Classics and Ancient Middle Eastern Studies BA Classics and Ancient Middle Eastern Studies with Study Abroad BA
Study the ancient world and develop expertise in at least one ancient language as well as the Middle East in ancient times through this degree that nurtures key transferable skills. UCL’s three-year Classics and Ancient Middle Eastern Studies BA is taught by expert academics in small groups and some larger lectures. You will also be within walking distance of many of London’s unrivalled cultural institutions and resources on the ancient world. Graduates may go on to work in a wide range of sectors, including education, financial services, publishing and hospitality. This course is also available with Study Abroad, with the option of studying an additional year in another country.
Key information
Key information
Entry requirements
- Grades
- AAB
- GCSEs
- English Language at grade B or 6 and Mathematics at grade C or 4
Contextual offer
- Grades
- BBB
- GCSEs
- English Language at grade B or 6 and Mathematics at grade C or 4
At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
- Points
- 36
- Subjects
- A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.
- Subjects
- A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 32
- Subjects
- A total of 15 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.
- Subjects
- A total of 15 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.
The English language level for this programme is: Level 3
Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages and International Education.
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who do not have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
About this course
The main focus of this course is the study of ancient languages and literature, with emphasis on the Middle East, in the context of all aspects of the ancient world, in its full chronological, geographical and methodological range.
You develop a sophisticated approach to the ancient world, expressing your own ideas in essays for individual modules and a final-year dissertation.
The compulsory modules ensure a broad understanding of the ancient world and familiarity with at least one ancient language, and some involve research skills training.
The wide range of optional modules includes ancient language and literature, philosophy and science, ancient history and the various branches of archaeology.
The course also allows you to take some modules from outside the area of Classics and the Ancient World.
The main focus of this course is the study of ancient languages and literature, with emphasis on the Middle East, in the context of all aspects of the ancient world, in its full chronological, geographical and methodological range.
You develop a sophisticated approach to the ancient world, expressing your own ideas in essays for individual modules and a final-year dissertation.
The compulsory modules ensure a broad understanding of the ancient world and familiarity with at least one ancient language, and some involve research skills training.
The wide range of optional modules includes ancient language and literature, philosophy and science, ancient history and the various branches of archaeology.
The course also allows you to take some modules from outside the area of Classics and the Ancient World. In addition, this version of the course (with Study Abroad) enables you to acquire fluency in a modern language, to become familiar with the culture of another country and to experience another academic environment.
UCL seeks to select candidates who, in addition to academic achievement, demonstrate intellectual curiosity about the ancient world and are open to new ideas. Candidates should be committed to language learning and textual analysis, and they should show an interest in the history of the Middle East as well as in the reverberations of the ancient world in the modern world.
Course structure
In the first year all students on this course take the compulsory module ‘Approaches to Studying Classics and the Ancient World’, which introduces you to all the sub-disciplines of study of the Ancient World: the term ‘Classics’ and its definition, the history or scholarship, methods and approaches in each subfield, key reference works and databases as well as research skills.
Across all years of study you take a certain number of modules in the areas of language and literature as well as history, with an emphasis on material from the Middle East. In the final year, supported by a tutor, you write a final-year dissertation on a topic of your choice.
See the Greek and Latin webpages for specific details about the modules available.
Course structure
In the first year all students on this course take the compulsory module ‘Approaches to Studying Classics and the Ancient World’, which introduces you to all the sub-disciplines of study of the Ancient World: the term ‘Classics’ and its definition, the history or scholarship, methods and approaches in each subfield, key reference works and databases as well as research skills. In addition, students on this course study the modern language of the country they intend to visit across their first and second years.
Students on this course spend the third year of their studies at a university in another country.
Across all years of study you take a certain number of modules in the areas of language and literature as well as history, with an emphasis on material from the Middle East. In the final year, supported by a tutor, you write a final-year dissertation on a topic of your choice.
See the Greek and Latin webpages for specific details about the modules available.
