- Ranked in the UK’s top 10 for Classics in The Times Good University Guide 2012; The Complete University and Guardian guides 2012
- 3rd in the UK for world leading research1
- 7th for graduate level employment and postgraduate study rates2
- 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 traditional name for the study of Latin, Greek and Ancient History. Studying Classics at Exeter gives you the opportunity to explore the society, literature and ideas of important cultures, especially those of Ancient Greece and Rome, which provide some of the main formative influences on Western civilization.
At Exeter, you’ll interact with some of the most exciting and innovative ideas and approaches in 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 with a 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. And where else can you learn about the anthropology of food, gender and sexuality, cultural identity, philosophy, art and religion, all in one degree programme?
A Classics or Ancient History degree is coveted by employers. Small wonder, then, that students who pass through our department have an excellent record in the employment market: they have ended up in a huge range of fields, from banking, through publishing and journalism, to prison management.
Numbers
Exeter
Entrants: 79
Applicants: 721
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
1RAE 2008 based on percentage of research categorised as 4*
2based on proportion of UK domiciled, full-time, first degree graduates in Classics with a known career or study destination (HESA 2009/10)
