Top Universities for Classics

Classics, as an academic discipline, represents a comprehensive study of the ancient Mediterranean world, encompassing the languages, literature, history, culture, philosophy, and art of ancient Greece and Rome. It is a field that requires a deep understanding of not just the ancient texts and artifacts, but also their impact on later societies and cultures. Studying Classics offers students a unique opportunity to engage with foundational aspects of Western civilization, from the early epic poetry of Homer to the political philosophies of Plato and Aristotle, from the triumphs of ancient Rome to its eventual decline. As one of the oldest academic disciplines, Classics remains crucial to understanding the roots of modern society and culture.

In the UK, several top-ranking universities offer exceptional programs in Classics, with Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews, UCL, King's College London, Durham, Warwick, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Exeter consistently occupying the top ten spots in national rankings. These universities not only provide rigorous academic training but also foster an environment of intellectual curiosity that encourages students to explore and engage with the rich and diverse legacies of ancient civilizations.

According to the Guardian University Guide League Table 2010, the University of Oxford is ranked first for Classics, a position it has long held due to its unparalleled reputation in the humanities and its commitment to maintaining the highest academic standards. Oxford’s Faculty of Classics is one of the largest and most prestigious in the world, with an impressive faculty of scholars who are leaders in their respective fields. The university offers a wide array of programs in Classical Languages, Literature, Philosophy, and History, ensuring that students have the opportunity to explore the various facets of the ancient world in depth. The resources available to students, including the vast collections of the Bodleian Libraries, the Ashmolean Museum, and the university’s specialized research centers, make Oxford an exceptional place for the study of Classics.

Oxford’s approach to Classics is deeply interdisciplinary, allowing students to engage with ancient texts and cultures through a range of different perspectives. This includes the study of ancient languages such as Latin and Ancient Greek, as well as the examination of material culture through archaeological study, the analysis of ancient art, and the exploration of the historical and philosophical contexts of ancient civilizations. One of the key features of Oxford’s Classics program is the emphasis on original language study, particularly Latin and Greek, which forms the core of the undergraduate degree. Students are not only taught how to read and translate these languages but are also encouraged to engage critically with the texts, analyzing their linguistic and literary qualities. This focus on language helps students develop a deeper understanding of the ancient world and its people, providing insights that might be missed when reading translations.

Cambridge University, ranked second in the Guardian University Guide League Table 2010, is another institution with a long-standing tradition of excellence in the study of Classics. Cambridge’s Faculty of Classics, like Oxford’s, offers a comprehensive program that includes the study of ancient languages, literature, history, philosophy, and culture. Cambridge is known for its rigorous academic environment and its commitment to producing scholars who are both well-versed in the classical world and capable of engaging with it in innovative ways. The university’s resources, including its extensive library system and archaeological collections, are a significant asset for students pursuing a degree in Classics.

At Cambridge, students can study Classics in various forms, including single-subject Classics, Classical Archaeology and Anthropology, and Classical Studies with a focus on particular themes such as the ancient world’s political history or its philosophical traditions. The university’s Classics program is structured to allow students to explore the interconnectedness of these areas, enabling them to gain a holistic understanding of the ancient Mediterranean world. Cambridge is particularly known for its focus on the intellectual and philosophical traditions of ancient Greece and Rome, with a strong emphasis on the study of ancient texts in their original languages. This rigorous approach to language study ensures that students develop not only linguistic proficiency but also the analytical skills necessary to engage with the ancient world in a sophisticated and nuanced way.

The University of St Andrews, ranked third in the Guardian table, is another leading institution for the study of Classics. St Andrews, located in Scotland, has a renowned School of Classics that offers a wide range of programs in Classical Studies. The university’s program is particularly noted for its emphasis on the interdisciplinary study of the ancient world, with opportunities to explore ancient history, archaeology, art, and philosophy in addition to language and literature. St Andrews offers a unique environment for studying Classics, with a particular focus on combining traditional scholarship with innovative approaches to understanding the classical past. The university’s location in a historic town, with its own archaeological significance, adds to the rich cultural context in which students can study ancient civilizations.

St Andrews’ approach to Classics emphasizes both the linguistic and cultural dimensions of the discipline. The university offers students the opportunity to study Greek and Latin as well as to engage with a variety of ancient texts, from epic poetry to historical narratives and philosophical works. The School of Classics also promotes a strong research culture, with faculty members engaged in a variety of projects related to the ancient world, including excavations, textual studies, and the analysis of ancient artifacts. This combination of rigorous academic study and hands-on research experience makes St Andrews an ideal destination for students interested in the classical world.

