German and Latin

German and Latin is a degree that connects two of the most intellectually significant languages in the European tradition. German is the most widely spoken first language in the European Union and the language of one of Europe's most powerful economies, as well as the medium of an extraordinary range of achievement in philosophy, science, literature and music from the early modern period to the present. Latin, the language of ancient Rome, is the ancestor of the Romance languages and the foundation of European scholarly, legal and ecclesiastical culture across more than a thousand years, and it remains essential for the serious study of European intellectual and literary history.

At University College London, this four-year full-time programme offers a comprehensive exploration of language, literature and culture in both German and Latin, engaging with classical texts and contemporary issues and developing the critical thinking and analytical skills that advanced language study demands. You will study the literary, philosophical and cultural traditions carried by both languages, alongside rigorous attention to the linguistic structures and historical development that underpin your reading. Study abroad opportunities enrich the linguistic and cultural dimensions of the degree, and the programme prepares graduates for careers that require both linguistic competence and a deep humanistic education.

German and Latin graduates go on to careers in education, translation, publishing, cultural policy, the civil service, academia, international organisations and a wide range of professional contexts where the combination of classical learning and modern language competence is valued. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in German, classics, comparative literature, translation studies or linguistics, and the combination of languages provides an excellent foundation for doctoral research in the humanities.