What Is A Level Classical Civilisation?

If you’re fascinated by ancient cultures and want to take an A Level humanities subject, A Level Classical Civilisation (opens in a new tab) is worth considering. But what exactly does it involve?

Essentially, A Level Classical Civilisation – currently only offered by OCR – provides you with knowledge and understanding of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds.

This guide covers what you'll learn, how it’s assessed, and where it can lead you in the future.

Key Takeaways

• OCR is currently the only exam board offering A Level Classical Civilisation

• The course consists of three components: the World of the Hero, Culture and the Arts and Beliefs and Ideas

• Assessment is three written exams taken at the end of Year 13

• You’ll work with a number of prescribed sources, such as Virgil’s Aeneid and Homer’s Odyssey

• It opens routes to degrees such as Classics, History and Philosophy, as well as careers in education, law and journalism

What is A Level Classical Civilisation?

OCR A Level Classical Civilisation is a humanities A Level focused on the ancient Greeks and Romans. You study elements of the literature, visual/material culture and thought of the classical world, and acquire an understanding of their social, historical and cultural contexts.

Though you’ll only study works translated into English, there is still some overlap with A Level Latin and Classical Greek. It’s also fairly similar to A Level Ancient History.

What topics do you study in Classical Civilisation A Level?

OCR A Level Classical Civilisation consists of three components:

1. The World of the Hero

• In-depth study of the following:

  • Homer’s Iliad or Odyssey 

  • Virgil’s Aeneid

2. Culture and the Arts

• One component chosen from the following:

  • Greek Theatre

  • Imperial Image

  • Invention of the Barbarian

  • Greek Art

Component 3: Beliefs and Ideas

• One component chosen from the following:

  • Greek Religion

  • Love and Relationships

  • Politics of the Late Republic

  • Democracy and the Athenians

How is Classical Civilisation A Level assessed?

The table below includes an overview of each of the three compulsory components:

Do you need to know Latin or Greek?

Not at all. Though the subject content overlaps slightly with A Level Latin and Classical Greek, every text you study is in English translation.

What are the entry requirements?

Check with your school to see what they require, but keep in mind that most colleges and sixth forms ask for the following:

• 5 or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (although some ask for Grade 5+)

• Grade 5 or 6 in GCSE English Language

• Grade 4 or higher in GCSE History, though this varies

You don't need to have studied GCSE Classical Civilisation to take it at A Level, but it’s still helpful to know what GCSE Classical Civilisation is.

Read our guide on how to prepare for A Levels after GCSE for practical strategies on getting ready for sixth form.

How hard is Classical Civilisation A Level?

Though it’s generally not listed among the hardest A Levels, some students find A Level Classical Civilisation quite difficult – especially dealing with sources and writing essays.

Students with strong source-handling and essay-writing skills from GCSE History tend to do well. For a wider view of subject difficulty, see our list of the easiest A Levels.

What can you do with Classical Civilisation A Level?

Here are just some of the pathways A Level Classical Civilisation can open up for you:

Further Study

• Russell Group universities like Oxford and Cambridge run prestigious Classics programmes

• Degrees in History (Ancient and Modern), Philosophy and Archaeology

Careers

• Education, e.g. teaching and museum work

• Law, as you’ll develop persuasive skills when putting forward evidence-based arguments

• Journalism, as you’ll learn to evaluate sources and write convincingly

Is Classical Civilisation A Level right for you?

If you studied (and enjoyed) GCSE Classical Civilisation, have a passion for humanities and are looking to study Classics at a top university, A Level Classical Civilisation is genuinely worth considering.

If you’re not a fan of essay writing and extensive reading, think twice before committing. You might be better-suited to A Levels built around problem-solving or quantitative work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which exam boards offer Classical Civilisation A Level?

OCR is currently the only exam board offering A Level Classical Civilisation.

What is the difference between Classical Civilisation and Classics?

Classics and Classical Civilisation are often used interchangeably. Classics is typically used to refer to university degrees (there is no A Level Classics), whereas Classical Civilisation specifically will refer to the OCR A Level.

Can I take Classical Civilisation A Level without doing it at GCSE?

Yes. Many students start A Level Classical Civilisation with no prior qualification, because very few schools teach the GCSE version. You won't be at a disadvantage.

How many UCAS points is Classical Civilisation A Level worth?

A Level Classical Civilisation has the same UCAS points as other A Levels. An A* is worth 56 UCAS points, while an E grade is worth 16 points.

What grade do most students get in Classical Civilisation A Level?

In recent years, around 25–30% of OCR Classical Civilisation A Level students have achieved A* or A, and over 75% have achieved C or above. Pass rates are typically in line with other humanities A Levels.

Featuring in-depth source analysis of translated works from the ancient world, A Level Classical Civilisation is an accessible subject that is highly respected by universities – particularly Russell Group humanities departments.

If you’re aiming for a Classics degree, A Level Classical Civilisation is the perfect choice.