MA Classical Studies
About this course
MA (Hons) in Classical Studies, a classics degree centred on the history, culture, literature, and archaeology of the Greek and Roman worlds. The curriculum allows students to study ancient Greek or Latin as part of the programme alongside multidisciplinary inquiry into European civilisation. The first year covers the foundations through survey courses on the history and culture of the Greek and Roman worlds and further courses from within classics. The second year expands into Latin, Ancient Greek, ancient history, classical literature, classical art and archaeology. The third and fourth years advance through specialized study in ancient history, classical art/archaeology, and classical literature in translation.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: from AAA to ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 37%: 79 offers from 216 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 22 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 66%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 74%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 28 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 11%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 7%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 50 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 10%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 45%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 5%
- Scotland: 30%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Modules
- take survey courses on the history and culture of the Greek and Roman worlds.
- take further courses from within classics
- choose courses from a wide range of options
- take courses across our Year 2 classics courses. These can include courses on Latin, Ancient Greek, ancient history, classical literature, classical art and archaeology
- choose courses from a wide range of options
- ancient history
- classical art/archaeology
- classical literature in translation
- ancient history
- classical art/archaeology
- classical literature in translation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Classical Studies at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £43,000. The £32,000 median after five years is £500 more than the UK median for Classics.
What do graduates of MA Classical Studies at University of Edinburgh do next?
81% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Classical Studies at University of Edinburgh?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Classical Studies at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 184 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Classical Studies at University of Edinburgh?
37% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 79 offers from 216 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA Classical Studies at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Classical Studies at University of Edinburgh?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.