Classics (Hons) University of St Andrews

Overview

Why study this course?

Greek and Latin literature is some of the most moving and thought-provoking writing produced in any world culture. To study it in the original languages is to enter the thought-world of two vibrant societies which have profoundly influenced cultures around the world. The Classics (Hons) at University of St Andrews will develop your Latin and Greek language skills. It will also develop skills of literary and cultural analysis which are powerful tools for understanding complex texts and problems in today’s world.

The course will challenge you to engage in depth with a wide range of Greek and Latin texts, from epic poetry and tragedy, to historiography, philosophy, satire and love elegy. You will develop the skills to read and understand these texts in the original languages. In doing so, you will learn about the society, culture, politics and philosophy of the Greeks and Romans. You will also have opportunities to study complementary subjects such as ancient history and archaeology.

Careers

Classics 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 classics graduates have moved into careers in: 

• law 
• marketing 
• museums and heritage 
• journalism 
• the theatre 
• civil service 
• teaching 
• finance 
• applied computing