Classical Literature and English BA

Course overview

Explore literature from the ancient world to contemporary Britain and beyond 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. The range of diverse research interests at Leeds also means we can offer an impressive array of optional modules, allowing you to 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 as how Dante and contemporary authors have engaged with their classical forebears. Then you could explore African literature, language in the media or folklore and mythology.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including A in English (Language, Literature or Language and Literature).

Other course specific tests:

We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.

International Baccalaureate

Career opportunities

A joint honours degree in Classical Literature and English provides you with in-depth knowledge of a rich literary tradition, equipping you with deep cultural awareness. You’ll also leave with valuable transferable skills that are highly sought after by 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.

You can read more about the range of careers our Classical Literature and English 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.