University of Reading cookie policy

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience, monitor site performance and tailor content to you

Read our cookie policy to find out how to manage your cookie settings

When you choose to study with us, you'll join a friendly, inclusive community who are as passionate about the study of classics as you are. Our academics will support you to make the most out of your time with us, and you'll have many opportunities to socialise and collaborate with your peers.

We foster an environment where our students and academics can learn from one another, building on each other’s experiences and knowledge to dig deeper into the ancient world together.

You can join our community before you even arrive in Reading. You can follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and by joining our Facebook group you can talk to current students and academics before you begin your studies, and gain an insight into life at Reading and in our Department.

Life as a master's student

Our master's students balance their time between seminars and independent study. 

Most teaching is on Wednesdays. At the weekly Departmental Research Seminar, you'll hear from a speaker on an area of their research, and afterwards have the chance to discuss their talk with fellow students and staff. Language classes may meet twice a week.

You'll have opportunities to meet and socialise with other students, for example at events organised by our student-led Classics Society.

alt=""

How we support you

You will receive one-to-one support from your academic tutor throughout your degree. You'll also be supervised by a specialist in your chosen subject as you work on your dissertation.

Our academics are very engaged with students and follow an "open door" policy where you can approach them at any time for guidance and support.

The wider University has a range of services available to you to support your personal and professional development during your studies.

Learn more about the University's support services

Learning environment

You'll be based at the heart of the Department. As well as seminar rooms and academics offices, we have a dedicated study space for master's and PhD students, the Postgraduate Room.

You'll have access to a number of excellent learning resources on campus, that you can draw on throughout your studies.

These include:

 

Our proximity to London and Oxford means you have easy access to institutions such as the British Museum, the British Library and the Ashmolean Museum, all of which are important resources for research in the ancient world.

I would absolutely recommend the Department of Classics at Reading. They’ve been incredibly supportive of me. I did my undergraduate degree in Reading too, and the Department helped me through some difficult times, so I know I can rely on them. I feel I’ve done as well as I have this year because the Department has stood behind me every step of the way.

Jessica Wragg

MA Classics and Ancient History student

Jess wragg

Exciting research events

Our academic staff and students regularly organise inspiring, lively talks, reading groups and workshops that enrich your study of classics and ancient history, as well as giving you the chance to meet scholars from around the world. 

Our postgraduate students organise their own conferences, work-in-progress seminars and annual research colloquia, where you'll be exposed to new theories and research, and gain experience of presenting your own ideas. 

You can read about past events on our Classics at Reading blog.

dusk shot of thessaly in Greece

Dr Emma Aston's story

The events I attend are genuinely meetings of minds, where scholars help each other to produce the best possible work in a spirit of enjoyment.

Dr Emma Aston

Associate Professor

alt=""

Life on campus

Our main campus is set on 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, so you'll find plenty of places to relax. Our campus is home to a thriving community and features the Students' Union, Library and places to eat.
alt=""

Life in Reading

Step off campus and you'll find yourself in a bustling town centre offering a variety of shops, restaurants and activities. We're also well-connected – you can reach London Paddington within half an hour by train.