CAT (Classics Admissions Test)

What is the CAT? 

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 
• Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.
  

The Classics Admissions Test consists of three separate computer-based tests:

• 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 papers you take depends on the course you are applying for, and whether you are studying Latin or Greek to A-level or equivalent.

You will need to arrange to take the CAT at a Pearson VUE authorised test centre. Instructions on how to do this can be found under the How do I register? tab on this page.

Greek and Latin Translation Tests

The two translation tests each consist of a short passage in the prose and verse of the classical language, to be translated into English. The passages are carefully chosen to be of a difficulty suitable to students at A-level or equivalent.

You are not allowed to take dictionaries, grammar books or notes into the test, so if you are not used to translating without these aids, you should get lots of practise doing so, and try to learn vocabulary before sitting the test.

Classics Language Aptitude Test

The CLAT is designed to assess your ability to analyse how languages work, in a way which doesn't depend on your knowledge of any particular language. Instead we are looking to gauge your aptitude for learning a new language rapidly.

Which test(s) do I need to take? 

Classics (Q800)

• If you are studying Latin and/or Greek to A-level or equivalent, you must take the Translation Test(s) in whichever of those languages you are studying. So if you are taking both Latin and Greek A-level you will need to take both of the Translation Tests, and if you are taking just one of Latin and Greek A-levels you will need to take just the test for the language you are already studying.
• If you are studying neither Latin nor Greek to A-level or equivalent, you must take the Classics Language Aptitude Test only.

Classics and English (QQ38)

• Classics and English is for those who are studying Latin or Greek to A-level or equivalent. You must take Translation Test(s) in whichever of those languages you are currently studying.

Classics and English with Beginners' Latin or Greek (QQH8)

• Classics and English with Beginners' Latin or Greek is for those who are currently studying neither Latin nor Greek to A-level or equivalent. You must take the third test, the Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT), only.

Classics and Modern Languages (find course combinations and codes on the course page)

• Classics and Modern Languages options A: If you are currently studying Latin and/or Greek to A-level or equivalent, you must take the Translation Test(s) in whichever of those languages you are studying. You must also sit the MLAT.
• Classics and Modern Languages option A with Beginners' Latin or Greek: If you are currently studying neither Latin nor Greek to A-level or equivalent, you must take the third test, the Classics Language Aptitude Test. You must also sit the MLAT.
• Classics and Modern Languages options B: If you are currently studying Latin or Greek to A-level or equivalent, you must take the Translation Test(s) in whichever of those languages you are studying. If you are currently studying neither Latin nor Greek to A-level or equivalent, you must take the third test, the Classics Language Aptitude Test. You must also sit the MLAT.

Test preparation and practice materials

A test preparation guidance video and practice test hosted by the online test platform will be made available for candidates soon.

In the meantime, candidates can view the past papers and resources below to get a sense of the types of questions asked in the test. Please note that although the exact format of this year's test may differ slightly from these materials, working through past papers will still be very valuable preparation.

Read the video transcript.

What should I expect on test day?

More information on what to expect on test day will be made available soon.