BA Ancient Languages
About this course
BA in Ancient Languages, a modern languages degree centred on the multidisciplinary study of classical and ancient linguistic traditions. The first year establishes foundational linguistic study through compulsory modules such as Introduction to the Study of Language, Biblical Hebrew Language 1, and Kita Alef: Introduction to Jewish Studies. Optional modules in the first year allow students to begin exploring additional languages and classical topics, including Introductory Hittite, Greek Myth: Its Use and Meaning, and Greek for Beginners A. The second year continues language acquisition with Biblical Hebrew Language 2 as a compulsory element, alongside a selection of optional study choices such as Introductory Sanskrit, Hittite Texts, and Politics Ancient and Modern. The final year offers advanced optional study spanning modules like Hittite Texts, Introductory Sanskrit, Greek Tragedy, Roman Epic, and Greek Authors: Homer.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (An ancient or modern language at grade A, unless an ancient and a modern language are offered at GCSE at grade C or above.) IB: 34 points (A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5, to include an ancient or modern language at grade 6 unless an ancient and a modern language are offered at GCSE at grade C or above.)
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 88%: 7 offers from 8 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 39 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 63%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 89%
- Left higher education: 11%
What graduates do next
Based on about 32 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 58%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 9%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 67%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 120 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 81%
- Baccalaureate: 8%
- Access course: 2%
- A degree: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
- Other qualifications: 3%
- No formal qualifications: 4%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to the Study of Language
- Biblical Hebrew Language 1
- Kita Alef: Introduction to Jewish Studies
- Introductory Hittite
- Introductory Hittite
- Introductory Hittite B: Simple Hittite Texts
- Fragmentary Languages of Forgotten Empires A
- Greek Myth: Its Use and Meaning
- Approaches to Studying Classics and the Ancient World
- Interpreting Greek Literature
- Interpreting Latin Literature
- The Greek Dialects
- Greek for Beginners A
- Biblical Hebrew Language 2
- Introductory Hittite
- Introductory Hittite
- Introductory Sanskrit
- Introductory Sanskrit
- Hittite Texts
- Hittite Texts
- Introductory Hittite B: Simple Hittite Texts
- Fragmentary Languages of Forgotten Empires A
- Politics Ancient and Modern
- Ancient Ideas in the Modern World
- Introductory Sanskrit
- Introductory Sanskrit
- Hittite Texts
- Hittite Texts
- Fragmentary Languages of Forgotten Empires A
- Politics Ancient and Modern
- Ancient Ideas in the Modern World
- Greek Tragedy
- Roman Epic
- Greek Authors: Homer
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Ancient Languages at University College London earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £42,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,500 and £57,000. The £42,500 median after five years is £9,500 more than the UK median for Language and area studies (other).
What do graduates of BA Ancient Languages at University College London do next?
77% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Ancient Languages at University College London?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Ancient Languages at University College London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 156 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Ancient Languages at University College London?
88% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 7 offers from 8 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
How many students continue on BA Ancient Languages at University College London?
89% of students continued into their second year, and 11% left higher education.