Classical Literature and Italian B BA

Classical Literature gives you the chance to explore some of the most important texts in western literature. You’ll combine core and optional modules to appreciate works by writers such as Homer, Virgil, Aeschylus, Apuleius, Aristotle and Ovid, all read in English translation, offering a window onto Ancient Greek and Roman culture and history. You'll explore poetry, prose, and comedy and tragedy plays in the ancient theatre, and discover how later writers from the ancient world to the present day have been inspired by the classics.

If you have little or no knowledge of Italian, this degree will allow you to learn the language from scratch and develop an understanding of the history, politics and rich culture of a major European economy. Core modules will develop your language skills and introduce you to Italian history and culture, but you’ll also choose from a wide range of optional modules to explore topics from medieval and Renaissance art and literature to cinema and specialised uses of Italian in business.

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 study one of our cornerstone modules in Year 1 to draw your two subjects together, and apply your knowledge and skills to a major research project in either subject in your final year.

Classical Literature 

In your first year you’ll study core modules that introduce you to ancient Greek and Roman literature, as well as starting to develop the skills required to analyse them. You’ll develop those skills by exploring in-depth Homer’s Iliad and/or Virgil’s Aeneid, and choosing from optional modules on e.g. Classics in 20th and 21st century literature, or Roman or Athenian Comedy. By the time you reach your final year, you’ll have highly developed research and critical skills and will continue to build your diverse literary portfolio. You’ll also have the chance to begin or continue with Latin or Ancient Greek throughout. You can also take optional discovery modules in other areas of Classics such as ancient history, philosophy and archaeology.

Italian B 

Core modules in your first year will develop your Italian language skills and introduce you to Italian culture and history. You will spend time abroad in Italy, before you return to continue your language study and also choose from optional modules such as Dante or regional identities in Italy. A variety of optional modules alongside these will allow you to continue pursuing your own interests. Your time abroad will bring a new perspective to advanced language classes 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.

Learning and teaching

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 different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

Other course specific tests:

• 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 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.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions team.

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 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 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 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 UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

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.

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.