Classics

Information for applicants to our Classics programmes.

With a distinguished tradition that stretches back more than four centuries, Classics at Edinburgh offers one of the widest choices of subjects and approaches of any university in the UK.

We offer a wide choice of programmes, with strengths across:

  • ancient history
  • Greek and Latin language and literature
  • classical art and archaeology

You will also be able to choose from a broad range of courses in classics and related disciplines.

Degree programmes and structures

Need a refresher on the details of the degree programme you've applied for? Our Degree Finder provides more information about your programme, such as:

  • what you will study
  • where you will study
  • career opportunities
  • fees, costs and funding 

Classics degree programmes: 2025 entry 

 

A Degree Programme Table (DPT) provides comprehensive information about the structure of a degree programme, including both compulsory and optional courses. The detailed programme content for 2025/26 are available below

 

Classics degree structures 2025/26

This is an example of what your timetable could look like in Semester 1 of Year 1 of Classics if you took The Greek World 1A as one of your option courses, for example. There is a high level of flexibility in the other courses you can study. You can discuss this with your academic cohort lead and student adviser. 

Courses may be subject to change and availability and your timetable may be different.

Monday

  • 11:10am to 12pm Ancient Greek 1A (lecture)
  • 1:10pm to 2pm Latin 1A (lecture)
  • 4:10pm to 5pm The Greek World 1A (lecture)

Tuesday

  • 11:10am to 12pm Ancient Greek 1A (lecture)
  • 1:10pm to 2pm Latin 1A (lecture)
  • 4:10pm to 5pm The Greek World 1A (lecture)

Wednesday

  • 11:10am to 12pm Ancient Greek 1A (lecture)
  • 12:10pm to 1pm The Greek World 1A (tutorial)

Thursday

  • 9am to 9:50am Ancient Greek 1A (tutorial)
  • 11:10am to 12pm Ancient Greek 1A (lecture)
  • 1:10pm to 2pm Latin 1A (lecture)
  • 4:10pm to 5pm The Greek World 1A (lecture)

Friday

  • 9am to 9:50am Latin 1A (tutorial)
  • 1:10pm to 2pm Latin 1A (lecture) 

This is an example of what your timetable could look like in Semester 1 of Year 1 of Ancient History if you took History of Christianity as a World Religion 1A as your option course, for example. There is a high level of flexibility in the other courses you can study. You can discuss this with your academic cohort lead and student adviser. 

Courses may be subject to change and availability and your timetable may be different.

Monday

  • 12:10pm to 1pm History of Christianity as a World Religion 1A (lecture)
  • 2:10pm to 3pm The Roman World 1A (lecture)
  • 4:10pm to 5pm The Greek World 1A (lecture)

Tuesday

  • 12:10pm to 1pm History of Christianity as a World Religion 1A (lecture)
  • 2:10pm to 3pm The Roman World 1A (lecture)
  • 4:10pm to 5pm The Greek World 1A (lecture)

Wednesday

  • 12:10pm to 1pm The Greek World 1A (tutorial)

Thursday

  • 12:10pm to 1pm History of Christianity as a World Religion 1A (lecture)
  • 2:10pm to 3pm The Roman World 1A (lecture)
  • 4:10pm to 5pm The Greek World 1A (lecture)

Friday

  • 11:10am to 12pm The Roman World 1A (tutorial)
  • 2:10pm to 3pm History of Christianity as a World Religion 1A (tutorial) 

This is an example of what your timetable could look like in Semester 1 of Year 1 of Classical Studies if you chose not to study Greek or Latin and took History of Christianity as a World Religion 1A as your option course, for example. There is a high level of flexibility in the other courses you can study. You can discuss this with your academic cohort lead and student adviser.

Courses may be subject to change and availability and your timetable may be different.

Monday

  • 12:10pm to 1pm History of Christianity as a World Religion 1A (lecture)
  • 2:10pm to 3pm The Roman World 1A (lecture)
  • 4:10pm to 5pm The Greek World 1A (lecture)

Tuesday

  • 12:10pm to 1pm History of Christianity as a World Religion 1A (lecture)
  • 2:10pm to 3pm The Roman World 1A (lecture)
  • 4:10pm to 5pm The Greek World 1A (lecture)

Wednesday

  • 12:10pm to 1pm The Greek World 1A (tutorial)

Thursday

  • 12:10pm to 1pm History of Christianity as a World Religion 1A (lecture)
  • 2:10pm to 3pm The Roman World 1A (lecture)
  • 4:10pm to 5pm The Greek World 1A (lecture)

Friday

  • 11:10am to 12pm The Roman World 1A (tutorial)
  • 2:10pm to 3pm History of Christianity as a World Religion 1A (tutorial) 

Why study Classics at Edinburgh?

A world-leading university

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s leading universities. We are consistently ranked among the top 50 best universities in the world, and we attract some of the world’s brightest staff and students.

The classics department is one of the largest groups of classics-focused academics in the UK, with around 30 members of staff covering a variety of research interests. Our classics staff are drawn not only from the UK but from Denmark, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Canada, and the USA; the student body, both in Classics and the wider School, is international too. This means that there is always a diversity of perspectives and traditions to draw on.

Breadth and depth of study

We offer a wide choice of programmes and more than 30 specialist course options across all the main areas of classics: Greek and Latin language, literature and thought; ancient history; and classical art and archaeology.

The flexible nature of our degrees enables you to expand your academic range by studying subjects outside your major discipline during the first two years. Year 1 Classics students have recently taken courses in subjects as varied as archaeology, philosophy, history and politics.  

Throughout your degree, you’ll also have the opportunity to apply for study trips or excavations abroad. Our students have participated in overseas excavations in Italy, Georgia and Macedonia. We have some funding available to support students to undertake fieldwork during their vacation periods. * We also organise study trips overseas, including recent trips to Macedonia, Pompeii and Ravenna.  

During the summer break between Years 1 and 2, students taking degrees involving Classical Archaeology will take a course allowing them to gain experience in excavation or museum work.

*Please note that these opportunities will be subject to availability and are likely to have extra costs.


Have you applied for a joint honours degree? Don't forget to look at the information for each of your subjects. 

Not sure which School looks after the other subject of your degree? Check our School list for information on the subjects they manage. 

College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences: Schools and subjects 


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