(Full time) 2019 start
Classical Literature and English BA
Overview
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 students of both English and Classics. Aside from a huge array of scholarly material on both subjects, 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 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, 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 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.
Learning and teaching
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.
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 also 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 offer support in these areas as well – 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, fees and applying
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.
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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.
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BTEC
We will consider this qualification in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M1 including D3 in English.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in English at Higher Level.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including H2 in English
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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.
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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.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 80% including 85% in English.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
Were 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
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. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
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.
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £18,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 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 international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
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.
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.
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 about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
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.