Classics and Classical Studies

Experience the rich and enduring civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome.

These cultures lie at the very heart of western civilisation, and resonate throughout the world. Whether or not you have already studied ancient Greece and Rome, we invite you to explore the history, art and culture of the ancient world on one of our highly flexible degrees: we offer programmes in Classics, Classical Studies and Ancient History.

Our Classics degree includes Ancient Greek and Latin in all three years, offering the opportunity to explore a broad range of literary texts in their original languages. Classical Studies examines the civilisations, art, literature and religions of the ancient world, as well as their subsequent traditions. Ancient History studies the politics, economy, society, culture and religion of the classical world, from the Mediterranean heartland to parts of modern Africa, Asia and Europe. There is no requirement for prior study of Ancient Greek, Latin, Ancient History or Classical Civilisation for any of our degree programmes.

Whatever your interests and background, our wide-ranging and flexible courses offer stimulating options. You can develop an advanced knowledge of Ancient Greek, Latin, and even hieroglyphic Egyptian; work on digital reconstructions; or gain hands-on experience with unique artefacts from the Ure Museum, the University's internationally important collection of Greek and Egyptian antiquities. Our findings feed directly into your learning, with 96% of students saying that our teaching staff were very good or good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2023, 96.43% of respondents studying in the Department of Classics), and 95% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Classics). 

You can apply to study abroad on all our degrees, with bursaries for independent travel available, as well as popular departmental trips. The British School at Athens and the British School at Rome both offer summer school opportunities. We also have close links to overseas institutions in Europe, Canada, the USA and Australia. You can apply to spend one term or one academic year abroad as part of your degree.

The skills you'll develop through studying a Classics or Classical Studies degree at Reading are highly transferable and will prepare you well for whatever career path you choose to pursue.