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Latin programme requirements

Undergraduate admission

You are not required to have any previous knowledge of Latin before signing up for our first year Latin modules. Allocation to First level modules in Latin is made in accordance with linguistic competence at the time of enrolment.

For those with a qualification in Higher or A-level Latin, or their foreign equivalents, there are two First level modules, which study Latin literature: one based on prose authors, one on verse. There are normally three lectures per week, and the class meets once a week in tutorial groups of about five students to study and discuss language and literature in various ways.

There is also a pair of First level modules specially designed for beginners or virtual beginners. Students follow a carefully graded programme and meet three or four times a week in tutorial groups to learn grammar and vocabulary and read continuous texts. After completing these modules successfully they are able to go on to Second level work and proceed to an Honours degree in Latin in the normal four years.

The aims of the Second level modules are to increase speed and fluency, to deepen and broaden the study of Latin literature, and to see it in cultural perspective. There are two modules, The Age of Cicero and Poetry of the Age of Augustus, in which major writers of these periods and other aspects - especially art and thought - will be studied in lectures, seminars, and private reading. Tutorials will meet once a week and continue the same kinds of work as at First level. Those who have taken the beginners' modules in their First Year will follow versions of the above mentioned modules specially adapted to their needs.

Undergraduate entry requirements

Latin: Single Honours

To enter Honours, the following conditions must be met

  • a minimum of 80 credits from 4 sub-honours modules in Latin
  • a minimum of  40 credits (2 subhonours modules) at Second level
  • grades of at least 11 in both second year modules

At Honours level, all students must write a dissertation in their final year. Seven other modules chosen from a wide selection in Latin, Classical studies and Ancient History enable students to tailor the degree to their interests.

Latin element of Joint degrees

Entry to Honours is the same as for Latin.

Students who have started their study of Latin in their second year  and passed both beginners Latin modules with a grade of 11 or better may enter Joint Honours Latin on condition that they take both Latin for Honours modules in their first year of Honours.

 

Latin

What the students say

'The course is excellent, challenging but not overpowering'

'... designed both to reinforce ... basic language skills and to begin a thoughtful examination of Latin literature'

'...some fine teaching and an interesting course...' (First Year Students).

Undergraduate enquiries

All admissions queries should be sent to the University admissions department; they will forward relevant questions to our admissions officer.