Classical Civilisation and Philosophy BA

This wide-ranging joint honours degree allows you to study the full range of ideas, thinkers and approaches in philosophy, while gaining an understanding of the classical societies that laid the foundations of Western philosophical thought.

You’ll explore the literature, culture, politics and history of ancient Greek and Roman societies through core modules, as well as discovering the key issues, concepts and ways of thinking in philosophy. Because our research interests are so diverse, we can also offer a wide range of optional modules to focus on the topics and methods that interest you.

From Plato and Socrates to the Latin novel, philosophy of science to Greek art and society, Augustus’ legacy to logic, this degree is a fantastic opportunity to study across disciplines, cultures and eras – all while gaining an impressively broad range of skills. There’s even the option to learn from scratch or continue with Ancient Greek or Latin throughout your degree.

Explore our libraries

Leeds has plenty of useful resources for Classical Civilisation and Philosophy 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 options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

Core modules in your first year will introduce you to key principles, ideas and texts in both subjects, such as logic, ethics and Greek and Roman literature or culture. You’ll also be able to choose from optional modules such as philosophy of religion or science or take discovery modules from across the University.

From this foundation, you’ll build and expand your knowledge over the remaining two years. Core modules will allow you to discover major texts such as the Iliad or Aeneid (both cornerstones of western literature) or to explore a wide range of Ancient Empires, and you'll be expected to maintain a balance over a few key areas of philosophy such as value philosophy, logic and language or mind and knowledge.

But you’ll also be able to specialise in topics that interest you through optional modules such as feminist philosophy, Plato’s Republic, philosophy of science and technology, or Dante’s engagement with classical material. You’ll also be able to showcase the critical and research skills you’ve gained when you undertake an independent dissertation on a topic of your choice in your final year.

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 Civilisation and Philosophy 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

Our tutors are all experts in their fields. Their teaching is informed by their ongoing research, and we use different teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from their expertise. These will normally include lectures, seminars and tutorials. However, we attach a lot of importance to building your research and critical skills, so independent study is also a crucial part of the degree.

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 different types of assessment, which often include exams, essays and assignments. Some modules are also assessed through seminar participation or online quizzes, while group work and oral presentations may also be treated as set components.

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: ABB

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 BBB at A Level 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.

• BTEC

  BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDM. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  M1, M1, M1

• International Baccalaureate

  34 points overall including 16 at Higher Level.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers, or AABBBB 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: 77%

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: BBC at A Level 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 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 Civilisation and Philosophy crosses disciplines and equips you with a wide range of skills, all of which are highly valuable to employers.

You’ll be a confident communicator who can construct a clear and compelling argument and then present and defend it either verbally or in writing. You’ll also have good research skills and work well independently or in a team. You’ll be able to think analytically and solve problems – and because you’ve managed two subjects, you’ll also have good organisational skills.

Graduates in each subject have gone on to find success in diverse careers as a result, including journalism, museum and heritage work, education, business and finance, administration, PR, recruitment, management and the civil service. Many others progress to postgraduate study.

You can read more about the range of careers our Classical Civilisation and Philosophy 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.