Classical Civilisation

Classical civilisation offers a way into the ancient Greek and Roman worlds through their literature, history, philosophy, art, religion and material culture, without necessarily requiring prior knowledge of the ancient languages. It is a discipline that takes the classical world seriously as both a historical reality and a persistent cultural influence, asking what Greeks and Romans believed, how they organised their societies, what they created, and why those achievements have continued to fascinate, inspire and inform Western culture for over two thousand years. Engaging with the ancient world develops critical thinking, interpretive skill and a historical perspective that illuminates the present.

At the University of Nottingham you will study classical civilisation over three years of full-time study, with a foundation year available as an extended entry route that builds the academic foundations needed for degree-level work before the main programme begins. Throughout the degree you will have the option to study Latin or Classical Greek through optional modules at a level appropriate to your existing knowledge and experience, allowing you to engage with original ancient texts if you choose to. You will also engage with the archaeology, mythology, history and philosophy of the ancient world through a wide range of analytical and interpretive approaches.

The typical tariff of 120 reflects a programme that is intellectually rigorous but accessible to students who bring curiosity about the ancient world from a variety of academic backgrounds.

Graduates of classical civilisation programmes work in education, museums, heritage organisations, publishing, journalism, the civil service, law, the creative industries and a wide range of professional roles. Teaching classics is a career that many graduates pursue, and qualified teachers of classical subjects are genuinely valued in schools. Others apply the analytical reading, research and writing skills developed through the degree to careers far removed from antiquity itself.

Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in classics, ancient history, classical reception or a range of humanities disciplines, and the degree provides a strong platform for research-level engagement with the ancient world.