Subject area: Classics

Introducing Classics

Classics will introduce you to the history, cultures, languages, and literatures of some of the world's most important civilisations.

You will be able to find a programme suited to your interests and ambitions. Areas we cover include:

• the archaeology of the Roman empire
• the art of ancient Athens
• the drama of Euripides
• the epics of Homer and Virgil
• the history of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium

Studying civilisations

Classics is a wide term that refers to the study of all aspects of ancient Greek and Roman civilisation.

It also includes the study of:

• the cultures that the Greeks and Romans came into contact with
• the Greek and Latin-speaking civilisations that followed them
• the reception of classical heritage in the modern world

You will learn from our range of expert teaching staff. They come from many countries and maintain strong international links.

Programme and course choices

We offer a wide choice of programmes, with strengths across:

• ancient history
• Greek and Latin language and literature
• classical art and archaeology

You will also be able to choose from a broad range of courses in classics and related disciplines.

For example, in Years 1 and 2 you can choose option courses* from subjects as diverse as:

• astronomy
• criminology
• modern languages

(*subject to availability and timetabling restrictions)

Knowledge and skills

No previous knowledge is needed to study ancient history, classical art and archaeology. The same is true for studying classical literature in translation.

You can learn Greek or Latin from scratch and progress to the highest level by the end of your programme.

By working with distant sources and inconclusive evidence, you will:

• learn to think logically
• develop sound research skills
• develop analytical skills

You will also learn how to:

• make links between what you already know and what you still need to find out
• compile and critically evaluate evidence to plan and present an argument well