Undergraduate awards: Certificate in Classical Studies

During the course we will examine the enduring power of literary masterpieces from the golden age of Greek theatre and the Latin epic tradition. Within this cultural context, we’ll also explore the birth of Athenian democracy and how it evolved in the age of empire.

As part of our learning community, you will:

• discuss works by Greek playwrights including Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes
• consider what these plays tell us about ancient Greek culture and the city-state of Athens
• explore famous and lesser-known works of Latin epic while considering questions of historical context, interpretation and influence
• examine the enduring power of the Aeneid, its role within the epic tradition, and Virgil’s own influence on Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy
• learn about the birth of Athenian democracy and its relationship with leadership and the growing empire.

Course breakdown

The course will run from Tuesday 14th October 2025 to Wednesday 10th June 2026.

Most of the teaching for each term will usually take place on Tuesday evenings, with occasional social sessions taking place on Saturdays.

Michaelmas term: Greek Literature: The worlds of ancient Greek drama

For nearly two and a half thousand years, ancient Greek drama has been inspiring, moving, and challenging audiences. From the stately tragedies of Aeschylus to the raucous comedies of Aristophanes, ancient dramatists confronted questions of love, war, politics, justice, and family that still resonate today. Coming of age in democratic Athens in the fifth century BCE, ancient Greek drama was seen as an integral part of civic life and education, helping define the terms in which Athenians thought about key issues of their time. In this course, students will explore the varied worlds of ancient tragedy and comedy, not only engaging in close reading of dramatic texts, but learning about the political, cultural, and historical context in which these plays were conceived. We will also pay special attention to the plays as performance texts, discussing both the original performance context and the ways in which these plays have been adapted and re-imagined for the modern stage. 

• Unit 1 start date: Tuesday 14th October 2025
• Unit 1 end date: Wednesday 7 January 2026

Lent term: Latin Literature: Power and poetry in Latin epic

This unit will explore three Roman epic poems: Vergil’s Aeneid, Lucan’s Bellum Civile, and Statius’ Thebaid. For the Romans, epic was the genre of national poetry, a means by which matters of state were celebrated, but also concerns revealed. The course of this unit will track how changing societal and political pressures in the early days of the Roman empire manifest in these monumental poems, each of which was written at key moments of national change. We will further explore the artistry of these three poets as they combine complex and ancient literary traditions with contemporary political concerns.

• Unit 2 start date: Tuesday 6 January 2026
• Unit 2 end date: Wednesday 25 March 2026

Easter term: Athenian Democracy in the Age of Athens’ Empire

At the end of the sixth century BCE, the Greek city-state of Athens embarked on a political experiment. Political power, once the domain of a few wealthy families, was thrown open to the entire citizen population – that is, those who were free, male, and native born. This new system was given the name demokratia – “strength of the people” – and has gone down in history as the first clearly-documented democracy. At the same time as Athenian democracy was being built, Athens was also obtaining an overseas empire that would grow to encompass most of the islands and coastline of the Aegean Sea. This course will explore the tensions and complications of Athens in the fifth century BCE between democracy at home and imperialism overseas. Attention will also be paid to those who did not have a place in the demos, the Athenian citizen-body: free women, enslaved people of all genders, and resident foreigners who lived and worked in Athens without enjoying the benefits of citizenship.

• Unit 3 start date: Tuesday 14 April 2026
• Unit 3 end date: Wednesday 10 June 2026

After the course

Do you have a passion for the ancient world? Having focused on its literature, why not look at the subject through the lens of landscape and archaeology? You could join us to study the Certificate in Archaeology of Ancient Britain or the Certificate in the Study of Medieval England.

Entry requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course, which is open to all students with an interest in the subject area.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you need to be able to prove you meet the University of Cambridge English language requirements on application. Please refer to our English language requirements for Undergraduate Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas pages for further information.

IT requirements

The course content will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, through video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

You will therefore need to have access to:

• the internet via a computer, laptop, tablet or other smart device
• speakers or headphones in order to hear any pre-recorded material
• a webcam and microphone for any interactive sessions which may be available

Identity Check 

As part of your application you are required to provide a copy of your ID. At the beginning of the course, you will be required to attend a live zoom session, so that we can verify your identity. Please note we will not be able to issue the award if an identity check has not been completed.

