Course Overview

The Classics and Oriental Studies program at the University of Oxford offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, combining the study of classical civilizations (Greek and Roman) with the languages, cultures, and histories of the ancient Near East, Middle East, or South Asia. This course aims to provide students with a deep understanding of ancient texts, historical contexts, and cultural interactions across these regions. A distinctive feature is the flexibility to tailor the curriculum by choosing specific languages and areas of focus, such as Sanskrit, Arabic, or Akkadian alongside Latin and Greek.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this program are equipped with strong analytical, linguistic, and research skills, making them highly adaptable to a range of careers. Many pursue roles in academia, cultural heritage, publishing, and international relations, while others enter fields such as law, journalism, or public policy, leveraging their critical thinking and cross-cultural expertise.

Key Faculty and Staff

The program is supported by world-renowned scholars in both Classics and Oriental Studies at Oxford, with expertise spanning ancient languages, archaeology, and historical studies. Specific faculty names are not listed here as they may vary, but students have access to leading academics through the Faculty of Classics and the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

Students benefit from access to exceptional resources, including the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, with extensive collections of ancient manuscripts and texts. The Ashmolean Museum, the university’s museum of art and archaeology, provides hands-on opportunities to engage with artifacts from classical and oriental cultures. Additionally, Oxford’s strong academic networks offer opportunities for collaboration and research with international institutions focused on ancient studies.