Classics and Modern Languages
The Oxford Classics and Modern Languages BA combines Latin and/or Ancient Greek with a modern European language, allowing students to study key literary texts while developing advanced language skills. The course explores how classical works influenced later European literature and thought, with some modules enabling direct comparison between ancient and modern texts.
Students benefit from world-class resources, including the Bodleian Library, the Taylor Institution, the Ashmolean Museum, and dedicated Classics and Modern Languages centres. The programme also fosters strong written and spoken communication, intercultural understanding, and analytical skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, media, international relations, and beyond.
Course Overview
- UCAS code: Refer to course combination list
- Entry requirements: AAA at A-level (with A grades in Latin and/or Greek if studied)
- Length of study: 4 or 5 years, including a compulsory year abroad (BA)
Subject Requirements
One modern language (depending on your chosen course path)
- Latin
- Ancient Greek
- Classical Civilisation
- Ancient History
Additional Requirements
- CAT (Classics Admissions Test)
- MLAT (Modern Languages Admissions Test) – depending on your course choice
Between one and three essays or assignments must be submitted.
Admissions Statistics (average from 2022–24)
- Interviewed: 95%
- Successful offers: 41%
- Typical intake: 11 students
- Successful for another Oxford course: 4%
International Opportunities
All students on Oxford’s Classics and Modern Languages BA spend a compulsory year abroad to enhance language fluency and cultural understanding. Options include working as a paid language assistant, undertaking an internship, or studying at a partner university.
These placements provide practical experience and immersive learning, preparing students for international careers. Oxford maintains strong European partnerships to ensure these opportunities remain accessible, with guidance provided for visa or health-related requirements.
Read more about Classic Archaeology Ancient History
Funding for the Year Abroad
Some placements come with a salary, such as teaching assistant roles, providing students with practical experience alongside financial support. Additional funding is available from Oxford and other sources to assist with costs associated with the year abroad. Students remain responsible for living expenses, travel, and visa requirements throughout their placement. UK students from lower-income households may be eligible for Oxford’s generous bursaries, while travel grants may also be offered through individual colleges or faculties to further ease financial pressures.
For the most up-to-date information, Oxford advises consulting the Study Abroad webpage, as both costs and available funding can vary from year to year.
Course Structure
The Classics and Modern Languages (CML) degree provides two distinct study routes, each culminating in the same final examinations. The difference between them lies solely in the emphasis of the first one or two years of study.
Option A – Prelims Route
his route divides study evenly between Classics (language and literature) and Modern Languages.
Duration:
4 years for students with A-level (or equivalent) Latin or Greek.
5 years for students beginning Latin or Greek as a new language.
Students sit a Preliminary Examination at the end of the first year, or the second year if starting Latin or Greek from scratch.
Key Features of Option A – “Prelims Route”
Total duration of four or five years, depending on prior language experience.
Early study is balanced equally between Classics and Modern Languages, providing a strong foundation in both fields.
Option B – Mods Route
This route begins with a stronger emphasis on Classics.
For the first five terms, students take the same papers as single-subject Classics students, covering:
Greek and/or Latin language
Literature
Ancient history
Archaeology
Philology
Ancient or modern philosophy
Duration: Always 5 years, regardless of prior Latin or Greek experience.
Students sit Honour Moderations (Mods) in the second year (around Easter), following the same structure as Classics students.
Key Features of Option B – “Mods Route”
Total duration of five years
Greater focus on Classics in the first five terms, providing an intensive foundation in the subject
Assessments by Stage
Option A – Year 1 (or Years 1–2 for beginners in Latin/Greek)
Translation from the ancient language into English (1 paper)
Literature in the ancient language(s) (2 papers)
Practical language work in the modern language (2 papers)
Modern language literature (2 papers)
First University Examinations: 3 papers in Classics, 4 papers in Modern Languages
Option B – Years 1–2 (Terms 1–5)
Covers the same subjects as single-honours Classics, providing in-depth engagement with: Greek and/or Latin language, literature, ancient history, archaeology, philology, and philosophy
Modern language development is maintained through dedicated language classes
First University Examinations in Classics: 6–9 papers, reflecting the advanced focus in Classics during the first five terms
Final Years (after the year abroad)
Both Option A and Option B converge into a unified curriculum in the later years of the course.
Classics: 3–4 papers, covering advanced language, literature, and cultural studies
Modern Languages: 4–5 papers, including practical language skills and literary analysis
Comparative Option: One paper or extended essay exploring connections between ancient and modern texts
Final University Examinations: 9 papers in total (8 compulsory plus 1 optional), complemented by an oral examination in the modern language
Thesis Option: In certain cases, a research thesis may substitute for one Classics paper
Please note that paper choices and assessment formats may be updated; current and detailed information is available on the official Classics and Modern Languages webpages.
Academic Requirements
Applicants for the Classics and Modern Languages BA must demonstrate excellent academic achievement.
