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Classical Literature and English, BA

University of Leeds, the United Kingdom

University of Leeds

Study options for this course

The award How you will study Study duration Course start Domestic course fees International course fees
BAFull-time3 yearsSeptemberGBP 9250 per yearGBP 17500 per year

About Classical Literature and English, BA - at University of Leeds

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. However, the diverse research interests at Leeds mean we can offer an impressive array of optional modules, so 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 how Dante and contemporary authors have engaged with their classical forbears. 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.

Leeds has plenty of useful resources for Classics students. Aside from a huge array of scholarly material on the subject, the world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscripts, as well as archive and early printed material in its Special Collections.

Our other library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.

  • Course content

    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.

    You'll spend your first year taking core modules that introduce you to Greek and Latin literature in translation, as well as choosing poetry, drama and prose in English. 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, the Iliad and the Aeneid, as well as English literature in a choice of historical periods. You'll also choose from an impressive 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 take your choice of core modules in English and then select from an even wider 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 dissertation on a topic of your choice.

    Course structure

    These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

    Year 1

    Compulsory modules

    • Entry requirements, fees and applying

      Entry requirements

      A-level: AAB including A in English and excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking

      • Career opportunities

        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 valuable to 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.

        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 and work placements

        All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It's a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.

        Classics at Leeds also has exclusive exchange links with universities in Göttingen in Germany, Verona in Italy, and Thessaloniki in Greece. You could apply to spend a year studying at any of these institutions - language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.

        Read more about study abroad in Classics

        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.

      • Related courses

        Ancient History and English BA
        English Language and Literature BA
        English Literature BA
  • Entry requirements for this course

    Contact University of Leeds to find course entry requirements.

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