What is A Level Classical Greek?

If you love the idea of studying Classical Greek language and literature, A Level Classical Greek (opens in a new tab) could well be for you.

This qualification includes detailed study of prose and verse literature, helping you to gain a deeper understanding of the life and culture of the ancient Greek world.

This guide covers what you'll learn, how it’s assessed, and where it can lead you in the future.

Key Takeaways

• OCR is currently the only exam board offering A Level Classical Greek

• A Level Classical Greek develops your understanding of ancient Greek language and literature

• You sit four written exam papers at the end of Year 13, including unseen translation and prose literature

• GCSE Classical Greek is not required for A Level, but is strongly recommended

• It opens routes to degrees such as Classics, Greek and Latin, as well as careers in education, translation and journalism

What is A Level Classical Greek?

OCR A Level Classical Greek develops your understanding of the Classical Greek language, as well as related ancient literature, values and society.

You’ll read, analyse and evaluate ancient Greek literature. You’ll also translate unseen texts and write essays.

Alongside Latin, Classical Greek is part of Classical Languages in the list of A Level subjects.

Classical Greek vs Modern Greek: what's the difference?

If you want to study Greek at A Level, make sure you know the differences between the following:

Classical Greek is a form of ancient Greek. Though it is linguistically dead, academics still study its complex grammar and literary canon. Writers featured in the A Level Classical Greek syllabus include Homer, Herodotus and Plato. OCR is currently the only exam board offering A Level Classical Greek.

Modern Greek is the contemporary form of Greek. It is the official language of Greece and Cyprus, and is used by millions of people today. It shares virtually the same alphabet as Classical Greek, but has very different grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Edexcel is currently the only exam board offering A Level Greek.

Which exam board offers A Level Classical Greek?

The only exam board currently offering A Level Classical Greek is OCR. If your school offers A Level Classical Greek, it will be using the OCR specification.

If your school doesn’t offer A Level Classical Greek and you still want to take it, consider signing up for online tuition from providers like the Centre for Ancient Studies (opens in a new tab).

Note that OCR is withdrawing AS Level Classical Greek after the next academic year: the final first teach date is September 2027, and the final assessment opportunity is June 2028. The A Level will continue.

What do you study in A Level Classical Greek?

The course content is split into four sections:

1. Unseen translation 

• Passages of Classical Greek from authors like Xenophon and Sophocles

• Translation from Classical Greek into English

2. Prose composition or comprehension

• Passages of Classical Greek

• Translation from English into Classical Greek

3. Prose literature

• One set text from Group 1, e.g. Crito by Plato (2027 and 2028)

• One set text from Group 2, e.g. Charion by Lucian (2027 and 2028)

4. Verse literature

• One set text from Group 3, e.g. The Odyssey by Homer (2027 and 2028)

• One set text from Group 4, e.g. Electra by Sophocles (2027 and 2028)

The set texts are used for a maximum of two years, so check OCR’s website for the latest specification.

How is A Level Classical Greek assessed?

The table below includes an overview of each of the four compulsory components:

How is A Level Classical Greek different from A Level Latin?

Since they’re both Classical Languages, many students who want to study Classics at university take both A Level Classical Greek and Latin.

If you’re choosing between the two, it’s worth noting the following:

• Assessment – OCR’s assessment structure for both subjects is the same

• Availability – while both subjects are rare, A Level Classical Greek is even rarer, and typically only offered by a few fee-paying schools

• Difficulty – many students find Classical Greek harder than Latin due to the different alphabet, but this is subjective and depends on your current linguistic ability

Do you need GCSE Classical Greek to take A Level Classical Greek?

While it isn’t a requirement, the course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills of GCSE Classical Greek. It’s therefore helpful to know what GCSE Classical Greek is if you’re interested in A Level Classical Greek.

Because of its complexity, the few schools that offer A Level Classical Greek generally still require GCSE Classical Greek. Students who do take the A Level without the GCSE often do so via intensive summer schools (like the JACT Greek Summer School (opens in a new tab)) or tutoring and self-study.

Find out how to prepare for A Levels after GCSE to make the jump to A Level more manageable.

How hard is A Level Classical Greek?

A Level Classical Greek is generally considered harder than Latin. It has more complex grammar, more verb forms and more irregular patterns, as well as a different alphabet.

If you’re new to Classical Greek, you’ll face a much steeper learning curve and will therefore have to put in considerable extra work. 

If you did well in GCSE Classical Greek, you’ll already have a strong foundation to build on.

What can you do with A Level Classical Greek?

Here are just some of the pathways A Level Classical Greek can open up for you:

Further Study

• Russell Group universities like Oxford and Cambridge run prestigious Classics programmes

• Joint honours (e.g. Classics & English) or degrees in Greek, Latin or Ancient History

Careers

• Education, e.g. teaching or working in a museum

• Translation, especially of ancient texts

• Journalism, as you’ll learn develop strong writing skills

Where can you take A Level Classical Greek if your school doesn't offer it?

Very few schools offer A Level Classical Greek, so external routes like the ones below are common:

• Distance learning providers like the Centre for Ancient Studies (opens in a new tab)

• JACT Greek Summer School (opens in a new tab) and similar intensive courses

• External candidate entry at registered exam centres for the OCR exam

Is A Level Classical Greek right for you?

If you studied (and enjoyed) GCSE Classical Greek, have a passion for ancient languages and are looking to study Classics at a top university, A Level Classical Greek is seriously worth considering.

If you’re not a fan of learning languages and you’re completely new to Classical Greek, think twice before committing. A Level Classical Civilisation is a better option if you just want to study the ancient Greek world, and while you can take A Level Classical Greek without the foundation of GCSE, it’s much harder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Level Classical Greek a good choice for Oxbridge?

Yes. Classical Greek is particularly well-regarded by Oxford and Cambridge, especially for Classics, Theology, Philosophy and English Literature applications.

It's rare enough to stand out, and admissions tutors recognise the academic commitment it requires.

How is A Level Classical Greek different from A Level Modern Greek?

A Level Classical Greek (OCR) teaches a form of ancient Greek and includes both language and literature.

A Level Greek (Edexcel) (opens in a new tab) teaches modern Greek and includes language, literature, film and culture.

Which set texts are studied in A Level Classical Greek?

Set texts are used for a maximum of two years, but typically include the same writers and texts, such as Homer (Iliad or Odyssey), Sophocles (Ajax or Electra) and Plato (The Symposium or The Republic). Your school will tell you which specific texts you'll study for your exam year.

Is there coursework in A Level Classical Greek?

No. OCR A Level Classical Greek is assessed entirely through four written exam papers at the end of Year 13.

Combining ancient language and literature, A Level Classical Greek is a highly academic subject that is seriously respected by Classics departments – including those at Oxbridge. See if it’s available at your school and, if not, consider taking it with a distance education provider.