Classics and English

For those captivated by ancient wisdom and modern literary expression, the Classics and English degree at the University of Oxford offers an unparalleled academic journey. This unique undergraduate program immerses students in the rich tapestries of human thought, culture, and literature, spanning millennia. More than a dual-honours degree, it fosters a deep understanding of how foundational texts and ideas have shaped our world. By exploring these two vast fields independently and in profound conversation, students gain a distinctive perspective on storytelling, language, and critical inquiry. This guide navigates the program’s core philosophy, academic structure, application process, student experience, and diverse career paths.

Detailed Oxford University enrollment guide

What is Classics and English at Oxford?

At its core, the Oxford University Classics and English degree encourages students to explore literature and culture from the broadest perspective. It cultivates intellectual detectives who trace the evolution of ideas, literary forms, and genres across diverse cultures and vast stretches of time. This comparative approach is central, enabling critical analysis of continuities and changes in human thought, writing, and imagination. A cornerstone is direct engagement with ancient literature in its original form, meaning all students undertake the study of either Latin or Greek, or both. This commitment to original texts provides an unparalleled depth of understanding and appreciation for the nuances of ancient thought.

The program accommodates varying levels of prior classical language experience. Course I is a three-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) for individuals with an A-level or equivalent in Latin or Greek, allowing immediate immersion into advanced classical studies. For those without prior classical language study, Course II offers a four-year BA, including a crucial preliminary year dedicated to intensive language learning in Latin or Greek, alongside an introduction to classical literature. This ensures students from diverse academic backgrounds can access and excel in the rigorous study of classical texts, bridging any prior linguistic gaps effectively.

Course Structure

The academic journey through the Classics and English degree is meticulously structured, providing a comprehensive and deeply engaging educational experience. The curriculum builds foundational knowledge while offering ample opportunities for specialization and independent research, fostering intellectual growth and critical thinking skills essential for a wide range of future endeavors.

The Preliminary Year (for Course II Students)

For Course II students, the initial year is a dedicated preliminary phase. This year is crucial for those without prior exposure to classical languages, providing intensive instruction in either Latin or Greek. Alongside rigorous language acquisition, students are introduced to classical literature, history, and philosophy, laying a solid groundwork for subsequent studies and ensuring linguistic proficiency for engaging with ancient texts in their original forms. This foundational year is designed to bring all students to a comparable level of classical understanding before they fully integrate into the core program, ensuring a smooth transition into the demanding curriculum.

Year 1

Following the preliminary year for Course II students, or commencing directly for Course I students, the first year of the core program delves into a pivotal period of literary history. A significant focus is placed on English literature of the 16th and 17th centuries, a time when English writers were profoundly engaged with ancient Greece and Rome. This interdisciplinary approach highlights the enduring influence of classical thought on English literary traditions, examining how classical themes, myths, and literary forms were reinterpreted and transformed. Students typically undertake five papers:

Introduction to English language and literature: This paper provides a broad overview of literary analysis, critical theory, and historical context, equipping students with fundamental interpretive tools.

Literature in English 1550–1660: A deep dive into Renaissance and early modern English texts, including works by Shakespeare, Marlowe, and Milton, exploring their classical allusions and innovative forms.

Unseen translation for Classics: Developing crucial linguistic skills for ancient texts, enhancing precision and understanding of original meanings.

Two papers in Greek and/or Latin literature: Focused study of specific classical authors or genres, such as Homer, Virgil, or Greek tragedy, analyzed in their original linguistic and cultural contexts.

Assessment involves four written papers for the first University examination, alongside a submitted portfolio of two essays. While all examinations must be passed, their marks do not contribute to the final degree classification, allowing students to focus on mastering core concepts and skills without immediate grade pressure, fostering a genuine love for learning.

Years 2 and 3

The later years offer increasing opportunities for students to shape their academic path, fostering greater independence and specialization across English literature, ancient literature, history, philosophy, and linguistics. A distinctive feature is the integration of both disciplines through a series of link papers, specifically designed for comparative work. Students typically take seven papers in total, including:

A compulsory paper on Epic: Exploring epic traditions across classical and English literature, tracing narrative structures, heroic ideals, and cultural significance from Homer to Milton.

A choice of two other link papers from Comedy, Tragedy, or Reception: These papers allow for in-depth comparative study of specific literary forms or the influence and transformation of classical texts and ideas in later periods.

Two papers from the English single honours course: Providing breadth and depth in English literary studies, chosen from a wide array of periods and genres.

Two Classics options: Allowing for further specialization in classical history, philosophy, art, or archaeology, broadening the interdisciplinary scope.

A core Latin or Greek literature paper: Maintaining linguistic proficiency and engagement with original texts, ensuring continued mastery of classical languages.

