Unlock the Ancient World
The ancient world continues to shape our modern societies in ways both profound and unexpected. A Bachelor of Arts in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History invites students to explore the roots of Western civilization through a dynamic blend of historical analysis, archaeological investigation, and cultural interpretation. This intellectually rich program examines the political systems, religious beliefs, artistic achievements, and everyday lives of the ancient Mediterranean—from Greece and Rome to Egypt and the Near East.
Designed for curious minds in the US and UK, this degree equips students with critical thinking, research, and fieldwork skills that are highly valued across a range of careers—from academia and heritage management to law, diplomacy, and beyond. Whether you’re passionate about deciphering ancient texts or uncovering buried artifacts, this program offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with the legacy of the classical world—both in the classroom and on archaeological sites.
Course overview
- UCAS Code VV14
- Entrance Requirements AAA
- Course Duration 3 years (BA)
Subject requirements
- Required Subjects: Not applicable
- Recommended Subjects: Not applicable
- Helpful Subjects: A classical language, Classical Civilisation or Ancient History
Course requirements
- Admissions Test: AHCAAT
- Written Work: Two pieces
Admissions statistics
- Interviewed: 89%
- Successful: 16%
- Intake: 24
About the Course
This course explores the rich history, archaeology, and art of the classical world, focusing on the ancient Mediterranean. It centres around the two great classical civilisations—Greece and Rome—and examines their societies through literature, art, and physical remains.
Designed for those curious about ancient cultures, the course covers everything from Greek temples and Roman amphitheaters to ancient wall paintings and everyday artefacts that offer insight into past lives.
Although primarily a historical and non-language-based programme, students have the opportunity to study and use ancient languages as part of their learning.
Teaching is delivered through a combination of tutorials, lectures, and classes. Some sessions focus on archaeological or historical methods, while others blend both to provide a well-rounded, interdisciplinary perspective.
Each year includes team-taught classes led by both an archaeologist and a historian, encouraging students to connect different disciplines when studying classical topics.
Oxford offers exceptional resources for this course. The University boasts a large and distinguished faculty in both fields, world-class library facilities—particularly the Bodleian Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library—and access to the Ashmolean Museum, home to an extensive collection of classical art and artefacts.
International Opportunities
The course includes two hands-on components that give students practical experience:
- At the end of the first year, students take part in a two-week archaeological field project or a practical placement in a museum.
- In the second and third years, students prepare a detailed report focused on either a specific ancient site or a selected artefact or collection in a museum of their choice.
Recent fieldwork destinations for Classical Archaeology and Ancient History (CAAH) students have included:
- Birdoswald Roman Fort, Cumbria (UK)
- Dobra (Albania)
- Fregellae, Lazio (Italy)
- Populonia, Tuscany (Italy)
- Halaesa, Sicily (Italy)
- Sanisera Field School, Menorca (Spain)
- Thouria, Kalamata (Greece)
- Demetrias Field School (Greece)
- Carnuntum (Austria)
The Faculty offers financial support to help cover the costs of participating in fieldwork projects.
Astrophoria Foundation Year
If you’re passionate about studying Classical Archaeology and Ancient History (CAAH) but feel that your personal or educational background may prevent you from meeting Oxford’s usual entry requirements, the Foundation Year could be a great option.
This year-long programme is designed to support students with high potential who have faced barriers to academic achievement, helping them prepare for undergraduate study at Oxford.
You can find full details on the Foundation Year course pages.
Course Structure
Year 1
In the first year, students take four courses, which include both core and optional subjects. These lay the foundation in classical history, archaeology, and ancient languages.
Core courses:
- Aristocracy and Democracy in the Greek World (550–450 BC)
- Republic to Empire: Rome (50 BC – AD 50)
Optional courses currently offered:
Archaeology:
- Homeric Archaeology and Early Greece (1550–700 BC)
- Greek Vases
- Greek Sculpture (c. 600–300 BC)
- Roman Architecture
History:
- Athenian Revolutions (411–403 BC)
- Greeks and Persians
- People and Politics (58–52 BC)
- Roman Imperialism in Gaul and Britain
Ancient Languages:
- Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced Ancient Greek or Latin
Assessment:
Students sit four written exams at the end of the year (First University Examinations).
Years 2 and 3
During the second and third years, students choose six courses from a wide range of topics and also produce a detailed site or museum report.
