Classics and Oriental Studies

The Classics and Oriental Studies programme at the University of Oxford offers students a unique and comprehensive opportunity to explore the rich cultural, historical, linguistic, and literary traditions of the ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern worlds. This interdisciplinary course is designed to provide a deep understanding of the civilizations that have significantly influenced the development of Western and Eastern thought, art, politics, and society. Students will engage with a wide range of languages, including Latin, Ancient Greek, Akkadian, Sanskrit, and other ancient and modern languages pertinent to the study of classical and oriental civilizations.

Throughout the programme, students will undertake detailed study of classical archaeology, literature, philosophy, history, and linguistic analysis. The course fosters analytical skills, cultural awareness, and a critical understanding of primary sources, encouraging students to examine historical contexts and interpret ancient texts and artifacts. In addition, students will have access to extensive collections and resources at Oxford, including world-class libraries and archaeological sites, enabling an immersive learning experience.

The programme is structured to allow flexibility, with options to focus more intensively on either classical or oriental studies, or to pursue an integrated approach that combines both disciplines. Coursework may include language exams, essays, research projects, and presentations, while assessment is typically through written examinations and dissertations. Students are supported by expert tutors in their chosen fields, and may participate in archaeological excavations, language workshops, and seminars with visiting scholars.

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, museum curation, cultural heritage management, education, publishing, and other fields that require expertise in ancient civilizations and languages. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, linguistic proficiency, and a deep appreciation of the complexities of ancient societies, making it an intellectually enriching choice for those passionate about understanding the foundations of modern Western and Eastern cultures.

• 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 Oriental Studies program at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive interdisciplinary course designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of ancient civilizations, languages, and cultures. This program combines rigorous language study with the exploration of historical, literary, and archaeological aspects of the ancient world, often allowing students to specialize further in particular areas of interest, such as Classical Greek and Latin literature, ancient history, or Asian studies. The curriculum is structured to promote critical thinking, linguistic proficiency, and cultural appreciation through both coursework and research opportunities.

Students typically engage with a diverse range of texts, artifacts, and scholarly sources to develop a nuanced understanding of the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome, as well as key regions and cultures of Asia. The program emphasizes the development of linguistic skills in ancient languages, which are essential for primary source analysis and interpretation. These languages include Latin, Greek, and various Asian languages, depending on the specialization chosen.

Teaching at Oxford is delivered through tutorials, seminars, and lectures, with a strong emphasis on individual study and personalized feedback. The program also offers internships and access to extensive university resources, including libraries and archaeological collections, to enrich the learning experience. Graduates of the Classics and Oriental Studies program tend to pursue careers in academia, education, museum curation, translation, or cultural heritage sectors. The program aims to produce well-rounded graduates with sophisticated analytical skills and a global cultural perspective, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to diverse fields related to historical and cultural studies.

Overall, the Classics and Oriental Studies at Oxford provides an in-depth, scholarly environment that fosters both depth and breadth across ancient cultures, equipping students with the skills to analyze complex texts and contexts, and to engage critically with historical narratives and cultural identities.