Oxford Classics & English: Overview and Entrance Requirements

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Overview:

The Oxford Classics and English degree explores ancient and modern literature and culture individually and comparatively. Students analyse cross-cultural ideas, forms, and genres, and consider changes in thought and imagination over time. All students learn Latin and/or Greek to engage with original ancient texts. 

Course I is a 3-year programme for those with an A-level or equivalent in Latin or Greek.

Course II is for students without prior language exposure, including a preparatory year to learn Latin/Greek alongside classical literature, thus making it a 4-year course.

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UCAS CodeQQ38 (Classics and English)
QQH8 (Classics II and English)
Minimum Entrance Requirements A-levels – AAA (with As in Latin and Greek, if taken)
Advanced Highers – AA/AAB (with A in Latin, if taken)
IB – 39 (including core points) with 666 at HL (and an aggregate of 12 in Latin and Greek, if taken)  
Admission Test for Classics & Englishat OxfordBoth CAT & ELAT 
CAT (Classics Admissions Test)
Test Date: 19 October 2023
ELAT (English Literature Languages Admissions Test)
Test Date: 19 October 2023
Registration Deadline: 29 September 2023    
Subject Requirements for Classics & Englishat OxfordLatin and/or Greek (for Course I only) and English Literature or English Language and Literature are Essential.
Extras things admission tutors look forWritten Work: 2 pieces, one relevant to Classics and one to English.

Submission deadline: 10 November 2023
Application/Interest: ELAT, Written Work & Interview

Furthermore, candidate must demonstrate a strong potential for language-learning (Course II), or existing competence in Latin or Greek.
Duration3 years (Course I BA), 4 years (Course II BA)
Admissions StatisticsInterviewed: 87%, Successful: 36%
What is Classics & English at Oxford?The Classics and English degree programme at Oxford offers a unique opportunity for students to delve into the literature and culture of both ancient and modern worlds.
This programme also enables students to study these aspects individually and comparatively, exploring themes, ideas, and genres across different cultures and time periods.
Moreover, the programme’s curriculum is carefully designed to help students develop a deep understanding of ancient and modern literary traditions.
Students explore the evolution of ideas, forms, and genres across cultures and through time.
The comparative approach also encourages critical thinking about continuities and changes in human thought, writing, and imagination.
What Colleges Offer Classics & Englishat Oxford?Brasenose College, Corpus Christi College, Exeter College, Harris Manchester College, Jesus College, Lady Margaret Hall, Magdalen College, Oriel College, The Queen’s College , St Anne’s College, St Hugh’s College, Trinity College, University College, Wadham College, Worcester College
Structure of the Classics & English at OxfordCourse I
Course I is designed for students who possess an A-level or equivalent qualification in Latin or Greek
It is a three-year programme focusing on an in-depth exploration of Classics and English literature.
Course II:
Course II is tailored for students who have not had prior exposure to Latin or Greek during their education.
It spans four years and also includes a preliminary year that aims to teach students Latin or Greek alongside introductory classical literature.
Course Structure:
The programme’s curriculum is carefully designed to help students develop a deep understanding of ancient and modern literary traditions.
The comparative approach also encourages critical thinking about continuities and changes in human thought, writing, and imagination.

Year 1
Five papers from: Introduction to English language and literature, Literature in English 1550–1660, Unseen translation for ClassicsGreek and/or Latin literature (two papers)
Year 2 & 3
Seven papers from
Two link papers, one compulsory (Epic), and a choice from Comedy, Tragedy, Reception, Two papers from the English single honours course, including one period paper not taken in the first year, One core paper in Latin or in Greek literature, One Classics option
There is also a dissertation of 8,000 words, either interdisciplinary or focused on English or Classics
Course II
In Course II students have a preliminary year studying Latin or Greek, and then follow the structure outlined above. 
Common Careers after Classics & English at OxfordGraduates of Classics & English at Oxford secure opportunities in wide range of different fields such as: Teaching, Media, Management Consultancy, Law, Finance, Advertising, Journalism, Writing, Librarianship. Additionally, students will have continued to further study in one or both subjects.
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