Ancient History and English BA

Course overview

Ancient History offers you the chance to study the civilisations of ancient Greece, Rome, Persia and beyond, analysing their political, cultural and social histories, and how they’ve been received and interpreted by other cultures. You’ll combine core and optional modules to gain an understanding of life in these unique societies as they evolved, developing your own interests through investigating the ‘Athenian empire’, Sparta and the Peloponnesian League, and Rome from Republic to Empire.

You’ll explore the full range of poetry, prose and drama in English, from Old English and medieval literature to contemporary writing from around the world. Core modules will give you a thorough grounding in the history and development of English literature, while optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge of topics that interest you. From Arthurian legends or Shakespeare to postcolonial fiction, there’s plenty to choose from.

Explore our libraries

Leeds has plenty of useful resources for Ancient History students. The world-class Brotherton Library holds a wide range of scholarly material on the subject, and its Special Collections include manuscript, archive and early printed material, as well as coins and other materials from the ancient world. 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.

The University Library offers comprehensive training and support to help you make the most of these resources, and you'll also have the chance to visit other collections close by, such as Leeds City Museum.

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 also undertake a major research project in either subject in your final year.

This combination will allow you to explore how ancient concepts, ideas, events, art, architecture and literature continue to influence modern culture.

Ancient History core modules will introduce you to the major events and trends that affected the Ancient Greek and Roman worlds, and you’ll also have the chance to learn or continue with Latin or Ancient Greek. In your first year, you’ll also choose from core English modules exploring poetry, prose and drama through time.

You’ll go on to deepen your knowledge of ancient political systems, societies, cultures and people, from great historical figures to under-represented and subordinate groups, broadening your understanding of theoretical approaches to ancient sources. You’ll also develop your knowledge and skills through a choice of core modules focusing on different literary periods from the medieval period to today.

We offer an extensive range of optional modules, enabling you to specialise in the periods, regions, genres, or themes that interest you most, exploring diverse topics from across the classical world, revealing the complex nuances of these fascinating societies.

Classical texts are taught in translation, so you don’t need to have studied an ancient language. However, we offer Ancient Greek and Latin in every year of the degree, from Beginners to Advanced level, if you want to learn or continue with either.

Year 1

Compulsory modules (20 credits each)

• Reading Between the Lines - This module 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

You may choose two further option modules in either subject, or take up to 40 credits of Discovery modules in different subjects.

• 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.

You will also take at least one of the following modules:

• Invisible Greeks and Romans - This module focuses on subordinate groups in classical antiquity: women, children, slaves, foreigners and others outside the privileged body of citizens in Greece and Rome.

• Ancient Empires: Power and Control - This module provides an overview of the hegemonic and imperial regimes of the classical world, covering Greece, Rome and Persia, and focussing particularly on the hegemonic leagues of Sparta and Athens, the Achaemenid empire and the rise of Rome as an imperial power.

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

• 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

• The Rise of Rome: Myth and History

• Roman Comedy

• Augustus and his Legacy

• The Ancient Greek Novel

• Screening Antiquity 

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

• Beginners Ancient Greek (Level 2)

• Beginners Latin (Level 2)

• Introduction to Dante's Comedy (in Translation)

• Black Europe

• Medieval and Tudor Literature

• Renaissance Literature 

• Modern Literature

• Postcolonial Literature   

• The World Before Us: Literature 1660-1830 

•  Other Voices: Rethinking Nineteenth-Century Literature

• American Literature

• Contemporary Literature

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

• Roman Comedy

• Classical Receptions in the Brotherton Archives and Special Collections

Learning and teaching

The University offers a variety of tailored support for Ancient History and English students; the University Library runs free classes and workshops to help you make the most of our resources.

Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their cutting-edge research informs their teaching. We use various teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars and tutorials, as well as workshops, practical sessions working with manuscripts and coins, and field trips. However, independent study is also central to this degree, as it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You’ll be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.

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 will include group work, oral presentations and online discussion forums. We work hard at Leeds to make other innovative and inclusive assessment options available.

We offer additional support in relevant areas – for example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam techniques that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including A in English (English Language, English Literature or English Language and Literature)

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.

BBB including English (English Language, English Literature or English Language and Literature) at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.

The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

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: To be confirmed

International: £26,000 (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 in Ancient History and English crosses disciplines and gives you a wide range of knowledge and skills.

You’ll be capable of researching complex topics independently and thinking critically about information from different sources. You’ll be analytical and have highly developed communication skills. You’ll also have organisational and time-management skills. In addition, studying for a joint honours degree allows you to become intellectually versatile as you switch between different disciplines.

Graduates from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures go on to a wide range of careers, including publishing, the armed forces, journalism, law, curatorship, the civil service, advertising and marketing, education, business and finance, and the charity sector. Some of our graduates choose to progress onto postgraduate study.

We do everything we can to help prepare you for your career. Student-run career groups allow you to get together with other students who share your career ambitions. At the same time, you could also become a peer mentor under our scheme or apply for one of the internships the School offers every year.

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

The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies careers and employability support includes promoting internships, providing opportunities to work for the School and employer-led workshops and events.

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.

Classics 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. As with study abroad, you don't have to decide whether to pursue this before you come 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.

Hannah spent a year working for an integrated marketing group.