Knowledge of ancient languages is indispensable for the study of the ancient world, philosophy and historical disciplines. In Ancient Civilizations, original sources, functional texts, and literary texts cannot be handled without a good knowledge of Latin and Greek. Thus, a sound command of ancient languages (the most important linguistic phenomena, basic vocabulary, and training in the translation of texts) is an important foundation for academic studies.

For Ancient Civilizations as a whole, as well as for subjects with a historical dimension in literature studies and linguistics, philosophy, art history, history and musicology (Middle Ages, Renaissance, early modern period as well as history of science up to the 19th century), knowledge of the Latin language forms part of the international standard for a scientific education. In the degree subject or program of Ancient Civilizations within the subject areas Ancient History, Greek and Latin Studies, original source texts are – also – read in the original. For the in-depth study of Classical Archaeology and Provincial Roman Archaeology, knowledge of Greek and/or Latin is indispensable for handling inscriptions and other textual sources. Through a knowledge of Ancient Greek, students of philosophy obtain a deeper understanding of fundamental texts (Pre-Socratics, Plato, Aristotle) and the terms employed which continue to shape philosophical thought to this day.

For Bachelor studies in Ancient Civilizations with a concentration in Greek or Latin Studies, knowledge of Ancient Greek at the baccalaureate level is required. For a specialization in the subject areas of Ancient History or Classical Archaeology, knowledge of Latin or Greek at the baccalaureate level is required. To bridge any potential gaps, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences offers one Latin course and one Greek course:

• Latin Annual Course: Aimed at students who wish to learn Latin 'in measured amounts' over two semesters until they complete their BA or MA.
• Graecum Annual Course:  Intended for students who wish to learn the basic knowledge of Ancient Greek It is designed for students who want to learn the basic knowledge of Ancient Greek over two semesters until they complete their BA or MA.

According to the 2011 student regulations of the University of Basel, language skills are largely placed in the students' so-called 'self-responsibility'. Rather than indicating a abstention from i.a. competence in the Latin language, this distinction places the acquisition of Latin in the 'self-competence' of the students. All courses are validated as free electives with 12 credits (= 12 ECTS) each.