Classics

Classics is the study of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds through their languages, literature, history, philosophy, and material culture. It is one of the oldest university disciplines, yet its questions remain urgently relevant: how do empires rise and fall, how do societies construct ideas of justice, freedom, and the good life, and what can the past tell us about the present? Engaging with classical civilisation means grappling with some of the most sophisticated literature, philosophy, and political thought ever produced, often in languages that reward the effort of learning them.

At the University of Exeter this three-year full-time programme gives you access to a strong department with broad expertise across Latin and Greek literature, ancient history, philosophy, and archaeology. You will develop skills in close reading and textual analysis, in historical argument, and in the critical evaluation of material evidence. The programme includes a sandwich year in industry and a year abroad, both of which provide structured opportunities to develop professional skills and to study in an international context.

Work placement opportunities are also incorporated into the course, meaning you will build practical experience beyond the university before you graduate.

A typical tariff of 152 points reflects a solid but not excessively narrow entry standard, and the programme is designed to develop students' abilities through sustained engagement with challenging material rather than to select only those who arrive fully formed. Classics graduates are disproportionately represented in law, the civil service, journalism, politics, finance, and higher education, testament to the transferability of the analytical and communication skills the subject develops. Many also go on to postgraduate study in classical languages and literatures, ancient history, philosophy, archaeology, or classical reception.