Macquarie Ancient Languages School Summer Week 2026

The Macquarie Ancient Languages School (MALS) provides a unique opportunity to engage with ancient cultures through the study of their languages in a friendly and stimulating environment. Each year we run a Summer Week in the second week of January and a Winter Week in early July.

This Summer Week MALS is offering intensive courses in Ancient Greek, Koine Greek, Latin, Hieroglyphic Egyptian, Old Persian and Old Nubian. For full course details (course levels, texts, tutors, timetable etc.) please visit www.mals.org.au.

Our week-long session will run online via Zoom. It will be led by our team of dedicated tutors, many of whom are postgraduate students embarking on research in relevant fields or language teachers working in the secondary or tertiary sector.

The School employs methods designed to support adult learners (16 years of age and up) from a wide range of backgrounds. You may, for instance, be a university student wanting to begin your engagement with ancient languages or a teacher looking to enhance existing skills. You may be someone who has always been wanting to learn one of the languages we offer or one of our many MALS veterans who enjoys exploring new texts with like-minded people.

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

No ID is necessary. MALS is designed for adult learners (16 years of age and up). Senior secondary school students have attended MALS in the past. Contact MALS directly if you would like to check your eligibility.

What does the course fee include?

The course fee covers tuition in the chosen language. There will be breaks for morning tea and lunch, but no special lunchtime talks in this iteration of MALS.

Can I enrol in more than one course?

No. Each course runs for the duration of the Summer Week.

What materials do I need for this event?

Please make sure you have access to the required textbooks/texts/course notes. Students should consult the Current Program on the MALS website for information about texts, textbooks and course notes for their course. Textbooks should be purchased prior to the MALS week. A list of textbook suppliers is available on our website's FAQs page. Texts and course notes will be available to download on the Learning Materials page from mid December.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please email MALS directly with any questions: mals@mq.edu.au

What is the daily timetable?

On Monday 5 January classes will meet online via Zoom from 9.15am (teaching to commence at 9.30am) to settle into the online teaching delivery system. An email will be sent to you on the Friday before the Summer Week with your class Zoom link.

All courses will run Monday to Friday from 9.30am–3.30pm. Teaching session 1 will generally run from 9.30am to 11.00am, followed by a half-hour morning tea break. Teaching session 2 will run from 11.30am to 1.00pm, followed by a lunch break from 1.00pm to 2.00pm. Teaching session 3 will run from 2.00pm to 3.30pm.

What's the refund policy?

Full refunds will be issued for those who notify MALS of their inability to attend before the cancellation deadline (29 December for the 2026 Summer Week). MALS will charge a $100 late withdrawal fee for cancelations after 29 December. This withdrawal fee is aimed at minimising cancellation of classes, and thus disruption to other enrolled students. If you have any questions please email mals@mq.edu.au prior to enrolment.

I s there an early bird discount?

No. Due to unforeseen difficulties, MALS was late to get going this year and as a result we have decided to charge the discount rate for all tickets.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes. Please send us an email (mals@mq.edu.au) detailing any changes to your registration information.

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

Yes. Please send us an email (mals@mq.edu.au) and indicate the name of the person attending MALS.