The University College London (UCL), ranked fourth in the Guardian rankings, also offers a highly regarded Classics program. UCL is known for its strong emphasis on the integration of classical studies with modern research and theoretical frameworks. The university offers a range of programs in Classical Languages, Literature, History, and Philosophy, with particular strengths in the areas of ancient history and archaeology. UCL’s approach to Classics is interdisciplinary, combining traditional philological and historical methods with newer approaches, including the study of cultural history, material culture, and the intersection of classical studies with fields like anthropology and sociology.

UCL’s Classics Department is particularly well-regarded for its focus on ancient history, offering students the opportunity to explore the political, social, and cultural aspects of the classical world. The university’s resources, including its extensive library system and research centers, provide students with access to a wealth of primary source materials, as well as opportunities for fieldwork and archaeological study. UCL’s commitment to combining traditional scholarship with contemporary theoretical approaches ensures that students receive a well-rounded and intellectually stimulating education in Classics.

King's College London, ranked fifth in the Guardian rankings, also offers a distinguished Classics program. King’s College is known for its strong emphasis on the study of ancient literature and philosophy, as well as its focus on the intersection of the ancient world with modern intellectual and cultural traditions. The university’s approach to Classics is both rigorous and interdisciplinary, with opportunities to study Latin and Greek alongside modules in ancient history, philosophy, and art history. King’s College offers a particularly strong program in the study of ancient philosophy, with opportunities for students to engage with the works of Plato, Aristotle, and other key figures of the ancient philosophical tradition.

Durham University, ranked sixth, offers another highly regarded Classics program, with a particular emphasis on ancient history and archaeology. Durham’s Classics Department offers students the opportunity to engage with both Greek and Latin texts, as well as the chance to explore the material culture of the ancient Mediterranean through archaeological study. Durham’s approach to Classics is interdisciplinary, with opportunities to study ancient literature, history, and art alongside modern theoretical approaches to the study of culture and society.

Warwick University, ranked seventh, also offers a highly regarded program in Classics. Warwick’s Department of Classics and Ancient History is known for its interdisciplinary approach, with strengths in ancient history, literature, and philosophy. The university emphasizes the importance of studying ancient texts in their original languages, while also providing students with opportunities to explore the cultural and historical contexts of the classical world. Warwick’s focus on both the academic and practical aspects of Classics ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for a variety of career paths.

The universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Exeter, ranked eighth, ninth, and tenth in the Guardian rankings, round out the top ten list for Classics. These institutions also offer strong Classics programs, with particular strengths in the study of ancient history, archaeology, and literature. Edinburgh, for example, offers a well-rounded Classics program with opportunities to study ancient languages, literature, and culture, while Glasgow emphasizes the study of ancient history and material culture. Exeter, known for its strong archaeology program, provides students with the opportunity to engage with both ancient texts and archaeological evidence, offering a truly interdisciplinary experience.

In conclusion, the study of Classics in the UK is a rigorous and intellectually stimulating pursuit, and the universities that rank at the top for this subject provide students with unparalleled opportunities to engage with the ancient world. Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews, UCL, King's College London, Durham, Warwick, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Exeter all offer comprehensive and diverse Classics programs that emphasize both the linguistic and cultural dimensions of the discipline. With their rich intellectual environments, world-class faculty, and exceptional resources, these universities ensure that students studying Classics receive a world-class education that will prepare them for a wide range of academic and professional careers.

League Table 2010 (Top 10 list):
1 Oxford
2 Cambridge
3 St Andrews
4 UCL
5 King's College London
6 Durham
7 Warwick
8 Edinburgh
9 Glasgow
10 Exeter

League Table 2004:
Rank, Name, Guardian teaching score (100)
1 King's Col, London 86
2 Cambridge 86
3 Oxford 85
4 University College London 80
5 St Andrews 78
6 Warwick 78
7 Nottingham 77
8 Royal Holloway 73
9 Manchester 73
10 Edinburgh 71
11 Queen's Belfast 70
12 Bristol 70
13 Durham 68
14 Birmingham 67
15 Reading 67
16 Glasgow 66
17 Exeter 66
18 Kent at Canterbury 58
19 Wales, Swansea 53
20 Liverpool 53
21 Newcastle 49
22 Leeds 48
23 Wales, Lampeter 39

Source: Guardian University Guide