Classical Studies and Drama
Classical studies and drama is a combination with deep historical logic. Ancient Greek and Roman theatre is the origin point of the Western dramatic tradition, and the texts, stagecraft, and theatrical conventions developed in Athens and Rome continue to shape how plays are written, performed, and interpreted today. Studying classical antiquity alongside drama means you approach both disciplines with a richer understanding: classical texts come alive when you engage with them as performance scripts, and contemporary theatre reveals its debts and departures when you understand the tradition it is working within or against.
At Royal Holloway, University of London, this three-year, full-time degree is taught by internationally recognised specialists across both fields. You will engage with the cultures, literatures, histories, and art forms of ancient Greece and Rome alongside the theory and practice of drama. In the classical component, you will read texts in translation and develop the critical frameworks to interpret them in their historical context.
In drama, you will study both the theory of performance and engage in practical work, developing your skills as a creative practitioner alongside your scholarly knowledge. A sandwich year, a year abroad, and a work placement are all available, giving you the opportunity to gain professional experience, study in a different environment, and extend your network. The typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects an accessible approach to a demanding programme.
Graduates of this combination go on to careers in theatre, arts education, heritage, broadcasting, publishing, journalism, and the creative industries more broadly. Many find roles in arts administration, drama education, or community theatre, where knowledge of the classical tradition is an asset. Academic careers in classics or theatre studies require postgraduate study, which this combination is excellent preparation for.
The combination of analytical, research, and performance skills is valued across many professional contexts beyond the arts.