Course overview
As a Classics student, you’ll immerse yourself in the history, society and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, while learning how Classics has evolved as an academic discipline.
This is a language-based course so, whether you're starting from scratch or building on existing knowledge, you will gain familiarity with both Latin and ancient Greek.
After just one year of language study, you’ll work with ancient texts in their original language. You’ll discover how these ancient worlds shaped today’s societies by looking at literature, history, material culture and modern reception. You’ll also critically evaluate the evidence that supports modern views of the classical world.
Why choose this course?
1. Top ten for Classics and Ancient History in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
2. 100% of students from the Department of Classics and Archaeology said the teaching staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024)
3. Beginners welcome! You do not need any prior experience of studying the ancient world – our year one modules are designed to give you a university-level foundation.
4. You will learn Ancient Greek and Latin; start from beginners’ level or continue from A-level
5. Gain practical and professional experience in our on-campus Museum of Archaeology and volunteer with local schools through our Nottingham Classics Out-and-about (NoCOut) outreach programme
6. Develop your creative and communication skills with modules including ‘Communicating the Past’
7. Collaborate with international students in our tri-campus ‘Silk Road’ module
8. Explore real-world challenges across interdisciplinary themes with our ‘Engaged Arts’ optional modules
9. Work with our dedicated Faculty of Arts Placements Team to assist with your employability skills development via a range of placements, internships and volunteering opportunities
You may also progress to this course from our Arts and Humanities Foundation Year, subject to eligibility.
Engaged Arts
All students within the Faculty of Arts can select ‘Engaged Arts’ modules where you’ll approach real-world challenges across contemporary themes such as sustainability or equity and justice. These modules have been newly designed to help you gain the skills and analytical abilities that employers are looking for.
Learning Latin and Greek: Chloë’s experience
“I see learning ancient languages like a puzzle, and I think that helps with problem solving. I have better initiative now, because I know how something fits in Latin and Greek and that can transfer to the everyday.” — Chloë Choong, Classics BA
Explore more
- A day in the life of a classics student
- Hannah’s experience studying classical civilisation
- Ciara’s experience studying classical civilisation
Your department
Find out more about what it’s like to study in the Department of Classics and Archaeology
Important information
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.