Classics and Modern Languages

The Degree Programme in Classics and Modern Languages at the University of Oxford offers students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the study of classical civilizations alongside contemporary languages and cultures. This interdisciplinary course combines rigorous training in ancient Greek and Latin, enabling students to analyze classical texts, understand historical contexts, and explore the foundations of Western civilization. Simultaneously, students pursue one or two modern languages, such as French, German, Italian, Spanish, or others, gaining fluency and cultural understanding that complement their classical studies. The joint programme is designed to foster a deep appreciation of linguistic diversity, literary expression, and cultural interactions across different periods and societies.

Throughout the course, students develop strong analytical, interpretative, and research skills by engaging with a wide variety of texts, from ancient manuscripts to modern literature. They learn to translate, interpret, and analyze texts in both classical and modern languages, gaining insights into historical development and contemporary cultural issues. The programme encourages critical thinking about the relationship between language, history, and culture, and promotes methodological versatility through diverse modules ranging from philology and archaeology to literary analysis and cultural studies.

The programme is typically structured over three or four years, depending on the chosen course length, with students engaging in lectures, seminars, language tutorials, and independent research projects. The curriculum includes compulsory modules that cover core aspects of classical languages, literature, and history, alongside optional modules allowing students to tailor their studies towards specific interests such as ancient philosophy, classical art, comparative literature, or European cultural history.

Students benefit from Oxford’s distinguished academic staff, extensive library collections, and vibrant academic community. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, publishing, archaeology, education, translation, and cultural management, among other fields. Graduates also acquire essential skills such as critical thinking, linguistic proficiency, research competence, and cross-cultural awareness that are highly valued in today's globalized world. Enrolling in the Classics and Modern Languages programme at Oxford provides a challenging yet rewarding educational experience that deepens understanding of human history, language, and culture across centuries and borders.

A typical weekly timetable

Your time is divided between lectures, language classes, tutorials and private study. Most of your work will be in preparation of essays for your tutorials and classes, although independent language work and systematic reading, not necessarily aimed at any particular tutorial, also requires a considerable input of time and effort.

Course structure

Two routes through the course, called ‘options’, are available to CML students. This is separate from whether you will study Course I (if you have studied Latin and/or Greek to A-level standard) or Course II (if you have not). You will be asked which route you wish to take only after you have applied to Oxford. The two routes are identical in their last two years, and lead to the same final exams; they differ only in their first one or two years.

Option A divides its time evenly between Classics (mostly language and literature) and Modern Languages. This option (also known as the ‘Prelims route’, because you will take a Preliminary Examination similar to that taken by Classics and English or Modern Languages students) lasts three years for Course I students, and four years for Course II students. (With the year abroad, this makes a total of four or five years.)

Option B begins with a focus on Classics. For the first five terms, students take all the same options in Greek and/or Latin language, literature, ancient history, archaeology, philology and ancient or modern philosophy as are available to students of Classics. This option (also known as the ‘Mods route’, because you will take Honour Moderations (first exams) in Classics identical to those taken by Classics students) lasts four years for students on both Course I and Course II. (With the year abroad, this makes a total of five years.)

• Attestat o Srednam Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) would not be sufficient for candidates to make a competitive application. If your qualification is listed as being insufficient to make a competitive application to Oxford, then you will need to undertake further study if you wish to apply.You could take British A-levels (the British Council may know where you can take A-levels in your country), the International Baccalaureate (IB), or any other qualifications listed as acceptable on this page. The first year of a bachelor's degree from another university could also be an acceptable alternative.
• IELTS: overall score of 7.0 (with at least 7.0 in each of the four components)
• TOEFL (paper-based): overall score of 600 with a Test of Written English score of 5.5
• TOEFL (internet-based): overall score of 110 with component scores of at least: Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, and Writing 24.
• Cambridge English: Advanced, also known as the Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): grade A if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency, also known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): grade B if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• English Language GCSE, or O-level: grade B (for IGCSE, please see below)
• International Baccalaureate Standard Level (SL): score of 5 in English (as Language A or B)
• European Baccalaureate: score of 70% in English.

Hill Foundation Scholarship

Russian nationals wishing to study for a second undergraduate degree. 

Palgrave Brown Scholarship

Students must be ordinarily resident in and/or educated in the following countries:

Albania; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czech Republic; Estonia; Georgia; Hungary; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyz Rep.; Latvia; Lithuania; Macedonia;  Moldova; Montenegro; Poland; Romania; Russia; Serbia; Slovakia; Slovenia; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; Uzbekistan. 

The Classics and Modern Languages degree programme at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in the study of ancient Greek and Latin literature, language, and civilization, alongside the in-depth exploration of one or more modern languages and their associated cultures. This interdisciplinary course aims to develop students’ linguistic proficiency, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, providing a solid foundation for careers in academia, publishing, diplomacy, and other fields requiring advanced language skills and cultural understanding.

Students undertake rigorous language training, beginning with foundational courses in Greek and Latin, progressing to advanced language modules that emphasize both literary analysis and philological skills. Parallel to language studies, students have the opportunity to examine classical texts in their original language, studying ancient history, philosophy, art, and architecture through dedicated courses. The programme also emphasizes the contextual understanding of the classical world and its influence on modern societies.

In addition to classical languages and literature, students choose one or more modern languages, with options often including French, German, Spanish, Italian, or other languages, depending on the student's interests. These modules involve language acquisition, translation, and cultural studies, aiming to enhance students' proficiency and cultural knowledge.

Throughout the course, students benefit from expert tuition provided by leading academics in Classics and Modern Languages. They engage in critical analysis of texts and cultural materials, participate in seminars, and undertake independent research projects, preparing them for postgraduate study or diverse careers. The programme encourages intellectual curiosity, cultural literacy, and analytical skills, with a flexible structure that allows students to tailor their studies according to personal interests.

Assessment methods typically include written examinations, essays, oral exams, and coursework, reflecting the diverse skill set required to succeed in the fields of language, literature, and history. The university's resources, including libraries, language centers, and access to a broad spectrum of archaeological and historical materials, support students' learning journey. Graduates from the Classics and Modern Languages programme at Oxford are well-equipped with linguistic expertise, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of cultural contexts, positioning them for success in academia, international organizations, arts and media sectors, and beyond.