Classical Studies and Theological Studies

Classical Studies and Theological Studies is a degree that examines two of the deepest and most enduring dimensions of human civilisation: the intellectual, artistic, and social life of ancient Greece and Rome, and the traditions of religious thought, belief, and practice that have shaped and continue to shape human communities. Classical Studies encompasses Greek and Roman literature, social and cultural history, philosophy, religion, and art, as well as the ways in which those ancient cultures have been received and reinterpreted across the centuries. Theological Studies engages with the intellectual and spiritual traditions of Christianity and the major world religions, asking how communities of faith have understood the divine, how they have organised themselves, and what ethical and philosophical questions they have grappled with.

At the University of St Andrews, the Classical Studies component is a degree of remarkable range and depth, inviting you to engage with the power of Greek tragedy, the imposing beauty of Roman sculpture, the twists and turns of Platonic dialogue, and the social and religious life of ancient societies, all while encouraging new ways of seeing both the classical world and the world of today. The Theological Studies element develops your understanding of religious traditions and their intellectual foundations with the same seriousness. The degree runs over four years on a full-time basis and includes the option of a year abroad, extending your academic experience internationally.

This combination develops graduates with unusual depth across ancient culture, religious history, and philosophical inquiry. Careers in education, chaplaincy, the church and other religious organisations, heritage, journalism, the civil service, and academic research are all natural directions. Postgraduate study in classics, theology, religious studies, or ancient history provides routes to more specialised professional and research roles for those who wish to continue their academic development.