There are two versions of the course: Classics with Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Classics with Oriental Studies) (4 years) and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies with Classics (Oriental Studies with Classics (3 years). Depending on your choice of oriental language, there may be an opportunity for you to spend a year abroad, extending the length of the degree course by one year.
If you take Classics with Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Classics with Oriental Studies), you sit Honour Moderations in Classics at the end of the fifth term. In your sixth term, you begin working towards the final examination. You make contact with the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Oriental Studies Faculty) and come to meet your instructors in Trinity Term, and begin formal teaching in your Oriental language in Michaelmas Term of your third year. In finals, you are examined in eight subjects, five in Classics and three in your Oriental language.
If you take Asian and Middle Eastern Studies with Classics (Oriental Studies with Classics), you spend the first three terms working towards the Preliminary Examination in your chosen Asian and Middle Eastern (Oriental) language. The remaining six terms of the course are spent working towards the final examination, which comprises eight to ten subjects: three in Classics and five to seven in your Asian and Middle Eastern (Oriental) language.
You can choose from a wide range of options from the Classics (Literae Humaniores) syllabus, with a few exceptions, the main one being that most of the modern Philosophy options are not available to Classics and Oriental Studies students. Course II students can take up a second classical language at finals, which is examined in two written papers and counts as two of your finals options. In addition, you can offer a thesis, either as one of your main Classical subjects or as an optional extra subject.
For comprehensive details of the papers available, and the rules on which combinations of papers students may take, please refer to the Examination Regulations. Detailed descriptions of the papers on offer, and information about teaching provision, can be found in the course handbook.
Please note that changes may be made to course syllabuses from year to year, and that not all papers may be available in any given year.
