Ancient History and English

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 also undertake a major research project in either subject in your final year.

Ancient History

Core modules in your first year will introduce you the major events and trends that affected the Ancient Greek and Roman worlds, and you’ll also have the chance to learn or continue with Latin or Ancient Greek. Over the next two years you’ll deepen your understanding of ancient political systems and broaden your understanding of theoretical approaches to ancient sources. You’ll also choose from a range of optional modules, exploring diverse topics from across the classical world, revealing the complex nuances of these fascinating societies.

English

In your first year you’ll choose from core modules exploring poetry, prose and drama through time. You may have the chance to study optional modules in English or discovery modules from across the University. Over the next two years you’ll develop your knowledge and skills through a choice of core modules focusing on different literary periods from the medieval period to today. We offer an exceptionally wide range of optional modules, enabling you to specialise in the periods, regions, genres, or themes that interest you most.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• The Greek World: an Introduction 20 credits
• The Roman World: An Introduction 20 credits
• Studying and Researching English 5 credits
• Foundations of English Studies 20 credits

Optional modules

• Intermediate Ancient Greek 20 credits
• Intermediate Latin 20 credits
• Introduction to Classical Archaeology 20 credits
• Beginners Ancient Greek 20 credits
• Beginners Latin 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Evidence and Enquiry in Classics 20 credits
• Ancient Empires: Power and Control 20 credits

Optional modules

• Medieval Literature 20 credits
• Eighteenth Century Literature 20 credits
• Literature of the Romantic Period 20 credits
• Renaissance Literature 20 credits

Year 3

Optional modules

• Major Research Project 40 credits
• Final Year Project 40 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Ancient History and English BA in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research.

We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.

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.