Newcastle University

Classical Studies and English BA Honours
UCAS Code: QQ83 (3 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

Roman and Greek literature and culture have profoundly influenced English novels, poetry, plays and films.

This degree combines study of the rich variety of texts written in English with study of the culture of the classical world, and explores the connections between the two.

It also includes the opportunity to study Latin or Greek language at a variety of levels, including beginners.

Studying classics at Newcastle means exploring the worlds of ancient Greece and Rome from a variety of perspectives and uncovering their legacy in our culture and their impact on the way we think today.

It provides a fascinating way for you to pursue your passion for the ancient world while laying the foundation for a broad range of careers.

Teaching and assessment

Research-informed teaching shapes the content of our undergraduate degrees and makes sure that you have chance to cover the most up-to-date theories and discoveries in your subject. Our current research strengths include:

• the Persian Empire
• classical influence in European literature and art
• the history of Greek and Roman medicine
• the Emperor Hadrian
• Greek myth

You normally attend between seven and 10 lectures or seminars per week. Seminars and workshops also form part of your timetable, and you will also supplement your classes with a substantial amount of independent study, research and reading. Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

You will be expected to produce between three and six pieces of written work of varying length each semester. Your work will be assessed through course work or end-of-semester examinations, or a combination of the two. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module, more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Classical language learning

We offer highly successful and nationally acclaimed beginners' Language in Action classes for students who wish to learn Greek and/or Latin. We also offer intermediate and advanced classes for students with previous experience in either language.

Our language classes are not a compulsory part of this degree so will form part of your optional modules at each Stage. 

They allow you to engage in literary study of original Greek and Latin texts from beginners’ right up to advanced level. You will enjoy small class sizes, allowing for a high level of interaction with teaching staff.

Study visits

During your degree, you will have the chance to take part in extra-curricular 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

Study abroad

UK and EU students have the opportunity to broaden their academic experience and study abroad as part of their degree, particularly at the historic Italian University of Bologna.

Studying at Newcastle

As a Joint Honours student, you will divide your time between the School of History, Classics and Archaeology in the Armstrong Building and the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics in the Percy Building.

The School of History, Classics and Archaeology has its own Classics Library which is a good place to work as well as to borrow resources to support your study. There is also an active student society, the Maximus society, which organises a range of activities and events for classics students.

In the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics you will join a lively community of students, academics, authors and professionals. The School also has a thriving literary student society, EngSoc, which organises social and academic events around a literary theme.

In addition, the University enjoys an active student drama scene, and one of the best student newspapers in the country, The Courier, which welcomes contributions from all students.