Classical Studies

Classical studies is the scholarly examination of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds: their history, literature, philosophy, art, religion, law and material culture. The civilisations of Greece and Rome are foundational to much of Western culture, politics, philosophy and law, and studying them seriously means engaging with the roots of ideas and institutions that still shape our lives. Classical studies is both a historical discipline and a set of humanistic practices, asking you to read ancient texts with care, to understand the contexts that produced them, and to think about their significance for the present.

At the University of Lincoln, this three-year full-time degree gives you the opportunity to explore Greek and Roman history, literature, mythology, religion, philosophy and material culture, discovering how these ancient worlds have influenced and shaped contemporary society. You will develop skills of textual analysis, historical argument, and critical engagement with the scholarship on ancient civilisations, and you will be encouraged to make connections between ancient contexts and contemporary questions. A sandwich year placement and a work placement are built into the programme, giving you professional experience in heritage, archiving, museums, education or a related context that complements your classical education and develops your employability.

You will develop strong reading, research and writing skills alongside the specific knowledge of ancient cultures that classical studies requires. The analytical and interpretive skills developed through classical education are highly transferable and are valued across many professional contexts.

Graduates from classical studies degrees move into heritage, museums and galleries, archiving, education, journalism, the civil service, law, publishing, theatre, and a wide range of other careers. The rigorous training in textual analysis and historical argument that classical education provides is one of the most effective foundations for careers requiring clear thinking and precise communication. Postgraduate study in classics, ancient history, archaeology or related fields is a well-established pathway.