Choosing a Course

The basic courses available are ancient Greek, Latin, classical studies/civilisation, and ancient history, and, as with any subject, it is worth asking some rigorous questions about what you want from your degree. Given the range of options available in a classics department, it would be beneficial to examine a department's curriculum for the entire intended period of study. You could take straight classics, which means a degree with particular focus on the study of Greek and Latin languages.

With the majority of students undertaking their study through translations of ancient authors, language is less important than in the past. However, studying at least some Greek and/or Latin may be a compulsory part of any such degree in some institutions. If you feel that language study is not your strength, then you need to bear this in mind - it would he beneficial to do some language work if you are entertaining ambitions of undertaking postgraduate work or becoming a teacher. The possibility of taking a year to study abroad should also be investigated. The chance to study the classics in Italy or Greece is a valuable one, and if you're combining the course with archaeology, it could offer fascinating possibilities.

Pay attention to the wider institution and the city you will be studying in. The older universities tend to have classics as part of their very fabric and so will have the libraries and teaching to match. And investigate the wider city for galleries and museums. The chance to look at the genuine artefacts from the period you're studying can make the subject more worthwhile and also offers the possibility of work placements if you fancy curatorial work.

Try to get a feel for how the subject is regarded by the institution. Check out the number of teaching staff, their specialisations and the facilities. If you're interviewed in a back shed, it could be time to look elsewhere.