Classical Studies and Modern Languages

Classical studies and modern languages is a combination that spans thousands of years of European culture, from the literature, philosophy and history of ancient Greece and Rome to the living languages and contemporary cultures of modern Europe and beyond. Classical studies gives you access to the foundational texts and ideas of Western civilisation, developing skills in Latin or Greek alongside literary, historical and philosophical analysis of the ancient world. Modern languages develops high-level proficiency in one or more contemporary European languages alongside cultural, literary and civilisational study.

At the University of Exeter, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year, a work placement and a year abroad. The year abroad is particularly central to the modern languages component, immersing you in the language and culture of your chosen country either as a student or as a working professional. The combination of classical depth and modern language fluency is genuinely distinctive, appealing to employers who value both intellectual breadth and the practical skills of multilingualism.

You will study Latin or Greek texts in the original, examine the history, art and philosophy of the ancient world, and develop your chosen modern language to a high level of proficiency alongside literary and cultural analysis of its contemporary and historical contexts. The skills of translation, close textual reading, historical analysis and cultural interpretation that the programme develops are valued across many professional fields.

Graduates go on to careers in education, publishing, journalism, law, the civil service, international organisations, cultural institutions, languages teaching, translation and interpreting. The combination of classical scholarship and modern language competence also opens doors in the heritage, museum and arts sectors. Many go on to postgraduate study in classical studies, modern languages, history, literature or translation, including doctoral research.