Classics
Classics explores the history, culture, archaeology, art, philosophy and linguistics of Classical Antiquity.
Below you will find information about the specific degree courses offered by Oxford and Cambridge Universities to study Classics, how to prepare, and how Oxbridge Interviews can help you with your application.
BOOK COURSECambridge is ranked second in the UK for studying Classics according to the Complete University Guide.
Applicants choose between a three-year and four-year course. The three-year course is for students studying A-level Latin (or equivalent) and the four-year course is for students starting ab initio, or learning from scratch.
The application process is competitive with two applications per place. To be successful, you generally need to get A*AA at A Level (or equivalent).
Oxford offers a degree course in straight Classics, and is ranked as the top university in the UK to study Classics according to the Complete University Guide. They offer a four year course and it is not necessary to have studied Latin A-level.
Oxford also offer the following joint-honours courses:
- Classics and English
- Classics and Modern Languages
- Classics and Oriental Studies
The application process is competitive with 39% of applications successful. To be offered a place, you generally need to get AAA at A Level (or equivalent).
To prepare for your Classics application, you must demonstrate your motivation for the subject and specific interests. You can do this reading beyond your school curriculum. Our interviewers recommend:
- 'Classics: A Very Short Introduction' by Mary Beard, John Henderson and Julia Whelan
- 'Confronting the Classics' by Mary Beard
Practice interviews for Classics applications are critical. You wouldn’t sit an exam without doing a mock, so don’t place yourself in an interview without having experienced a practice interview first.
Anna (Classics, Cambridge)
Anna completed her undergraduate degree in Classics at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge. Since graduating, she has worked as an English teacher in Chile, Spain and Italy, and now works at a development bank, working with small businesses across the former Soviet Union and North Africa.
Q&A
Anna, why did you choose Classics?
"It's a multidisciplinary and fascinating subject that teaches you skills applicable to a wide range of careers - looking at a time period that spans more than 1,000 years with the tools of history, literature, philosophy, archaeology, philology, politics, historiography to seek to learn about it from many possible angles."
What’s your advice to students applying to Classics?
"Don't be afraid of the interview! The interview is as much an opportunity for you to meet some other prospective students and get a sense that they are all real people, which I actually found very reassuring."
Applicants to Classics at Cambridge are required to take the at-interview Classics Admissions Assessment, if invited to interview.
All applicants to study Classics at Oxford are required to take the Classics Admissions Test (CAT).