We provide you with well-rounded knowledge of the ancient world, not just by focusing on the main areas of classics, but also by finding new ways to make classics significant in the modern, multicultural world.
Tailor your degree
On all our courses, you can choose from any of the optional modules we offer, so you can follow your interests as they develop.
Our modules offer a diverse range of aspects of the ancient world including Egypt, the Near East, or Late Antiquity, for example.
We have a unique strength in museum studies, and offer a number of opportunities to gain practical museum experience.
If you wish to diversify your studies, you can choose to study a modern language module or a university wide module on current issues such as climate change, offered by departments outside of the Department of Classics.
Access unique resources
During your studies, you'll have access to a variety of historical resources of international importance held by the Department of Classics.
These resources include the Ure Museum, which is based in the Department.
The wider University has two other on-site museums, as well as the – a substantial collection of rare books, archives and manuscripts that we encourage students to explore during their studies.
Learn how Shona gained hands-on experience within the Classics Department.
A high quality student experience
The 2025 National Student Survey results are out and 97% of students in the Department of Classics said that teaching staff are good at explaining things (based on our analysis of HESA data, HESA 2025, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23; all levels of study).
In this video, BA Classical Studies student Leah talks about why she loves studying in the Department of Classics.
Build travel into your studies
Enhance your classics degree by visiting the ancient sites you are studying. We offer incredible opportunities to travel and have the experience of a lifetime.
We frequently organise trips to Rome, Athens or other classical sites relevant to your studies. You can also attend summer schools with the British Schools in Athens and Rome, which count as credit towards your Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ degree.
Travel bursaries are available on a competitive basis; we try to help all students who want to travel for their studies.
You can also spend up to a year of your degree in another country with the University's Study Abroad scheme.
Learn a language
We offer the opportunity to study Latin and Ancient Greek as a beginner or to extend your existing language knowledge. We have a dedicated languages coordinator who oversees our intensive teaching programme.
You can also opt to study Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs or a modern language during your degree.
What I found very touching was the pride that Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Classics graduates have of their time. I realised my experience and the things I took away and really enjoyed was not unique to me. There are decades of graduates who have the same warmth towards the Department.
Alex Heavens
BA Classics graduate
High quality, research-led teaching
Our internationally acclaimed academic staff provide expert supervision and teaching on topics ranging from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to the study of antiquity in the modern age. They are active researchers at the forefront of their disciplines. Their research-led teaching will provide you with access to current thinking and ground-breaking research.
For more information on staff research, see Our Staff page
Your future career
A degree in classics at the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ prepares you for a wide range of careers.
You'll develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, analysing data and communicating confidently and concisely.
From Classics to projects
Watch this video to hear former Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ student Meryt talk about the transferable skills she developed during her Classics degree and how these have supported her throughout her career.
We also run a dedicated employability module, and support you to seek out placements that will give you valuable work experience and expand your professional network.
Past graduate destinations include:
- heritage and museums
- libraries and archives
- the government and civil service
- law
- publishing
- teaching
- finance
- digital marketing and advertising
- public relations and media.
Many of our graduates have pursued further postgraduate study, and several have started their own businesses.
Our research
95% of our research is of international standing. (Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Classics).
How you'll study
Take part in interactive seminars where you'll engage in stimulating debate and advance your own theories. We offer exciting opportunities to study abroad and undertake placements in the field.
Our stories
Our staff and students have amazing stories of dedication and discovery to share. Find out how your story could have a new chapter at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ.