The Cambridge Advanced Diploma in Classics, which will be taught for the first time in 2026-27, is a nine-month taught postgraduate degree. It is open to UK and international students who have had limited or no experience in ancient Greek and/or Latin and who wish to develop the skills to become independent learners and readers in one or both languages. Alongside this focus on language learning comes the chance to explore an aspect of Classical culture in depth, the opportunity to attend lectures and research seminars in the Faculty of Classics and integration in Cambridge collegiate life. The course may serve as an end in itself or as a gateway to:
• the Cambridge MPhil (or a Masters degree elsewhere) in Classics, for students with a suitable undergraduate degree (e.g. Classical Civilisation or a major in Classics involving little or no language work) and who wish to work on a topic requiring knowledge of ancient Greek and/or Latin; or
• a Cambridge PhD (or a doctorate elsewhere) in Classics, for students with a qualifying Masters degree and who wish to work on a topic requiring knowledge of ancient Greek and/or Latin.
• postgraduate research in another discipline (e.g. English, History, Linguistics, Philosophy) on a topic requiring knowledge of ancient Greek and/or Latin.
• study for a PGCE in Classics.
Course structure
The Diploma consists of three modules:
• Any two papers out of Greek A, Greek B, Latin A and Latin B (where A is for beginners and B follows on from A). Different strands of each paper can be made available, so as to accommodate as wide a range as possible from complete beginner to upper intermediate.
• One paper chosen from a selection of the papers available for examination for Part II of the Classical Tripos (the final year of the undergraduate degree). Offer-holders for the Diploma will receive information before the start of the course about which papers are available.
Assessment
The three modules carry equal weight.
• Each language paper is tested by an examination in seen and unseen translation. In addition, you will submit one piece of coursework comprising a translation into English of a short passage of ancient Greek or Latin of your choice, accompanied by a commentary of up to 2,500 words explaining the decisions taken in the course of the translation. This exercise will be worth 33% of one language paper.
• The non-language paper is tested by examination, typically one three-hour essay examination.
Teaching
Teaching for the Diploma will be delivered in a unique combination of small-group classes, language labs, supervisions and lectures.
• Each Diploma student will be assigned an Advisor from among the senior members of the Faculty. This person will oversee their studies and arrange elements of their teaching. All students will in addition be overseen by the Director of the Diploma, Dr Mar Rodda.
• Teaching for most language papers will be provided through a combination of small-group classes (typically 2-4 hours a week) and language labs (3 hours per week). Bespoke arrangements for guided self-study may be available in some cases, for instance to enable more advanced intermediate work.
• Teaching for the non-language paper comprises (i) typically 16-24 hours of lectures and/or classes and (ii) 5 supervisions (including formative essay work) alone or in small groups.
• For the translation and commentary exercise, students receive 2 solo supervisions.
Course requirements
Normally the minimum standard for admission to the Advanced Diploma is a high 2.1 degree from a British university, or the equivalent (e.g. GPA of 3.7 or above) from overseas. The qualification need not be in a Classical subject.
Linguistic aptitude: Prior experience of language learning (not necessarily in an ancient language) would be advantageous. The admissions process will include a diagnostic test (for candidates with some Greek and/or Latin) or a language aptitude test (for candidates with no prior knowledge of Greek and/or Latin). Examples of the test formats can be found here.
English language: If English is not your first language, you will also need to satisfy the Faculty’s English language condition before an offer can be confirmed. The condition is to achieve one of the following:
IELTS: Overall band score of 7.5, with not less than 7.0 in individual elements
CAE (Cambridge English Advanced): A grade, plus an assessment by our language centre
CPE (Cambridge English: Proficiency): A or B grade
TOEFL: Overall score of 110, with not less than 25 in individual elements
You must achieve the minimum requirements in the same sitting, and no more than two years before the start of your course.
This condition is waived if you have completed a course equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree running for three years or more at an English-language institution in the last two years. For full information, please refer to the University website.
Continuing to the MPhil or PhD
Continuation from the Advanced Diploma in Classics to an MPhil or PhD programme in the Faculty of Classics is not automatic, and it is not possible to apply for a two-year ‘Diploma plus MPhil’ combination. Students wishing to continue will need to submit a standard application via the Applicant Portal, including a workable and relevant research proposal, and demonstrate that they have the required academic knowledge and skills to carry out their project. The Faculty may, depending on the proposed area of research, make an offer conditional on a certain result in the Diploma.
A fuller description of the Advanced Diploma can be found in the University's course directory here. Information about how to apply is here.
Enquiries
If you have any further questions about the Diploma, please email us here.