Why study Classics at Bristol?

An ‘ideal’ Classics Student?

A-Levels such as Classics, Latin, or Greek were not offered at Millie’s school whilst Imogen had studied Latin A-Level. Nevertheless, both students found Encountering Ancient Worlds rewarding and informative.  The unit tutors, Shelley and Hannah, emphasised that there is no ideal Classics student, creating a safe and inclusive environment for students, whatever their existing knowledge. EAW brought all students together and encouraged everybody to contribute their different skills and knowledge.

A key takeaway for Millie was that everyone’s voice is important in creating a holistic understanding of the ancient world, “by having varying experiences and holding differing perspectives we are, as a whole, able to understand antiquity better.” A class on coins allowed her to contribute a unique perspective whereby “my previous learning of Tudor history at A-Level, particularly the period of Henry VII’s reign after the War of the Roses, allowed me to consider the use of images on coins as a form of propaganda for Roman emperors. My lack of previous classical learning did not act as a boundary to Ancient History at university, and neither did it make me feel excluded, it rather enabled me to think differently about antiquity.”

Building a Classical Community

Coming from a class of three at A-Level, Imogen really appreciated how the unit strengthened connections between all Classics and Ancient History students. “What I personally found most useful was meeting students who study Classics, Classical Studies, Ancient History and even joint honours students” says Imogen. “Different approaches to the same material made it even more insightful, especially when coming from a background only looking at text and having the opportunity to handle ancient objects. Also, meeting everyone was an excellent opportunity to make friends!” Millie added that “Bristol’s connection with the Classical Association provided exciting opportunities to experience guest lectures, such as one I attended on Sappho.”

Encountering Ancient Worlds also provides unique opportunities with its two trips and artefact handling sessions. “I really enjoyed handling the coins and inscriptions that were brought into some of our classes, as I had never engaged with Classics in this way before, broadening my field of study as the other units I was taking were both language-based.” Imogen said. “The trips to Bath and Caerleon were also particularly exciting way to learn about the wealth of ancient sites that surround Bristol.”

Classics in a Modern World

Imogen and Millie are aware that the skills Classical degrees cultivate are important now more than ever. In a landscape shifting with AI and technology, engaging with the Classics strengthens skills in analysis and critical thinking, vital for understanding the world around us.

Millie found that sub-disciplines of classics such as reception (the study of the reuse and reinterpretation of classical texts, themes, and styles), as introduced in one class, particularly resonated. “Classics allows me to think critically about both the ancient past and the modern world that I live in.” Millie feels that “EAW has taught me that Classics as a discipline is broad and rewarding; by having an understanding of ancient pasts we are also able to better understand our present world, whether that be our political systems or architecture.”

Imogen remembers a class exploring how translations of texts can evolve over time, echoing the society in which the translation was produced, as well as considering different kinds of sources and their audience. “I think it’s important that the course consciously carves out time to help students develop these skills while studying Classics, as they are foundational not only for the rest of the degree but engaging with media more generally.”

So, whether you’ve never studied Classics before, or have already encountered the ancient world, the University of Bristol has a place for you.