How Universities in Britain Continue to Promote Greek Studies

British universities have a long history of preserving and promoting Greek studies, including the Greek language, history and culture.

Prestigious institutions such as the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford and King’s College London among others offer exceptional programmes in Greek Studies to those who wish to dive deeper into the Greek world.

This strong connection of these esteemed universities stems from their academic interest in ancient Greece and its profound influence on the modern world. The ancient Greek world still remains strong and continues to fascinate scholars and students globally.

The University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is well-known across the academic circles for its Faculty of Classics.

This faculty is a proud member of the Cambridge family, which provides an extensive range of studies of ancient Greek language, literature, philosophy, art and archaeology.

Additionally to this academic foundation, there is the Cambridge Centre for Greek Studies, which focuses primarily on the impacts of ancient Greece on modern politics, law and culture.

Students are given the opportunity to engage with a rich spectrum of topics, from the epic poetry of Homer to the philosophical treatises of Plato and Aristotle, all while ensuring they find the fabrics that connect the ancient with the modern world.

Cambridge distinguishes itself with its prestigious Greek studies programs, consistently achieving top-tier rankings in university league tables both in the UK and worldwide.

The University of Oxford and its long tradition in Greek studies

The University of Oxford is another major academic institution in Britain that offers a distinctive sub-faculty dedicated to Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies.

Oxford University pioneered the establishment of Modern Greek as an academic discipline as early as 1908, distinguishing itself from the prevailing emphasis on ancient Greek studies at that time.

The curriculum encompasses a remarkable spectrum, from Byzantine poetry to contemporary Greek literature and cinema, enabling students to explore Greece’s extensive cultural evolution from ancient times to the present.

The university is also home to the Oxford Centre for Byzantine Research, promoting interdisciplinary scholarship in Byzantine history and culture, further enhancing opportunities for students to explore the more obscure elements of Greek studies.

Kings College is another example of Greek studies in Britain

King’s College of London is home to the renowned Centre for Hellenic Studies, offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses covering over three thousand years of history.

The curriculum spans from ancient Greece and Byzantium to modern Greece, offering a comprehensive approach to Greek studies. It allows students to engage with subjects such as Byzantine art, ecclesiastical history and contemporary Greek literature, among many others.

The Centre actively collaborates with cultural organisations like the Hellenic Centre in London, bridging academia with broader cultural communities and elements of modern Greece.