Salvete

Thank you very much -- this gave me lots to think about.

I need to be able to read German secondary scholarship. Some of the historical scholarship I want to read is from the late 19th century, and I've been warned that the language from that period can deviate from contemporary German. It's all a little intimidating. A uni certificate is around the same cost as coursework with the Goethe Society. However, the latter is more flexible. Not sure what's the better approach for someone who only wants to read secondary literature.

I'm a returning adult student, aiming for a PhD in Classics, and hope to get funding. I've currently signed up for a p/t diploma in Attic Greek (2nd and 3rd year), since Covid has hampered my overseas application plans. While I'm doing this, I also have the option of studying German for 2 years, earning a Certificate of Languages. Is it worth it, or overkill to meet modern language requirements? I already have Uni courses in modern Italian (2 years/4 terms) and Latin (3 years/6 terms).

Several years on is probably too late for the original poster, but for later readers: The University of South Africa (UNISA) also has an online Classics program, from undergraduate through PhD. They are very affordable by world standard. The student body is huge, and the Uni is accredited in South Africa. The Classics program seems well structured. However, be warned that their administration department can be a challenge to work with and doesn't always respond. UNISA MA in Classical Studies The University of New England (in Australia) also has an online program for Classics. But, you would be an international student, which comes at a higher cost.