The degree culminates in a final-year dissertation of 8,000 words, an independent research project on a topic of the student’s choice. This significant piece of work demonstrates advanced research, analytical, and writing skills, serving as a capstone to their undergraduate studies.

Link Papers – Bridging Two Worlds

The link papers are the heart of the Classics and English degree. Every student studies Epic, exploring texts such as Homer’s Odyssey, Virgil’s Aeneid, Milton’s Paradise Lost, and modern works by Derek Walcott or Alice Oswald. These papers reveal how epic storytelling has evolved from oral tradition to modern poetry.

Optional link papers — Comedy, Tragedy, or Reception — allow you to examine themes like performance, adaptation, and the reinterpretation of classical forms in later literature.

Teaching and Learning at Oxford

Students benefit from Oxford University world-renowned tutorial system, where small-group sessions (usually 2–3 students) are guided by expert tutors. Each week, you’ll write essays, participate in discussions, and receive personalized feedback.

A typical week includes:

2 tutorials in Classics and English
3–4 lectures or classes
Language learning sessions
Independent reading and essay writing

You’ll have access to unparalleled resources such as:

The Bodleian Library (including original manuscripts)
The English Faculty Library
The Classics Centre
The Ashmolean Museum

These facilities provide the academic foundation for deep literary exploration and original research.

Entry Requirements

University of Oxford entry standards reflect the high academic expectations of this prestigious course.

A-levels: AAA (including As in Latin and Greek, if taken)
Scottish Advanced Highers: AA/AAB (with A in Latin if studied)
IB: 39 points (including core), with 6,6,6 at Higher Level and 6s in Latin and Greek if studied
Other qualifications: Equivalent international qualifications are accepted

Applicants are expected to have studied English Literature or English Language and Literature. Latin and/or Greek are essential for Course I but not required for Course II.

If English is not your first language, you must meet Oxford University English language proficiency standards:

IELTS: 7.5 overall (minimum 7.0 per component)
TOEFL iBT: 110 overall (minimum 22–25 per component)

Admission Tests and Written Work

Applicants are required to sit the Classics Admissions Test (CAT) and the English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT), depending on their course choice.

Test Dates for 2025 Entry:

CAT: 22–24 October 2025
ELAT: 22–24 October 2025
Registration details are confirmed closer to the date on Oxford’s admissions pages.

Written Work: Two pieces are required — ideally one related to Classics and one to English — demonstrating analytical ability and written communication skills.

Interview and Selection Process

Oxford tutors look for intellectual curiosity, strong reading comprehension, and a passion for literature. Candidates should demonstrate:

Evidence of independent thought
Strong potential for language learning (for Course II)
Ability to draw connections between texts and ideas

Successful applicants typically perform strongly in both the admission tests and interviews, where they discuss texts, interpretations, and linguistic concepts.

Fees and Living Costs

Tuition Fees for 2025–2026

Home (UK students): £9,535 per year
Overseas students: £43,600 per year

Living Costs

Living expenses at Oxford are often more affordable than expected due to college accommodation and dining facilities.

Estimated monthly costs: £1,405–£2,105
Students usually live in Oxford for about six months of the academic year, though budgeting for nine months is recommended.

Visit Oxford’s official living costs webpage for up-to-date figures.

Financial Support and Scholarships

Oxford offers one of the most generous financial aid systems in the UK.

Home students may access full tuition fee loans and maintenance support.
Oxford Bursaries are available for students with household incomes below £50,000.
Overseas students can apply for merit-based scholarships listed on the Oxford Bursaries and Scholarships page.

Colleges Offering Classics and English

This degree is available at several Oxford colleges, including:
Brasenose, Corpus Christi, Exeter, Magdalen, Lady Margaret Hall, Oriel, Queen’s, St Anne’s, Trinity, University, Wadham, and Worcester Colleges.

Each college provides tutorial teaching, accommodation, and a vibrant academic community.

Career Prospects

Graduates of Classics and English from Oxford pursue diverse and successful careers across many fields. The degree builds analytical, linguistic, and critical skills highly valued by employers.

Common career paths include:

Teaching and academia
Journalism and publishing
Law and consultancy
Media and communications
Finance, advertising, and management
Writing, research, and cultural heritage sectors

As one graduate, Philip, reflects:

“My Oxford degree helped me develop analytical and linguistic precision, which are invaluable in journalism and writing. It laid the foundation for my success as an author and media professional.”

Conclusion

The Classics and English degree at Oxford University represents the pinnacle of interdisciplinary humanities study. It enables students to connect the voices of antiquity with the ideas of modern literature, fostering both intellectual depth and cultural understanding.

With world-class teaching, rich resources, and limitless academic potential, this program prepares graduates to think critically, communicate powerfully, and navigate global careers rooted in timeless human knowledge.