Social Anthropology and Classical Literature and Civilisation

Social Anthropology and Classical Literature and Civilisation are two complementary subjects that can be studied alongside each other at undergraduate degree level.

Social Anthropology is the study of humans, past and present. You will embrace the diversity of Greek and Roman culture, drawing together literature, drama, myth, religion, history, philosophy and art in Classical Literature and Civilisation.

Social Anthropology's cross-cultural comparison and in-depth study of particular societies and communities will broaden your views on topics such as migration, marginality, religious coexistence and gender and sexuality. Our programme will equip you with a grounding in social and cultural theory and provide opportunities for you to put your knowledge into practice through your own research projects.

In your Classical Literature and Civilisation studies, you will have the opportunity to study the classical civilisations of Greece and Rome, and also the cultures of Egypt, Ancient Western Asia and the Byzantine Empire. You will work with the plays, poems and speeches that have come down to us from antiquity, and study the monument, religion and mythology that make up classical civilisation.

Why study this course?

Taught by the very best – You will study alongside some of the finest minds at university. Times Higher Education ranked the Department of African Studies and Anthropology 2nd in the country for its performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise (based on Grade Point Average). Our Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology was ranked in the Top 10.

Exceptional learning resources – You will have access to a range of learning resources including environmental and material culture teaching collections at the University of Birmingham; the Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum; the Eton Myers Collection and the Danford Collection of African art and artefacts.

Immerse yourself in an ancient language – Take advantage of learning another languages and dive deeper into literatures that will shape your knowledge of the Classics.

Gain marketable skills that are highly sought-after by employers - Through bespoke internships offered exclusively to University of Birmingham students. Past placements have included the National Trust, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and West Midlands Transport.

Experience the richness of a vibrant student community - Enjoy access to a student experience team who co-ordinate performances, talks, trips, podcasts, quizzes and celebrations. In recent years, for example, our first years have enjoyed a Sudanese food evening and second and third years have gone on trips to the Liverpool Slavery Museum, the V&A in London, and the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.

Top 15 for Anthropology in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

Top 15 for Anthropology in the Complete University Guide 2024

Top 10 for Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology in the Guardian University Guide 2023