A Level Classical Studies
Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £445
Open the door to a career in classical studies by exploring literature, history, art and culture of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Gain a solid foundation in critical thinking, analytical and communication skills helping you to secure a spot in higher education or workplaces such as law, teaching and journalism.
- Awarding Bodies: Cambridge Examination Board
- Learning Hours: Full A Level: 360 Study Hours
- Flexible Fast Track Available
- Full A Level Qualification
Why Study A Level Classical Studies?
Would you like to progress your education through distance learning? An online A Level Classical Studies course can open doors to a rewarding career in Heritage and Culture. The programme with Learn Now provides the same fully recognised qualification you would achieve if attending mainstream college but giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
If you are an adult learner, a student resitting exams, or someone juggling studies with work and family, this could work perfectly. The course is designed to suit many lifestyles and upon successful completion, you will earn up to 56 UCAS points to support your progression to university. This qualification will provide a stepping stone for highly sought-after degree programmes, such as Classical Studies, Ancient History, Archaeology, History and English.
Choose Your Specification
Whether you are based inside or outside the UK, we can offer the following specification to all learners.
- Cambridge International CIE (9274) (UK and International Learners)
Begin your journey with Learn Now and let us help you secure a place at university or your dream career.
Get 10% discount when ordering multiple A Level courses. Use the coupon code: ALEVEL10 at checkout
Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £445
Select your course type from the dropdown below. Choose A Level if you are studying the full two-year syllabus. Alternatively, select IAS or IA2 either just the first or second years content.
Cambridge A Level Classical Studies
Specification Code: 9274
This A Level Classical Studies Course allows you to look at many aspects of the classical world which are significant in the development of the modern world. The course will provide learners with an understanding of the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome, and an appreciation of the diversity of the Classical world.
The course exposes learners to a range of original sources (textual, material, archaeological) and develops their abilities to interpret, analyse and evaluate a range of evidence.
The Full A Level has four modules you will need to cover which is split into IAS and IA2. The IAS Level has two modules and all of these are listed below.
Year One Content
Greek Civilisation
Alexander the Great
This topic focuses on the life and career of Alexander the Great as seen through the eyes of his biographers.
Learners will be expected to have a knowledge of the main events of his life, success and relationships, with a focus on his impact and his legacy.
This topic will develop learners’ historical analysis skills, requiring them to offer critical evaluation of the life of Alexander the Great and the character, career and success of Alexander in context.
Learners will study a selection of biographical works and other sources on Alexander the Great with particular reference to his:
- family, childhood and upbringing
- campaigns and travels
- military achievements and the reasons for them
- rule of his empire and Persian influences on Alexander
- relationships with others
- attitude towards religion and mythology
- personal and imperial legacy.
Roman Civilisation
Virgil’s Aeneid
Virgil’s Aeneid had a pivotal place in the canon of Roman literature. This topic provides learners with the opportunity to consider both the inspiration Virgil drew from Homer and the influence of Virgil’s own cultural and political context on his portrayal of what it was to be a hero in the Roman world.
This topic will develop candidates’ literary analysis and appreciation skills, requiring them to offer critical analysis and personal response to, the literary achievements of Virgil. This will include the religious, cultural and social values portrayed in the text and the historical and political context of when it was written.
Year Two Content
Classical History: Sources and Evidence
Athens and Sparta
This topic focuses on the history of the fifth century BCE as seen through the eyes of authors of the period and later.
Learners will be expected to have a knowledge of the main events of the period (499–404 BCE), but details of specific battles will not be required.
This topic will develop learners’ historical analysis skills, requiring you to offer critical evaluation of the impact of the historical events in this period on the people of Athens and Sparta and the contribution of people of different status living in these communities.
Learners will study a selection of historical, biographical and other sources on Athens and Sparta with particular reference to:
- the roles of men, women and non-citizens in Athens and Sparta
- political systems, functions of different groups within these systems and the influence of individuals on events
- the reasons for, impacts and outcomes of the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars
- alliances with other states
- relationships between the state and outsiders.
Classical Literature: Sources and Evidence
Homeric Epic
The epic poems of Homer were considered by the Greeks to be a foundation of Greek culture, being the earliest surviving Greek literature. This topic provides learners with the opportunity to study both of the epic poems of Homer.
Learners will be expected to have an understanding of the historical and mythological background of the poems. Detailed historical knowledge will not be expected.
Learners should be aware of the oral nature of composition and transmission of the poems which were later written down in their current form. As such, the poems reflect not just the time in which they were composed but also contain traces of earlier societies and culture.
This topic will develop learners’ literary analysis and appreciation skills, requiring them to offer critical analysis and personal response to the literary achievements of Homer and the religious, cultural and social values portrayed in the poems.
Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations at a CIE approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.
