Classical Archaeology and Ancient History

Classical Archaeology and Ancient History at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the ancient Mediterranean world. This programme provides students with the opportunity to study the history, culture, art, and archaeology of ancient Greece, Rome, and neighboring civilizations, combining a multidisciplinary approach that integrates archaeological fieldwork, textual analysis, and historical research. Students will engage with a wide range of sources, including archaeological artifacts, inscriptions, and ancient texts, to gain a deeper understanding of the social, political, and religious developments of these influential civilizations.

The course is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and scholarly expertise through a variety of modules that cover topics such as Greek and Roman archaeology, ancient architecture, museology, ancient literature, and historical methodology. Students have the opportunity to learn ancient languages, including Latin and Greek, to read primary sources in their original form and to enhance their understanding of textual and material culture. Additionally, there are options for practical training, including excavation techniques and conservation practices, which prepare students for careers in archaeology, museum curation, academia, and cultural heritage management.

The programme encourages an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on the strengths of Oxford's world-renowned departments of Classics, Archaeology, and Ancient History. Students benefit from experienced faculty members who are actively involved in archaeological projects and research, providing mentorship and guidance throughout their studies. The course fosters a vibrant academic community with seminars, workshops, and conferences that promote discussion and collaboration among students and scholars from around the world.

Graduates of this programme are equipped with a detailed understanding of the ancient world and the skills necessary for advanced research and professional practice. Whether pursuing further study or entering the heritage sector, students leave with a solid foundation in the archaeological and historical methods essential for interpreting and preserving the legacy of classical antiquity. This programme offers an intellectually stimulating environment that combines theoretical learning with practical experience, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing study and preservation of ancient civilizations.

First year:

• lectures (four–six per week)
• team-taught classes (one per week for the first two terms)
• tutorials (one every one–two weeks) and/or language classes.

Second and third years:

You will take six options and produce a site or museum report. Currently, the options are chosen from:

• integrated classes, bringing together historical and archaeological approaches to a particular period
• core papers, which deal with central topics in Greco-Roman studies
• further papers, which allow you either to build up concentrated expertise in some central areas and periods or to extend into earlier and later periods, and into non-classical cultures
• Greek or Latin Language papers.

The content and format of this course may change in some circumstances.

• Attestat o Srednam Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) would not be sufficient for candidates to make a competitive application. If your qualification is listed as being insufficient to make a competitive application to Oxford, then you will need to undertake further study if you wish to apply.You could take British A-levels (the British Council may know where you can take A-levels in your country), the International Baccalaureate (IB), or any other qualifications listed as acceptable on this page. The first year of a bachelor's degree from another university could also be an acceptable alternative.
• IELTS: overall score of 7.0 (with at least 7.0 in each of the four components)
• TOEFL (paper-based): overall score of 600 with a Test of Written English score of 5.5
• TOEFL (internet-based): overall score of 110 with component scores of at least: Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, and Writing 24.
• Cambridge English: Advanced, also known as the Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): grade A if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency, also known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): grade B if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• English Language GCSE, or O-level: grade B (for IGCSE, please see below)
• International Baccalaureate Standard Level (SL): score of 5 in English (as Language A or B)
• European Baccalaureate: score of 70% in English.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Hill Foundation Scholarship

Russian nationals wishing to study for a second undergraduate degree. 

Palgrave Brown Scholarship

Students must be ordinarily resident in and/or educated in the following countries:

Albania; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czech Republic; Estonia; Georgia; Hungary; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyz Rep.; Latvia; Lithuania; Macedonia;  Moldova; Montenegro; Poland; Romania; Russia; Serbia; Slovakia; Slovenia; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; Uzbekistan. 

Classical Archaeology and Ancient History at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the ancient Mediterranean world, from its earliest civilizations to the late antique period. The program combines archaeological methods, historical analysis, and material culture studies to explore the social, political, cultural, and artistic developments of ancient Greece, Rome, and their neighboring regions. Students engage with a wide array of topics, including ancient art and sculpture, urban development, daily life, religious practices, and the legacy of antiquity in later periods. The course is structured to foster critical skills in archaeological fieldwork, analysis of primary sources, and historiographical debates.

Students benefit from the university’s extensive collections of ancient artifacts and manuscripts, as well as access to on-site excavations and museum visits that bring theoretical learning into practical contexts. The program emphasizes rigorous research, encouraging students to develop their own projects, delve into specialized topics, and contribute to ongoing scholarly discussions. Interactions with leading experts in the field ensure that students receive mentorship and guidance suited to their academic interests.

The course duration typically spans three or four years, culminating in a BA or MSt degree, depending on the specific pathway chosen. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to participate in archaeological digs, internships, and conferences, enhancing their practical experience and professional network. The faculty members involved are renowned scholars and archaeologists who provide a supportive learning environment and push forward innovative research in classical studies. Overall, the program prepares graduates for careers in archaeology, museology, cultural heritage management, and academia, equipping them with the analytical, research, and communication skills essential for success in these fields.