Classics is the study of the languages and literatures, the art and archaeology, the history and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome. But Classics at Cambridge isn’t just studied as a period in the past. We also look at how ancient languages, literatures, art and thought have affected later ages right up to the present day. Our Classics community at King’s has an exceptional reputation for teaching and research, and we try our best to help you realise your potential as a student of the ancient world and its myriad receptions and forge your own way through the field.
The Classics Tripos is either a four-year or a three year course. It is a four-year course if you have not have the opportunity to study either of the Classical Languages (Ancient Greek and Latin) to A Level or equivalent standard. If you have either Latin or Greek or both to A Level or equivalent standard then it is a three year course. What makes the four-year course different is that it involves intensive language study in both Latin and Greek, and so takes two years to reach Part IA, not just one. The first year of the four-year course is known as the 'Prelim' year: you learn a lot of Latin, a little Greek and embark on the study of other aspects of Classics (literary study, history, philosophy, art and archaeology). The first year for three year students, and second year for four-year students, is Part IA. Three year students who have not done Greek before, along with the students who have taken the Prelim year, do intensive study of Greek, and all students cover a wide range of topics in literature, history, philosophy, art and archaeology and philology and linguistics. The following year (Part IB) sees continued study of the languages along with your choice of other aspects of the course – you can continue to study the full range of Classics, or concentrate in particular areas of literature, history, philosophy, art and archaeology or philology and linguistics. In the final year (Part II) you study subject areas of your choice in greater depth and can write a dissertation on a Classical topic of your own choice. You can also take one of a range of papers borrowed from other Triposes.
King’s is an inspirational place to study Classics, and has one of the largest Classics communities in the University. You benefit from: long and lively meetings of the King’s Classical Society 24/7 access to the College Library close proximity to the Faculty (5 minutes walk [there’s a challenge!]) joining a global community (you will find people who have studied at King’s teaching in Classics departments all over the world) AND, most importantly, a distinctive style of teaching and close personal and intellectual relationships with your supervisors.
Fellows at King's in Classics:
Latin literature (especially Cicero, Virgil, and Ovid); Roman culture; literary and social theory.
Greek political, social, economic and cultural history; the history of Greek art; classical archaeology.
Menander, 5th and 4th Century Athenian Cultural History.
Greek Tragedy; Greek Culture; Literary Theory; Later Greek Literature; Reception.
Greek and Latin literature, philosophy, history, and art; themes in ancient and neo-classical culture; history of classical commentary.
The numbers admitted in Classics at King's vary from year to year, but we rarely admit fewer than six or more than eight students each year. Although there are plenty of obstacles to learning Classics, we have all sorts of ways of overcoming them, and Classicists here come from every kind of educational background. You simply have to be an enthusiast for all things classical!
Subject Requirements
Typical offer: A*AA or equivalent
If you are applying for the three year course, you will be expected to have studied Latin to A level. If you are applying for the four year course, we do not require any specific subjects to have been studied.
Subjects that offer a grounding in the skills required for the course, such as languages, classical civilisation, English (language or literature), history, history of art and literary criticism, are particularly useful, but we are happy to admit students with a science-based backgrounds as well.
Written Work
After you apply you (for both 3 and 4 year courses) need to send two marked pieces of written work so that we can see how you think on paper. At least one should be in essay format. We provide information to all applicants how to submit this.
Interviews
If you are invited for interview at King's, these will take place in early December. We will explore with you texts and topics with which you are already familiar to find out what you can do with that knowledge, much as we explore what undergraduates can do with the knowledge they have just acquired in the weekly supervisions.
Giselle has written about their experiences of studying Classics, including what attracted them to the course, the application process, enjoying extra-curricular activities, and the community at King's. Her account is well worth reading to get a sense of what studying Classics at King's is really like.
There is no required reading for Classics applicants but the Director of Studies has provided advice and reading suggestions which you will find useful. We also recommend you explore the Greeks, the Romans & Us (the Cambridge Classics website for prospective students - linked below). If you visit Cambridge, you might like to go to the Museum of Classical Archaeology (there's a highlights pack which may help). If you can come to an Open Day, you will be very welcome. But if it suits you to arrange a more personal visit we are very happy to meet you so that you can find out what it's really like to study here. Do just contact the Admissions Office. Events which may be of interest in the year before you apply (year 12 in the UK) include Oxford and Cambridge Student Conferences, the Oxbridge Classics Open Day, Classics Taster Day, Sixth Form Study Days, and King's Open Days. Students from backgrounds where there is little tradition of entry to Higher Education might like to think about applying for the Sutton Trust Summer Schools or the CUSU Shadowing Scheme. https://www.greeksromansus.classics.cam.ac.uk, https://www.classics.cam.ac.uk/museum, https://www.classics.cam.ac.uk/prospective/undergraduate/why-classics-matters.
