Modern Western civilisation has its roots in the Greco-Roman world. Learning Latin will give you unique insights and a deep understanding of this ancient world, and of contemporary Western culture and society.

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

Students enjoy the challenge and pleasure of reading authors such as Vergil, Ovid, Tacitus, Livy, and Catullus 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 Latin, but if you have already studied Latin, please speak to the convenor about the best entry level.

Proficiency in Latin is highly recommended if you wish to specialise in Roman literature, linguistics, rhetoric, philosophy, history and civilisation. Studying Latin will enrich your understanding of the English language and may help you to learn other European languages more easily.