MA History and Classics
About this course
MA (Hons) in History and Classics, an undergraduate degree in History and Classics. Core topics include Research Methods and Historical Research. The final year includes independent research leading to a dissertation. The first year introduces the history and culture of the Greek and Roman worlds, ancient Greek language, Latin language, the medieval period, and the early modern period. The second year covers ancient history, classical art and archaeology, British history, and European history, alongside a compulsory course on historiography. The final year requires a year-long special subject course in history, two further specialist courses in classics, and an honours dissertation in either history or classics.
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 A*A*A to AAB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: from 37 points with 666 at HL to 34 points with 655 at HL
See the highest paying History, Philosophy & Religion degrees in the UK →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 37%: 23 offers from 63 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 84 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 76%
- Assessment and feedback: 69%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 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%
- 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 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Modules
- the history and culture of the Greek and Roman worlds
- or, ancient Greek language
- or, Latin language
- a course covering the medieval period
- a course covering the early modern period
- ancient history
- classical art and archaeology
- ancient Greek language
- Latin language
- classical literature in translation
- American history
- European history
- British history
- Scottish history
- global history
- choose one history course
- take a compulsory course on historiography
- choose from a wide range of option courses outside your primary subjects
- study a year-long special subject course in history
- take two further specialist courses in classics
- engage in independent research to produce an honours dissertation in either history or classics on a topic of your own choosing
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA History and 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 £1,500 more than the UK median for History.
What do graduates of MA History and 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 History and Classics at University of Edinburgh?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA History and Classics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 194 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA History and Classics at University of Edinburgh?
37% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 23 offers from 63 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA History and 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 History and Classics at University of Edinburgh?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.