Ranking
Top 15
in the UK for Classics
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Course overview
Unlock the literature of the ancient world. Study the plays, poems, epics and speeches of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece, Rome, and Byzantium.
At Birmingham, you’ll explore archaeological sites, engage with classical texts and prepare yourself for further postgraduate study or a career in the cultural and heritage sectors – think museums, charities and heritage management.
Your degree will span literature, culture, religion and history, highlighting the many ways in which the legacies of classical antiquity live on in our world today.
Course highlights
- Top 15
in the UK for Classics
Complete University Guide 2026
At Birmingham, you’ll rethink what you know about the ancient world, with our modules focused on the lives and voices of marginalised groups.
- Learn from our internationally renowned academic staff, offering a broad scope of specialisms in Greek and Latin literature and reception of the Classical past.
- Delve into primary sources that have survived to the modern day. You'll access our excellent collections and library facilities, including environmental and material culture teaching collections, the Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum and the Cadbury Research Library.
- Discover remarkable archaeological sites such as the Athenian Acropolis in person with our Year 2 Study Tour module, where you will benefit from onsite teaching and learning.
- Join a lively department, with regular access to performances, talks, trips, podcasts and quizzes, as well as bespoke academic writing advice and support throughout your degree.
- Learn an ancient language with an optional module in Ancient Egyptian, Classical Greek or Latin, or develop your knowledge with our Intermediate and Advanced option modules.
Cultural artefacts at your fingertips
You'll benefit from our excellent collections and library facilities, including environmental and material culture teaching collections at the University of Birmingham. You’ll have access to the Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum and the Danford Collection of African art and artefacts, alongside the Cadbury Research Library.
Explore ancient sites on your Study Tour
Like the sound of an expert-guided trip to the ruins of the ancient world?
Birmingham students on the Study Tour to the Acropolis in Athens
Take in archaeological collections and sites like Athens, Corinth, Delphi, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Olympia.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
Study at the University of Birmingham and learn from world-class experts—authors of key works and leaders with global teaching and research experience.
Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
- Lectures: These give you an insightful, expert introduction to key topics; they also provide guidance to support your reading and assessments.
- Seminars: These are small group discussions where you share and test ideas with your academic tutor and your peers. Seminars help you understand topics better and build confidence in sharing your thoughts.
Support during your studies
At Birmingham, you’ll have plenty of support to help you adjust to university life:
- Personal Academic Tutors: You'll have a tutor assigned to you who will guide and support you throughout your studies.
- Wellbeing Officers: The Wellbeing team help with extensions, disabilities, extenuating circumstances, or any personal challenges. They’ll also connect you with further support on campus or elsewhere.
- Academic Writing Advisory Service: Tutorials, workshops and support in structuring an argument and developing your own academic voice.
- Student Experience Team: They offer research opportunities, and cultural, intellectual and social activities to enhance your university experience.
Contact hours
Your degree is designed to help you achieve 120 credits per year, which equals about 40 hours of learning each week. This includes lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, revision, and assessments.
Assessment methods
You’ll be assessed in different ways to suit each module. At the start of a module, you’ll be told how and when you’ll be assessed. Methods will vary but may include coursework (e.g., essays), group or individual presentations and projects, exams, reports or computer-based assignments.
Feedback: You will receive timely feedback on each assessment, so you can learn from it and improve your performance in future assessments.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
You can apply to study abroad for a year in an approved university around the world. If you achieve a grade of 2.1 or above in your first year, you will be eligible to apply for a Year Abroad in your second year. If your application is successful, you will go abroad in your third year and return to us for your final year.
Year 1
Year 1
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Project A | 10 |
| Project B | 10 |
| Rethinking the Ancient World A: Mythology and Identity | 10 |
| Rethinking the Ancient World B: Other Voices | 10 |
| Greek World | 20 |
| The Roman World | 20 |
Students choose 40 credits of optional modules; this may include up to 40 credits of appropriate level language modules. Optional modules: All optional lists are indicative; not all modules will run each year depending on staff availability.
This list is indicative; not all modules will run each year depending on staff availability:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Classics in the 20th and 21st Centuries | 20 |
| The Transformation of the Roman World, c.200-850 | 20 |
| Understanding Archaeology | 20 |
Language modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Texts | 20 |
| Greek 1 | 20 |
| Greek 2 | 20 |
| Latin 1 | 20 |
| Latin 2 | 20 |
With the approval of the programme leader students may also take 20-credits of approved modules offered by a Department other than CAHA. Credits must still be evenly balanced across semesters.
Year 2
Year 2
2027/28 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| CAHA Study Tour | 20 |
| Classical Epic | 20 |
Students choose 80 credits of optional modules (TWO 20-credit modules in each Semester). This can include up to 40 credits of appropriate level ancient language modules and/or ONE 20-credit Future or Professional Skills module.
