Explore lessons from ancient Greece and Rome
The cultural legacy of the classical world is still with us today. It influences law and politics, the way we see and understand the world, language, and the arts.
Learn out about the cultures, peoples, and societies of the Greco-Roman world. Learn about the realities of work, family life, slavery, gladiatorial contests, class struggle, and gender identity in Greece and Rome.
Develop transferable skills—in abstract thinking, analysis, writing and critical judgement—and learn to construct and express a logical argument.
Visit our Classics Museum—Te Whare Taonga o te Puāwaitanga
The Classics Museum is a collection of antiquities—mostly Greek and Roman—including terracotta vases and other objects used in daily life, including a sizeable collection of coins.
Objects from the collection are brought out of the cases for you to learn, and the Curator often hosts visits from school groups and other learners. The Museum is also equipped as a teaching space, and many Classics undergraduate tutorials and Honours seminars are held there.
Choose your study path
You can take Classical Studies as a major or minor in a Bachelor of Arts.
Studying a second subject alongside Classical Studies can give you more employment options. Subjects that work well with Classical Studies include:
- Art History
- Cultural Anthropology
- Environmental Humanities
- Geography
- History.
You could also consider studying a conjoint degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Classical Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
You’ll develop writing, analysis, and communication skills, which are useful for a range of careers.
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.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
Scholarships for Classical Studies
These scholarships support students to continue their studies in Classics:
Other scholarships
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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This scholarship is designed to support second year students studying History at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
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This scholarship is designed to support second year students studying English at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
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Two scholarships will be awarded annually to the top performing 300-level students of French, German, Spanish or Italian who intend to enrol in one of the above at Honours level the following year
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Ivanie Down Joslin and Malthus Classics Scholarships
These scholarships are to support students to continue their studies in Classics.
Ivanie Down Joslin Classics Scholarship
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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This scholarship is open to female students of the New Zealand School of Music who are studying or who aspire to study sonic arts. The successful applicant will be chosen on the basis of prior attainment and identified potential, taking into account, where appropriate, financial need.
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This scholarship is open to any athlete from all disciplines who are currently enrolled at Victoria University of Wellington. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic merit, sporting achievement, equity and commitment to attaining a tertiary qualification.
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The scholarship is to assist in the education and training of international classical piano undergraduate students at the New Zealand School of Music.
Globally ranked
Our History subjects are ranked in the top 200 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Postgraduate study
If you choose to continue to postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers.
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could continue on to study a Master’s or PhD if you want to do independent research.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.