What is A Level Latin?

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

This qualification includes detailed study of prose and verse literature, inspiring and motivating students to gain a deeper understanding of the life and culture of the ancient 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 Latin

• A Level Latin develops your understanding of the Latin language and ancient literature

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

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

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

What is A Level Latin?

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

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

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

Which exam board offers A Level Latin?

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

If your school doesn’t offer A Level Latin 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 Latin after the next academic year: the final first teaching date is September 2027, and the final assessment opportunity is June 2028. The A Level will continue.

What do you study in A Level Latin?

The course content is split into four sections:

1. Unseen translation 

• Passages of Latin from authors like Livy and Ovid

• Translation from Latin into English

2. Prose composition or comprehension

• Passages of Latin

• Translation from English into Latin

3. Prose literature

• One set text from Group 1, e.g. pro Roscio Amerino by Cicero (2027 and 2028)

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

4. Verse literature

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

• One set text from Group 4, e.g. Metamorphoses by Ovid (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 Latin assessed?

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

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

Since they both involve study of the Classical world, many students who want to study Classics at university take both A Level Latin and Classical Civilisation.

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

• Assessment – OCR’s A Level Classical Civilisation has three components, whereas A Level Latin has four

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

• Difficulty – many students find Latin harder due to the need for language skills, whereas A Level Classical Civilisation texts are studied in translation. However, this is subjective and depends on your current linguistic ability

Do you need GCSE Latin to take A Level Latin?

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

Because of its complexity, the few schools that offer A Level Latin generally still require GCSE Latin. Students who do take the A Level without the GCSE often commit to a combination of 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 Latin?

A Level Latin is generally considered easier than its counterpart, A Level Classical Greek. It has less complex grammar, fewer verb forms and fewer irregular patterns, and it does not use a completely different alphabet.

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

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

What can you do with A Level Latin?

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

Further Study

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

• Joint honours (e.g. Classics & Philosophy) or degrees in Law, Ancient History or Modern Languages

Careers

• Law (Latin offers the ideal foundation for understanding legal terminology)

• Translation, especially of ancient texts

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

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

Few schools offer A Level Latin, so external routes like the ones below are common:

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

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

Is A Level Latin right for you?

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Level Latin a good choice for Oxbridge?

Yes. Latin is particularly well-regarded by Oxford and Cambridge, especially for Classics, Law and History applications.

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

How is Latin A Level different from GCSE Latin?

A Level Latin builds upon the foundation laid at GCSE, so there is some overlap. The depth of study is what distinguishes them.

While GCSE Latin introduces the language, literature and culture, A Level takes it much further, requiring lengthier and more complex translation and comprehension.

Which set texts are studied in A Level Latin?

Set texts are used for a maximum of two years, but typically include the same writers and texts, such as Livy (The History of Rome), Ovid (Heroides or Fasti) and Virgil (The Aeneid). Your school will tell you which specific texts you'll study for your exam year.

Is there coursework in A Level Latin?

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

Combining ancient language and literature, A Level Latin 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.