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Classics and Philosophy

Course details
  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

By combining Classics and Philosophy in equal parts you'll have the opportunity to study ancient Greek and Latin alongside ancient and modern philosophy. With roots of philosophical theory anchored in the ancient world, Philosophy and Classics make an excellent combination of subjects.

Classics is perfect if you have a knowledge and love of either Latin or Greek and want to add that second ancient language to your repertoire, while learning more about the classical world through the study of texts in the original as well as artefacts, ideas and past-deeds.

You will study both Latin and Greek language and literature, reading texts in the original words of the author. The remainder of your time will be spent understanding the minds, hearts and actions of the ancient Romans and Greeks through the study of ancient philosophy, history, classical archaeology as well as Latin and Greek literature in translation.

As a Classicist you will be part of our Classics Department, where the quality of research that informs our teaching and a friendly, individual approach which shapes the way we guide our students combine to create an unbeaten academic experience. A thriving Classics Society contributes to the friendly and sociable atmosphere of our department.

At Royal Holloway we have a unique approach to Philosophy that looks beyond the narrow confines of the Anglo-American analytic or the European tradition of philosophy focus on both traditions, their relationship and connections between them. The result has been the creation of a truly interdisciplinary and collaborative programme that brings together academic staff from departments across the university.

With the opportunity to examine (amongst other things) the mind and consciousness, aesthetics and morals, the self and others, the range of subjects available to Philosophy students at Royal Holloway guarantees that there will be something on offer that really engages you during your time with us.

  • Learn Latin and Greek, one of which can be from scratch.

  • Study texts in the original language using highly developed linguistic skills.

  • Consider ancient cultural, social and political contexts.

  • A historical range from ancient to contemporary analytic philosophy.

  • Develop critical skills for your career or further study.

Modules

Please refer to our website for information:
https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/classics/classics-and-philosophy.aspx

Assessment method

Your course will be assessed by a combination of examinations and in-course assignments in the form of essays or presentations.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
QV85
Institution code:
R72
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

Not accepted

A level

ABB - BBB
- Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. - Socio-economic factors which may have impacted an applicant’s education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants. Required Subjects: A level Latin or Greek at grade B or grade A or grade 7 GCSE if not taken at A level

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DDM
in a related subject PLUS GCSE Latin or Greek at grade A or grade 7, or AS/A-Level Latin or Greek at grade B

Access to HE Diploma

D: 27 credits M: 18 credits P: 0 credits
Access must be in a related subject area PLUS GCSE grade A or grade 7 Latin or Greek , or AS/A-Level in Latin or Greek at grade B. Please note that the Access to Higher Education Diploma will only be acceptable if the applicant has had a considerable break from education

Scottish Higher

AABBB
Grade B in Latin or Greek is required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DD
in a related subject and A-Level grade B plus GCSE Latin or Greek grade A or grade 7, or AS/A-Level Latin or Greek grade B

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

D
Distinction and A-Levels graded B,B PLUS GCSE Latin or Greek grade A or grade 7, or AS/A-Level Latin or Greek grade B.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)

DDD
in a related subject PLUS GCSE Latin or Greek at grade A or grade 7, or AS/A-Level Latin or Greek at grade B

Scottish Advanced Higher

ABB - BBB
Grade B in Latin or Greek is required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

32 points
Grades 6,5,5 at Higher Level including 5 in Higher or Standard Level Latin or Greek with a minimum of 32 points overall

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

Requirements are as for A-levels where one non-subject-specified A-level can be replaced by the same grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
Subjects to include H3 in Latin or Greek at Higher Level

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

Applicants with the Cambridge Pre-U are strongly encouraged to apply to Royal Holloway. Offers will be made on the basis of equivalent A-Level grades as can be found on the Royal Holloway website.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

We require at least five GCSEs at grade A*-C or 9 - 4 including English and Mathematics and GCSE Latin or Greek grade A or grade 7 if not taken at a Higher Level.

Combinations of qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, please contact us at admissions.enquiries@rhul.ac.uk to discuss your situation.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

At Royal Holloway, we know every student approaches university with different experiences and backgrounds. We look at each application individually, and different factors can affect the exact offer a student receives. For instance, our contextual offer scheme means students from disadvantaged socio-economic background can receive a different offer. For full details please see our website.

Learn more on the Royal Holloway, University of London website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU£25900Year 1
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
International£25900Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The tuition fee for Home (UK) undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. The fee for the academic year 2025/26 is £9,535.

This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2025/26.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for all students. For further information see fees and funding and the terms and conditions.

These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2025/26 academic year and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.

Sponsorship information

https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studyhere/undergraduate/feesandfunding/bursariesandscholarships/home.aspx

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