Latin
About the major
A Latin major allows you to read works of immense cultural and literary significance by the great writers of ancient Rome in their language. It offers an intellectual foundation for anyone interested in exploring the Classical past or navigating the present. Latin is the direct ancestor of nearly fifty modern languages and a major contributor to the vocabulary of many others, including English. It was the language of European literature, history, science, medicine, diplomacy, and law for nearly two thousand years.
A Latin major gives you an advanced ability to read and analyse significant works in the language of the Romans. You will study a wide selection of literary masterpieces in Latin, and thereby gain an appreciation of their contribution to culture and society. Your linguistic ability will develop as you progress through a series of units that introduce, practise and then analyse Latin morphology and syntax. You may begin either at 1000 level, if you have no prior knowledge of Latin, or at 2000 level, if you have previously studied Latin to HSC-level (or equivalent). On attaining your major, you will have met many of the most famous works of Latin literature and will better understand their cultural, linguistic and historical significance.
The Latin major opens pathways to careers in journalism, law, publishing, teaching, government and research, among others.
Requirements for completion
The Latin major and minor requirements are listed in the Latin unit of study table.
There are two pathways through a major or minor in Latin: one if you have not studied Latin to HSC-level, or equivalent (the non-HSC stream); and one if you have studied Latin to HSC level (the ex-HSC stream). Non-HSC students begin at 1000-level in their first year; ex-HSC students at 2000-level.
Honours
An extra year of Latin allows students to specialise in a particular field and to write a major piece of research. The honours year can be the culmination of your study of Latin or a pathway to further research in our postgraduate program. Our program consists of two seminar units – 'Research Skills in Latin Literature' and 'Breakthroughs in the Humanities' – and a thesis of 18-20,000 words.
If you are considering an honours year in Latin, it is best to seek early advice on all the pathways open to you and the skills you will need to do your best.
The Honours Coordinator can advise you on acceptable equivalents to our standard requirements.
Honours admission requirements
Admission to honours is via the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and requires the completion of a major in Latin with an average of 70 percent or above.
Prior to commencing, you will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or other bachelor degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units. For pre-July 2024 students, where undertaking Bachelor of Advanced Studies, a second major is also required.
Requirements and units of study for honours can be found on the Latin honours units of study page.
Honours in Classics (joint Greek and Latin)
An extra year of Classics allows students to specialise in a particular field and to write a major piece of research. The honours year can be the culmination of your study of Classics or a pathway to further research. Our program consists of two seminar units, and a thesis of 18-20,000 words on a topic decided by you in consultation with your supervisor.
Full details of the program, its prerequisites and its relationship to other majors taught by the discipline can be found on the Discipline of Classics and Ancient History website.
If you are considering an Honours year in Classics it is best to seek early advice on all the pathways open to you and the skills you will need to do your best.
The Honours Coordinator can advise you on acceptable equivalents to our standard requirements.
Honours admission requirements
Admission to Honours in Classics is via the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and requires the completion of:
- a major in Latin with an average of 70 percent or above plus 18 additional senior credit points of Greek (including GRKA2601 Intermediate Greek 2); or
- a major in Ancient Greek with an average of 70 percent or above plus 18 additional senior credit points of Latin (including LATN2601 Intermediate Latin 2).
Prior to commencing, you will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or other bachelor degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units. For pre-July 2024 students, where undertaking Bachelor of Advanced Studies, a second major is also required.
Contacts and further information
More information and current contact details for academic coordinators may be found on the Discipline of Classics and Ancient History website.
The Discipline of Classics and Ancient History is administered by the School of Humanities.
