Two codes, Q8T9 and T9Q8
Classics with Asian and Middle Eastern Studies is Q8T9; Asian and Middle Eastern Studies with Classics is T9Q8. The course lasts three or four years.
Undergraduate · Oxford Classics and AMES
Oxford Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies: two ancient worlds, one degree
Oxford's joint degree in Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies exists in two forms with different UCAS codes, depending on which subject leads, and lasts three or four years. It lets students pair Latin or Greek with an Asian or Middle Eastern language such as Arabic, Sanskrit or Persian, to study places where the ancient worlds met. It asks for no prior study of the second language.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Oxford asks for in Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Taken from Oxford's Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies 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.
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 with 666 at Higher Level, including 6s in Latin and Greek if taken.
No prior Asian or Middle Eastern language
Oxford says students are not expected to have studied an Asian or Middle Eastern language before.
Two pieces of written work
All candidates submit two pieces of work, where possible at least one in an area relevant to Classics. There is no written test.
An aptitude interview without Latin or Greek
Candidates not studying Latin or Greek to A-level have an interview designed to assess their aptitude for learning a classical language.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on Oxford's Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies course page, which describes 2027 entry. Oxford's faculty pages, the full language and option lists, fees, the contextual-offer details and the 2028-entry values were not read and are not stated.
The degree
Where Classics meets the Middle East, Iran, Egypt and India
Oxford says the degree lets students combine an Asian or Middle Eastern language and culture with Latin and/or Greek and the study of the ancient world, exploring cultural development and crossover in the Middle East, Iran, Egypt and India. On the Classics-led route the early years follow the Classics course, and students then carry on with Classics options and begin their chosen language.
Which route and which neighbour?
Choosing the leading subject
The two codes reflect which subject carries more weight.
Choose Classics with AMES (Q8T9) if
you want Classics to lead and to add a language such as Akkadian, Arabic, Hebrew, Persian or Sanskrit.
Choose AMES with Classics (T9Q8) if
the Asian or Middle Eastern subject is your main interest. Avandy's Oxford Asian and Middle Eastern Studies guide covers the region course.
Choose Classics if
you want the ancient Mediterranean alone. Avandy's Oxford Classics guide covers it.
Entry rules
AAA, two pieces of work and no test
A-level applicants need AAA with As in Latin and Greek if taken; IB applicants need 39 points including core points with 666 at Higher Level, with 6s in Latin and Greek if taken. Latin, Greek, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History or a modern language can help but are not required. There is no written test; all candidates submit two pieces of written work. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed online. This page states no scores.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Oxford's.
Which language will you add?
The list includes Akkadian, Arabic, Egyptian, Hebrew, Persian, Sanskrit and Turkish.
Do you study Latin or Greek?
If not, expect an aptitude interview for a classical language.
Which two pieces of work would you submit?
At least one should be relevant to Classics where possible.
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 subject expectations, the test and written-work position and the interview arrangements: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Oxford has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
The UCAS deadline, interview dates and any test or written-work arrangements: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Oxford's course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Confirm the subject expectations, read the course structure and plan your preparation around it.
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 here means course-fit advice, subject mentoring and ethical interview practice; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not supply interview questions or write submitted work. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What does Oxford Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies require?
AAA at A level with As in Latin and Greek if taken, or IB 39 points with 666 at Higher Level, in Oxford's wording for 2027 entry.
Do I need Latin or Greek?
They help but are not required; candidates without either have an interview to assess aptitude for a classical language.
Do I need an Asian or Middle Eastern language already?
No. Oxford says students are not expected to have studied one before.
Is there an admissions test?
No. Oxford says a written test is not needed.
How many pieces of written work are needed?
Two.
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 and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Latin and Greek, which Asian or Middle Eastern language interests them and whether they want a joint degree with a flexible balance, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.