- Ranked 4th for Classics in The Times Good University Guide 2013; and 6th in The Complete University Guide 2014
- 8th in the National Student Survey (2012)1
- 3rd in the UK for world leading research2
- 7th for graduate level employment and postgraduate study rates3
- Study the ancient world in the context of contemporary culture
- Wide chronological, geographical and methodological variety in academic expertise
- Innovative approaches to teaching and the ancient world
- No previous study of Latin or Greek needed for Classical Studies or Ancient History
Classics is the branch of the humanities concerned with the study of the languages, literature, philosophy, art and history of the ancient Mediterranean world, especially Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. Studying Classics at Exeter gives you the opportunity to explore some of the long roots that underpin our own understanding of the world, its challenges and opportunities.
You’ll interact with the most exciting and innovative approaches to the subject today. As well as developing the traditional skills of classically-based degrees (such as language training and close analysis), you’ll benefit from imaginative teaching, based on the latest cutting-edge research. We combine the study of fascinating ancient civilizations with the intellectual challenges of studying language, literature, archaeology and history, as well as an in-depth exploration of the past and critical analysis of our own contemporary world.
You can study one or more of the ancient languages and gain valuable skills in communication, critical understanding and analytical approaches to evidence, culture and society. Where else can you learn about the anthropology of food, gender and sexuality, migration, political intrigue, comedy, poetry, cultural identity, philosophy, art and religion, all in one degree programme?
A Classics or Ancient History degree is coveted by employers and students who pass through our department have an excellent record in the employment market: they have ended up in a wide range of fields, from acting to banking, teaching, law, publishing and journalism.
The department of Classics and Ancient History at Exeter is one of the largest and most vibrant in the country. You’ll join an open, friendly and dynamic department with a flourishing student Classics Society that runs a lively social programme.
Current members of staff have been responsible for some 50 books since 2000 and the department includes two Fellows of the British Academy and three recent or current holders of Leverhulme Major Research Fellowships.
We take an interdisciplinary perspective and have close links to related fields including history, archaeology, philosophy, visual arts, geography and linguistics. Classics and Ancient History is home to a number of projects and research centres: The Centre for Hellenistic and Romano-Greek Culture and Society, the Black Sea Project and The Centre for Mediterranean Studies.
I chose to study Ancient History because I felt that it would offer more to me in terms of grappling not only a language, but also aspects of philosophy and historical interpretation, areas that are all rolled into the degree programme.
Exeter has a reputation for respected and extensive research and as an up and coming institution, especially in the field of classics, which reassured me that it was the right university to go to. The quality overall has been impressive and wide ranging, and I know that if I ever had any problems or issues then I could see a relevant member of staff quite quickly.
The department is made up of a selection of lecturers with very different areas of expertise, which comes across in the relatively wide range of modules and focuses on offer. The department is quite eccentric in some aspects, which coupled with an efficient administration team makes for a more than enjoyable experience.
I’m also General Secretary for the Classics Society, a great way to get involved in organising events and meeting people off the course. I’m also a member of the Student Staff Liaison Committee, which is an opportunity to take concerns from my peers to a deliberative level where solutions can be discussed and implemented
Alex Ratcliffe, 3rd year Ancient History
1based on the average percentage of positive responses across all survey categories for full service universities
2RAE 2008 based on percentage of research categorised as 4*
3based on proportion of UK domiciled, full-time, first degree graduates in Classics with a known career or study destination (HESA 2009/10)
