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Classics

Classics graduates have skills in analysing and interpreting ancient culture, languages and events that laid the foundations for aspects of our lives today.

Classics students use their skills in abstract and strategic thinking to analyse and interpret classical history, including culture, society, language and artefacts. Students examine areas such as literature, theatre, art, politics, religion and trade and how understanding the past provides insights into the present in relation to popular culture and also contemporary issues such as globalisation, law, justice, policy or trade.

Roles and career pathways

Classics graduates often work in roles that involve systems thinking, which is understanding the connection between things, events and ideas over time. They are also appreciated for their abstract reasoning and critical thinking skills and their ability to make complex information accessible to non-technical audiences. They have a good grasp of both language and writing. Government ministries employ Classics graduates in policy, stakeholder relations, communications, research, or advisory roles. First roles for graduates with undergraduate degrees may be administration or coordination before progressing to a more senior position. Classics graduates may also work as business coordinators, logistics coordinators, web content writers, journalists, marketing assistants, programme coordinators, customer service managers, parliamentary researchers, or university administrators.

Postgraduate study in Classics such as an Honours or Master’s degree is helpful for policy and research roles. For archives or library roles a postgraduate qualification in Information Studies is usually required. For students looking to work in the museum sector, a Master of Museum and Heritage Practice is a popular choice as it includes an internship as a component of the course.

Classics students often add a second subject that is relevant to Classics such as History, Cultural Anthropology, Philosophy, Greek, or Latin. Subjects such as Political Science, Public Policy, Marketing, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Law can help broaden employment options.

Completing a postgraduate qualification in secondary teaching (limited entry) may lead to roles teaching Classics. Latin is taught in a small number of New Zealand secondary schools. At least one other approved teaching subject at secondary level is also required.

Where Classics graduates work

Classics graduates work across the private and public sectors in a variety of organisations such as libraries, government departments, professional services firms, universities and schools.

Classics graduates have worked in organisations including:

Build relevant skills and experience

Part-time work and volunteering during study all help to increase your job prospects when you graduate. The WFHSS Internship course run by the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences helps develop practical workplace experience. Programmes such as Wellington Plus and Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) offer opportunities to gain diverse volunteer and leadership experience.

Make career connections

Making connections with individuals and groups during your degree can help you learn more about career and networking opportunities.

The Wellington Classical Association offers a range of social events and informative talks throughout the year mainly at Victoria University of Wellington’s Kelburn campus.The Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Wellington Young Professionals offer various events and opportunities for networking.The Alumni as Mentors programme for final-year students also helps enhance your connections and employability while studying.

Graduate career stories

Hilary Capon

Hilary Capon

Hilary uses the intellectual, analytical and technical skills honed from studying Classics and History daily in her public sector management role.