Research & Expertise

King’s Classics is distinctive for the breadth, dynamism, inclusivity and intellectual rigour of its research.

It is one of the UK’s largest communities of Classics researchers and has an exceptional record for world-leading research.

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), the Department was placed 1^st in the UK. Our research environment was judged to set the standard for the rest of the UK, and 100 per cent of our research environment and impact was recognised as either ‘world leading’ (4*) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3*).

Our research encompasses all aspects of antiquity, from literature and ancient history to philosophy, art and archaeology. A particular research strength lies in issues of legacy and reception. Our work provides new insights into how the classical past still informs and influences the world around us and King’s Classics research is empowering communities to engage with classical traditions in ways that are meaningful to them, with a particular emphasis on impact and widening participation.