We often call Latin a dead language, but it's far from irrelevant today. We might not speak Latin conversationally anymore, this tongue sees heavy use in professional fields such as law, medicine, and other Humanities fields. This article lays out all the advantages of learning Latin, and where you can study this classical language.
Where to Find Latin Classes in London
- Universities such as UCL, KCL, and the University of Westminster offer Latin classes.
- Language schools like City Lit, the Italian Cultural Society, and Classics for All teach Latin.
- You can also take private Latin lessons with a tutor online or in person.
The Benefits of Studying Latin
Latin's intricate grammar and syntax are enough to put anyone off Latin language classes. But studying Latin isn't as hard as it seems at first. Perhaps we should start by laying out how you're already familiar with Latin.
Latin in English Vocabulary
Alea iacta est. (The die is cast.)
Julius Caesar
English is a hybrid language; it borrows many of its words from German, French, and Spanish, among others1. French, Spanish, and Italian, the languages English borrows the most from, are Romance languages. That description has nothing to do with your sweetheart, of course. It describes words with their roots in the language of the Romans - Latin, such as these.
English word
- animal
- candid
- liberal
- science
- vital
- box
- gown
Latin word
- animale
- candida
- liberalis
- scientia
- vitalis
- buxis
- gunna
Beyond whole words, prefixes, suffixes and word roots all come from Latin. For example, 'project', 'eject', 'reject', 'abject' all include the Latin-based '-ject' root. We know this from the quote above, where 'iacta' is a declension of the verb 'iactus' - which means 'to throw', which, in our language, becomes '-ject'.
Finally, some English grammar constructions mirror those in Latin. At the very least, the words we use to define our grammar - verb, noun, etc. - come to us from Latin.
Latin at the Root of Other Languages
Above, you read about Romance languages. German is not one, but French, Spanish, Romanian, Portuguese and Italian are. As it turns out, Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world2, and Spanish-speaking countries are at the forefront of the next economic wave. Were you to study Spanish, your Latin classes London will boost your Spanish studies.
Latin Gives You Access to Classic Literature
Dum spiro, spero. (While I breathe, I hope.)
Cicero
You may have read Cicero exerpts or heard him quoted in films or in your classes. What if you could read this Roman statesman's words for yourself? Or texts from other philosophers, orators, and politicians of the Latin era? Learning how to read Latin opens doors to history and wisdom that are closed to most.
Cicero's most famous pronouncement roughly means, "To whose good?".
Where learning Latin is concerned, the answer is tibi bonum, which means 'To your good'.
Latin Boosts Your Cognitive Abilities
Learning a second language boosts humans' cognitive abilities, and it doesn't matter whether it's a 'dead' language or one spoken by millions. Among the abilities language learning helps cultivate are critical thinking and analytical skills. These are two of the most in-demand skills in the workforce today.
Where to Study Latin in London
Whether you're looking for lessons in Latin in Birmingham or in London, the conclusion remains the same. You'll find opportunities to learn Latin at universities near you.
Studying Latin at a University in London
University College London (UCL)
UCL offers a range of Latin courses for basic Latin and more advanced learners. Their Greek and Latin Department provides various modules exploring Latin literature, language, and culture.
This school's London Classics Summer School provides a concentrated 8-day program for learning Greek or Latin at various skill levels.
UCL welcomes school pupils, university students, and individuals seeking to learn or rekindle their grasp of these languages to their non-credit Latin classes. Otherwise, during the semesters, you can study Latin at several different levels. Lessons are organised approximately once a week during the day.
King's College London
King's College London offers Latin courses through its Department of Classics. These courses cover various levels, from beginners to advanced, and delve into classical texts, history, and linguistics.
University of Westminster
The University of Westminster provides Latin courses within its Classics and Ancient History departments. These courses cover Latin and literature, comprehensively understanding the language's cultural and historical context.
Birkbeck University
Birkbeck's "Introduction to Latin I" short course is designed for absolute beginners and aims to provide focused instruction on the fundamental concepts of Classical Latin. The classes include guidance on grammar, reading practice, and exercises to understand the language's mechanics.
Study Latin in a Private Language School
Besides City Lit, the renowned centre for adult education, you can find Latin courses for different skill levels all around London. Whether you're a beginner in Latin or looking to refresh your skills, their courses cater to various needs.
Classics for All
This UK-based charity promotes the study of classics, including Latin, at all levels of education. While not a physical institution, they provide resources and support for learning Latin in schools.
The Italian Cultural Society
This centre offers courses for teenagers and adults all year round. You can study Latin at different levels, from total beginners to more advanced.
It also provides an intensive summer course. Designed for new learners intrigued by the Latin language and Roman history essentials, this course is tailored to beginners. The primary objective of Beginners' Latin is to instil foundational understandings of the Latin language using the Ecce Romani I text.