Current course options include:
Historical and Cultural Themes:
- Rome, Italy, and the Hellenistic East (c. 300–100 BC)
- Imperial Culture and Society (c. AD 50–150)
- The Greeks and the Mediterranean World (c. 950–500 BC)
- Republic in Crisis (146–46 BC)
- The Greek City in the Roman World
- Athenian Democracy in the Classical Age
- Cicero: Politics and Thought in the Late Republic
- Religions in the Greek and Roman World (c. 31 BC – AD 312)
- Sexuality and Gender in Greece and Rome
- The Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BC)
- St Augustine and the Last Days of Rome (AD 370–430)
Art and Archaeology:
- Greek Art and Archaeology (c. 500–300 BC)
- Hellenistic Art and Archaeology (330–30 BC)
- Art under the Roman Empire (AD 14–337)
- Roman Archaeology: Cities and Settlement
- The Archaeology of Minoan Crete (3200–1000 BC)
- Etruscan Italy (900–300 BC)
- Mediterranean Maritime Archaeology
- Archaeology of the Late Roman Empire (AD 284–641)
- Science-Based Methods in Archaeology
- Greek and Roman Coins
Texts and Language:
- Thucydides and the Greek World (479–403 BC)
- Epigraphy of the Greek and/or Roman World (c. 700 BC – AD 300)
- Intermediate or Advanced Ancient Greek or Latin
Independent Work:
- Research and write a site or museum report
Assessment:
Final exams consist of six written papers and the submitted report.
Please note: Course content and options may vary slightly from year to year. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Classical Archaeology and Ancient History website. You can also read more about how courses may change over time.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the Classical Archaeology and Ancient History course, you’ll typically need the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| A-levels | AAA |
| Advanced Highers | AA or AAB |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | 39 (6,6,6 at HL) |
If you’re applying with a different qualification (UK or international), you can find detailed information on the University’s website.
Wherever possible, Oxford considers your academic performance in the context of your individual background and educational opportunities. Learn more about how contextual data is used in the admissions process.
Subject Requirements
- Helpful subjects: A classical language (like Latin or Ancient Greek), Classical Civilisation, or Ancient History can be useful, but are not required for admission.
- If your A-level science subjects include a practical component, you’ll be expected to pass it.
- If English is not your first language, you may need to meet Oxford’s English language proficiency requirements.
Application
All applicants must follow the standard Oxford application process, outlined on the Applying to Oxford pages. Below are specific details for those applying to the Classical Archaeology and Ancient History (CAAH) course.
Admissions Test
- Test name: AHCAAT (Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test)
- Test date: 24 October 2025
- Registration window: To be confirmed
All relevant information on test registration and preparation will be available on the AHCAAT test page.
Written Work
- What to submit: Two pieces of recently marked work completed as part of your regular school or college studies
- Submission deadline: 10 November 2025
For full guidance, please refer to the Written Work Submission guidelines.
What Tutors Are Looking For
Tutors aim to identify applicants with strong intellectual potential and the specific visual, analytical, and reasoning skills needed for success in this course. A genuine interest in both classical archaeology and ancient history is essential.
They will assess your overall potential using a combination of the following:
- Past and predicted exam results
- UCAS personal statement
- Academic reference
- Submitted written work
- Performance at interview
For full details on how applicants are selected, visit the Classics Faculty website and review the course’s selection criteria.
Careers & Future
Graduates of the Classical Archaeology and Ancient History (CAAH) course pursue a wide variety of career paths. Some continue their academic journey through postgraduate study, becoming professional archaeologists or historians. Others branch out into fields such as:
- Museum curation
- Heritage management
- Education
- Publishing
- Advertising
- Finance
- The Civil Service
- Law
Recent CAAH alumni have gone on to roles including financial adviser, teacher, and museum curator.
Sarah, now a personal adviser, shares:
“My degree at Oxford gave me the intellectually demanding environment that helped me build the skills I needed to pass Reed’s rigorous application process.”
Fees and Dues
| Fee Status | Annual Course Fees (2025–26) |
|---|---|
| Home | £9,535.00 |
| Overseas | £41,130.00 |
For full details on fee status and eligibility, please visit the fee status webpage.
Additional information on course fees is available on the course fees page.
Please note that tuition fees usually increase each year. For more on expected changes, see the University’s guidance on likely increases to fees and charges.
Living Expenses
Living expenses at Oxford may be lower than expected, thanks to the University’s excellent resources and college support, which help reduce day-to-day costs.
For the academic year starting in 2025, estimated living costs range from £1,425 to £2,035 per month while you’re in Oxford.
Oxford’s academic year consists of three eight-week terms, so most students are in residence for around six months in total. However, it’s recommended to budget for nine months to ensure you can cover essential expenses during the holidays as well.
For a detailed breakdown, please visit the Living Costs webpage.
Financial Support
Oxford offers a range of financial support options depending on your residency status.
Home Students UK
- Tuition Fees:
A tuition fee loan is available from the UK government, covering your course fees in full. This means you won’t need to pay fees upfront if you’re studying your first undergraduate degree. - Living Costs Support:
The UK government also offers maintenance loans to help with living costs for eligible students who meet residency requirements. - Oxford Bursaries (2025):
Oxford provides one of the most generous bursary packages in the UK:- Support for students with a household income of up to £50,000
- Additional support for those with a household income under £32,500
*From August 2021, EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals are eligible for UK student finance if they have UK citizens’ rights, such as settled or pre-settled status, or are Irish citizens under the Common Travel Area agreement. Support depends on residency status.
Read more about eligibility here.
Islands Students
Students from the Islands have different funding arrangements. Please check with your local funding agency:
- States of Jersey
- States of Guernsey
- Isle of Man
Overseas Students
Students from outside the UK are not eligible for UK government student loans, but Oxford offers a variety of international scholarships and financial support options.
