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Classics (Literae Humaniores)

To study the Greek and Roman world is to study one of the greatest civilizations that has existed. The world’s first democracy – the conquests of Alexander the Great – the dazzling achievements of the Roman empire, are only some of its highlights.

Classicists read an incomparable literature, from epic to love poetry, high tragedy to knockabout comedy, history to political satire. We study philosophy from Plato and Aristotle to modern ethics, metaphysics and philosophy of mind, and art and archaeology from the Parthenon to Hadrian’s Wall and from marble statues to village rubbish-heaps.

If you are interested in all or most of the above, Classics is the subject for you. You do not have to know any Greek or Latin to apply. If your interest is in history and material culture, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History is likely to suit you best. If you are particularly interested in the relationship between the ancient and modern world, or Greek and Latin and English or other European literatures, you are likely to enjoy one of the other joint schools.

Oriel is excellently equipped for students studying Classical subjects. The library meets most student needs, and the University and Faculty libraries are only a few minutes’ walk away. The tutorial fellows are experienced teachers who have international reputations in areas of research ranging from early Greek poetry to the philosophy of physics via Aristotle and the early Church. Generous travel grants and academic prizes enable students to explore the Mediterranean world in the vacations.

Degrees in Classical Subjects are valued highly by employers, and unemployment among Classics graduates is almost non-existent. Classicists go into every walk of life: notably the law, the civil service, banking and commerce, the media, the heritage industry, the voluntary sector and education.

Classics is a great subject! There are so many different ways to engage in the classical world.

Oliver Collopy|Classics (Literae Humaniores)
Admission Criteria

All candidates must take the Classics Admissions Test (CAT). Candidates will also be asked to submit two pieces of written work in English. The standard offer is AAA at A Level or equivalent. More information can be found on the Classics Faculty website.

Number of places

6 for Literae Humaniores (Classics), Classics, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. There are additionally 1 place for Classics and English and 1 (usually) for Classics and Modern Languages.

Departments

Faculty of Classics

Teaching Staff

Miss Charis Jo

Graduate Teaching & Research Scholar in Classics

Dr Oliver Pooley

Vice Provost | Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy

Ms Megan Bowler

Non-Stipendiary Lecturer in Classics

Organising Tutor
Professor Bruno Currie

Mason Monro Fellow in Classics | Professor of Greek Literature

Organising Tutor
Dr Luca Castagnoli

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Clarendon Fellow in Ancient Greek Philosophy | Tutor in Philosophy & Classics

Dr Tristan Franklinos

College Lecturer in Classics | Dean of Degrees

Mrs Juliane Kerkhecker

Grocyn Lecturer | Fellow & Tutor in Classics | Senior Dean | Steward of the Common Room

Professor Gonzalo Rodriguez-Pereyra

Colin Prestige Fellow & Tutor in Philosophy | Senior Tutor

OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
Number of places 6 for Literae Humaniores (Classics), Classics, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. Admission Criteria Applicants should usually have AAA at A-Level (or equivalent).

Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Number of places 6 for Literae Humaniores (Classics), Classics, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. Admission Criteria All candidates must take the Classics Admissions Test (CAT) and the OLAT. Written work is also required. The standard offer is AAA at A Level or equivalent. More information about admission requirements for the course can be found on the University website.

Classics and English
Admission Criteria All candidates must take the Classics Admissions Test (CAT). Candidates will also be asked to submit two pieces of written work in English. The standard offer is AAA at A Level or equivalent. More information can be found on the Classics Faculty website.

Classics and Modern Languages
Number of places Usually 1 Admission Criteria All candidates must take the Classics Admissions Test (CAT) and the Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT). Written work is also required. The standard offer is AAA at A Level or equivalent. More information about admission requirements for the course can be found on the University website.

Philosophy (Joint Honours)
Admission Criteria The admissions criteria for each course involving philosophy can be found on the dedicated course page. For all courses, applicants invited to interview will be given a philosophy interview, or an interview with a philosophy component. At interview, we will not test whether you are already familiar with philosophical texts or arguments. Instead we are interested in your aptitude and potential for precise analytical thought, and in whether you enjoy abstract reasoning.

Philosophy and Modern Languages
Number of places 1 or 2, taken from the Modern Languages quota of 9 Admission Criteria All candidates must take the Modern Languages Admissions Tests (MLAT), normally at their own school or college, in November, in addition to the written work specified on the university's website. Separate registration for this test is required and it is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. Candidates will need to take two sections of the MLAT: one for their chosen language, and one for Philosophy. Conditional offers: AAA at A-level (or equivalent), with A grades required for any language to be studied (except ab initio languages).

Philosophy and Theology
Number of places 3 or 4 Admission Criteria Typical offer: AAA at A-level (or equivalent). Candidates are required to submit one piece of written work for Theology (no work is required for Philosophy). Applicants should also complete the Philosophy admissions test, which is usually taken in November each year.

Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Number of places 9 Admission Criteria Conditional offers: normally AAA at A-level (or equivalent). Applicants are not required to submit written work. All candidates must take the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) in early November, normally at their own schools or colleges. Separate registration for this test is required and prospective applicants should refer to the test website for further information.

Theology and Religion
Number of places 2 or 3 Admission Criteria Typical offer: AAA at A-level (or equivalent). Candidates for places in the Single Honours School of Theology are not required to have backgrounds in particular subjects. Candidates are required to submit one piece of written work.  

What next?

Applying to Oriel

Applying to Oriel

Fees and funding

Fees and funding

Open days

Open days