U3A
This school offers three main courses in Latin:
Latin Beginners 1
Latin Improvers
Latin: Beginners 2
A vital aspect of the course is developing the ability to read Latin directly, minimising translation and allowing for translation practice when necessary. The chosen textbook traces the experiences of a Roman family, offering insights not only into learning Latin but also into early imperial Roman society.
The Benedictine Institute
Offers on-site courses in London and the opportunity to study remotely via the Internet. The Latin courses are available at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. You can also choose to study with a private tutor, which typically costs £40 per hour.
Learning Latin With a Private Teacher
Learning Latin with a private teacher offers several benefits that greatly enhance your language learning experience compared to self-study or group classes. With such courses, you claim advantages for yourself in these respects: feat
A private teacher can tailor lessons to your learning style, pace, and goals. You may learn individually or in a small-group setting, with friends or family. Private lessons are a cost-effective, flexible solution to your learning needs. This individualised approach ensures you receive the right amount of challenge and support, optimising your learning process.
Study Latin in London With a Teacher from Superprof
On the Superprof platform, you'll find 370 registered Latin teachers in London alone, many of whom have earned their credentials at Oxford, Cambridge, and similar great institutions. If you aim to earn your Latin degree at such a learning house, you can get a jumpstart with a Latin Superprof tutor in London.
But why limit yourself to a local Latin teacher? Superprof also has Latin teachers giving lessons online from all over the world, often at a price that rivals local teachers' fees. Imagine the historical and cultural connections you could make by learning Latin from a Superprof in Rome!
If you are ready to study Latin with an online tutor, you have over 1500 teachers to choose from on Superprof.co.uk.
Choosing the Right Latin Language Classes for Your Goals
Latin study is not merely an exercise in exploring the past; it's an investment in your intellectual growth and personal development. In London's vibrant heart, you have many opportunities to dive into Latin.
The trouble is, being spoilt for choice makes it hard to see your best initiatives. These tips help you sort through all the noise to find what you need.
Assess Your Needs
What drives you to study Latin? Will your Latin lessons London power your future academic studies or career? In that case, formal lessons through an accredited learning programme are for you. You might even search for lessons that offer a particular angle: Latin for Law, for example, or Latin for Medicine.
Conversely, if you intend to study the Humanities - literature, history, or archaeology, a general Latin course should suffice. Even if you're simply Latin-curious, a course of general Latin studies will teach you the vocabulary and complex grammatical structures.
Determine Your Schedule
Are you on a timetable? Meaning: Do you have to know a measure of Latin by a certain time? If that's the case, intensive lessons should headline your search. Otherwise, your most important schedule considerations involve fitting the Latin Lesson into your already busy life.
1. Choose private tutoring or formal classes based on the commitment you can make to learning.
2. Get your money's worth from your classes by never having to skip a lesson because of a scheduling conflict.
Private lessons tend to have more flexible timetables, as long as you coordinate with your teacher. These are ideal for the Latin learner whose schedule constantly changes. On the other hand, if you have the room in your schedule to dedicate a block of time to Latin language classes every week, formal lessons should work for you.
Set Your Budget
In these economic times, it would be foolhardy not to consider the money angle, wouldn't it? As you're considering taking Latin lessons, you must have some need for them, even if it's personal. So, giving up on lessons is out of the question. That leaves us debating the matter of costs.
The least expensive lessons
- Great, as long as the teacher is qualified and experienced
- limiting if they don't create a bridge to further learning
The most expensive lessons
- Maybe too much if you're only starting your learning journey
- Maybe unnecessary if you're learning for your own pleasure
Where budgeting for lessons is concerned, you must consider all the factors, not just what you can afford. For instance, you'll naturally pay more for career-oriented lessons than general Latin learning courses. And the more advanced you are, the more costly lessons will be.
Luckily, you have a broad range of Latin learning opportunities to choose from. With all of these points in mind, you only need to compare different courses’ costs and choose the one that fits into your financial plan. That applies whether you live and study in London or are searching for the best Latin courses in Manchester.
More Information on Where to Study Latin in London
- Omadhya Vasave, Kirta. “Exploring Hybridity in English Language: A Multifaceted Perspective.” International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews Journal Homepage: Www.ijrpr.com, vol. 4, no. vol. 4, issue 6, 2023, pp. 2621–2622, ijrpr.com/uploads/V4ISSUE6/IJRPR14418.pdf. Accessed 11 May 2026.
- Poorte, Marielle . “How Many People in the World Speak Spanish?” Speakeasy Spanish School, 24 Nov. 2024, www.speakeasybcn.com/en/blog/how-many-people-in-the-world-speak-spanish. Accessed 11 May 2026.
- Skibba, Ramin. “How a Second Language Can Boost the Brain.” Knowable Magazine, 29 Nov. 2018, knowablemagazine.org/article/mind/2018/how-second-language-can-boost-brain, https://doi.org/10.1146/knowable-112918-1. Accessed 11 May 2026.
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