BA Classical Studies (Q810)
2025 entry | view 2026 entry
Course summary
Classical Studies at Bristol allows you to explore real-world issues like gender, race, and our relationship with the environment, by studying the dynamic cultures of the Ancient Mediterranean.
As Bristol is close to ancient sites like Bath and Caerleon, you will enhance your studies with field trips and we run regular trips to cities rich in ancient heritage, like Rome or Pompeii.
Studying Classical Studies involves developing knowledge about all aspects of a culture, learning to analyse a range of types of evidence, and making effective arguments. These are skills highly prized by employers, so our students go on to succeed in a variety of fields, from teaching to technology, banking to broadcasting.
With our broad range of subjects and types of assessment, you will have the opportunity to use your creativity, follow your ideas and research independently, and build innovative team projects.
Whether you are completely new to the subject or you have been inspired by previous experience, studying Classical Studies at Bristol will mean you discover new ways of exploring the ancient Mediterranean. You will expand your knowledge of Greco-Roman cultures while enriching your understanding of challenges facing us today.
Course structure
You will develop the core knowledge and critical thinking skills of a classical studies scholar by combining mandatory units with optional ones. Our group first-year units are specifically designed to introduce you to Classical Studies at university level, no matter your previous experience of the subject. You will explore a huge range of source materials throughout your degree: art, classical literature (including poetry and drama) and archaeology. There is no requirement to read Latin or Greek, however, you will have the option to study these languages, too. You will also have the option to take other units from elsewhere in the Faculty of Arts, or beyond.
In your second year, you will take units which help you to think more deeply about the malleability of classics - where are the borders of the ancient Mediterranean? How has classical culture been represented in the past? In your third year, you can choose from an exciting range of specialist subjects based on our department's world-class research. You will hone your own skills in independent research by writing a dissertation exploring a topic of your choosing. You will also take the Applied Classics unit, which involves planning, marketing and executing a project inspired by what you love about the ancient world.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Classical Studies can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement