Classical Studies BA International Honours
University of St Andrews
About this program
Classical Studies BA International Honours
The BA (International Hons) in Classical Studies offers two pathways: Greek and Latin, or Ancient History and Archaeology. Both pathways allow you to explore the cultures of the Mediterranean world in great depth, from the Bronze Age through Late Antiquity. You will also have the option to take courses from both pathways, giving you an all-round perspective on the Greek and Roman world.
The BA (International Hons) is a joint degree delivered by both the University of St Andrews and the College of William & Mary in Virginia, USA. This joint degree allows you to spend two years at each institution.
Admission requirements
Admissions to the BA (International Honours) is highly competitive. These grades are the overall standards required to consider you for entry.
Find out more about Standard and Minimum entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.
- SQA Highers
- GCE A-Levels
- IB points
International applicants
If English is not your first language, you will need an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English language qualification.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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Learn moreProgram content
First Year
- The Greeks in a Wider World
- Rome and the Mediterranean
Greek and Latin pathway
Students on the Greek and Latin pathway who spend their first year at St Andrews must choose one of the following Latin or Greek module pathways:
- Elementary Latin 1 and 2
- World of Latin 1 and 2
- Greek Language for Beginners and Greek Literature for Beginners
- Greek Language and Literature 1 and Greek Pastoral and Passion
Second Year
Ancient History and Archaeology pathway
Students on the Ancient History and Archaeology pathway who spend their second year at St Andrews must choose two of the following compulsory modules:
- The Roman Empire
- Mediterranean Communities
- Early Greek Poetry and Philosophy
- Culture and Thought in the Late Roman Republic
Greek and Latin pathway
- Latin in Progress 1 and 2
- Latin Language and Literature 1 and 2
- The Landscape of Greek Prose (B) and Poetry (B)
- The Landscape of Greek Prose (A) and Poetry (A)
Honours
Students will spend either their third or fourth year in St Andrews. You will be able to choose from a wide variety of advanced options.
Here is a sample of Honours modules which have been offered at St Andrews in previous years:
Ancient History and Archaeology
- From Pompeii to Aquileia: The Archaeology of Roman Italy (50 BCE – 300 CE)
- In the Footsteps of the Ancients: Exploring the Archaeology and Topography of Greece
- The Art of the Roman Empire
- Greek Painted Pottery
- Magic in the Greco-Roman World
- Eight Scenes from the Life of Alexander the Great
- Greek Tyranny
- Persia and the Greeks
- Religious Communities in the Late Antique World
Greek and Latin
- Greek Tragedy
- ‘Satire’, Sex and Society: Greek ‘Old Comedy’
- The History of Ancient Greek from Homer to the New Testament.
- The Gods of Greek Literature
- Lies, History and Ideology
- Roman Satire
- Latin Oratory
- Floating Words: Anonymous Writing in Ancient Rome
- The Art of Translation: Ovid in English
- Roman Epic
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Program delivery
In addition to these classes, students at St Andrews are expected to undertake substantial independent, but guided, work outside of the classroom. Typically, this will involve:
- reading Greek or Latin texts
- practising language and translation skills
- reading ancient source material in translation
- reading journal articles and books
- undertaking research in the library
- working on individual projects
- preparing coursework assignments and presentations
- preparing for examinations.
Tuition
Career paths
The Classical Studies BA (International Hons) provides international experience which will make students more competitive in a globalised job market. Students in Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology commonly pursue careers outside of the subject focus, including:
- cultural resource management
- foreign service
- journalism
- law
- politics.
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About this institute

University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is Scotland’s first University. As a 600 year-old institution, we are known across the globe for our world leading quality and depth of research. For six centuries some of the world’s brightest and most promising...
Why study at University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is situated in a truly beautiful location. Part of a seaside town it is a picturesque and inspirational location to pursue your studies, where you will have the thinking space needed to be your very best. As a smaller university our size is one of our greatest strengths with class sizes allowing for a close and individual learning experience and giving great access and support from your teachers.
Graduates of St Andrews are highly sought after by employers around the world due to our reputation for excellence. A qualification from St Andrews will help you reach your ambitions and kickstart your career.
Consistently ranked as the best student academic experience in the UK by students in the National Student Survey, your time as a student in St Andrews will be unique and rewarding, leaving you with a prestigious qualification, but also memories and connections to treasure for years to come.
Contact info
University of St Andrews
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