He was Professor of Ancient History and Archaeology at the University of Birmingham from 1971 to 1995, and then director of the British School at Athens from 1995 to 1996.

He then studied at St John's College, Cambridge.

[2] In 1957, Tomlinson served as an assistant in the Department of Greek of the University of Edinburgh.

The following year, in 1958, he joined the University of Birmingham as an Assistant Lecturer.

[2] On 8 January 1970, Tomlinson was elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA).