The study of Latin and ancient Greek is inextricably bound up with study of the Classical world. We offer the opportunity for you to learn the ancient languages at the level that is right for you, in order to complement your studies.

We take our language teaching very seriously, as an important part of your degree. We offer intensive teaching and have a languages co-ordinator to oversee our offering.

"Learning a language is always hard, but it is also rewarding. I believe that by learning an ancient language you get a lot more out of Classics, as you can often understand the texts better if you can read the original. The lecturers are extremely supportive and place you in the language class at the right level for your ability."

Patrick Holmes

BA Classics graduate

Undergraduate level

At undergraduate level the study of an ancient language is optional, unless you are taking BA Classics. The structure of our teaching is designed to ensure you can learn at the right level for you.

• Join us at the beginning of your degree with no Latin or Greek knowledge, and have an excellent grasp of the language by the end of your first year.
• Join us with an existing knowledge of Latin or Greek and build upon this, stretching and challenging yourself to go further with your language abilities.
• Choose to study translations rather than study a language, meaning Latin and Greek won't be a barrier for you in your degree. BA Classics is our only degree where languages are compulsory.

Read about Alex's experience of learning Latin 

Additional languages

If you find yourself acquiring a passion for ancient languages, you can go one step further in the third year of your degree: we offer a module about Egyptian hieroglyphs.

You can also choose to learn Modern Greek or other modern languages as part of your Classics degree; or you can choose to take an ancient language module to complement your modern language degree.

"I had the chance to study beginner's Latin with the Department of Classics and I enjoyed every minute of it. Latin is a challenging language to grasp, but to me that just made it all the more interesting. Furthermore, Latin heavily complemented my studies of Modern Foreign Languages. I always love those moments when you realise why we use certain words and phrases in English!"

Mollie Louise Pye

BA French and German

Master's level

As you progress through the academic world of Classics, a knowledge of ancient languages becomes more essential. All of our master's courses have the study of Latin or Ancient Greek as a core component. If you have not studied these languages in the past, don't worry - we have classes to suit all levels, including beginners and advanced learners.