European Languages and other area studies
Oxford offers a wide choice of degrees enabling students to study one or two European languages and related literature, or a European Language in combination with another subject, such as:
- Classics
- a Middle Eastern Language
- English
- History
- Philosophy.
We also have a number of degrees focusing on one or more Asian and Middle Eastern languages and related literature, history and culture.
You can choose to study a Middle Eastern language alongside Classics, or you may choose a combination of Theology and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.
Beginners’ languages
European languages:
Students who do not have an A-level or equivalent in the relevant language may (in all cases, except French or Spanish) study a beginners’ version of the language.
There are several combinations available that allow students to begin studying a language from scratch. However, please note that it is not usually possible for students to study two languages from scratch.
Candidates would be expected to have competence in at least one of the languages chosen.
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Russian
- Italian
- Portuguese
- Modern Greek
- Czech (with Slovak)
Asian and Middle Eastern languages:
These may be studied as beginners' languages as part of an Asian and Middle Eastern Languages course.
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Egyptology/Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies
(includes Akkadian, Arabic, Aramaic and Syriac, Coptic, Hebrew (Biblical and Mishnaic) or Old Iranian) - Hebrew
- Japanese
- Persian
- Sanskrit
- Turkish
Arabic, Hebrew, Persian and Turkish can also be studied jointly with a European language.
You would usually be expected to have the European language to A-level, or another academic equivalent though we would not normally expect you to have any knowledge of the other language before starting the course.
Classical languages:
Latin and Greek may be studied as beginners' languages.
View full list of courses.
