Classics Personal Statement Examples

Classics Personal Statement Example 1 *
I have chosen to study classics at university because it is a subject which combines both my interests in literature and history. I have been fortunate enough to read the work of many classical authors, such as Homer's 'Odyssey', and Sophocles' 'Oedipus the King' whilst studying classics at an A Level...
Classics Personal Statement Example 2 ***
Classical civilisation and the ancient world have always fascinated me, from Homer to Zeus, and from politics to artwork, and so it is this academic field in which I wish to further my education and my career...
Classics and English Personal Statement Example
Although Shakespeare tells us otherwise, when Wilde says that "It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors." it is his position towards which I am more inclined. The value of literature is not solely that it mirrors the lives of Aeschylus in 5th century Athens or Murakami & 60s Japan, but that these works show us ourselves too...
Classics Personal Statement Example 3
The concept of heroism is something that I've always been fascinated by. Characters that we grow up with from film and fiction are symbolic of everything we believe a hero should be in the modern day: strong, noble, able to make the righteous choice in the face of adversity and yet still retaining their humanity and emotion...
Classics Personal Statement Example 4
The study of languages and their related cultures provides an excellent vista through which to understand humanity. From the literary to the political, the historical to the cultural, I appreciate the various components of exploring linguistic traditions...
Classics Personal Statement Example (with Arabic)
I am fascinated by classics because by looking to the past, we find our place in the world. Reading books such as Higgins' ‘It's All Greek to Me’ and Taggart's ‘A Classical Education’ in 2008 ignited my interest...
Classics Personal Statement Example 5
Watching Disney's adaptation of 'Hercules" at age 7 was the first introduction I had to the world of Classics and its story of the titular hero captured my interest and a curiosity that hasn't been lost since...
Classics Personal Statement Example (International Student)
In everything from language and literature to the way we perceive the world, Ancient Greece and Rome continue to be influential. After reading the myth of Echo in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, for instance, the reverberating sound of my own voice took on a new significance and I felt an immediate connection to a time long past...
Ancient History Personal Statement
When I took part in my Primary School production of the Odyssey, I didn't then realise that this would spark such a profound interest in Ancient History which persists today. Given its absence from the curriculum, my independent research into Ancient History has been a gateway to learning more about the Ancient world and contemplating its resonance today...

What is a classics personal statement?

A classics personal statement should tell admissions tutors what motivates you and why want to study classics at university.

It's a way of helping them build up a picture of who you are and what makes you a good classics candidate.

This is the most important part of your UCAS form, so it's important to get it right and give yourself the best chance of success.

How do I write a classics personal statement?

To write a successful classics personal statement, you should:

  • Be concise
  • Don't lie or embellish the truth
  • Back everything up with examples
  • Mention all your relevant skills, experience, personal traits and achievements
  • Talk about your career ambitions and how your Classics degree will help you achieve this.

For lots more tips and advice, please see our Personal Statement Writing Guide.

What do I include in my classics personal statement?

  • Think about what you can bring to a classics course in terms of your skills - e.g. has your A level coursework enhanced your critical thinking skills? Has some work experience improved your research or analytical skills?
  • Successful classics personal statements will show how students have gone that extra mile with their wider reading, expeditions, conferences, museum trips or online courses can all be valuable in demonstrating your enthusiasm for classics.
  • If you’re pursuing joint honours (maybe for a personal statement studying Latin with classics), talk about both subjects and explain your reason for combining the two.
  • Don’t be embellish the truth. Try to put everything in a positive light, explaining any gaps in your CV and education if necessary.

For more help and advice on what to write in your classics personal statement, please see:

What can I do with a classics degree?

There are many different career options available to those wishing to study a classics degree. These include:

  • Academic researcher
  • Museum curator
  • Archivist
  • Barrister
  • Heritage manager
  • Market researcher
  • Secondary school teacher.

However, there are many other job roles you can apply for where the subject of your degree doesn't matter, and employers will consider you. For more information on classics degree careers, please see Prospects and TopUniversities.

What are the best UK universities for studying classics?

Currently, the best UK universities for studying classics are:

1.  University of Cambridge
2.  University of Oxford
3.  Durham University
4.  University of St Andrews
5.  University of Exeter
6.  University of Glasgow
7.  UCL
8.  University of Birmingham
9.  University of Southampton
10.  University of Nottingham

For more information on UK university rankings for classics, please see The Complete University Guide, and the Guardian.

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