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Meet our inspirational students

Undergraduate

Alex Heavens: enchanted by the ancient world

Alex's fascination with history and the ancient world propelled him to study BA Classics at Reading.

classics student alex heavens graduating

Rebeca Bird-Lima: following her passion

Rebeca came to the University of Reading to follow her passion for the classical world and threw herself into university life with enthusiasm. 

George Upfield : thriving in a supportive community

George Upfield came to the University of Reading with his guide dog Yoko to study Classics. He was supported by warm and welcoming peers and staff. 

Rebecca MacRae: from childhood fascination to the British Museum

Rebecca developed an array of transferable skills during her BA Ancient History. These led to exciting roles at the British Museum and in the charity sector.

Rachael Hopley: ancient voices, modern vision

Rachael was captivated by the classics from an early age. With our BA Classics course she followed her interest in the modern relevance of the ancient world.

Jemma Callue: getting involved

During her BA Classics degree, Jemma took up some of the opportunities available in the Department. This included becoming a peer mentor and module representative.

Naomi Miller: a life-changing journey

Naomi received support, inspiration and opportunities to gain valuable work experience during her BA Ancient History degree.

Daisy Roffe - enhance your degree with a placement year

Fascinated by ancient objects, Daisy undertook a placement year with the Museum of English Rural Life at Reading.

Shona Carter-Griffiths: freedom to explore

Shona's curiosity inspired her to explore the legacy of the ancient world in modern culture at Reading.

Dr Doukissa Kamini: Teaching Excellence Award

Postgraduate

Karim Bhaluani: keeping his options open

Karim studied both his undergraduate and master's degrees in the Department of Classics. The flexibility of the courses and ability to keep his options open attracted him to study at Reading.

Jessica Wragg: a degree built around her interests

The MA Classics and Ancient History allowed Jessica to have input into the aspects of ancient civilisation she studied. She received valuable support from the Department throughout the programme.

Marianne Bergeron: finding her path

Marianne discovered a love for classics while studying an undergraduate degree in theatre. She went on to pursue her academic interests and completed her PhD at Reading.

Meet our passionate experts

Dr Emma Aston: research that feeds into teaching

Emma has taught on a variety of modules in the Department, drawing substantially on her research and on her academic interests more broadly. 
dr emma aston

Professor Ian Rutherford: forgotten corners of the ancient world

Ian believes that it is important for scholars and students to enhance their understanding of the classical world through studying different ancient cultures together. 

Professor Rachel Mairs: ancient multilingualism and cultural interaction

Rachel's teaching explores the interaction between Greeks and "non-Greeks" in the Hellenistic world, with a particular emphasis on Egypt and on Central Asia. 

Dr Doukissa Kamini: RSU Teaching Excellence Award

Dr Doukissa Kamini, Lecturer in Classics, describes teaching as "the core and ultimate goal of my academic role".

In 2024, her commitment to supporting students' development earned her the Reading Students' Union Teaching Excellence Award for the School of Humanities.