Classics (Literae Humaniores)

Classicists read an incomparable literature, from epic to love poetry, high tragedy to knockabout comedy, history to political satire. We study philosophy from Plato and Aristotle to modern ethics, metaphysics and philosophy of mind, and art and archaeology from the Parthenon to Hadrian’s Wall and from marble statues to village rubbish-heaps.

If you are interested in all or most of the above, Classics is the subject for you. You do not have to know any Greek or Latin to apply. If your interest is in history and material culture, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History is likely to suit you best. If you are particularly interested in the relationship between the ancient and modern world, or Greek and Latin and English or other European literatures, you are likely to enjoy one of the other joint schools.

Oriel is excellently equipped for students studying Classical subjects. The library meets most student needs, and the University and Faculty libraries are only a few minutes’ walk away. The tutorial fellows are experienced teachers who have international reputations in areas of research ranging from early Greek poetry to the philosophy of physics via Aristotle and the early Church. Generous travel grants and academic prizes enable students to explore the Mediterranean world in the vacations.

Degrees in Classical Subjects are valued highly by employers, and unemployment among Classics graduates is almost non-existent. Classicists go into every walk of life: notably the law, the civil service, banking and commerce, the media, the heritage industry, the voluntary sector and education.