Classical Literature and English BA

Explore literature from the ancient world to contemporary Britain with this wide-ranging degree, which puts English literature into the context of its classical heritage.

Core modules will introduce you to key classical texts such as the Iliad and Aeneid, as well as poetry, prose and drama in English across literary periods. The range of diverse research interests at Leeds also means we can offer an impressive array of optional modules so that you can follow your interests in ancient literature alongside a full range of English topics.

You could study Herodotus and historical writing, Ovid or Greek tragedy, as well as how Dante and contemporary authors have engaged with their classical forebears. Then you could explore African literature, language in the media or folklore and mythology.

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 if you want to learn or continue with either.

Explore our libraries

Leeds has plenty of useful resources for Classical Literature and English students. The world-class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections. 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

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

You’ll spend your first year taking core modules that introduce you to Greek and Latin literature in translation, as well as taking a foundational module in English studies and choosing to study either poetry or drama. You’ll also have the chance to take discovery modules from a range of subjects across the University – an option that will be open to you throughout the degree.

In the following year, you’ll build on this foundation. Core modules will allow you to study two of the foundational works of Western literature from the Greek and Roman worlds, the Iliad and the Aeneid, as well as English literature in a choice of historical periods. You’ll also choose from a variety of optional modules in both subjects, allowing you to tailor your degree to suit your interests.

Your final year offers even more flexibility, as you choose core English modules and then select from an even more comprehensive range of options. You’ll also have the opportunity to demonstrate the critical and research skills you’ve acquired when you undertake an independently researched final year project on a topic of your choice.

Course structure

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

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Classical Literature and English BA in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

We use a number of different teaching and learning styles to help you benefit from our tutors’ expertise. They include lectures, seminars and tutorials, but workshops may be included in some modules.

Independent study is also an integral part of the degree, allowing you to read widely and build your research and critical skills. There is plenty of support available: the University Library runs training programmes to help you make the most of our resources.

The University offers a variety of tailored support for classicists and philosophers; 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 various types of assessment. Exams and essays are a significant part of this, but in some modules you may also be assessed on components such as group work, surveys, reports, or oral presentations.

We aim to make sure you develop skills not only in your chosen subjects, but also ones which you can take into your future career. Support will be on hand – throughout your time at Leeds you’ll be able to attend extra classes on topics like exam technique and structuring an essay.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including A in English.

Other course specific tests:

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be ABB at A Level including A in English and grade A in the EPQ.

We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. The Access course must include English modules.

• BTEC

  We will consider this qualification in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, M1, M1 including D3 in English.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in English at Higher Level.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including H2 in English

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AB in Advanced Highers including A in English and AABBB in Highers, or A in English in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers.

• Welsh Baccalaureate

  The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.

• Other Qualifications

  European Baccalaureate: 80% including 85% in English.

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 an alternative 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 alternative 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.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. 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 Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.

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 about additional costs.

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.

A joint honours degree in Classical Literature and English provides you with in-depth knowledge of a rich literary tradition and will equip with you with deep cultural awareness. You’ll also leave with valuable transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers.

You’ll be a confident researcher who is capable of working both individually and in a team, and you’ll have analytical and problem-solving skills. You’ll be able to think critically about information from different sources, draw your own conclusions and present and defend them clearly using your advanced communication skills. Managing two subjects will also equip you with organisational and time management skills.

Graduates have gone into a wide range of careers such as journalism, publishing, law, advertising and marketing, business and finance, the civil service, education and the charity sector. Others have gone on to pursue postgraduate study in related subjects.

We do everything we can to help you prepare for your career. You’ll have the choice to study one of our career development and planning modules as part of your degree, or you could apply for one of the internships we offer every year.

You can read more about the range of careers our Classical Literature 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

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 at the Careers website.

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 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.

Hannah spent a year working for an integrated marketing group.