Visit the Oxford Bursaries and Scholarships page and check the “Other Scholarships” section for more information.
Important Note
If you’ve previously completed an undergraduate degree, you may be classified as an Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) student. ELQ students are not eligible for most UK government or Oxford funding.
Other Fees and Charges
As part of the course requirements, CAAH students must complete a fieldwork project or a practical museum placement at the end of their first year.
Recent Fieldwork Destinations Include:
- Birdoswald Roman Fort (Cumbria, UK)
- Dobra (Albania)
- Fregellae (Lazio, Italy)
- Populonia (Tuscany, Italy)
- Halaesa (Sicily, Italy)
- Sanisera Field School (Menorca, Spain)
- Thouria (Kalamata, Greece)
- Demetrias Field School (Greece)
- Carnuntum (Austria)
Museum Placements Have Included:
- The Ashmolean Museum (Oxford)
- Copenhagen Glyptotek (Denmark)
- The Beazley Archive (Oxford)
- And other internationally recognised institutions
You may also choose a different location, subject to approval by the CAAH Standing Committee.
Costs and Financial Support
- Estimated cost: £500 to £1,200 depending on your chosen project or placement
- Support available: All CAAH students starting in 2025 will receive a fieldwork grant of up to £1,000 from the Faculty
Grant amounts are reviewed regularly and may be adjusted in future years.
College Life at Oxford
Oxford’s colleges are a core part of what makes the University such a special place to study. Every student belongs not only to their academic department but also to a college—a smaller, welcoming community that provides both academic and personal support.
This unique structure means students benefit from being part of a world-class university and a close-knit, friendly environment.
What to Expect from Your College
Each college has its own personality, but most offer similar core facilities, including:
- A Porters’ Lodge (staffed entrance and reception)
- A Dining Hall
- A Lending Library (often open 24/7 during term)
- Student accommodation
- Tutors’ teaching rooms
- A Chapel and/or music rooms
- Laundry facilities
- Green spaces
- A Common Room (called the JCR – Junior Common Room)
Accommodation and Community
- Guaranteed accommodation is offered to all first-year students, either within the main college site or in nearby college housing. Your neighbours will also be first-years, making it easier to settle in and form friendships.
- Many colleges also offer accommodation beyond the first year—some for the entire duration of your course. After first year, you can choose to stay in college housing or live independently, perhaps with friends from other colleges.
Support and Wellbeing
- Your college tutors are there to guide your academic journey, but they can also help with general questions and advice.
- Colleges have welfare teams and staff trained to support your health, wellbeing, and personal development.
- Older students often help new students adjust, either as part of a college “family” or as peer supporters trained by the University’s Counselling Service.
Oxford’s college system offers a rich blend of academic excellence, friendship, and support, helping you make the most of your time at university—both inside and outside the classroom.
Contact Us
The Faculty of Classics offers a wide range of outreach programmes, events, and resources designed to support and inspire students from all backgrounds who are interested in the study of ancient Greece and Rome.
These initiatives promote the interdisciplinary nature of the subject and encourage talented students to explore Classical Archaeology and Ancient History and related courses at Oxford.
Visit the Outreach section of the Classics Faculty website to find:
- Advice on applying and preparing to study Classics at university
- Information on Oxford’s various Classics-related courses
- Interviews with current students
- Open Day details and competition opportunities
- The OxLAT scheme, offering Latin teaching to Year 9 and 10 students in UK state schools with no Latin provision
In-School and On-Campus Opportunities
Through the Classical Conversations programme, teachers can request a visit from an Oxford academic—either in person or online.
UK state schools can also arrange trips to Oxford that include:
- Talks at the Classics Faculty
- Hands-on sessions at the Ashmolean Museum and Bodleian Library
UNIQ Programme
UK state school students in their first year of further education can apply to UNIQ, Oxford’s flagship outreach programme. Each year, over 1,500 students gain valuable insight into Oxford life, benefit from academic sessions, and receive personalised application support.
Anyone considering Classics at Oxford is encouraged to explore the subject-specific resources and opportunities available on the Faculty of Classics website.
Please note: Some outreach events may require advance booking or meet specific eligibility criteria.
University-wide Events and Resources
Alongside department-specific activities, prospective students are encouraged to explore the University’s outreach event calendar, which highlights upcoming events across Oxford’s departments, colleges, and subject areas.
Explore Subject Resources and Online Platforms
Oxford offers a range of subject-specific materials to support students of all ages in exploring topics beyond the school curriculum (supercurricular engagement). These include:
- The Digital Resource Hub
- The Suggested Subject Resources webpage
- Oxplore – Oxford’s interactive learning platform for students aged 11–18
Support for Applicants
If you’re thinking about applying, you can sign up to receive step-by-step guidance through the Oxford application process.
To learn more about how Oxford supports students from diverse backgrounds, visit the Widening Access pages and discover the many ways you can connect with the University before applying.