MA Classics
About this course
MA (Hons) in Classics, a classics degree centred on the languages and literatures of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The programme combines detailed philological work with the study of Greek and Latin-speaking civilisations across various historical contexts. The first year covers language training in ancient Greek and Latin alongside survey courses on the history and culture of the Greek and Roman worlds from archaic Greece to the later Roman empire. The second year progresses to advanced courses in Latin and ancient Greek, with further options available within the Classics department. The third year continues with advanced language study through courses in ancient Greek and Latin language, alongside specialised areas such as ancient history, classical art/archaeology, classical literature in translation, Ancient Greek, and Latin. Students also take three further ancient Greek and Latin honours courses in their third year.
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 69%: 113 offers from 163 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 19 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 71%
- Assessment and feedback: 69%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 98%
- Student voice: 75%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
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%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 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 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Modules
- two courses from beginner's or advanced intermediate ancient Greek
- two courses from beginner's or advanced intermediate Latin
- two further courses, either from options within the Classics department or from a broad range of options outside your primary subject
- two courses from beginner's or advanced intermediate Greek or Latin
- two survey courses on the history and culture of the Greek and Roman worlds from archaic Greece to the later Roman empire
- two advanced courses in both Latin and ancient Greek
- two further courses, either from options within the Classics department or from a broad range of options outside your primary subject
- two advanced courses in either Latin or ancient Greek
- two courses from beginner's or advanced intermediate ancient Greek or Latin
- two courses in ancient Greek and Latin language
- three further ancient Greek and Latin honours courses
- ancient history
- classical art/archaeology
- classical literature in translation
- Ancient Greek
- Latin
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Classics 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 Classics 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 Classics at University of Edinburgh?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Classics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 178 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Classics at University of Edinburgh?
69% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 113 offers from 163 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA Classics at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Classics at University of Edinburgh?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.