Why study Classical Studies?

Classical Studies develops your knowledge and understanding of classical Greek and Roman civilisations by comparing these societies with the modern world. You will use investigating and analysing skills to understand, explain and link the classical and modern worlds.

Classical Studies also provides you with a useful background for work such as comparative literary studies, classical languages, archaeology, medieval studies and European studies.

Career Pathways

To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:

Arts, Social Sciences and Languages

Information, Culture and Heritage

What do I need to get in?

Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved:

• National 3 Classical Studies

What will I study?

The Course will develop your investigating and thinking skills to help you understand and link the classical and modern worlds.

The course makes a distinctive contribution to the curriculum through its study of the religious, political, social, moral and cultural values and practices of classical Greek and Roman societies. It therefore explores the breadth of human relationships within these societies and compares and contrasts these with modern life.

The course has three compulsory units, plus an added value unit that assesses your practical skills.

Life in Classical Greece (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• develop skills to understand and comment on the usefulness of sources of evidence in comparing the classical Greek and modern worlds
• develop straightforward factual knowledge and understanding of religious, political, social, moral or cultural aspects of life in classical Greece.

Classical Literature (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• comment on universal ideas, themes or values revealed by classical literature (you will be required to study classical literature from either the classical Greek or classical Roman worlds)
• develop straightforward factual knowledge and understanding of universal ideas, themes or values which link the classical and modern worlds.

Life in the Roman World (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• develop skills to use of sources of evidence, including archaeological evidence, to compare the classical Roman and modern worlds
• develop straightforward factual knowledge and understanding of religious, political, social, moral or cultural aspects of life in the classical Roman world.

Added Value Unit: Classical Studies: Assignment (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• research a classical studies topic or issue of your choice and present your findings.

How will I be assessed?

Your work will be assessed by your teacher on an ongoing basis throughout the course. Items of work might include:

• written work - research assignments, reports and case studies
• projects
• class-based exams.

You must pass all the units including the practical unit to gain the course qualification.

What can I go on to next?

If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:

• National 5 Classical Studies

Further study, training or employment in:

• Arts, Social Sciences and Languages
• Information, Culture and Heritage

Which jobs are related to this subject?

• Classical Studies - Related Careers

Where can my parents find out more?

Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.

They can also read the information leaflet(s):

Nationals in a Nutshell - Classical Studies (National 4)