(Full time) 2019 start
Classical Civilisation and English BA
Overview
This degree allows you to study the full range of literature in English alongside the classical texts which have influenced the literary tradition and the historical context that shaped them.
Core modules will introduce you to the Greek and Roman worlds and key texts like the Iliad and Aeneid, while you’ll also explore aspects of poetry, drama and prose in English.
You’ll also be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules on topics as broad as medieval English romance, Plato, creative writing, Greek religion, postcolonial fiction, Pompeii, and the ways in which contemporary writing has engaged with Classics. There’s even the option to learn from scratch or continue with Ancient Greek or Latin.
Spanning literature, history, archaeology and philosophy among other disciplines, this wide-ranging Joint Honours degree will equip you with a broad set of skills. It will also give you an insight into the making of the world we live in and its ancient cultural heritage.
Leeds has plenty of useful resources for students of both Classics and English. 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 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 exploring poetry, drama and prose in English through core modules, as well as discovering Greek and Roman literature and society and developing your research skills.
This will lay the foundations for the next two years, when you’ll choose from core modules covering different periods of English literary history from the medieval period to today, and focus on two classical texts which have been the cornerstones of European literature: the Iliad and the Aeneid.
You’ll also choose from an impressive spread of optional modules in each subject, which could include Greek art, contemporary theatre, Ovid, American fiction, Dante’s engagement with Classics, folklore and mythology, Shakespeare, Augustus, and refugee narratives. You could specialise even further in your final year project, where you’ll demonstrate your critical and research skills by focusing 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
Our tutors are experts in their field, and their teaching is informed by their ongoing research. We use different teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from their knowledge and experience, including lectures, seminars and tutorials. However, we attach a lot of importance to building independent research and critical skills, so independent study is also a crucial part of the degree.
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, which typically 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 assessed components. Support will be available – throughout your time at Leeds you’ll be able to attend extra classes on topics like exam technique and structuring an essay.
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 points 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 degree as demanding and broad as Classical Civilisation and English equips you with a wide range of transferable skills that are highly valuable to employers.
You’ll have advanced communication skills, which allow you to present and defend your ideas confidently and clearly. You’ll also have strong independent research skills, and be able to think critically about the information you find. You’ll also have teamwork skills, and the organisational skills needed to handle two different subjects.
This means graduates are in a great position to succeed in diverse careers. They’ve gone into publishing, law, journalism, education, advertising and marketing, business and finance, the charity sector, and the civil service. Many have also continued to postgraduate study.
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 exchange links in countries such as Germany, Italy and Greece. You could apply to spend a year studying in any of these countries – 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.