A-levels: AAA, with at least an A in Latin and/or Greek if studied
Scottish Advanced Highers: AA or AAB, including an A in Latin where applicable
International Baccalaureate (IB): Minimum of 39 points (including core), with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, and at least a 6 in Latin and Greek if undertaken
Other Qualifications: Equivalent UK and international credentials are considered. Oxford evaluates academic performance in context, taking into account the applicant’s circumstances, school type, and any challenges faced
Candidates must complete and pass any practical components in their science subjects where applicable.
For applicants whose first language is not English, compliance with Oxford’s English language requirements is mandatory.
Subject Requirements
Helpful Subjects (not required)
- Latin or Ancient Greek
- Classical Civilisation
- Ancient History
For post-A-level Modern Languages
Applicants are normally expected to have studied their chosen modern language at A-level, Advanced Higher, IB Higher Level, or an equivalent qualification.
However, candidates who have not formally studied the language may still be considered, provided they can demonstrate a proficiency equivalent to B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
For beginners languages
- You can start a new modern language from scratch.
- However, if you are also beginning Latin or Greek, you must already have studied one classical language (Latin/Greek) at A-level or equivalent.
Applying
All candidates must follow the University of Oxford’s standard application process. Full details can be found on the Applying to Oxford webpage.
Admissions Tests
Applicants for Classics and Modern Languages are required to take the relevant admissions tests:
Classics Admissions Test (CAT)
Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) – required depending on the chosen language component.
Key test dates for 2025 entry:
CAT: 22–24 October 2025
MLAT: 24 October 2025
Registration details will be released closer to the test period. Comprehensive guidance and preparation resources are available on the official Oxford admissions webpages.
Written Work
- Candidates must submit one piece of written work for the Classics component (see the Classics Faculty website for guidance).
- Written work is no longer required for Modern Languages (from 2026 entry onwards).
Submission deadline: 10 November 2025
Careers
A degree in Classics and Modern Languages opens up a wide variety of career paths. Graduates gain advanced analytical skills, cultural awareness, and high-level proficiency in languages — qualities that are valued by many employers.
Common career routes include:
- Media and journalism
- Teaching and academia
- Theatre and acting
- Law and public service
- Publishing and advertising
- Librarianship and archiving
- Management and business roles
- Work with international organisations and companies
Graduate Perspective
Graduate Spotlight: Liliana – Classics and French
Liliana, an Oxford graduate in Classics and French, reflects on her experience:
“I chose the joint degree because I was captivated by Europe, its languages, and its classical heritage. The course’s breadth allowed me to explore multiple disciplines and discover meaningful connections between them. My training in languages and classical texts provided excellent preparation for navigating complex challenges.”
Following graduation, Liliana relocated to China, where she pursued a career as a television presenter, reporting on society, politics, and culture. She emphasizes how her Oxford education — from linguistic precision to critical engagement with unfamiliar traditions — enabled her to conduct live broadcasts in Chinese, interview global figures, and report from significant locations such as Tiananmen Square.
Liliana’s journey exemplifies how an Oxford degree in Classics and Modern Languages equips graduates with the skills and confidence to thrive in careers that cross cultural and international boundaries.
Fees
Tuition Fees (per year)
Home (UK) students: £9,535 per year
Overseas students: £41,130 per year
Tuition fees are typically reviewed annually and may increase in line with government regulations and institutional policy. Detailed information, including guidance on anticipated fee changes, is available on Oxford course fees webpage.
Compulsory Year Abroad:
During the year abroad, tuition fees are significantly reduced to reflect the study placement:
Home students: £1,430 (indicative for 2025/26)
Overseas students: £13,985 (indicative for 2025/26)
Students are responsible for living expenses, travel, visas, and any placement-specific costs. Figures may vary depending on the host institution, type of placement, or destination country.
Living Costs
Living expenses at Oxford are often lower than expected, thanks to college-provided accommodation and facilities that help students manage day-to-day costs.
Estimated living costs for 2025:
Monthly range: £1,425–£2,035
Duration: Based on approximately six months in Oxford each year (three terms of eight weeks)
Students may wish to budget for a full nine-month period to account for holidays and essential expenditures.
These estimates cover accommodation, meals, study materials, and personal expenses. Actual costs may vary depending on lifestyle choices and college provisions.
Financial Support
For Home Students
- A tuition fee loan from the UK government is available to cover the full fee (for first-time undergraduates).
- Oxford offers one of the most generous bursary packages in the UK.
- Support is available for students with a household income of £50,000 or less.
- Extra help is available for those with incomes of £32,500 or below.
- Additional living costs support may be available from the UK government for eligible students.
For Students from Islands and Isle of Man
- Funding arrangements differ from the rest of the UK.
- Students should check details with their local education authority.
For Overseas Students
- Oxford offers a range of scholarships and bursaries.
- Details are listed on the Oxford Bursaries and Scholarships webpage.