Credits must be evenly balanced between semesters. All optional lists are indicative; not all modules will run each year depending on staff availability.
CAHA Optional Modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Athenian Drama | 20 |
| East Meets West: Power, Knowledge and Culture in the Hellenistic World | 20 |
| Environmental Archaeology in the Lab | 20 |
| Human Remains: From Forensics to Display | 20 |
| Imperial Rome | 20 |
| Material Culture and Heritage | 20 |
| Matrons and Monsters: Women in Rome and Byzantium | 20 |
| Mediterranean and European Archaeology | 20 |
| Poets and Tyrants: Archaic Greece | 20 |
| Republican Rome: From the Gracchi to Caesar | 20 |
| Republican and Imperial Rome | 20 |
| Rhetoric at Rome | 20 |
| Thinking Athenian | 20 |
| Roman Women: Matrons and Monsters | 20 |
| Understanding Ancient Societies | 20 |
Language Modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Texts | 20 |
| Egyptian Language 1 | 20 |
| Egyptian Language 2 | 20 |
| Greek 1 | 20 |
| Greek 2 | 20 |
| Latin 1 | 20 |
| Latin 2 | 20 |
Future Skills modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Humanities in the classroom | 20 |
| Media in Practice | 20 |
| Sustainable Development: Climate, Culture, Society and Policy | 20 |
Students may also apply to undertake a Professional Skills module at level I. If successful this will be taken in place of 20 credits of taught modules. The credits to be dropped will be discussed with the programme convenor. The placement can be taken either during the summer vacation (part-time or full-time) or during semester 1 (part-time only). The placement must be completed prior to the Christmas vacation. Students undertaking a Professional Skills module at level I will not be able to undertake a Professional Skills module at level H.
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Professional Skills | 20 |
| Professional Skills – Freelance | 20 |
Year 3
Year 3
2028/29 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| CAHA Dissertation | 40 |
Students must choose TWO co-requisite Special Subject module (one per semester) to the value of 40 credits from a range of options that will vary from year to year depending on staff availability. Optional modules: Students also choose 40 credits of optional modules (20 in each Semester). This may include up to 40 credits of appropriate level ancient language modules and/or ONE 20-credit Professional Skills module if not undertaken at Level I. Optional modules: All optional lists are indicative; not all modules will run each year depending on staff availability.
CAHA Special Subjects A:
CAHA Special Subjects B:
Optional modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Age of Empires | 20 |
| Death, Burial and Society | 20 |
| Face to face with Egypt’s Gods | 20 |
| Greek Mythology | 20 |
| Hellenistic Literature | 20 |
| Humans and Environments | 20 |
| Love in Greek Literature | 20 |
| War, Peace, and Diplomacy in the Roman World | 20 |
| Sparta | 20 |
Language modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Texts | 20 |
| Egyptian Language 1 | 20 |
| Egyptian Language 2 | 20 |
| Greek 1 | 20 |
| Greek 2 | 20 |
| Latin 1 | 20 |
| Latin 2 | 20 |
Students may also apply to undertake a Professional Skills module at level H. If successful this will be taken in place of one of their semester 1 taught modules. The placement can be taken either during the summer vacation (part-time or full-time) or during semester 1 (part-time only). The placement must be completed prior to the Christmas vacation. Students who undertook a Professional Skills module at level H.
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Professional Skills | 20 |
| Professional Skills - Freelance | 20 |
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
ABB
- IB
6,5,5 including 32 points overall.
- BTEC
BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD. BTEC Diploma: DD, plus B at A-level. BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A-level.
Number of A levels required: 3
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Core Maths qualification
Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015): Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in each skill
- Trinity ISE II: Not applicable
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?
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Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
BBC - A level
- Contextual Offer
BBB - A level
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
- £9,535*
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
- 14 January 2026
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Career opportunities
Studying in the department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology involves analysing the ancient world in a political, social, and cultural context. This develops a number of sought-after skills including:
- Research and analysis of complex information
- Working independently and as part of a team
- Articulate communication
- Those who choose to study Latin and Greek, also develop analytical and verbal reasoning skills, discipline and application, and a rich and varied vocabulary.
You will be in high demand and well placed to forge a rewarding career in a variety of spheres, including:
- Law
- Education
- Media
- Publishing
- Local government
- Museums and charities
- Cultural and heritage organisations
Our Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology students have gone on to secure roles such as 'Archaeologist', 'Managing Director' and 'Founder,' working for organisations such as:
- The National Trust
- Museum of London Archaeology
- Archaeology Warwickshire
The University has commissioned Cturtle as our data partner for tracking our alumni destinations. The data above is a subset from 43,666 alumni who completed their course up to 31 July 2024.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2025, High Fliers report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
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Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Flexible programmes to suit you
Not sure what you want to study?
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.