Classics –
The legacies of ancient Greece and Rome are still with us today—in the language we speak, in our political systems and in our literature, arts and culture.
Study Classics and bring the worlds of ancient Greece and Rome to life.
Explore the way the Greeks and Romans lived, and find out about their relationships with violence, sex, death and religion. Learn about the ideals they strove for as a society, and the way these ideals affected their family lives and political systems.
Follow the evolution of art and architecture, examine the ideas expressed through language and literature and see how they’ve influenced the way we live today.
Discover the ancient world and develop an understanding of the complex issues behind the rise and fall of ancient Greece and Rome.
Touching the past
Add context and texture to what you learn in class at the on-campus Classics Museum, where you'll be able to handle and learn about real antiquities from Greece and Rome.
You'll also get the opportunity to visit classical sites in mainland Greece and Crete with a study group held every other summer. Explore art and artefacts, buildings and ruins, in the place where it all began.
The tutorials in the fantastic Classics Museum created a physical link between past and present. Each artefact has its own story to tell and I find that this unique learning environment is a constant source of inspiration.
Full storyMeg Galloway
Bachelor of Arts student in Classics and Latin
The ancient world—in modern Wellington
Be a part of a lively student culture built around a love of the ancient world. The Victoria Ancient Theatre Society puts on a major production of a classical drama each year, and you can attend and take part in museum events, play readings and lectures organised by the Wellington Classical Association.
I found it amazing that literature written so long ago could have such relevance to us today and feel fresh, relatable and exciting.
Full storyDr Jo Wynell-Mayow
PhD in Classical Studies
After you graduate
You'll graduate with skills desirable in any job—in research and analysis, communication, and abstract and rational thinking.
Work for the Government as a policy analyst, use your knowledge of Greek and Latin in your law career or become an archivist, researcher or teacher.
Wellington is at the heart of New Zealand's political and cultural life, home to some of the country's most important cultural institutions. You can walk everywhere—so you'll be close to the collections at Te Papa Tongarewa, the National Library and Archives New Zealand.
Support for students
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is a welcoming place with great student support. There are all sorts of resources available to help you get the best out of your time at university.
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