Classics

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Classics (Literae Humaniores) is a wide-ranging degree devoted to the study of the literature, history, philosophy, languages and archaeology of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds.

Course Resources

Here are some general resources related to Classics.

Overview

The course is 4 years long and is the perfect option for someone who wants a wide range to study. In your first two years (called Mods) youโ€™ll follow a more regimented course which includes Latin and Greek literature, Philosophy, Ancient History, Art and Archaeology and Philology (which is kind of like ancient linguistics). In your second half of your degree (called Greats) there is so much flexibility with the option to choose 8 modules from over 80 different options.

Overview ๐Ÿ”— This is the Classics of the University undergraduate prospectus. The most important information about the course is here, including entry requirements, course structure, and prerequisites.

Faculty website ๐Ÿ”— This is the official Faculty webpage for prospective undergraduates, which links to various resources including more information on course papers and structure.

Alternative Prospectus ๐Ÿ”— This is an unofficial prospectus put together by the Oxford Student Union; itโ€™s written based on studentsโ€™ perspectives and gives a better sense of what the day-to-day experience as a Classics student is like, compared to official materials. Some elements may be outdated, but the student perspectives are interesting and valuable.

More things to explore

Oxford YouTube video on Classics ๐Ÿ”— The Classics faculty have produced this video about the course, including interviews with tutors and students.

Viola Helen's YouTube channel ๐Ÿ”— A Classics graduate from Oxford and shares her experiences of Oxford life and Classics.

Classics essay competition ๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŒŸ Essay competitions such as this one, hosted by St Hugh's College, are always great for your personal statement and reading around the subject.

Application Resources

Reading list ๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŒŸ These reading lists, compiled by Balliol College, are for the papers that first-years take. Donโ€™t be intimidated by how long they are; theyโ€™re intended to be worked through over the course of a full academic year, and honestly no one reads everything anyway.

FAQ ๐Ÿ”— Some useful answers to common questions about the application process.

Advice on applying from a current student ๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŒŸ This blog post details a previous Classics student's application experience, including personal statements and interviews.

Guidelines from the Classics Faculty ๐Ÿ”— Some course-specific application advice from the Classics faculty.

Alternate Prospectus: Classics Interview Tips ๐Ÿ”— Advice on Classics interviews from current students.

InsideUni Classics interview experiences ๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŒŸ Current students talk about their interview experience, as well as sharing some tips. Weโ€™re biased, but we think theyโ€™re useful!