AAA, with As in Latin and Greek if taken
The A-level requirement is AAA, with As in Latin and Greek if taken. The IB requirement is 39 points including core points with 666 at Higher Level, including 6s at Higher Level in Latin and Greek if taken.
Undergraduate · Oxford Classics
Oxford Classics: which language stream fits your starting point
Oxford's Classics degree is open to applicants who have never studied Latin or Greek, and it is built to be: the course has separate streams for those with both languages, for those with Latin only and for those with Greek only, and the interview is designed to assess aptitude rather than prior knowledge. There is no admissions test, but there are two pieces of written work. The decision is which stream you are applying into, and whether you want a four-year degree in the whole ancient world. Oxford's wording below describes 2027 entry; nothing here is a confirmed 2028 requirement.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Oxford asks for in Classics
Taken from Oxford's Classics course page and read on 31 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Oxford's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
No required subject
No subject is required or recommended. Latin, Ancient Greek, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History or a modern language can be helpful, but are not required for admission.
No test; two pieces of written work
You do not need to take a written test. All candidates submit two pieces of written work, where possible in areas relevant to Classics and preferably not short, timed essays or exercises on a short passage.
A language interview shaped to your background
Candidates not studying Latin or Greek have an interview designed to assess aptitude for learning a classical language. Those who are studying one or both are asked to translate sentences and discuss grammar and syntax.
Four years, with three language streams
The degree lasts four years. There is a dual-language stream, a Latin stream and a Greek stream, depending on what you have studied to A level or equivalent.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on Oxford's Classics course page, which describes 2027 entry. The UCAS deadline, the written-work submission deadline, interview dates, admissions statistics, fees and the Faculty of Classics' own selection criteria and written-work guidance were not read and are not stated.
The course
Four years across the ancient world, entered by language stream
Oxford describes Classics (Literae Humaniores) as a wide-ranging course devoted to the study of ancient Greece and Rome and their reception into modern times. The course lasts four years, which Oxford says lets students explore the disciplines within the subject and engage with their interests in depth. Every student takes language work at an appropriate level, selections of Greek and Latin literature, a special subject in Philosophy and a classical special subject that is historical, archaeological or philological. What differs is the language stream: dual-language for those who have studied Latin and/or Greek to A level or equivalent, Latin only for those who have studied neither, and Greek only for those who have studied neither.
Choosing a stream
Which route matches your prior study
The streams are not levels of difficulty but different ways in. Oxford's page ties each to what you have studied to A level or equivalent.
Dual-language stream
For those who have studied Latin and/or Greek to A level or equivalent. The first-year examinations are nine papers, including four language papers.
Latin stream
For those who have studied neither language to A level or equivalent. Greek literature is read in translation, and the first-year examinations are six papers, including two language papers.
Greek stream
For those who have studied neither language to A level or equivalent. Latin literature is read in translation.
Cambridge Classics is a different course
Cambridge sets its own routes and requirements. Do not assume the two universities' rules are interchangeable.
Reading the offer
AAA, and no universal Latin requirement
The grade requirement is AAA, with As in Latin and Greek if you have taken them, or 39 IB points with 666 at Higher Level and 6s in any Latin or Greek taken at Higher Level. No subject is required or recommended, and Oxford is explicit that the classical languages, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History and a modern language are helpful but not required. Oxford's page provides routes for applicants who have studied neither language, so a lack of Latin or Greek at school is not a barrier to applying.
Written work
Two pieces, and not the kind written to a clock
Every candidate submits two pieces of written work. Oxford says that where possible they should be in areas relevant to Classics and that they should preferably not be short, timed essays or exercises answering questions on a short passage of text. That is a useful signal about what is wanted: extended work in which you have developed an idea. A history, literature, philosophy or archaeology piece can serve if it is your own and shows how you argue. The submission deadline is cycle-specific and is not stated here.
The interview
An interview that tests aptitude, not prior vocabulary
For candidates not studying Latin or Greek, one interview is designed to assess aptitude for learning a classical language. Oxford says interviewers will not expect any language other than English or any grammatical terminology; candidates are invited to recognise nuances of meaning in English sentences and identify patterns in familiar English usage. For those who are studying Latin and/or Greek, the interview tests linguistic ability and potential: you translate written sentences into English and discuss grammar and syntax, and Oxford says the ability to grapple with constructions and recognise idiomatic characteristics matters more than knowledge of uncommon vocabulary. Tutors also look for an enquiring mind, real commitment to a wide-ranging subject and the ability to sustain an argument.
A decision framework
Three questions before you choose Classics
This is Avandy's own framework, not Oxford's.
Do you enjoy puzzling out how a language works?
The linguistic part of the course is demanding for everyone. If a language feels like pattern-finding to you rather than memorising, you are well placed.
Which ancient question is yours?
Literature, history, archaeology, philosophy or the structure of the languages themselves: have one you can talk about, and know why.
Does the length of the degree suit your plans?
A four-year degree is a longer commitment than three. Think about whether the whole span appeals.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Oxford has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Oxford published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Oxford has not yet published it.
Grades, the language streams, the two pieces of written work and the absence of a test: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Oxford has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Application deadline, written-work submission deadline, interview dates and any change to selection arrangements: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Oxford's Classics course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Work out which stream applies to you, collect two pieces of your own extended work in a relevant area, and practise noticing patterns in language you do not yet know.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the University of Oxford or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support with language practice, reading and interview preparation does not extend to writing, editing or rewriting any submitted work, which must be the applicant's own. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What are the Oxford Classics entry requirements?
AAA at A level, with As in Latin and Greek if taken, or 39 IB points including core points with 666 at Higher Level, including 6s at Higher Level in Latin and Greek if taken. This is Oxford's wording for 2027 entry.
Do I need Latin or Greek?
No. Oxford lists no required subject, and offers a Latin stream and a Greek stream for those who have studied neither to A level or equivalent. The classical languages are helpful but not required.
Is there an admissions test?
No. Oxford's page says no written test is part of the application. You do submit two pieces of written work.
What does the language interview involve?
For those not studying Latin or Greek, it assesses aptitude for learning a classical language using English sentences. For those who are, it involves translating sentences and discussing grammar and syntax.
How long is the degree?
Four years.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Oxford's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when Oxford publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Oxford Classics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Latin and Greek, or their ability to learn one, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.