Classics

Classics is the study of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds in their full breadth, encompassing literature, history, philosophy, art, archaeology, and the languages in which this extraordinary civilisation expressed itself. These ancient cultures produced texts, ideas, and artistic forms that have shaped Western thought, law, politics, and aesthetic sensibility for two and a half millennia, and engaging with them seriously is one of the most rewarding intellectual experiences that an undergraduate degree can provide. You do not necessarily need prior knowledge of Latin or Greek to begin: the discipline welcomes students who come to it curious and ready to engage.

At Nottingham, the programme supports you in choosing the best modules for your ambitions across the breadth of classical studies, from ancient literature and philosophy through to history and archaeology. The degree includes a foundation year for students who need additional preparation before the main programme, and a year abroad for those who want to study at a partner institution in another country. The main programme runs over three years full-time, with the foundation year adding a further year, and a typical entry tariff of 136 points for direct entry.

Graduates of classics programmes pursue careers in education, publishing, the heritage and museum sectors, journalism, law, the civil service, and academic research. The rigorous reading and analytical skills, the ability to work with complex texts in their original languages, and the breadth of historical and philosophical knowledge that classics develops are valued across a wide range of professional contexts. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in classical studies, ancient history, archaeology, philosophy, or related disciplines, where the intellectual foundations laid by the undergraduate degree open diverse research pathways.