Classical Studies and Latin

Classical studies and Latin at the University of St Andrews is a four-year MA (Hons) programme of remarkable range and depth, combining the linguistic rigour of Latin scholarship with the broader cultural, historical, and philosophical engagement that classical studies encompasses. Classical studies at St Andrews spans Greek and Roman literature, the social and cultural history of the ancient world, ancient philosophy and religion, classical art and archaeology, and the history of how Greek and Roman culture has been received, interpreted, and transformed from antiquity to the present day. Latin provides the linguistic key to much of this world, allowing you to read primary sources in the original and to engage with the full texture of Roman thought and expression.

The programme includes a year abroad.

You will develop Latin to a high level of proficiency, learning to read major authors with confidence and to situate their work within its literary, historical, and cultural contexts. Classical studies modules will take you across topics from the power of Greek tragedy to the imposing aesthetics of Roman sculpture and the intricacies of Platonic philosophy, encouraging you to see both the ancient world and the contemporary world with fresh eyes. The year abroad gives you the opportunity to study in a different academic environment, broadening your scholarly perspective.

A typical entry tariff of 200 points reflects the selectivity of the programme. Graduates from classical studies and Latin are exceptionally well prepared for careers in academia, publishing, law, the civil service, teaching, archival and heritage work, journalism, and cultural policy. The analytical and linguistic skills the degree develops have wide professional application, and many graduates continue to doctoral research in classics, ancient history, classical reception, or related fields.