Classical Civilisation and English BA

Course overview

This degree allows you to study the full range of English literature, alongside the classical texts that influenced the literary tradition and the historical context that shaped them.

Core modules will introduce you to the Greek and Roman worlds, key texts such as the Iliad and Aeneid, alongside poetry, drama and prose in English.

You’ll also select from a wide range of optional modules on topics as broad as medieval English romance, Plato, creative writing, Greek religion, postcolonial fiction, the rise of Rome, and the ways in which contemporary writing has engaged with Classics. There’s even the option to learn from scratch or continue with Ancient Greek or Latin throughout your degree.

Spanning literature, history, archaeology and philosophy among other disciplines, this wide-ranging joint honours degree will equip you with a broad set of skills. It will also give you an insight into the making of the world we live in and its ancient cultural heritage.

Explore our libraries

Leeds has plenty of useful resources for Classics and English students. The world-class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections. You’ll be able to get hands-on experience of working with ancient manuscripts, coins and other artefacts, including one of the longest surviving inscriptions from ancient Britain. Our other library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a full training programme to help you make the most of them.

Take a look around our libraries:

• Brotherton Library
• Laidlaw Library
• Edward Boyle Library

Course details

A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but take fewer optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

You’ll spend your first year exploring poetry, drama and prose in English through core modules, as well as discovering Greek and Roman literature and society and developing your research skills. This will lay the foundations for the next two years, when you’ll choose from core modules covering different periods of English literary history from the medieval period to today, and focus on either Homer's Iliad, Virgil's Aeneid – both cornerstones of western literature.

Our diverse research interests at Leeds mean we can offer an array of optional modules on topics such as Greek art, contemporary theatre, Ovid, American fiction, Dante’s engagement with Classics, folklore and mythology, Shakespeare, Augustus, and refugee narratives. You could specialise even further in your final-year project, where you’ll demonstrate your critical and research skills by focusing on a topic of your choice.

Classical texts are taught in translation, so you don’t need to have studied an ancient language before you start your degree. However, we do offer optional modules in every year of the degree to learn Ancient Greek or Latin from Beginners to Advanced level.

The course information shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information please read BA Classical Civilisation and English in the course catalogue.

Year 1

Compulsory modules (20 credits each)

• Reading Between the Lines - This course equips students with a critical vocabulary for sophisticated literary study, introducing the creative, argumentative and exciting discipline of ‘English Studies’. Through close analysis of specific texts across a range of periods and forms, students will encounter some of the varied theories that have shaped and continue to underpin the discipline. Students will find out how an English degree might change the way we read and see the world, while developing their academic skills through guided critical reading, collaboration with peers in group presentations and seminar discussions, and a variety of assignments designed to introduce them to the different formats of assessment required throughout the degree.

• Writing Matters - Writing and communication skills are vital to most professional careers, but they are especially valuable in the field of English studies. This module explores debates around a canonical literary text, examining theoretical approaches and rhetorical strategies used to write about literature. Students will hone their own writing skills by engaging ethically with the text and the ideas of others, developing structured arguments, expressing ideas clearly and concisely, working with feedback, and practising writing as a process. As a result, students will cultivate a deeper understanding of how writing works, learn how to share insights with greater efficacy and sophistication, and practice how to transfer this knowledge to future workplace contexts.

Choose one of the following two modules (20 credits each):

• The Greek World: An Introduction - This module provides a historical survey of events in the Greek world from the eighth to the fourth centuries BC, followed by a more detailed study of the social and cultural life of fifth- and fourth-century BC Athens.

• Greek Poets - This module provides an introduction for students to two Ancient Greek poets, Homer and Aeschylus, through detailed study of Homer's Odyssey, a seminal work in the Western literary tradition, and Aeschylus’ Oresteia, the earliest acknowledged masterpiece of European drama. The poems will be read in English translation.

Choose one of the following two modules (20 credits each):

• The Roman World: An Introduction - The module is intended as a foundation for further study in all aspects of Roman civilisation. It will start with an introduction to the major periods in Roman history and the surviving ancient evidence which allows us to study them.

• Roman Poets - This module provides an introduction for students to two Roman poets, Catullus and Ovid, through detailed study of the lyric poetry of Catullus, whose treatment of themes such as love and friendship was a major influence on later love poets, and of Ovid’s epic poem, Metamorphoses, which in its presentation of famous classical myths remains a significant influence in European literature and art. The poems will be read in English translation.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Choose two further option modules in either subject, or Discovery modules in other subjects (20 credits each):

•  Modern Fictions in English

• Race, Writing, Decolonization

• Drama: Text and Performance

•  Poetry: Reading & Interpretation

• Ancient Lives

• Intermediate Ancient Greek (Level 1)

• Intermediate Latin (Level 1)

• Introduction to Classical Archaeology

• Beginners Ancient Greek (Level 1)

• Beginners Latin

Year 2

Compulsory modules (20 credits each)

• Writing Environments: Literature, Nature, Culture - This module examines what it means to live as human beings on a more-than-human planet. We’ll investigate how literary texts from different times and places have understood the relationship between nature and culture. We’ll address human impacts on the environment in relation to historical phenomena such as colonialism. And we’ll explore the insights that literature can offer at a time of concern about climate change and other environmental issues.

