J.R.R. Tolkien initially studied Classics at Oxford University.
He entered Exeter College, Oxford, in 1911 to study Classics, the academic field centered on ancient Greek and Latin language and literature. After beginning that course, he changed direction and focused on English Language and Literature. His linguistic interests became increasingly important to his studies and later career.
This transition is significant because Tolkien’s scholarship was grounded in philology, the historical study of languages and texts. His knowledge of Old English, Middle English, Welsh, Finnish, and Germanic languages influenced both his academic work and his invented languages. A common mistake is saying that Tolkien began at Oxford as an English student; English became his principal field after he moved away from Classics.