Why did Athens fall? What was everyday life like for the Greeks and Romans? How is Greek myth used today? Combine historical and archaeological approaches to transform your understanding of the past.

Ancient civilisations laid the foundations of the modern world, and shaped how we perceive all elements of our society, including power, sexuality, ethics, migration, identity, globalisation and religion. 

Studying Classical and Archaeological Studies at Kent gives you the opportunity to explore a broad range of topics from the Minoan and Mycenean period, up to classical Greece, Republican Rome and early Christianity. You study alongside staff in the Department of Classical & Archaeological Studies, whose research is recognised as world-leading. 

In your first year, you take introductory modules on archaeology and the civilisations of Greece and Rome. You also have the opportunity to study beginners’ Latin or Greek, classical literature and mythology, Mediterranean empires, and local archaeology.

In your second and third years you can study literature from Greece, Rome and early Christianity, and the history of these civilisations as well as the Celts and Byzantium. It is also possible to take a fieldwork practice module where you discover the latest techniques. In your final year, you complete a dissertation or extended essay in a subject of your choice, supported by a supervisor.  

You can also go on field trips to archaeological sites in the UK and abroad. Past destinations have included Crete, mainland Greece, Italy and Turkey. You can also apply to take one of our placement modules, where, subject to a selection process, you spend time on an internship in either a heritage organisation or a museum. 

Dr Christopher Burden-Strevens asks whether Roman politicians of the Late Republic would have regarded the Prime Minister as a great statesman, or a populist tribune?

Year abroad/placement year

You can apply to spend a year abroad as part of your degree programme. Studying abroad is a great opportunity to discover a new culture, and shows future employers that you can succeed in a new environment. It is possible to spend a year or a term abroad at one of our partner institutions. You don’t have to make a decision before you enrol at Kent but certain conditions apply. It is also possible to undertake a placement year in industry. 

Extra activities

We work closely with external organisations, such as the Canterbury Archaeological Trust, and many students take part in fieldwork activities. You can join the student-led Classical and Archaeology Society, which organises social events, film screenings and trips.