Classics is the study of the cultures and languages of Ancient Greece and Rome.
We specialise in Greek and Roman art, archaeology, history, mythology, and society as well as the study of Greek and Latin language and literature.
Language classes by distance
Students can now apply to study Ancient Greek and Latin online-only classes for 2025.
Explore this offeringOtago's Classics Programme has an outstanding reputation for research and teaching
In 2020 we were ranked the top Classics Programme in New Zealand and one of the top 50 Classics and Ancient History programmes in the world.
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020
The Classics Programme achieved the highest score in each of the 8 teaching categories surveyed* (Student Opinion Survey 2019, Otago University Quality Advancement Unit).
Here is what some of our students have said about our teaching:
"The academic staff within the Classics Programme are outstanding in their enthusiasm towards their subject matter and towards their approach to students and their learning."
“The community for Classics is great. It is easy to feel welcome and comfortable. This makes learning easier.”
“The people make it – the teaching staff of the Classics Programme are absolutely fantastic and one of the core reasons I have kept Classics as my major and why I am so passionate about it.”
* Overall Satisfaction, Good Teaching, Clear Goals and Standards, Learning Community, Appropriate Assessment, Generic Competencies, Organisation and Management, and Student Engagement.