The fee for this course is £3,300. You can either pay: 

• in full when you enrol, 
  or  
• Your account will be set up for you to pay in 3 equal instalments: the first when you enrol, the second by 1 January, and the third and final instalment by 1 April – (standard instalment plan). The exact dates will be confirmed in your booking details.

Important: your place on the course is not secured until we receive your first payment along with any required documents, such as proof of English language proficiency.

If you are offered a place, you will receive instructions as to how to register and pay. 

Help with fees

The University has many sources of financial help that you can explore. Please visit our pages on bursaries and sources of funding and Disabled Student’s Allowances (DSAs) for more information. 

Classics for All - Institute of Continuing Education Bursary Scheme

The University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) and Classics for All have collaborated to provide full tuition fee bursaries for this course. 

The Classics for All - Institute of Continuing Education Bursary Scheme will enable current UK-based teachers and other education professionals working in deprived and/or disadvantaged settings to enrol on the part-time University of Cambridge Certificate in Classical Studies. These bursaries are intended to support applicants who are likely to work in state-funded settings such as state schools, public libraries, the NHS or HM Prisons Service and will have a clear commitment to developing curricula and teaching topics pertaining to classical studies. Applicants from the third-sector organisations and relevant not-for-profit organisations (e.g. Community Interest Companies in the education field) would be considered.

How to apply for a bursary

Step one: Apply for a place on the course. Applicants can only apply for a bursary after making an application for the Certificate in Classical Studies course through the online application portal.

Step two: Please see the online bursary application form for further details on eligibility requirements and the personal statement which will be needed to support your application.

The deadline for applications for this bursary is 31 March 2025.

For information on any other bursaries for this course, please see https://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/bursaries

Refunds

This course will require a minimum number of students to run. In the rare event that the course is cancelled by us, due to minimum numbers not being met, or for any other reason, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid.

If you would like to cancel your place on the course, please refer to our Cancellations and Refunds policy, which we encourage you to read in full before applying.

Disability Support

The University’s Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre Non-Matriculated Service (ADRC NMS) provides advice, guidance, and resources to ICE award-bearing undergraduate and postgraduate students who have a diagnosed disability or medical condition, including mental health conditions. The support provided can include:

• appointments with a Senior disability adviser or Neurodiversity disability adviser ​
• reviewing/assessing medical or diagnostic evidence​
• production of a Student Support Document (SSD)
• signposting to sources of disability-related funds (Disabled Students’ Allowances [DSA], as well as other internal funds for home and international students)​
• coordination of human support, such as specialist mentoring or specialist study skills​
• neurodiversity screening service (Autism, Specific Learning Difficulties, ADHD)​
• signposting to disability library services 
• signposting to assistive technology and software support

If you would like to access support then please indicate this on your course application form and then complete the ADRC NMS online Student Information Form so they can work with you to fully support your studies. Please upload medical evidence (written in English) when prompted to within the Student Information Form. The following links to guidance on medical evidence or diagnostic evidence will help to answer any questions you may have. 

If you have any questions concerning disability support then please contact the ADRC NMS team via adrc.nms@admin.cam.ac.uk or view their website via https://www.disability.admin.cam.ac.uk/non-matriculated-students.

Wellbeing Support

It is important that all our learners feel safe in their learning environment and student wellbeing is a key priority at ICE. We have a dedicated Student Support team who can offer a variety of support mechanisms to those who are experiencing challenges maintaining positive mental wellbeing. The ICE Student Support Team are here to support you throughout the duration of your studies at ICE and can:​

• meet with you via teams/zoom (camera can be off) to discuss any concerns surrounding your wellbeing, mental health, academic pressures, or welfare​
• advise you on options and signpost you to appropriate sources of guidance which range from self-guided resources to wellbeing conversations
• direct you to specialist support and help concerning welfare, wellbeing, safeguarding and prevent​
• in specific circumstances (where there is a clear need unmet elsewhere) provide access to counselling ​
• provide access to study skills resources

If you have any questions concerning welfare support, then please contact the ICE Student Support team via studentsupport@ice.cam.ac.uk 

Are sessions recorded?
Where teaching is delivered remotely (via Zoom, for example), and wherever possible, sessions are recorded. There may be some instances where we are not able to share a recording or part of a recording; for example, for technological, confidentiality or copyright reasons.

