Classics (Greek & Latin) and Classical Studies are both exciting degrees offered by KCL’s Classics department, but there are considerable differences between them. As someone who was on Classical Studies for their first year and transferred to Classics (Greek & Latin) for their second year, I will compare the two and outline the main characteristics of each degree.
BA Classics (Greek & Latin)
For BA Classics (Greek & Latin), it is compulsory to take both Greek language and Latin language as a part of your course, which takes up half of your total credits each year. While this is less flexible than other courses within the Classics department, Classics (Greek & Latin) ensures that you have an advanced knowledge of both ancient languages upon the completion of your degree. Furthermore, you are free to choose the other half of your modules every year, so you get plenty of opportunities to study all aspects of Greek and Roman cultures.
Even if you do not have any knowledge of Greek or Latin prior to university, the department ensures that all students can enrol on the course through various pathway programmes – for example, by enrolling into another course such as BA Classical Studies and getting 70% or over in either one of the language modules.
BA Classical Studies
BA Classical studies is the most flexible degree in the department, as there are no required modules, meaning you are free to choose whatever aspect of Classics you would like to study for the three years that you’re at King’s. This is ideal for those who want to develop a broad knowledge of the ancient world, as you can pick topics that reflect your own academic interests. There is also an option to study languages as well, but at your own pace – you can choose to study beginner’s Latin in your first year and pick up Greek at the start of your second year, for example.
So, which is one right for you?
Overall, Classics (Greek & Latin) has more of a language focus and Classical Studies is entirely flexible. The decision is ultimately up to you! Is having a solid knowledge of ancient languages, or a broad knowledge of the classical world more important to you? Non-language modules in the department – such as literature and history – are entirely taught in translation so that they are accessible to all students, no matter what specific course they study. It is simply a personal preference and thinking about what you want to get out of your degree.
If you have specific questions to do with enrolment requirements and transferring, I would advise you to contact the department at classics@kcl.ac.uk. They’re super friendly!
Read More:
To read about student life at King’s from four lovely English students, click here
To read Sadie’s blog post about studying ancient languages on a Classics (Greek & Latin) degree, click here
To explore courses offered by the KCL Classics department, such as Classics (Greek & Latin), and Classical Studies, click here
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