Classical Studies

Classical studies is the academic discipline concerned with the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome, two of the most influential cultures in world history. Through their literature, philosophy, art, architecture, law, and political thought, the Greeks and Romans shaped the intellectual and cultural traditions of Western Europe and, through colonialism and global encounter, much of the rest of the world. Understanding them is not simply a matter of historical curiosity; it is a way of understanding the origins of ideas and institutions that remain active forces in the present.

At Winchester, this four-year programme includes a foundation year that provides additional academic preparation before the main degree begins, making it accessible to students who are new to the subject or who need to build their analytical and writing skills before engaging with degree-level work. In the main programme you will study classical literature in translation, ancient history, mythology, ancient philosophy, and the material culture of the Greek and Roman worlds, developing the ability to read and interpret primary sources, to engage with scholarly debate, and to construct well-argued historical and literary analysis. The programme aims to develop confident, independent learners who can move between detailed textual analysis and broader cultural and historical questions.

Graduates from classical studies programmes go on to work in education, the civil service, journalism, law, heritage, publishing, and a wide range of other careers. The discipline develops analytical rigour, cultural breadth, and the capacity for sustained independent inquiry, all of which are valued by employers across knowledge-intensive sectors. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in classics, ancient history, philosophy, or related fields.