Ancient Languages with Year Abroad

Program Code: 4336
Degree Title: BA Ancient Languages with Year Abroad
Duration: 4 years
UCAS Code: QR41

The BA Ancient Languages with Year Abroad at University College London offers students a comprehensive and immersive study of ancient languages, including Latin, Ancient Greek, and potentially other classical languages, combined with a study abroad component. This programme is designed for students who have a passion for classical civilizations, linguistic structure, and historical literature, and who wish to develop both their language skills and their understanding of ancient cultures through direct engagement with their modern-day counterparts in a foreign country.

Throughout the first three years, students will acquire in-depth knowledge of the grammar, vocabulary, and literature of their chosen ancient languages. They will explore classical texts, learn historical contexts, and develop analytical skills necessary for translating and interpreting ancient materials. The programme emphasizes both linguistic proficiency and historical knowledge, providing a solid foundation in classical studies, archaeology, and related disciplines.

The Year Abroad, usually undertaken in the third year of study, is a distinctive feature of the programme. Students travel to a partner university in a country where their chosen language is spoken, such as Greece or Italy, and immerse themselves in the local language and culture. This experience enhances language fluency, intercultural competence, and independence. It also offers opportunities for research, internships, or collaborative projects with local institutions, enriching the academic journey and preparing students for careers in academia, publishing, cultural heritage, or international organizations.

In the final year, students focus on advanced topics, including historiography, translations, and specialized studies in classical literature and philosophy. The programme prepares students for further academic study or professional careers by fostering critical thinking, research skills, and cultural awareness.

UCL’s academic staff are experts in their fields, offering mentorship and guidance throughout the programme. The university’s extensive resources, including libraries, archaeological collections, and research centers, support students’ learning and research activities.

Graduates of the BA Ancient Languages with Year Abroad will possess a rare combination of linguistic mastery, cultural understanding, and international experience, making them highly competitive in various fields such as education, archaeology, museum work, translation, and cultural policy.

This programme embodies UCL’s commitment to fostering global perspectives, critical inquiry, and a deep appreciation of ancient civilizations and their legacy, equipping students with skills that are valuable across many sectors in a rapidly globalizing world.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

In year one you will take courses in Biblical Hebrew, either Latin or Greek, and introductory historical linguistics. You will additionally be able to start studying a third and, if desired, fourth ancient language, drawn from an extensive selection (see the list given in the Degree Structure table). Ancient language courses include intensive study of texts spanning diverse literary genres including historical narrative, prose fiction, poetry, mythology, and religion. Alternatively, you can choose up to 1.5 credits from a wide range of disciplines including archaeology, history and linguistics.

In year two you will continue your study of Biblical Hebrew and Greek or Latin. You will also begin or continue study of a third (and possibly fourth or fifth) ancient language. Again, you have the opportunity to choose a course from another discipline.

You will spend the third year studying ancient languages abroad. You can choose to spend half the year at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the other half at a European or North American university chosen from a selection of institutions available to UCL students; alternatively, you can choose to spend the entire year at one institution.

In year four you will take advanced courses in Biblical Hebrew and Greek or Latin. You may also continue study of a third (and possibly fourth or fifth) ancient language, an option from another discipline, or a dissertation.

A levels

Grades

AAB

Subjects

An ancient or modern language at grade A, unless an ancient and a modern language are offered at GCSE at grade C or above.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

36

Subjects

A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no score below 5, to include an ancient or modern language at grade 6 unless an ancient and a modern language are offered at GCSE at grade C or above.

Accepted equivalent qualification(s) for Russia

Successful completion of one year of a Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma at a Russian university recognised by UCL, with an average of 4.5/5.

Study must contain subjects relevant to the programme of study at UCL.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course