Classical Studies

Classical studies is the broad interdisciplinary field concerned with the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome and the enduring influence they have had on Western and world culture. Unlike classical languages degrees, classical studies does not require prior knowledge of Greek or Latin, though language study is often available within it. Instead, it draws on history, literature, archaeology, philosophy, art history, and cultural studies to explore the ancient world in all its complexity, asking how people in antiquity lived, thought, and made sense of their world, and how their ideas, institutions, and cultural productions have shaped what came after.

At the University of Manchester this three-year full-time programme offers a flexible way to explore the art, culture, history, language, and literature of ancient Greek and Roman civilisations that have been so inspirational in the formation of the modern world. You will engage with a wide range of topics and source types, from epic poetry and tragedy to political history, philosophy, and material culture, developing the close reading, analytical, and argumentative skills that the discipline demands. The flexibility of the programme allows you to shape your degree according to your interests, developing depth in the areas that engage you most.

Classical studies graduates pursue careers in teaching, heritage, museums, publishing, journalism, archaeology, the civil service, and academic research. The analytical and communicative skills the degree develops are valued across a wide range of professional contexts, and the cultural knowledge and historical perspective it provides are assets in any field that values critical thinking and broad intellectual formation. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in classical studies, ancient history, archaeology, or related disciplines, and some pursue careers in education or the cultural sector with this foundation.