Classics degree uni advice (i know no ancient languages!)

I want to apply for Classics/Classical Civilisations. I currently do Class Civ, History and Eng Lit as A Levels, and did Politics AS along with EPQ. I never took any GCSEs or A Levels in Latin or Greek (I was set on an English degree until half way through last year) and although I went to a Greek summer school in July, I'm worried that my lack of language will put me at a disadvantage when the unis consider my application.

I've deliberately chosen courses and unis where language isn't the focus of the degree, as I'm more interested in the literature/history side. It's not that I'm opposed to learning the languages, I'd just prefer to take a history module instead.

But I'm worried that if put next to a similar candidate with the same grades but with language experience, they'll pick them over me.

Will not knowing greek and latin, except the basics, put me at a disadvantage? And does it make my degree harder?

Reply 1

Lucilou101

Definitely not.

The vast majority of universities that offer Classics also offer versions of the course where you can learn languages from scratch. Some universities call this Classical Studies/Classical Civilisation - just make sure the language options are available on the course structure (if you decide that you want to learn them of course!). Otherwise, just focus on the courses where the literature/history is studied mainly in translation.

Universities are trying to encourage more people to consider Classics, so not studying them definitely wont go against you. The only time it might is if you had the option to study the languages at school, and chose not to. This wouldn't be an issue if you're not focusing on the languages, and choose courses which are mainly studied in translation.