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 be expected to have:

• National 5 Classical Studies

What will I study?

The course consists of three areas of study.

• Life in classical Greece
• Classical literature
• Life in the Roman World

You will develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of:

• universal ideas, themes or values revealed by classical literature
• a range of religious, political, social, moral and cultural values and practices of classical
• Greek and Roman societies, providing detailed explanations.

You will also build skills in:

• structuring and sustaining lines of reasoned argument about universal ideas, themes or values revealed by classical literature
• analysing and evaluating the religious, political, social, moral and cultural values and practices of classical Greek and Roman societies
• comparing religious, political, social, moral and cultural values and practices of the classical and modern worlds and drawing reasoned and detailed conclusions
• interpreting and understanding a range of complex sources
• evaluating the reliability and value of a range of complex sources
• research and using information collected from a range of sources.

How will I be assessed?

The course assessment has three components totalling 110 marks:

• Component 1: question paper 1 (Classical literature) – worth 30 marks
• Component 2: question paper 2 (Classical society) – worth 50 marks
• Component 3: assignment – worth 30 marks.

For the assignment component, you will choose an issue or question, collect and evaluate evidence; organise, analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources: compare and contrast the classical and modern worlds; and come to a conclusion about the issue or question, supported with reasons and/or evidence.

Both the question papers and the assignment are set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

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

The course assessment is graded A-D.

Study Materials

• SQA Past Papers Classical Studies Higher
• SQA Specimen Paper (Classical Society) Classical Studies Higher
• SQA Specimen Paper (Classical Literature) Classical Studies Higher
• 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:

• Advanced 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