What if I can't attend a session? 
We understand that you may need to miss a session from time to time. We would simply ask that you let your tutor and/or Course Director know, and ideally in advance of the session. We will do what we can to ensure that you are able to catch up on any work missed, and we encourage you to listen to recordings of sessions where available.

Is any financial help available?
Details of any bursaries available through ICE are listed on our website.

Information about other sources of funding (including loans, Disabled Students’ Allowance etc.) may also be useful.

Can I apply for/undertake multiple courses at any one time?
You are welcome to apply for multiple courses. However, you would not normally be able to undertake more than two Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level courses in any one year.

When considering whether to undertake more than one course, you will firstly need to ensure that there are no date clashes between teaching sessions. We would also advise you to carefully consider the workload of undertaking more than one course - consider any reading you will want to do as well as the time required to attend classes and complete assignments. You may also want to consider what commitments you have beyond your studies.

If you would like to undertake a second course, we would ask you to contact us so that we can liaise with both Course Directors. They will need to approve your application on the understanding that you will be undertaking two courses simultaneously.

If I complete a Certificate/Diploma/Advanced Diploma with ICE, does it guarantee me a place on another course at ICE, including an MSt?
We are delighted that many of our students want to return to study with us again and again. Unfortunately, however, completion of one course does not guarantee that you will be offered a place on another.

To ensure quality of teaching, places on courses are necessarily limited, and where an offer is made, places can only be confirmed subject to availability.

A Course Director may also feel that a higher level course is not the best fit for you. In this case, the Course Director may recommend another more suitable Certificate-level course or a non-award bearing short course or online course. This is, by no means, a rejection, but a way for us to help you to prepare more fully for study at a higher level.

Do I need to have completed the Certificate-level course before applying for a place on the Diploma?
The Certificate and Diploma courses have been designed to provide a progression path for your studies, and some students on the Diploma will have previously completed the Certificate; however, completion of the Certificate is not a requirement for entry onto the Diploma. It very much depends on your experience, the information you provide in your Personal Statement, and on your writing sample.

If you apply for a place on the Diploma, our Course Directors will let you know if they would recommend you complete the Certificate first. Please don’t be deterred – ultimately, we want you to find the course that is the best fit so that you are comfortable and feel a sense of achievement throughout.

Can I transfer credits/CAT points from a course completed elsewhere?
For queries regarding credits please visit European Credit Transfer and Accumulation

Is the course accredited by the University of Cambridge?
All qualifications offered by ICE are qualifications of the University of Cambridge, endorsed by the relevant Faculties or Departments and approved by the University’s Academic Standards and Enhancement Committee.

Will I become the member of a College by undertaking a Certificate/Diploma/Advanced Diploma course?
Enrolment on a Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level course does not lead to College affiliation.

Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. When you come to confirm your course place with payment, you will be given the option to pay in instalments. Course fees for Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses are normally split into three equally weighted instalments spread throughout the year, with the first instalment due by way of deposit at the point of confirming your course place.

How many hours of study are required to complete a Certificate/Diploma/Advanced Diploma course?
The course webpage in each case should provide you with an idea of the study hours you can expect - see ‘Teaching and Assessment’ tab.

Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas equate to 60 credits. Credit is generally calculated in terms of hours of study and assumes that each credit is awarded for around 10 hours of successful learning; so, by this calculation, a 60-credit course will involve around 600 hours of successful study. Examples of how study may be broken down are: pre-class preparation, classroom time (lectures, seminars, discussion, presentations, debates, case-studies etc.); engagement with the VLE; peer-to-peer interaction, preparations for assignments, assignment writing and feedback etc.