Classical Civilisation

Course details Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in the ancient world? Are you fascinated by what the civilisations of the past can teach us about the present? The BA (Hons) Classical Civilisation offers you a broad and varied exploration of the society and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, and their importance for us today. You can also tailor the course to focus on particular areas that interest you. There is no requirement to study Greek or Latin, but if you are keen or or if you think you might like to try it, the course includes that option. You will also have a wide choice of other content to study embracing the literature, art, history, philosophy and archaeology of the Greeks and Romans.

Why Durham University? When you study at the Department of Classics and Ancient History you will join a large, forward-looking department. We consistently rank highly for teaching, graduate employability and research and offer an intellectually stimulating learning environment in a welcoming community. Our degrees offer both academic rigour and an outstanding student experience, taught by a team of academic staff who between them specialise in the languages, literature, history, and culture of the Greco-Roman world, as well as its impact on later centuries up to the present day. The Department is housed in eighteenth-century buildings which include dedicated study space and a library with an extensive collection of ancient texts and reference works.

Rankings 3rd in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 4th in The Complete University Guide 2025 6th in The Guardian University Guide 2025 6th in the QS World University Subject Rankings for Ancient History 2024

Career Opportunities Our students acquire many skills which are readily transferable to a whole range of professions. You will learn to search for, gather, and process information, to evaluate evidence and to express yourself clearly and succinctly, both verbally and in writing. Classics graduates have progressed to careers as diverse as computing, the Civil Service, gold dealing, teaching, journalism, law, accountancy, public relations and the theatre.