A Level Exams
There are four exams for the full Advanced Level qualification. The length of each exam is as follows:- Paper 1 – 1 hour 30 min
- Paper 2 – 1 hour 30 min
- Paper 3 – 1 hour 30 min
- Paper 4 – 1 hour 30 min
AS Level Exams
There are two exams for the Advanced Subsidiary qualification. The length of each exam is as follows:- Paper 1 – 1 hour 30 min
- Paper 2 – 1 hour 30 min
For Cambridge, learners can:
take Papers 1 and 2 only (for the Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary qualification) or
follow a staged assessment route by taking Papers 1 and 2 (for the Cambridge International AS Level qualification) in one series, then Papers 3 and 4 (for the Cambridge International A Level qualification) in a later series or
take Papers 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the same examination series, leading to the full Cambridge International A Level.
Course Outcome
On successful completion of all your exams, you will be awarded one of the following qualifications:
International A Level in Classical Studies with CIE | International AS Level in Classical Studies with CIE
Click here for more information on CIE and to be taken to their official website
Enrolment Fees
Our Enrolment fee for this course is noted at the top of this page where you can enrol directly onto the course. This fee includes access to your course including tutor support for 2 years.
Our enrolment fee includes:
- All study materials covering the full specification.
- Full support where you can also message your tutor as many times as you need to.
- Access to our online Library with a full range of eBooks.
- Help completing university applications including UCAS and The Common Application.
- Reference and predicted grade(s) for University.
- Assignment marking and feedback
- Marked and graded practise examination papers
- Eligibility for a Totum Card if you reside within the UK
- Fast Track A Level if required and flexible learning from home 24/7.
The only other fee you will need to pay is for your exams which is due approximately six months prior to the exam series and this will be paid directly to the exam centre. Please see our private candidate exam guide for more information.
Request More Information about A Level Classical Studies
FAQs
What is Classical Studies?
Classical Studies is one of our most popular courses especially if you enjoy studying the classics and researching the ancient world of Greek and Roman cultures. Not surprisingly, the word ‘classics’ comes from the Latin word classicus, meaning ‘belonging to the highest class of citizens’.
It is still considered that the Roman Empire is most definitely one of the top influential civilisations ever known, with many of their inventions still forming part of our everyday lives, such as concrete. Many Roman buildings are still standing today, and you wonder if their mix of volcanic ash, lime and seawater are what has helped to keep their buildings structurally sound and able to last for centuries.
Will I find this course hard?
In order to succeed with A Level Classical Studies you would need to enjoy reading ancient sources along with being able to analyse them. Some learners may find the reading heavy and struggle to form an argument based on the texts, however the course will provide a breakdown of each text and tips on evaluating. Don’t forget, you also have your tutor for any questions and guidance.
If you have completed courses in History, English Literature or Philosophy, you will find Classical Studies of a similar nature. Overall, if you enjoy a good debate, you should have no problems completing the course.
Will I need to buy any books?
You will not be required to purchase any books with this course. We automatically include logins to our online e-Library which includes access to eBooks such as:
- The Campaigns of Alexander – Penguin Classics
- Augustus – John Buchan
- The Great War Between Athens and Sparta – Dr Bernard W. Henderson
- Virgil’s Aeneid in Modern Verse – Howard Felperin
- Five Great Greek Tragedies – Dover Thrift Editions
- The Trial and Death of Socrates – Dover Thrift Editions
Not see the book you are looking for? Ask us and we will let you know if we have it!
Which subjects should I study alongside this course?
There are many subjects that compliment Classical Studies, such as A Level English Literature, A Level History and A Level Philosophy, all of which stretch your mind and improve your writing skills.
Can I study this course from outside the UK?
Both UK and International learners can take Cambridge which offer exam centres worldwide.
AQA,Cambridge (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel provide global recognition for their qualifications and are recognised by universities.At the end of the course you will receive an internationally recognised qualification which will allow you to apply to most universities situated anywhere in the world.
What is the difference between AS and A Level?
AS and A levels are standalone qualifications, however the Full A Level carries more UCAS points than the AS Level. It also requires more study hours as follows:
- AS Level = 180 hours
- A Level = 360 hours
You will see the difference in the content above under ‘syllabus’ but you can also refer to our article on What is AS Level? for more information.
How long does the course take?
You will receive access and support for two years, however you can complete it much sooner if you want to. Exams for this subject fall as follows:
- Cambridge (CIE) – October/November
We have more information on Exam Timetables here.
What can I do with A Level Classical Studies
Students in the past have progressed onto the following degrees:-
- Classical studies or History
- English studies
- Archeology
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Sport and Exercise
A Classical Studies qualification will enhance your chances of being accepted into University.
Studying classics at degree level will most often lead to a job as a:
- museum archivist or curator
- fundraising campaign manager
- paralegal
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