Modules
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
- Introductory Hittite (AMEL0001)
- Sanskrit for Beginners A (AMEL0009)
- Sanskrit for Beginners B (AMEL0010)
- Introduction to Roman Archaeology (ARCL0001)
- World Archaeology (ii): From early states to globalization (ARCL0004)
- Introduction to Greek Archaeology (ARCL0005)
- Introduction to Middle Eastern Archaeology (ARCL0007)
- Texts in Archaeology (ARCL0009)
- Introduction to Ancient Egyptian Language (ARCL0044)
- Greek Myth: Its Use and Meaning (CLAS0001)
Optional modules
- Introductory Hittite (AMEL0001)
- Introductory Sanskrit (AMEL0003)
- Hittite Texts (AMEL0005)
- Sanskrit for Beginners A (AMEL0009)
- Sanskrit for Beginners B (AMEL0010)
- Roman Coinage (ARCL0015)
- Greek Art and Architecture (ARCL0017)
- Roman Art and Architecture (ARCL0018)
- The Prehistoric Mediterranean (ARCL0028)
- The Archaeology of the Near East from Prehistory to 2000 BC (ARCL0033)
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
- Greek Translation (GREK0010)
- Mycenean Greek (GREK0019)
- Greek Papyrology (GREK0022)
- Homer: Iliad (GREK0035)
- Homer: Odyssey (GREK0036)
- Herodotus (GREK0056)
- Ugaritic Language A (HEBR0049)
- Ancient Near Eastern Science (HEBR0107)
- Cultures of War in Ancient Greece (HIST0094)
- Latin Translation (LATN0008)
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
- Introductory Hittite (AMEL0001)
- Sanskrit for Beginners A (AMEL0009)
- Sanskrit for Beginners B (AMEL0010)
- Introduction to Roman Archaeology (ARCL0001)
- World Archaeology (ii): From early states to globalization (ARCL0004)
- Introduction to Greek Archaeology (ARCL0005)
- Introduction to Middle Eastern Archaeology (ARCL0007)
- Texts in Archaeology (ARCL0009)
- Introduction to Ancient Egyptian Language (ARCL0044)
- Greek Myth: Its Use and Meaning (CLAS0001)
Optional modules
- Introductory Hittite (AMEL0001)
- Introductory Sanskrit (AMEL0003)
- Hittite Texts (AMEL0005)
- Sanskrit for Beginners A (AMEL0009)
- Sanskrit for Beginners B (AMEL0010)
- Roman Coinage (ARCL0015)
- Greek Art and Architecture (ARCL0017)
- Roman Art and Architecture (ARCL0018)
- The Prehistoric Mediterranean (ARCL0028)
- The Archaeology of the Near East from Prehistory to 2000 BC (ARCL0033)
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
- Greek Translation (GREK0010)
- Mycenean Greek (GREK0019)
- Greek Papyrology (GREK0022)
- Homer: Iliad (GREK0035)
- Homer: Odyssey (GREK0036)
- Herodotus (GREK0056)
- Ugaritic Language A (HEBR0049)
- Ancient Near Eastern Science (HEBR0107)
- Cultures of War in Ancient Greece (HIST0094)
- Latin Translation (LATN0008)
- Introductory Hittite (AMEL0001)
- Introductory Sanskrit (AMEL0003)
- Hittite Texts (AMEL0005)
- Sanskrit for Beginners A (AMEL0009)
- Sanskrit for Beginners B (AMEL0010)
- Roman Coinage (ARCL0015)
- Greek Art and Architecture (ARCL0017)
- Roman Art and Architecture (ARCL0018)
- The Archaeology of the Near East from Prehistory to 2000 BC (ARCL0033)
- Introduction to Ancient Egyptian Language (ARCL0044)
You are taught through lectures, seminars and small-group work. Teaching styles vary, and classes involve collaboration with nearby institutions. For example, some modules involve direct study of artefacts in the collections of the British Museum or Object-Based Learning from the collections of the UCL Petrie Museum.
The Classics and Ancient Middle Eastern Studies BA does not involve fieldwork, but there is a large number of Summer Schools taking place every summer in the Department of Greek and Latin (like the Summer School in Homer or the Summer School in Ancient Philosophy), and the department encourages students to actively participate in the classes or in the organisation and promotion of these Summer Schools. There is also a large community of alumni, and the department tries to collaborate with them in order to acquire placements or volunteering work for students.
The Classics and Ancient Middle Eastern Studies BA does not involve fieldwork, but there is a large number of Summer Schools taking place every summer in the Department of Greek and Latin (like the Summer School in Homer or the Summer School in Ancient Philosophy), and the department encourages students to actively participate in the classes or in the organisation and promotion of these Summer Schools. There is also a large community of alumni, and the department tries to collaborate with them in order to acquire placements or volunteering work for students.
