Classics (Ancient Greek and Latin)

Overview

The specialisation of Classics (Ancient Greek and Latin) is unavailable for combined honours.

Ancient Greek and Latin have been taught at the University of Melbourne since its very foundation, and have been a core element of higher education for many centuries. The overall objective of the Classics program is to introduce students to key literary texts from classical antiquity (including history, drama, oratory, philosophy, epic, and lyric poetry), and to enable students to discover the many important contributions which reading ancient texts in the original languages can make to understanding both the ancient world and the Western tradition. A knowledge of Ancient Greek and Latin is also very useful for research and training in such related disciplines as biochemistry, medicine, the history and philosophy of science, archaeology, Biblical studies, history, philosophy, art history, Romance language studies, English literary studies, and music.

The Honours program is an advanced level of study designed to allow students to specialise their knowledge across one area of study. Applicants should have completed a major in Classics (Ancient Greek and Latin) with an average of at least H2A (75%), or equivalent, and have studied both classical languages; for some students, one of these languages might have been studied through the Diploma in Languages. Students with knowledge of only one classical language (but not both) should apply for the Ancient World Studies specialisation and enrol in the honours seminars in the language that they have studied. The opportunity to specialise provides a strong foundation for the future direction of graduates, whether as a means of progressing to higher degree research in Arts at the Masters or PhD level, or improving the scope of employment options and professional advancement. Students with Honours from The University of Melbourne (Arts) record exceptionally high rates of satisfaction with the professional and academic directions they pursue beyond graduation.

Last updated: 27 February 2025