Greek and Latin Studies

Do you want to learn about ancient Greece, ancient Rome, or medieval Europe? Do you want to master the languages and explore the literature that shaped our culture, or find out what really happened with Caesar and Cleopatra? At the Department of Classical Studies, you can virtually cross the two-thousand-year threshold, learn Ancient (so-called Classical) Greek, which stands at the dawn of European scholarship, or Latin, which for centuries united Europe much like English does today, and read Plato, Virgil, or Jan Hus in the original.

You will learn one of the languages in which ancient and medieval writers, philosophers, scientists, and politicians formulated their ideas. You will see that Latin and Greek are all around us – we read Latin inscriptions on buildings and in tattoos, and no medical report can do without Greek. Latin is the source of Romance languages, and Ancient Greek lives on as Modern Greek. You can find words of Latin and Greek origin in both English and Czech.

Nemo nascitur sapiens, sed fit. One is not born wise but becomes wise. Seneca

During your studies, you will first undergo intensive instruction in Latin or Ancient Greek (you choose one of the languages; within the single-major program, you may – but do not have to  – study both) so that you can begin reading texts written by ancient authors and directly engage with ancient literature and its legacy for contemporary society. You can also look forward to courses in ancient history and mythology, for example.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of interesting elective courses. You can read Harry Potter in Latin or take part in a theatre performance. We offer lectures by both local and international experts, and during your studies, you can study abroad at one of Europe’s universities through the Erasmus+ program. You can also look forward to a study-intensive course that combines reading Latin or Ancient Greek texts with an entertaining program in a nice place outside the university.

Practical training

The mandatory internship program is not part of the bachelor’s degree programs in Ancient Greek or Latin.

Further information

Visit the website of the Department of Classical Studies, which teaches Latin and Ancient Greek, to find out what events it organises outside the classroom, what activities you can join and much more.

As a graduate, you will gain a broad cultural perspective and skills during your studies that will enable you to find employment in various cultural institutions. You can work, for example, in archives, libraries, museums, and cultural centres. Employers across various fields will appreciate your general cultural knowledge, your ability to critically evaluate information, and your analytical approach to problem-solving. You can also find employment in various editorial positions in the media, particularly in sections focused on culture and literature.

This programme is taught in Czech.

The criteria for admission for studies are the results of the Learning Potential Test (TSP). Applicants may also be admitted based on other criteria, see Admission without the Entrance Examination. The Faculty of Arts of Masaryk University disregards the results of SCIO National Comparative Examinations.

You can file your e-applications for studies from 1 November to 28 February.
The date and time of the examination will be stated in the electronic invitation for the examination, which will be uploaded to your e-application. The faculty will not be sending paper invitations. Applicants applying for the major study plan and minor study plan in a combined study must comply with the conditions for admission into both plans.

Learning Potential Test (TSP)

This test is only in Czech. For up-to-date information, click here

Field of Study Examination

For admission for studies of this degree programme, you do not need to take the Field of Study Examination.

Admission without the entrance examination

You may be exempt from the entrance examination based on at least one of the following criteria:

1. placing in any of the first three places in a national round in the Latin Competition - Certamen Latinum;
2. secondary school results with an average 1.5 or higher in the subjects Czech/ Slovak language, two foreign languages and a choice of one more subject determined by the faculty: English, history, French, music, information technology, Italian, Latin, maths, German, Russian, Spanish, basics of social sciences.

Secondary school results may be applied for an exemption from the entrance examination by those applicants whose average grade was 1.5 or higher in each of the four profile subjects. The total average result in all subjects is not taken into consideration. Secondary school seminars are also disregarded. The average grade of each profile subject is calculated based on the results of the last four years of study in the following way: the mid-year grade is calculated from the final year, whereas the final grades are calculated from the previous three years. It is also necessary that applicants have studied each of the profile subjects for at least two years during the last four years.
Enter your grades in your e-application. Then print the grades out and let your secondary school certify them with a stamp and a signature. Upload the scan of the certified grades into your e-application. You can also upload officially certified school reports or any other documents certifying your school results.
Please upload the officially certified documents directly to your e-application in the section Application for the Exemption from the Entrance Examination no later than 29 February.

Criteria for evaluation

Limit for TSP percentile for successfully passing the entrance examination: 40

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Minimum score and numbers of accepted applicants in past years

After completing your bachelor’s degree, you can continue on to a master’s program, where you can continue studying Classical Greek or Latin, choose Medieval Latin, or opt for a teacher training program in Latin.