Most modules are assessed by a combination of in-course assessments, usually essays, and end-of-year written examinations. Some modules are assessed solely by one of these methods.
Typical contact hours vary between 8 and 12 hours per week, depending on the year of study and module choice, and include lectures, seminars, practice-based activities and e-learning activities. Students will also pursue independent study of 25–30 hours per week, for example, by engaging with key topics and required readings in preparation for class discussion.
Typical contact hours at UCL vary between 8 and 12 hours per week, depending on the year of study and module choice, and include lectures, seminars, practice-based activities and e-learning activities. Students will also pursue independent study of 25–30 hours per week, for example, by engaging with key topics and required readings in preparation for class discussion.
The distribution between contact hours and independent study might be different in other countries and will depend on the arrangements in each host country.
The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
| Study mode | UK fee (2026/27) | Overseas fee (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | N/A | N/A |
UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.
International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.
International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
Additional costs
The department strives to keep additional costs low, within the range of £50-£100 per year. Some modules may require specific books, but purchase is not mandatory as copies are also available in the UCL Library. Module descriptions and recommended texts are outlined each year on the Greek and Latin website, normally from February of the preceding academic year. For some modules, there may be site visits within central London, incurring travel and entry costs.
For in-person teaching, UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Additional costs
The department strives to keep additional costs low, within the range of £50-£100 per year. Some modules may require specific books, but purchase is not mandatory as copies are also available in the UCL Library. Module descriptions and recommended texts are outlined each year on the Greek and Latin website, normally from February of the preceding academic year. For some modules there may be site visits within central London, incurring travel and entry costs.
Studying abroad may cost between £200 and £1,000 per month, depending on where you choose to study. The cost of studying abroad can be difficult to predict as it will depend on your priorities and choices. There is more information available on the UCL Study Abroad website.
For in-person teaching, UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Why study this course at UCL?
UCL is ranked in the top ten universities in the UK for Classics by the Guardian University Guide 2026. Classics and the Ancient World is run by the Department of Greek and Latin. This is a collaborative department, working closely with colleagues in History and Archaeology, as well as other departments, including Hebrew and Jewish Studies, Philosophy and English.
You join a large cohort of students who share your interest in the ancient world, and you will have access to an unparalleled range of options, from Roman Love Poetry to Greek Palaeography, from Ancient Greek Historiography to Roman Epic, from Hittite to Egyptian Archaeology.
UCL has excellent library facilities and is ideally situated close to world-renowned resources such as the British Museum, the British Library and the Institute of Classical Studies.
The lively student-run Classics Society organises an annual Classical play (a Greek or Latin drama in translation), which is performed at UCL’s Bloomsbury Theatre, as well as other events.
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What this course will give you
The Classics and Ancient Middle Eastern Studies BA is a rigorous and broad-ranging degree that qualifies you for a remarkably wide variety of jobs. The department and the Classics Society host regular talks from former students, which may help guide you in your future career choices.
This course develops key skills in critical reflection on foreign cultures, in language acquisition and in creative thinking. You leave with a training in research, including the ability to engage with and evaluate large bodies of complex evidence; to apply appropriate methodologies in the selection of relevant material; and to marshal arguments clearly in written form. These skills equip you with a rich multidisciplinary foundation on which to build a career, and are greatly valued by a wide range of employers.
UCL Greek and Latin graduates go on to work in a variety of fields: teaching or other educational activities (18.1%), accountancy and financial services (9.6%), performance and creative arts (6%) and publishing, journalism or translation (6%). 21.1% go on to postgraduate study.*
*Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2017–2023 cohorts.
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Register nowHow to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Each application is carefully assessed. Application for admission should be made through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Once offers have been issued, offer-holders will be invited to an open day, which will include a Q&A with staff and current students, where applicants can discuss the course, studying at UCL, living in London, and take a tour of the campus.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Apply for this course
You are applying for the Classics and Ancient Middle Eastern Studies BA course. Please note that the course options presented as post-enrolment specialisms will be available for you to choose once your enrolment is confirmed. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.Course starts: September 2027
UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.
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