Classical Studies

Classical Studies opens a window onto the ancient Mediterranean civilisations that have shaped so much of Western culture, politics, philosophy and literature. It is not a purely historical discipline; it uses the evidence of the past, from texts and archaeology to art and material culture, to ask fundamental questions about human experience that remain live today. Studying ancient Greece and Rome means engaging with questions of power, identity, gender, empire, citizenship and the environment, and discovering how the ways those societies framed such questions have influenced, and sometimes distorted, how we frame them still.

At Newcastle University, you will explore real-world issues like gender, race and our relationship with the environment through the study of the dynamic cultures of the ancient Mediterranean. You will read and analyse primary sources in translation, encounter ancient philosophy and rhetoric, study the visual and architectural remains of the classical world, and develop the skills of close reading, argument and historical interpretation that the humanities demand. The programme is three years full time, with a sandwich year, a year abroad and integrated work placement opportunities, giving you the chance to develop both academic depth and professional experience.

A year abroad can take you to institutions with strong classical traditions in Europe and beyond, enriching your engagement with the material and broadening your perspective on how different cultures relate to antiquity.

Classical Studies produces graduates with strong analytical, research and communication skills that transfer well across many careers. Graduates go into education, museum and heritage work, publishing, journalism, law, public affairs, the civil service and the creative industries. The degree's focus on argument and evidence is valued wherever clear thinking and persuasive writing matter.

Postgraduate study in classics, ancient history, classical archaeology, philosophy or education is a natural progression, and many graduates go on to academic careers or to roles in cultural institutions. The typical entry tariff for this programme is 152 points.