What is a Classics degree?
Classics is a degree dedicated to the study of ancient Greece and Rome, including languages, literature, philosophy, history, and archaeology. This is a multidisciplinary programme that leads to a well-rounded knowledge of ancient Europe’s two major civilisations. Also, by studying the past and its rich cultural heritage, you will gain a better understanding of the present.
Classics specialisations
Because of its interdisciplinary nature, this field of study has many directions you can specialise in. The most common specialisations in Classics include:
- Classical languages,
- Philosophy,
- Classical literature,
- Art and Architecture,
Bachelor’s degrees usually have two main areas of focus: classical civilisation or classical languages. With a Master’s, you can specialise further.
What will you learn during a Classics programme?
Studying for a Classics degree, you learn about all aspects of ancient Greece and Rome, from history and mythology to philosophy and archaeology. The extensive knowledge and skills you will acquire will help you excel in academia or cultural settings like museums and other organisations. If you're still wondering why Classics is a good degree, here's what you'll gain:
- proficiency in Latin and Ancient Greek, a very rare skill,
- the ability to read ancient texts in original, interpret and translate them,
- knowledge of ancient Greek philosophy which is the basis of all Western philosophy,
- archaeological skills such as analysing historical artefacts, excavating on a dig, or reconstructing the map of an archaeological site,
- advanced research skills which you will use throughout your career.
Common courses include:
- Classical Mythology, about the myths that form the basis of Greek and Roman religion, philosophy, and even literature.
- The History of the Roman Empire, a course about one of the most impactful historical periods in our world.
- Food, Diet, and Dining in Antiquity, where you will learn a lot about the people of the ancient world through this intimate daily activity – food consumption.
- Greek and Latin, where you study the ancient languages.
- Education in the Ancient World, a chance to discover the roots of European education systems.
Classics is a valuable degree where you develop awesome research skills, gain a lot of historical and cultural knowledge, and become a pro at writing academic texts. Combined with the study of Latin and Greek languages, by the end, you’ll have a unique set of skills and will be one of few people specialised in this field.
Skills required for Classics
To excel during your Classics degree and afterwards, you need to be really good at researching and writing, the two things you will do most in this field. You should also have the ability to memorise dates, names, and other types of historical details. Finally, you need critical thinking and awesome analysis abilities and, of course, a real love for the ancient world.
What can you do with a Degree in Classics?
One of the main concerns of any student is what future their chosen degree has. So, what can you do after a Classics degree? Popular jobs for Classics graduates include:
- Academic researcher or professor,
- Museum curator,
- Archaeologist,
- Historian, li>Heritage manager.
A Bachelor's in Classics can lead to roles in education, museums, heritage sites, and more. A Master's in Classics can open doors to further academic research, specialised roles in archaeology, or advanced positions in cultural institutions. So, is a Classics degree worth it? Absolutely! If you're captivated by the ancient world and its enduring influence, a Classics degree can offer a rich and rewarding academic journey.
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