Graduates of Classics and Ancient History traditionally enter a wide range of careers. It is well recognised that studying these subjects develops analytical skills, the ability to evaluate evidence and construct rigorous and persuasive arguments.

Data obtained from

• Single and joint honours (BA) courses in: Classics, Classical Studies and Ancient History
• Graduates from the UK 

Responses were received from 48 UK graduates from 2019/20; this is a response rate of 62.3%

Destinations

Most important activity	Percentage of graduates
Paid work for an employer	52.1%
Self-employment/freelancing	2.1%
Running my own business	2.1%
Developing a creative, artistic or professional portfolio	4.2%
Voluntary/unpaid work for an employer	2.1%
Engaged in a course of study, training or research	12.5%
Taking time out to travel	4.2%
Caring for someone	2.1%
Retired	0%
Unemployed and looking for work	14.6%
Doing something else	4.2%

Sector information

Careers in the Civil Service, publishing and education are consistently popular. Many of you will decide to use the skills and knowledge you have gained during your studies by working for organisations in the culture and heritage sector.

Employment sector	Number of graduates
Accounting, bookkeeping and auditing activities; tax consultancy	6
Advertising agencies	2
Motion picture, video and television programme production activities	2
Other sectors (14 sectors)	15

Employers and occupations

Previous graduates now work as teachers, chartered accountants, marketing and advertising account executives, librarians, policy advisers in the civil service, archaeologists and journalists, to name but a few. Some graduates may choose to enter careers that do not require a specific degree, as around 70% of jobs are open to graduates of any discipline.

Examples of employers

• KPMG LLP
• Amazon
• Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
• Mott Macdonald Ltd
• Avon and Somerset Constabulary

Examples of occupations

• Account Executive
• Audit Associate
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Paralegal
• Secondary English Teacher

Further study

Qualification type	Percentage of graduates
Higher degree, mainly by research (e.g. PhD, DPhil, MPhil, MRes)	9.1%
Higher degree, mainly by taught course (e.g. MA, MSc, MBA)	36.4%
Postgraduate diploma or certificate (including PGCE/PGDE)	9.1%
Professional qualification	36.4%
Undergraduate degree (including integrated master’s degrees) (e.g. BA, BSc, MBChB, MEng)	0%
Other undergraduate diploma or certificate not specified above	0%
Other qualification	9.1%
Not aiming for a formal qualification	0%