About us

Classics is a close-knit Department offering a range of sub-disciplines, approaches and methodologies, and periods. We are distinctive in our ambitious coverage (literature, history, archaeology, reception). In addition to the subject coverage, core strengths include oratory, law and rhetoric (currently mainly Greek), theoretically-driven approaches to Classical literature, digital archaeology, and Classical reception. Some of this activity is focused by The Centre for Oratory and Rhetoric (COR) and the Centre for the Reception of Greece and Rome (CRGR). We pride ourselves on research engaged with the contemporary world. Classics is both part of contemporary culture and offers a critical distance from which we can reflect on and critically engage with global challenges.

Research facilities and environment

The Department offers a wide range of forums, research and research training opportunities, access to the Institute of Classical Studies Library (one of the largest classics research libraries in the world), to a very broad range of Institute of Classical Studies and other seminars, and more.

The department operates three research centres, in Archaeology, Architecture and Material Culture, in Rhetoric and in Reception and has an active and collegial PhD student culture.

Assessment

PhDs are assessed by the standard 100,000 original scholarly dissertation and a viva voce examination.

New PhD students are admitted on a probationary status and are subject to an Upgrade process which usually takes place up to 18 months after admission to the PhD program.

PhD students are assigned one or more supervisors from the Department of Classics and/or other departments where appropriate (or, in some cases, external supervisors). PhD students are also assigned an Advisor from the Department staff and are provided with support from the Director of Graduate Studies and the Department administrative team, where needed.

Your future career

Our students go on to careers in teaching, academics, museum and conservation studies and a wide range of professions.

A PhD is a long term commitment but a higher degree in classics, ancient history or classical archaeology provides a high level of transferrable skills training and distinct competitive, professional advancement and remuneration advantages in a wide range of professional employment opportunities.