Classical Studies

Classical studies is the interdisciplinary examination of the ancient Mediterranean world, encompassing Greece and Rome and the cultures and societies that interacted with them from roughly the eighth century BC to the fifth century AD. It draws on history, literature, philosophy, archaeology, art history, and linguistic study to reconstruct and interpret civilisations that have been enormously influential on the development of European thought, culture, law, and political organisation. Classical studies also provides a rich context for exploring timeless questions about human nature and society through comparison with very different but deeply studied cultures.

At the University of Bristol, this three-year, full-time degree is available with a foundation year for students who need an additional preparatory year. The programme explicitly connects ancient material to real-world issues including gender, race, and the relationship between human societies and the environment, recognising that the ancient world is not simply a historical curiosity but a living source of comparison and debate. You will study primary texts in translation, the history and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, ancient philosophy, and the archaeological and material evidence of the ancient world, developing close reading, critical analysis, and research skills that are among the most transferable that humanities study produces.

The typical entry tariff of 152 points reflects strong academic expectations at a research-intensive university.

Classical studies graduates work in education, museums, heritage organisations, publishing, journalism, the civil service, law, and a wide range of other professional fields. The analytical and communication skills the degree develops are valued across professional life, and the comparative perspective that classical education offers is a genuine intellectual asset. Academic careers in classics or ancient history require postgraduate study, which the degree provides an excellent foundation for.