Modern Western civilisation has its roots in the world of the Ancient Greeks. Learning Ancient Greek will give you unique insights into and a deep understanding of this ancient world, and of contemporary Western culture and society.

Learning Ancient Greek introduces the principles of the language (grammar, vocabulary, syntax) and develops your reading skills so that you can engage closely with Ancient Greek texts.

Students enjoy the challenge and pleasure of reading authors such as Homer, Herodotus, Euripides and Plato in the original language, and exploring the literary, historical and cultural contexts in which they wrote.

From your engagement with the past through its language and literature you will gain a richer understanding of that world and of contemporary society. The critical thinking skills you will develop studying ancient sources will also help you think about our own world.

You don’t need to have prior knowledge of the language to study Ancient Greek, but if you have already studied Ancient Greek, please speak to the convenor about the best entry level.

Proficiency in Ancient Greek is highly recommended if you wish to specialise in Ancient Greek or Roman history and civilisation. Studying Ancient Greek will enrich your understanding of the English language and may help you to learn other European languages more easily.