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Department of Classics
Faculty of Arts & Humanities

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About us

The Department of Classics at King’s is one of the largest, most prestigious and innovative centres for the study of antiquity in the world. 

Classical subjects have been taught here since the university first opened its doors to students in the autumn of 1831. 

We are a unique department: we specialise not only in ancient Greek and Roman cultures, but also the ancient Near East as well as Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies. On top of that, we also teach and research modern receptions of the ancient world. This means we offer tuition over a huge range of specialisms. 

We continually perform highly on national and international rankings. We were recently ranked 11th in the world - and 3rd in the UK - for Classics and Ancient History (QS World University Rankings 2022). Being situated at the heart of London means that we have access to the very best resources, including world-class libraries, amazing museums and inspirational theatres, which we use in our teaching.

Our students run their own Classics Society and for over 65 years the Department has put on a student-organised ancient Greek play in a professional London theatre. Our Department is housed in the Strand campus of King’s, in a building which we’ve inhabited since the early part of the twentieth century. Here our students benefit from a large, comfortable common room just for themselves. Classics at King’s is a warm, cosy and friendly community at the heart of an exciting world capital.

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Discover the Department of Classics

Connections & Outreach

Connections & Outreach

We haves close links to some of London's most important museums, galleries, and performing arts…

The Greek Play

The Greek Play

An annual tradition since 1953 and the only play in the UK performed wholly or partially in the…

The Jamie Rumble Memorial Fund

The Rumble Fund

Study the Classical World not only in London, but also in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Cyprus and North…

Featured: History of the King's Department of Classics

Classical subjects have been taught at King's since the College opened its doors to students in the autumn of 1831. The Department now occupies a set of buildings at the north-east edge of the Strand Campus, on the corner of the Strand and Surrey Street - and as it happens the classical connections of this location go back rather further and serve to underline some of the strengths of King’s Classics today.

Strand campus statue