies of imperial states, both in antiquity and today.

Cities and communities in the ancient Mediterranean: explores urbanisation by examining changing physical as well as social relations between people, as well as between people and their environments. We will study the rise and fall of the ancient city, including its ecology and domestic politics, and modern debates over ancient urbanism.

Elementary Latin 1: provides an introduction to the Latin language for beginners, concentrating on morphology, vocabulary, and basic syntax.

Elementary Latin 2: builds on work from 'Elementary Latin 1' and develops knowledge of Latin language and enables the reading of Latin texts for beginners.

Greek Language and Literature 1: involves detailed study of a range of set texts as well as linguistic and translation exercises designed to enhance students' knowledge of Greek and confidence in reading Greek literature in its historical and cultural context.

Greek Language for Beginners: provides a thorough grounding in the Greek language for beginners or near beginners.

Greek Literature for Beginners: follows on from GK1001 and guides students through further study of the vocabulary, forms, and syntax of the ancient Greek language. It prepares students for the challenge of reading and interpreting Greek literature.

Greek Pastoral and Passion: introduces students to the thematic connections between bucolic or pastoral poetry and the Greek novel and involves detailed study of set texts and linguistic and translation exercises.

Images of Augustan Rome: studies the works of art and literature that were produced during the lifetime of the first emperor of Rome, Augustus, and that react in different ways to the new regime that he established.

Myth and Community in Ancient Greek Literature and Culture: explores some of the most dynamic literary and artistic achievements of archaic and classical Greek culture, from Homeric epic to Athenian tragedy, comedy and philosophy.

World of Latin 1: enhances understanding of Latin language and literature through the study of a range of verse or prose set texts in the original language and regular language classes. The authors chosen may vary from year to year.

World of Latin 2: builds on work from 'World of Latin 1' and introduces students to a wider range of Latin literature.

Second year

Ancient Societies: Gender, ethnicity, and inequality in the ancient world: surveys the fundamental divisions that gave shape to ancient social life, examining issues like gender, inequality, and ethnic identity through a broad range of sources and methodologies.

Culture and Thought in the Late Roman Republic: studies the art and literature of Rome in the Late Republic (first century BCE). Key literary texts, such as the passionate poetry of Catullus and the stylish rhetoric of Cicero, are set against the broader backdrop of Roman political, cultural and social life in this turbulent period of civil war and dictatorship.

Early Greek Poetry and Philosophy: studies the earliest phases of the Greek literary and philosophical tradition in the archaic and early classical Greek world. It explores the diversity of early Greek thought through the poetry and philosophy of the period, and explores themes of conflict, justice, love and the relationship between mortals and gods.

Latin in Progress 1: building on work covered in 'Elementary Latin 1 and 2', this module introduces students to verse texts from the Republican period, and enhances Latin language skills through regular language classes. The authors chosen may vary from year to year.

Latin in Progress 2: building on work from 'Latin in Progress 1', this module examines a wide range of texts in both prose and verse from the imperial period, and enhances Latin language skills through regular language classes.

Latin Language and Literature 1: building on 'World of Latin 1 and 2', this module examines a wide range of verse texts taken mostly from the Republican period, and enhances Latin language skills through regular language classes. The authors chosen may vary from year to year.

Latin Language and Literature 2: building on 'Latin Language and Literature 1', this module examines a wide range of prose texts from the Roman Imperial period, and enhances Latin language skills through regular language classes. The authors chosen may vary from year to year.

Narratives of antiquity: examines influential narratives from the ancient world and their reinterpretations in later periods, from the nineteenth century to the present day, and how they continue to shape the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves for better or for worse.

The Landscape of Greek Poetry (A): following on from 'The Landscape of Greek Prose (A)', this module covers a diverse range of ancient poetry in the original Greek, starting with Homer’s Iliad, and enhances Greek language skills through regular language classes.

The Landscape of Greek Poetry (B): following on from 'The Landscape of Greek Prose (B)', this module covers a diverse range of ancient poetry in the original Greek, starting with Homer’s Iliad, and enhances Greek language skills through regular language classes.

The Landscape of Greek Prose (A): designed for students to follow on from 'Greek Pastoral and Passion', this module examines a wide range of Greek prose texts and enhances Greek language skills through regular language classes.

The Landscape of Greek Prose (B): designed for students to follow on from 'Greek Literature for Beginners', this module examines a wide range of Greek prose texts and enhances Greek language skills through regular language classes.

If you decide to take Classical Studies in your third and fourth years, you will take a compulsory third-year module, Classical Studies: Interpretations and Receptions, and then choose further modules that allow you to follow your own interests.

