Skip to main content

Classical Studies and English BA Honours

  • UCAS code: QQ83
  • Full time
  • 3 years

Combine the study of the ancient and modern worlds; from the impact of Greek and Roman literature and culture, to how the classical world has influenced today's cultures.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2024-25


Next start date:

  • September 2024

Fees (per year)

  • Home: £9250
  • International: £21000

Entry requirements and offers

  • A-Level: AAB
  • IB: 34 points

UCAS Institution name and code:

  • NEWC / N21

Course overview

Immerse yourself in the study of the Greek and Roman worlds on this Classical Studies and English BA Honours degree, exploring how these cultures have influenced English novels, poetry, plays and films. 

You'll study the language and literature of ancient Greece and Rome and develop your knowledge of how Greek, Latin and English writers thought about and presented their worlds through their work.

You will analyse the relationships between literature written in English and Greek, and Roman literature and culture, exploring the impact of the Classical tradition on Western civilisation. You'll also have the opportunity to explore classical texts in translation or in the original language.

This flexible, interdisciplinary degree gives you the chance to study ancient Greek and Latin language – from beginners’ to advanced level – and choose to specialise in areas of particular interest to you, equipping you with a thorough and specialist knowledge of the classical world.

READ MORE

Students discussing work

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

You'll develop a broad knowledge of English literature and the ancient world. You'll build a foundation of skills so that you are able to use different methods to think about and approach the Greek and Roman past, and to comprehend, analyse and interpret texts by classical authors and authors writing in English.

You'll also have the option to take modules in Greek and Latin language, ancient philosophy and ancient history.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Introduction to Literary Studies 1 20
Introduction to Literary Studies II 20
Transformations 20
Optional Modules Credits
Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology 20
The World of Latin Literature 20
Tragedy, Comedy, History: The World of Greek Literature 20
How Should I Live? An Introduction to Ancient Philosophy 20
Beginners' Greek in Action 1 20
Beginners' Greek in Action 2 20
Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 1 20
Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 2 20
West meets East: Greek History and Society 20
The Roman World from Romulus to Trajan 20
Beginners' Latin in Action 1 20
Beginners' Latin in Action 2 20
Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 1 20
Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 2 20

In addition to a research training module, which helps you to develop your independent research skills in preparation for the final year dissertation, you can choose from a range of modules from English and Classics. Topics relate to English literature from the 16th Century to the present day, Greek and Latin literature, ancient history and Greek and Latin language.

You may also choose a creative writing module.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Special Study on an Aspect of Classical Influence in English Literature 20
Optional Modules Credits
History, Literature and Truth: the case of the ancient historians 20
Epic Journeys: The Odyssey and Homeric Epic (stage 2) 20
Approaches to Greek Mythology 20
Dreams and Dreaming in the Ancient World 20
Body and Medicine in the Graeco-Roman World 20
Level 2 Greek: Interpretation of Texts 20
Level 2 Greek: Special Study 20
Hellenistic Empires from Alexander to Cleopatra 20
The Roman World from Hadrian to Heraclius 20
Greek and Roman Religions 20
Slavery in Greco-Roman antiquity 20
Level 2 Latin: Interpretation of Texts 20
Level 2 Latin: Special Study 20
HaSS Study Abroad Semester 1 60 Credits 60
HaSS Study Abroad Semester 2 60 credits 60
Career Development for second year students 20
Renaissance Bodies 20
Writing New Worlds, 1688-1789 20
Revolutionary Britain, 1789-1832 20
Victorian Passions: Victorian Values 20
Contemporary Cultures 20
Modernisms 20
Creative Practice 20
Poetry Workshop 20
Theatre Script Workshop 20
Prose Workshop 20
Screenwriting Workshop 20
Stagecraft in Early Drama 20
Literatures of Decolonisation 20
You only take one of the following modules if you undertake the Study Abroad exchange programme:

You'll conduct a major research project, writing a dissertation on a topic of your choice related to the Classical tradition in English, for which you will be guided and supervised by our expert staff. A creative writing project is also an option.

For your four optional modules, you'll be able to choose from a wide range of topics in English literature, from Chaucer to the current day, as well as topics in Greek and Latin literature and Greek and Roman history, including the choice to take an ancient language (Greek or Latin).

