Classical Archaeology & Ancient History, fondly known as CAAH, is a really exciting degree focusing on combining the tools of archaeology and history to look at the ancient Mediterranean world.
Here are some general resources related to Classical Archaeology and Ancient History.
The course has a huge time span, with students able to take options running from c. 1200 BC to c. 400 AD, and a similarly large geographical span, from North Africa to Northumbria, and Spain to the Indus Valley. The course is part of the Classics Faculty and is 3 years long, unlike the Classics degrees, which are 4 or 5 years long.
Overview 🔗 This is the Classical Archaeology and Ancient History section of the University undergraduate prospectus. The most important information about the course is here, including entry requirements, course structure, and prerequisites.
Faculty website 🔗 🌟 This is the official Faculty webpage for prospective undergraduates, which links to various resources including more information on the structure and content of the course.
Alternative Prospectus 🔗 This is an unofficial prospectus put together by the Oxford Students' Union; it’s written based on students’ perspectives and gives a better sense of what the day-to-day experience as a Classical Archaeology and Ancient History student is like, compared to official materials. Some elements may be a little outdated, but the student perspectives are interesting and valuable.
Faculty’s YouTube video on CAAH 🔗 The faculty has produced this video about the Classical Archaeology and Ancient History course, featuring interviews with students and tutors.
A day in the life of a CAAH student 🔗 🌟 A blog post by That Oxford Girl, detailing the typical content hours of Classical Archaeology and Ancient History students.
Vee Kativhu YouTube channel 🔗 Vee graduated from Classical Archaeology and Ancient History in 2020, having begun her studies through the Lady Margaret Hall Foundation Year scheme. Throughout her time at Oxford, she made YouTube videos documenting her experience.
Keble College interviews CAAH students 🔗 Keble College, Oxford, produced this video asking students about their CAAH interview experiences.
Reading List 🔗 🌟 This reading list, compiled by Balliol College, gives you an idea of the content covered in first-year papers. Don’t be intimidated by how long it is; the books are intended to be worked through over the course of a full academic year, and honestly no one reads everything anyway.
FAQs 🔗 🌟 Some useful answers to common questions about the application process.
Course-specific application guidelines 🔗 Some more specific application advice, directly from the faculty, including the Classics Admissions Test (CAT).
Blog post about personal statements for CAAH 🔗 Have a look at this post from That Oxford Girl about writing a personal statement for the Classical Archaeology and Ancient History course. Also, try this post 🔗 about preparing for interviews.
Oxford’s official guide to preparing for interviews 🔗 Some advice from the university about what makes a good interview, what your interviewers will be looking for, and what sort of questions you might be asked.
InsideUni CAAH interview experiences 🔗 🌟 Current students talk about their interview experience, as well as sharing some tips. We’re biased, but we think they’re useful!