Here is a sample of Honours modules which have been offered in previous years:

A People's History of Scottish Classics

After Virgil: The Aeneid and its Reception

Animals in Greco-Roman Antiquity

Classics and the Left

Classics for the Modern World: Interventions and Applications

Fame, Tradition and Narrative: Homer's Iliad

Gender and Sexuality in Greek Literature

Greek Painted Pottery

Justice, politics and the good life: Plato's Republic and its critics in the ancient world

Modern Classics: Classics in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries

Pleasure, Goodness and Happiness: Hellenistic Ethics

Roman Literature and Queer Theory

Roman Praise

Travels and Marvels in the Graeco-Roman World

Women in Ancient Societies.

You will also have access to Honours modules from the Ancient History and Ancient History and Archaeology programmes.

In fourth year, students also have the opportunity to undertake an 8,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choice. This independent project enables you to develop key research skills which are desired by both prospective employers and by graduate schools offering postgraduate degrees.

Fees and funding

Scotland: Tuition fees are yet to be confirmed by the Scottish Government.

England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man: £10,050 (yet to be confirmed by the UK Government)

EU and overseas: £34,910

More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.

Entry requirements

The University offers different entry requirements, depending on your background. Find out more about

Standard, Minimum and Gateway entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.

For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject-specific entry requirements as outlined on their pages.

SQA Highers

Standard entry grades:

Minimum entry grades:

Gateway entry grades:

Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades, but meet the University's contextual criteria, may be interested in one of the University’s Gateway programmes.

GCE A-Levels

IB points

36 (HL 6,6,5)

36 (HL 6,5,5)

General entry requirements

All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.

SQA qualifications

SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:

Chemistry

Computing science

Geography

Applications of Mathematics

Mathematics

Psychology.

GCSE qualifications

GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:

Computing Science

Other qualifications

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes. Please see our entry requirements for more information.

More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University's entry requirements web page.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

No prior knowledge of classical studies is necessary.

Alternative study options

Students interested in this course may also be interested in the following:

Gateway programmes

Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades but meet the University's contextual criteria may be interested in the Gateway to Arts programme.

Study abroad

Classical studies students can apply to participate in the University-wide St Andrews Abroad programme. You may also have the opportunity to participate in the School Abroad exchange programme. For information about study abroad options, please see the study abroad site.

International applicants

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.

Joint Honours degrees

You can also take Classical Studies as part of a joint Honours degree in which you will take core modules of your chosen subjects.

Course name

Arabic and Classical Studies (With Integrated Year Abroad)

Arabic and Classics (With Integrated Year Abroad)

Classical Studies and French (With Integrated Year Abroad)

Classical Studies and Italian (With Integrated Year Abroad)

Classics and French (With Integrated Year Abroad)

Classics and Italian (With Integrated Year Abroad)

Classics and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad)

Master of Arts (Honours) Arabic and Classics

Master of Arts (Honours) Art History and Classical Studies

Master of Arts (Honours) Biblical Studies and Classical Studies

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and Comparative Literature

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and English

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and Film Studies

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and French

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and Greek

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and International Relations

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and Italian

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and Latin

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and Mathematics

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and Medieval History

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and Middle East Studies

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and Modern History

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and Persian

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and Philosophy

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and Scottish History

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and Social Anthropology

Master of Arts (Honours) Classical Studies and Theological Studies

Master of Arts (Honours) Classics and Comparative Literature

Master of Arts (Honours) Classics and English

Master of Arts (Honours) Classics and French

Master of Arts (Honours) Classics and Italian

Master of Arts (Honours) Classics and Management

Master of Arts (Honours) Classics and Modern History

Master of Arts (Honours) Classics and Persian

Master of Arts (Honours) Classics and Philosophy

Master of Arts (Honours) Classics and Social Anthropology

Master of Arts (Honours) Classics and Spanish

Joint degrees taken with French are also available 'With Integrated Year Abroad'.

Classical studies students at St Andrews have traditionally moved into a very wide range of careers upon graduating. Some continue their academic careers via a postgraduate training degree or doctoral study either in St Andrews or at another university. Other students have often progressed to postgraduate qualifications in teaching, law or finance.

Recent classical studies graduates have moved into careers in:

marketing

museums and heritage

journalism

the arts

civil service

teaching

applied computing.

A degree in classical studies will provide you with transferable skills that will equip you for a future career in many sectors. These skills include:

understanding a range of viewpoints and critical

approaches

flexible thinking

exercising reflection and critical judgment

gathering, memorising, organising and deploying

information

time management

project planning

independent work

group work

oral and written expression.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

What to do next

Online information events

Join us for one of our information events where you can find out about different levels of study and specific courses we run. There are also sessions available for parents and college counsellors.

Undergraduate visiting days

We encourage all students who are thinking of applying to the University to attend one of our online or in-person visiting days.

Contact us

+44 (0)1334 46 2600Email

classics@st-andrews.ac.uk Address

Swallowgate

St Andrews

KY16 9AL

School of Classics website

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