Careers
A degree in classics and ancient history opens doors and closes none!
Secure your ideal job
We are proud of the many Classics and Ancient History graduates from The University of Manchester who have progressed into postgraduate degrees and distinguished academic careers. However, that is by no means the only path available. Far from closing professional doors, our degrees can help you secure success in a variety of professions.
Our recent graduates have entered a number of professional fields, including Law, Archaeology, Medicine and Education. Some now hold a variety of roles, including a Marketing Co-ordinator, Telecommunications Manager, Librarian, Field Officer, Business Analyst and Production Assistant. Others have become Recruitment Consultants, Volunteer Co-ordinators and even an Investment Trader.
Professions for which our degree provides particular expertise include publishing, archive-management and museum studies. The Higher Education Academy is the in the process of surveying the careers into which Classics and Ancient History students across the UK embark upon: http://www.hca.heacademy.ac.uk/classics/index.php?section=classics
Work for the best
Your degree could open a number of doors in various prestigious companies, from Centrica to the Carlton Television. Some of our recent graduates have secured roles within a number of different businesses and organisations, including Smile, the NHS, Next Retail, Gus Home Shopping and the Civil Service. Who would you like to work for? With a degree in Classics and Ancient History, you could make it happen.
Further Study
Many of our graduates decide to continue with their studies, in some cases to develop specialist skills or vocational training. In the past these have included PGCEs in Primary and Secondary Education, CPE Law Conversion courses and Postgraduate Certificates in Journalism. Others have undertaken MA courses in a range of subjects, including Classical Studies, Ancient World Studies and Art Gallery and Museum Studies.
Did you know?
Our Classics department is internationally renowned, receiving excellent ratings for both research and teaching.*
More than a qualification
Many of the skills that you will gain throughout your degree are highly prized in every job and profession, and by key graduate employers. You'll learn to think logically and laterally; to interpret, assess and evaluate sources; to develop opinions, propose ideas and theories, and to summarise, argue and debate key issues. You'll also develop historical, social and cultural awareness, self-confidence, creativity, persuasiveness and organisational skills as well as proficient written and verbal communication skills.
"It is a valuable bonus that the Classics department has obtained the highest assessment ratings outside London and Oxbridge. As with all degrees, you gain as much as you put in, but note that Classics gives an extensive background in literature, law and politics (to name a few), as well as an intellectual edge in job interviews and debates. The overall result is a development in academic skills and an enjoyable experience."
Antonia Anness, BA Classics & Ancient History graduate, 2004
Now studying for an MA in Ancient History, due to study for the Bar in 2006
Getting the help you need
For current students and recent graduates, the University's own Careers and Employability Division offers lots of help - including one-to-one guidance, careers fairs, part time and graduate job vacancies. Our service can really help you.
For more information on our Careers Service - www.manchester.ac.uk/careers
*Rated 5 in the Government's latest Research Assessment Exercise rating and awarded 24 out of 24 for teaching by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Careers services, advice, vacancies
University Careers Service
The University's Careers Service (GraduateCareersOnline.com) is the place to start looking, whether you're trying to plan out your career after your degree, or looking for work experience or temporary work.
There are links for online vacancies, with plenty of advice on job-hunting, writing a CV, and interview skills; information on gaining skills for business during your course of study, and information for international students; and much more.
Most careers fairs are in autumn, so look sooner rather than later.
To look at vacancies online you will need to log on -- guidance is available for current students and past students on setting up an account.
- Careers Service homepage
- Guidance for students/graduates in Classics and Ancient History
- Vacancies online
- Information and opportunities for -- Prospective students | Current students | Final-year students and graduates | Postgraduates
- Events -- Calendar of all events | Careers fairs | Employer presentations | Milkround
Other services
nwSAGO (North West Student and Graduate Online) is a partnership of Careers Services and Business Support Services in the North West (including the University of Manchester Careers Service).
nwSAGO promotes work experience opportunities for students, advertises graduate jobs, provides an additional free recruitment service to help employers to access the skills of students and graduates, and links academics to resources which enhance student and graduate employability and research opportunities with employers.