Frequently asked questions - Undergraduate studies
Here is a list of questions we are frequently asked by prospective undergraduate students. We hope you will find them useful. If you have other questions please don't hesitate to contact us: classics@nottingham.ac.uk.
Undergraduate courses
Applying for a place
Deferred entry, part-time study and other circumstances
At the University of Nottingham, you can study Classical Civilisation, Ancient History or Latin and Greek (Latin and Greek combined is called "Classics"). You can study Classical subjects either alone (Single Honours) or in combination with other disciplines (Joint Honours), including Archaeology, English Studies, History, Art History, Philosophy, German and French. Find out more about our undergraduate courses.
Back to top of page
No. Single and Joint Honours courses in Ancient History and Classical Civilisation allow and encourage you to start or continue with an ancient language, but it is not compulsory to do any Latin or Greek. If you wish to do a language-based Classics or Latin degree, we offer two pathways: one for those with A-level Latin or Greek, and one for those without. Joint Honours Latin courses (French and Latin, English Studies and Latin, Ancient History and Latin) are also open to those without A-level Latin.
Back to top of page
No. For our Single or Joint Honours courses in Ancient History or Classical Civilisation, we welcome applications from students who have never studied the ancient world before, and they are as successful as those who already have qualifications in Ancient History or Classical Civilisation.
Back to top of page
A degree in a Classical subject from an institution like the Universtiy of Nottingham shows potential employers that you are an intelligent, hard-working individual who is bright and flexible enough to undertake any form of specific career training. We will help you develop your ability to research and process a large amount of information quickly and logically, and to present the results of your research, both orally and in writing, in an articulate and effective way. By learning how to plan your work you will acquire high levels of self-discipline and self-motivation. Our applicants are among the best in the country, and our courses are taught and assessed in ways that are carefully designed to encourage skills that are in high demand from employers.
Our graduates move into an extraordinarily wide range of careers: some become primary or secondary school teachers, others take their studies further with postgraduate degrees at Masters or PhD level and pursue academic careers. Others go into media work (publishing, TV research or journalism), advertising, law or librarianship. Increasingly, some embark on careers in industrial and commercial management, computing, business, banking, accountancy or insurance. Some go into social work and health administration, others into local and central government and politics. Find out more about postgraduate opportunities in the Department of Classics.
Back to top of page
The amount you pay each year for your tuiton will depend on whether you study full or part-time and are classed as an International (also referred to as overseas) or UK/EU student for the purpose of fees. Check up-to-date information on tution fees.
It's vital to budget effectively. In order to help you budget, we have collated the other costs you are likely to have to meet. These fall into two categories: costs related to study and living costs. Costs will differ from one person to another. These costs may rise slightly for the next academic year. Find out more about costs of study and use the University's personal cost estimator.
Back to top of page
All full-time applicants need to go through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website. Candidates for full-time admission are considered on the basis of their UCAS form.
Equal consideration is given to every application reaching UCAS before their deadline. This commitment means, unfortunately, that we have to defer many decisions until the majority of the forms have arrived in the Department, so that we can apply consistent standards when making our selection. As a result, some candidates are bound to be left waiting until February before we can reach a decision. Check the UCAS key dates for undergraduate admission.
Back to top of page
We normally interview mature applicants but a decision on other applications is usually made on the basis of the UCAS form alone.
Back to top of page
The primary criterion is whether you have the ability to complete the course successfully. Your academic record and school (or other) reference play a crucial role in this, but we are not just looking for academic ability. Your motivation and commitment to the subject, your ability to organise your time and effort effectively and to work independently are all important, and it is these that we look for most when reading your personal statement.
Back to top of page
Yes, if the A- or AS-level syllabus includes a clear academic element, although in the case of Joint Honours degrees this depends on the agreement of the partner Department. If you are in doubt, please contact the Department.
Back to top of page
No, unless you are applying for a Joint Honours course where an A-level in the other subject is required. Otherwise there is no restriction on the subjects you take at A-level and we have had a number of very successful students who took science subjects at A-level.
Back to top of page
Which joint honours courses require an A-level pass in the other subject?
For the specific requirements of individual Joint Honours courses, please look at our admissions information webpage.
Back to top of page
Yes, we accept the International Baccalaureate, the European Baccalaureate and the normal Scottish, Irish and USA qualifications. Please contact the Department if you need further details about whether other particular qualification are accepted and what level of offer is normally made.
