The article considers the question of students’ research work in acquisition of the discipline “Ancient Languages and Cultures” in Nizhny Novgorod State Linguistic University named after N.A. Dobrolyubov (NNSLU). The process of writing scientific reports by students and their presentation at the annual students’ scientific conference in NNSLU helps students to get acquainted to the format of a scientific report, and this has a propaedeutic significance. Conference attendance also contributes to the accumulation of knowledge in the discipline “Ancient Languages and Cultures”. As a result this type of research helps to form both general and professional competences of students. Taking part in the inter-faculty Olympiad on ancient history, culture and Latin language in NNSLU and the international contest for knowledge of elementary Latin also helps to expand the range of professional skills and develop professional thinking.