Study the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Classics (including Classical Studies, Greek and Latin)
Study ancient worlds through hands on learning experiences
Classics at University of Otago combines internationally recognised teaching with a welcoming learning community. You will learn in small classes where lecturers know you by name and encourage discussion, creativity, and critical thinking. Students work with artefacts from Tūhura Otago Museum, explore topics ranging from mythology to Roman social history, and can access unique opportunities including internships and archaeological fieldwork experiences. Otago consistently ranks among the world’s leading universities for Classics and Ancient History.
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Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Structure of the Programme
Every degree programme shall consist of papers worth not less than 360 points,
- shall include at least 180 points for papers above 100-level, of which at least 72 points shall be for papers above 200-level,
- shall satisfy at least one of the major subject requirements listed above. No paper above 200-level may count for more than one Major Subject Requirement,
- may include one or more optional minor subjects which satisfy the Minor Subject Requirements listed in Arts and Music Schedule A, or Science Schedule A, or Commerce Schedule A, or BHealSc Schedule Part 2. No paper may count for both a Major and a Minor Subject Requirement or for more than one Minor Subject Requirement unless that paper is at 100- or 200-level and is specified as compulsory for both Requirements,
- may include papers which are not listed in Arts and Music Schedule C
- up to 90 points; or
- as specified in the Arts and Music Major Subject Requirements; or
- as specified in the Minor Subject Requirements.
Prerequisites, Corequisites and Restrictions
- Every programme of study shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites, and restrictions set out in the Prescriptions (published in the Guide to Enrolment).
- A candidate with outstanding results in a subject prior to entering the University may be permitted by the Head of Department concerned to enrol for a paper at 200-level without having satisfied the normal prerequisites. In such cases the candidate shall not be credited with the prerequisite papers, but shall be exempted from including those papers in a Major Subject Requirement. A candidate may not, having passed any such paper at 200-level, enrol subsequently for any paper for which the exemption has been given.
Cross Credits
A candidate who is enrolled for the degree concurrently with another degree, or who has completed one degree and is proceeding with the other, may cross credit 100- and 200-level papers which are common to both degrees up to a maximum of 126 points where the other degree is a three-year degree and up to a maximum of 180 points where the other degree is longer than a three-year degree.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Explore more in Classics (including Classical Studies, Greek and Latin)
Learn where this subject can take you and discover the full range of study options, from undergraduate programmes to postgraduate pathways.
Study Classics (including Classical Studies, Greek and Latin) at Otago
Career opportunities
Graduates develop well-rounded skills valued by employers. The millionaire financier Sir Robert Jones is fond of saying that he would far rather employ a Classics graduate than a Commerce one. Graduates have gone on to careers in a wide variety of fields, including:
- School and university teaching
- Foreign affairs
- Trade and industry
- Social welfare
- Local government
- Tourism
- Politics
- Bookselling and publishing
- Museums and art galleries
- Fashion and design
- Broadcasting and journalism
University jargon
Starting to research your study options and already feeling lost in the jargon? Here are some handy links for common terms you’re likely to come across.
- What’s a degree and how does it work?
- What’s a double degree?
- What’s a combined degree?
- Explore all terminology
Minor subjects
A minor subject can be included in many undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level. Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject.
Selecting a minor subject is not compulsory and there may be other combinations of papers more appropriate to your degree.
Study a subject that sharpens thinking and expression
A BA with a major in Classics gives you more than knowledge of the ancient world. You will develop highly transferable skills in critical analysis, research, argument, problem solving, and communication that are valued across a wide range of careers.
Otago’s flexible BA structure allows you to combine Classics with other subjects and shape a degree around your interests and goals. Through papers in Classical Studies, ancient Greek, and Latin, you can explore the languages, literature, history, and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean while gaining a deeper understanding of how the classical world continues to influence contemporary society. You will study at a university recognised among the world’s leading institutions for Classics and Ancient History.
Further study
We offer postgraduate opportunities tailored to your interests at Honours, Master's and PhD level.
More information
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