Back to top of page
What if English isn't my first language?
If English was not the language of instruction for your first degree, you will have to show proficiency through an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
Back to top of page
Not normally. However, if there is a good reason why you have not been able to take A-levels, we would consider your position sympathetically. Please contact the Department.
Back to top of page
The standard offer for single honours courses is ABB. For typical A/AS-Level offers for joint honours courses please look at our admissions information webpage.
Back to top of page
Depending on individual circumstances we make an A or B in Latin (or Greek) a requirement for entry to the post-A-level pathways in Classics, Latin Single Honours and Latin Joint Honours courses. For the specific requirements of individual Joint Honours courses, please look at our admissions information webpage.
Back to top of page
We look at your AS-level performance, but it is only one of a range of indicators which we consider.
Back to top of page
No, you will not be disadvataged in any way.
Back to top of page
This varies. In some cases we are able to make a decision very quickly and so you may hear within a few weeks. We do, however, have to ensure that we are fair to all applicants, and so hold back a decision on many applications until early in the New Year when the main round of applications is complete. In the case of Joint Honours courses both Departments have to agree to the decision that is reached and this can also take time. If you do not hear immediately, this does not mean that we have forgotten you or that you will not receive an offer and if you apply early, a delay of even two or three months is possible.
Back to top of page
We run a series of UCAS visit days between December and March and all applicants who are offered a place receive an invitation to such an event. If you would like to visit the University and Department at another time, you are very welcome to do so, but please remember that both staff and students are extremely busy and it may not be possible to see you if you come on other days. If you are planning to visit the department we ask that you contact us in advance so we can try and arrange for someone to see you.
The University-wide open days take place each year in June/July and September and are designed to give you the opportunity to see The University of Nottingham prior to completing the UCAS form. During the open days there are talks and tours offering information specific to the University as well as advice on many aspects of university life, which will be of benefit to you wherever you decide to study. The Department participates in these Open Days and so you will also get the opportunity to meet some of the Department's students and staff and hear talks about studying the subject at Nottingham. If you are not able to visit the campus on one of the open days, we recommend that you book a place on one of the University campus tour days.
Back to top of page
Yes, provided that the Department or Departments agree. You must ensure that you will be able to meet any specific requirements for entry to the course you wish to change to, and you must send a request to us or the Admissions Office. It is the policy of the Department to agree to such changes whenever we can.
Back to top of page
Yes, provided that the Department or departments agree and you will be able to meet any specific entry requirements for the course you wish to change to. It is the policy of the Department to agree to such changes whenever possible, but subjects in very heavy demand (such as English, History or Law) are likely to be reluctant to do so. If you wish to change course you should contact the Admissions Office as soon as possible.
Back to top of page
Yes, subject to the agreement of the Department(s) concerned. The Department is normally happy to agree to such changes. You should make your request to the Admissions Office as soon as possible.
Back to top of page
Neither; we try to treat each application on its merits, although it is sometimes necessary to restrict offers (or make them at a slightly higher level) if there is a risk that a disproportionate number of places for the following year will already be taken by candidates who have deferred entry.
Back to top of page
This would require the agreement of the Admissions Office: much is likely to depend on how soon you make the request and what reasons you give.
Back to top of page
Yes: we welcome applications from Access candidates and treat them purely on their merits.
Back to top of page
You can take the courses taught wholly within the Department part-time and also Joint Honours degrees with Archaeology, Art History, English and Philosophy. The exact arrangements depend on individual circumstances but part-time degree courses normally last five-seven years. Find out more about part-time study in the Department. Part-time applications are made through the department rather than UCAS. Please contact us for more information and an application form.
Back to top of page
Yes, in recent years two of the best First Class degrees in the Department were achieved by mature students (both studying part-time) and mature students make a great contribution to the Department.
Back to top of page
Yes, you can be exempted for up to a quarter of the course. The exact arrangements vary according to individual circumstances: please contact the Department for further information and advice.
Back to top of page
This depends on what stage of your degree course you have reached, what you have studied, how well you have done in it, and why you want to move to Nottingham. Sometimes you have to withdraw from your current university and reapply through UCAS. Please contact the Department as early as possible and provide as much information as you can: we will then be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.
Back to top of page