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Special Study on an Aspect of Classical Influence in English Literature 40
Optional Modules Credits
History, Literature and Truth: the case of the ancient historians: Stage 3 20
Epic Journeys: The Odyssey and Homeric Epic (stage 3) 20
Approaches to Greek Mythology 20
Dreams and Dreaming in the Ancient World 20
Body and Medicine in the Graeco-Roman World 20
Level 2 Greek: Interpretation of Texts 20
Level 2 Greek: Special Study 20
Level 3 Greek: Interpretation of Texts 20
Level 3 Greek: Special Study 20
City of Athens: Power, Society and Culture 20
Celluloid History (Stage 3) 20
'Like ants or frogs around the pond': Mobility and Identity in the Greek Mediterranean 20
Roman Egypt 20
Rome: the Enemy 20
Gods in the Material World: Religion and Material Culture in Greece, Egypt and Mesopotamia 2000BC-338BC 20
Level 2 Latin: Interpretation of Texts 20
Level 2 Latin: Special Study 20
Level 3 Latin: Interpretation of Texts 20
Level 3 Latin: Special Study 20
Career Development for final year students 20
Sex and Money: Economies of the Victorian Novel 20
Romantic Poetry: Journeys of the Imagination 20
Enlightened Romantics: a Revolution in Feeling 20
Women on Trial: Gender, Power, and Performance in Shakespeare's England 20
The Victorian Novel: Time, Change, and the Life Course 20
American Poetry Now 20
Prose Portfolio 40
Theatre Script Portfolio 40
Poetry Portfolio 40
Screenwriting Portfolio 40
Jazz-Age Magazines 20
Planetary Imaginations: Literature in the Time of Environmental Crisis 20
Writing Liberty in the Romantic era 20
Fiction and the Philosophy of Terror: From the Supernatural to the Sublime 20
Reading Freud: An Introduction to the Principles of Psychoanalytic Theory 20
Freedom and Imagination: US Literature 1850 – 1900 20
Deep North: Modern Literature of the North East 20
Unbinding Utopia, 1750 - 1832 20
Making Young Adult Literature 20
War Writing: Heroic and Hostile Discourses in Medieval Literature 20
Envious Show: Wealth, Power and Ambition in Narratives of the Country House, 1550-2000 20
Children's Literature and Black Britain 20

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

You'll be taught through a range of teaching methods and activities, including:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • workshops
  • tutorials
  • film-screenings

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

  • Assignments – written or fieldwork

  • Coursework

  • Dissertation or research project

  • Essays

  • Presentations

Skills and experience

Practical skills

During your degree, you will have the chance to take part in extracurricular field trips that take advantage of the North East's rich history such as:

  • the nearby World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall
  • the classically inspired Belsay Hall
  • Wallington Hall

You will be able to take advantage of the resources of the Great North Museum, with its extensive ancient collections.

These practical experiences complement your understanding of the topics you are studying, allowing you to analyse and interpret artefacts, and carry out research using a wide range of archives.

Research skills

You’ll have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to spend the summer following your second year working alongside academic staff on your own research project.

In your final year, using the skills developed during your degree, you’ll write a dissertation on a topic of your own choosing. During this, you’ll hone your investigative skills as you undertake independent research with access to extensive print and electronic resources, as well as archives and special collections.

Chat with a Classical Studies and English student

Jemimah Allen

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You have the opportunity to study abroad in either Stage 2 or 3. You can study in an EU country as part of a study abroad exchange or further afield.

Find out more about study abroad.

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year.  Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements.

Facilities and environment

Facilities

You'll be based in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology, located at the heart of campus in the historic Armstrong Building. Here you'll have access to excellent study resources including:

  • the Philip Robinson University Library, which houses over 800,000 books and provides access to ca. 1.8m e-books
  • the Library of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle

You'll also have access to our on-campus Great North Museum. This houses an extensive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artefacts, including:

  • the Shefton collection of Greek Art and Archaeology
  • an impressive coin collection
  • material from Late Period Egypt

Support

You'll be welcomed into a vibrant and supportive community. We will ensure you are well placed to achieve your highest potential and are equipped for career success.

You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.

Your future

You'll develop a mix of practical, intellectual and transferable skills desirable to employers. This will give you an excellent choice of further study and career opportunities open to you on completion of your studies.

Classics graduates find themselves in a diverse range of careers, including:

  • research, information work and IT
  • law and legal services
  • journalism and marketing
  • retail
  • social work

Make a difference

Sorry, you need JavaScript to view this video

Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2024 entry.

A-Level
International Baccalaureate

Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications

Contextual Offers

Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.

What is a contextual offer? Find out more and if you’re eligible for this or our PARTNERS Programme supported entry route.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Entrance courses (INTO)

International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO. 

Find out more about International Pathway Courses

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

Qualification: BA Honours

Home students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

9250

International students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

21000

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

Scholarships

Find out more about:

Open days and events

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

  • the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
  • the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
  • the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages

Get in touch

By phone

Call us on +44 (0) 191 208 3333 and press option 1. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm.

Live chat

Our NCL chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our NCL chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Online

Fill in our enquiry form

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Social Media

You may be interested in