While not necessarily the most career-focused CAO choice you can make, a Classics degree offers the willing student a well-balanced education that can open up a whole range of career options after qualification. But you don’t have to take our word for it – ask renowned 19th century US author Henry David Thoreau:

“The adventurous student will always study classics, in whatever language they may be written and however ancient they may be. For what are the classics but the noblest recorded thoughts of man?”

A persuasive argument, we say! For people who are interested in literature, languages and history, and who are considering an arts related career, classics could certainly be the course to choose.

Education

There are a number of CAO options for students who are interested in the classics. You can study Classics as a single subject at Trinity College Dublin, or you can take Greek, Latin or Greek & Roman civilisation as part of an Arts course in UCD, UCC, or NUIM. CAO points for these courses range from approximately 350 to 450. You don’t even need to be able to speak the languages in advance – beginners are welcome on all courses.

A lot of the work on a classics course involves studying ancient texts in their original language. These texts cover a wide range of genres, including epics, dramas, lyric poetry, philosophy and historiography. Students can also study Greek and Roman history, archaeology, art and culture, and make detailed studies of the literature and philosophies of those civilisations. Topics include ancient drama, epic and lyric poetry, philosophy, and cultural issues such as the place of women and the role of literature in ancient society.

After Qualification

Classics graduates are free to pursue a wide range of careers. Many go on to postgraduate study and enter academia as teachers or lecturers. Alternative areas include archaeology, journalism and broadcasting, law, the civil service, the government, art restoration, librarianship, research and museum work.

Personal Qualities
 
Classics are best suited to students who have a flair for languages, who enjoy reading and problem solving, and who are relatively studious.

Money

Your salary will depend on the field you enter after qualification; as a general guide, teachers start on a basic salary of around €26,631, which can rise to €52,796 over time.

Jargon

Hellas: The ancient Greek name for Greece

Philology: The study of ancient texts and languages

 Tragedy: A form of serious drama, often involving a conflict between a character and a higher power, such as the law, the gods, fate, or society

Job Titles

Classicist                                                                                                                                         Academic                                                                                                                                               Philologist                                                                                                                                                    Teacher

Further Resources

Classical Association of Ireland
Department of Classics
University College Dublin
Dublin 4
Web: www.classicalassociation.com
Mail: mailto:editor@classicalassociation.com

Royal Irish Academy
19 Dawson Street
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 676 2570
Web: www.ria.ie
Email: info@ria.ie