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 4 Classical Studies

What will I study?

You will study the religious, political, social, moral and cultural values and practices of classical Greek and Roman societies. You will become more aware of issues affecting your own society, and globally, by comparing the classical world with the modern world. You will gain an understanding of the continuing impact and significance of the classical world today.

The course comprises three areas of study.

• Life in Classical Greece
• Classical Literature
• Life in the Roman World

You will develop subject skills, knowledge and understanding through:

• researching and processing information and presenting findings on a classical studies topic or issue
• demonstrating the ability to apply detailed factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding of the classical and modern worlds to draw comparisons between them
• understanding, explaining and presenting reasoned views on the usefulness of sources of evidence
• using sources of evidence to compare and contrast the classical and modern worlds
• using classical literature to draw reasoned conclusions about universal ideas, themes or values
• detailed factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding of religious, political, social, moral or cultural aspects of life in classical Greek and Roman societies
• detailed factual and textual knowledge and understanding of classical Greek or Roman literature, with reference to universal ideas, themes or values which link the classical and modern worlds.

How will I be assessed?

The course assessment consists of two components totalling 100 marks:

• Component 1: question paper – worth 80 marks (section 1 is worth 30 marks, section 2 20 marks and section 3 30 marks)
• Component 2: assignment – worth 20 marks.

For the assignment you will be asked to choose an appropriate topic or issue which allows you to compare and contrast the classical Greek and/or Roman worlds with the modern world. You will carry out research and organise your findings to address the topic or issue.

Both the assignment component and question paper will be set and marked externally by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components.

The course assessment is graded A-D.  

Study Materials

• SQA Past Papers Classical Studies National 5
• SQA Specimen Paper Classical Studies National 5
• SQA Understanding Standards Classical Studies
• Ushare Study Resources

What can I go on to next?

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

• Higher 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 5)