Classics Admissions Test

We also recommend that you check the Undergraduate Admissions Website.

Classics Admissions Test Workshop

https://www.youtube.com/embed/tglHrxKujeE

A 50 minute workshop on CAT.

Information, tips and advice on the Classics Admissions Test

for students who are studying Latin or Greek to A-level or equivalent.

Classics Languages Aptitude Test Workshop

https://www.youtube.com/embed/enWIsvVxBjY

A 50 minute workshop on CLAT.

Information, tips and advice on the Classics Languages Aptitude Test

for students who are NOT studying Latin or Greek to A-level or equivalent.

PLEASE NOTE:

Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing (CAAT) recently announced its decision to withdraw from delivering its admissions testing services over the next two years. In 2023, they will deliver paper-based TSA and BMAT tests for the final time but will not be delivering Oxford's own tests. We are delighted to announce that from now, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will manage the delivery of Oxford's own admissions tests. 

  • 19 October: CAT, Oxford ELAT, GAT and MAT

If you are applying for one of the following courses you will be required to sit the CAT: Classics, Classics and English, Classics and Modern Languages and Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.

The Classics Admissions Test consists of three separate papers:

  • the Latin Translation Test
  • the Greek Translation Test 
  • and the Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT).

Each paper lasts 1 hour and is sat under timed exam conditions. Which of the papers you take depends on the course you are applying for, and whether you are studying Latin or Greek to A-level or equivalent.

We would encourage candidates planning to apply to sign up to our Choosing Oxford newsletter and explore our digital prospectus and Undergraduate Admissions website so they are in a strong position to start work on their applications from June 2023, allowing plenty of time for submission before Oxford’s UCAS deadline.

What are the Admissions Tests?

If you are applying for one of these degrees, you will need to sit the Classics Admissions Test (CAT).

  • Classics
  • Classics & English
  • Classics & Modern Languages
  • Classics & Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

The Classics Admissions Test consists of 3 sections.

You may be required to take one, two or three of these sections, depending on your experience.

Latin Unseen Translation (1 hour)

You should take this test if you are studying Latin to A-level or equivalent.

Greek Unseen Translation (1 hour)

You should take this test if you are studying Ancient Greek to A-level or equivalent.

Classics Language Aptitude Test (1 hour)

You should take this test if you are studying neither Latin nor Ancient Greek to A-level or equivalent  (i.e. if you are applying for Course II).

All applicants for Classics & Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (whether you are applying for Classics with Asian & Middle Eastern Studies or Asian & Middle Easter Studies with Classics) should also take this test, even if they are required to take the Latin and/or Greek Unseen Translation test(s) in addition.

 

How do I register?

More information on how to register for this admissions test will be available here shortly. The deadline for registering will be 29 September.

How can I prepare?

  • Watch the videos!
  • The CAT and CLAT are designed to assess linguistic ability.
  • You are not allowed to take dictionaries, grammar books or notes into the test.
  • If you are not used to translating without aids, then you should practise, and try to learn vocabulary, before sitting the test.

Past Papers

You can find some specimen tests with answers here.

Ten Top Tips for Classics Admissions Tests

Other Admissions Tests

You may need to take other admissions tests as well, depending on which course you are applying for.

which test

Check the History, English, and Modern Languages pages to find out more about these tests.

Good Luck!

And remember, the results of the test are contextualised by the admitting tutors, and not simply taken as a raw datum.