• Body Language: Literature and Embodiment - This module explores the relationship between embodiment, language and representation across a range of literary forms, genres, and periods, addressing questions such as: what does it mean to be ‘human’? Can technology change who we are? How do we navigate the relationship between the body and the mind? It examines how critical theorists and creative writers and life writers have treated and imagined this relationship between material bodies and literary representation, in order to better understand both the possibilities and limitations of literary expression.

• Evidence and Enquiry in Classics - This module is designed to build on and enhance the skills which you have developed at level 1, and to prepare you to pursue independent research at level 3 with the help and guidance of an academic supervisor. It offers a survey of Classics today, of classes of evidence, and of the various areas of classical research. The module encourages a holistic view of Classics as a discipline, which is essential for conducting effective research.

Choose at least one of the following two modules:

• Virgil's Aeneid - The Aeneid is an epic tale of adventure, heroism, love, loss, divinity, family, and finding a new home. Virgil’s innovative work blends politics and poetry, offering the Romans an alternative origin story for the Eternal City and the empire it governed.

• Homer's Iliad - This module is suitable for Level 2 students with some basic knowledge of Classical literature. It provides a thorough introduction to the themes and structure of Homer's Iliad, issues surrounding its composition and transmission, and its enormous cultural significance.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Invisible Greeks and Romans

• Virgil's Aeneid

• Homer's Iliad

• Ancient Empires: Power and Control

• Traversing Time: The Voyage of Argo

• Intermediate Ancient Greek (Level 2)

• The Athenian Empire

• Intermediate Latin (Level 2)

• Herodotus and the Beginning of History

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Major Research Project (40 credits) - The major dissertation requires the student to design their own 12,000-word project on any topic, subject to approval from a potential supervisor and the module coordinator.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below, 20 credits each)

• The Athenian Empire

• Herodotus and the Beginning of History

• Ovid the Innovator

• The Rise of Rome: Myth and History

• Augustus and his Legacy

• The Ancient Greek Novel

• Screening Antiquity

• Heroines: Representations of Mythological Women from Antiquity to the Present

• The Image of Sparta

• Plato on Love

• Greek Religion

• Greek Tragedy

• The City in the Roman World

Learning and teaching

Our tutors are experts in their field, and their teaching is informed by their ongoing research. We use different teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from their knowledge and experience. They include lectures, seminars and tutorials, but also workshops, practical sessions working with manuscripts and coins, and field trips. However, we attach a lot of importance to building independent research and critical skills, so independent study is also a crucial part of the degree.

The University offers a variety of tailored support for Classics and English students; the University Library runs free classes and workshops so you can learn how to use them.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use diverse types of assessment designed to deliver key skills essential for the world of work: to think clearly and critically, to speak well, and to write persuasively. Exams and essays are a part of this, but we also use poster presentations, reflective commentaries and narrated slideshow presentations. Some modules are also assessed through seminar participation or online quizzes, while group work and oral presentations may also be treated as assessed components.

Our aim is to make sure you develop skills not only in your chosen subjects, but also ones which you can take into your future career. We offer additional support in relevant areas – for example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including A in English.

Other course specific tests:

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBB at A Level including English and pass Access to Leeds.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £24,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
In November 2024 the UK Government announced that the tuition fee cap may rise to £9,535 from £9,250.

The tuition fee cap for some foundation years may also reduce to £5,760 from £9,250.

This would start from the academic year 2025/26. However, this is subject to final confirmation from the Government. Once available, we’ll publish the fees for the 2025/26 academic year and individual offer letters shall be updated via email and post.

The foundation year courses affected are:
·         Business Studies with Foundation Year BSc
·         Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
·         Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
·         Social Science (foundation year) BA

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 and 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
 

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our guidance about applying.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
School of English

Contact us

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions

Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

A degree as demanding and broad as Classical Civilisation and English equips you with a wide range of transferable skills that are highly valuable to employers.

You’ll have advanced communication skills, which allow you to present and defend your ideas confidently and clearly. You’ll also have strong independent research skills and be able to think critically about the information you find. You’ll also have teamwork skills, and the organisational skills needed to handle two different subjects.

This means graduates are in a great position to succeed in diverse careers. They’ve gone into publishing, law, journalism, education, advertising and marketing, business and finance, the charity sector, and the civil service. Many have also continued to postgraduate study.

You can read more about the range of careers our Classical Civilisation and English graduates progress into, as well as the support we offer you throughout your degree.

Careers support

The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies regularly hosts employability events where you can listen to Leeds alumni talking about their careers and ask them for advice.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Classical Civilisation and English at Leeds has exchange links with Verona University (Italy) and modern language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience. There are also opportunities at our partner universities across the world where courses are taught in English.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

A work placement year is a popular choice with our students as it provides an opportunity to gain invaluable work experience as part of your degree. Hannah spent a year working for an integrated marketing group. As with study abroad, you don't have to decide whether to pursue this before coming to Leeds.

You'll apply for the work placement year when you are already here and settled into your degree. If you are successful, you'll work in a graduate-level role and return to Leeds to complete your final year.