Department of Classics and Ancient History

A degree in a Classical subject provides a rich and versatile training, developing powers of expression and analysis. Our courses provide an excellent foundation for further academic study.

Why Study Classics And Ancient History At Warwick?

The Department of Classics and Ancient History at Warwick is one of the best in the UK, ranked 5th in the country in the The Complete University Guide 2012.

Our international reputation rests on our innovative teaching and research excellence. We continue to drive new approaches to the Classical world, through innovative approaches to traditional subjects.

Classics at Warwick achieved 98% for student satisfaction in 2011 – one of the highest scores in the National Student Survey. We are a friendly department offering academic and personal support to our students on an individual basis.

Our degrees are accessible enough and sufficiently rigorous to allow students who come to us with relatively little experience of Classical Studies to appreciate and enjoy the richness of antiquity, while also enabling those who have some prior experience to develop their knowledge and skills further and in new directions.

David Harris

Student Profile: David Harris,

3rd year, Classics and Ancient History

'I was attracted to Classics and Ancient History at Warwick by the sheer diversity of topics that could be explored. I’ve studied history, literature, art, medicine, and that has barely tapped the surface of what the Department has to offer. The lecturers are friendly, helpful and easy to talk to. The course is flexible, allowing you to further your individual interests, and the support on hand enables you to perform to the very best of your ability.

I would recommend you attend an open day if you are considering Warwick as they are incredibly helpful. I knew instantaneously on my first visit that Warwick was where I wanted to be, and coming to Warwick has been even better than I expected'.

Classical studies have always been interdisciplinary, and the courses at Warwick reflect the full range of Greek and Roman culture, from religion and myth to philosophy and history, from art and architecture to poetry and drama.

Many of our modules break the traditional limits of the discipline by inviting students to consider connections between the Classical world and the civilisations of Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.

We also emphasise traditional skills: all students either begin studying an ancient language or develop their knowledge of Latin and Greek to a higher level.

Final-year students have the opportunity to research a dissertation on a chosen topic with the guidance of a supervisor.

You will be supported by a full range of academic resources including electronic resources and research tools, in addition to the well-stocked University Library, and, of course, your tutors.

How Will I Be Taught?

You will study Classics in a variety of ways, through lectures and seminars, and, in your final year, through a dissertation on a topic of your own choice, with guidance from your departmental supervisor. All our degrees involve some compulsory modules in Year One; in subsequent years, you build on what you have learnt through a choice of modules which allow you to engage in your own way with the civilisation of the Ancient Mediterranean.

How Will I Be Assessed?

You will take four modules each year, the assessment of which is equally divided between essays submitted during the year and exams in the summer (100% exam for language modules).