About the day
Discover what it would be like to study classics at degree level at our taster day. You will have the opportunity to meet current staff and students, as well as explore campus and the benefits of studying at Reading.
This event is free to attend. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, and eligible students can also receive a travel bursary to attend the taster day.
Sign up now for the Classics Taster Day and we'll be in touch soon with more information.
As an attendee you will participate in two hands-on sessions:
Session 1: Mycenaean Greece
Fabulously wealthy and shrouded in mystery, the civilisation of Mycenaean Greece ended thousands of years before the birth of Christ. What was it like? No histories survive to tell us; we have only a set of magnificent, ruined palaces and their archives written in Linear B, a script used before the invention of the alphabet.
Less than a century ago, the Linear B tablets were finally deciphered: what do they say? And how does writing in a non-alphabetic script even work?
Session 2: Roman Diversity: Evidence from Epigraphy
Who were the ancient Romans? According to its own origin story, the Roman civilisation was founded by a refugee from the city of Troy, in modern-day Turkey.
From its very beginning, Roman identity looked beyond the walls of the city of Rome for meaning. The story that Romans told about their own history and identity was one that involved interacting with people from across Italy, Europe, and the wider Mediterranean. And as the Roman Empire expanded, ideas of what it meant to be Roman developed.
In this session, we will look at inscriptions, such as gravestones and graffiti, to ask what it meant to be a Roman.
This taster day will be held at our Whiteknights campus and will run from approximately 10:00–15:00 (or 16:00 with an optional campus tour), allowing you time to really immerse yourself in the subject and relevant department. More information will be made available following registration.
Making the most of your taster day
- Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
- Check if you’re eligible for a travel bursary.
- Make sure to arrive with plenty of time. You will be sent a schedule for the day about a week before the event.
- Think about what you want to get out of the day, and prepare any questions for staff and students.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear for the taster day?
Wear loose, comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear as we will be touring the university campus.
Can I park on site?
You can park on site for the taster day, but you will need to collect a parking permit and have this displayed in your vehicle for the duration of the event. Parking permits can be collected at the registration point. For more information please email outreach@reading.ac.uk.
Is there somewhere to buy lunch?
We will be providing a free lunch. Please make sure you let us know any dietary requirements when you register for the event.