Classical Studies and English BA Honours
- UCAS code: QQ83
- Full time
- 3 years
Discover the literature that has shaped our culture and society, from Greek and Latin poetry and epics through to modern day novels.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2025
Next start date:
- September 2025
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £23800
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.
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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 2024-25.
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 |
---|---|
Transformations | 20 |
Beginnings | 20 |
Revolutions | 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 |
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 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2023-24.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
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
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.
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.
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. 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
- Special Collections & Archives – a rich collection of archival material, historical medical texts and rare books
- The Great North Museum: Hancock, our on-campus museum which holds an extensive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artefacts
- The Wolfson Archaeology Laboratory - with facilities for use-wear analysis of bone, stone, metal and glass, and furnaces for research in material culture or experimental archaeology.
- a Material Culture Analytical Suite kitted out with microscopes, 2D and 3D scanning equipment and CT facilities
Find out more about the School of History, Classics and Archaeology
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:
- Heritage and Museums
- Journalism and Publishing
- Education
- Law and Legal Services
- Marketing
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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 2025 entry.
A-Level | |
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International Baccalaureate | |
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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.
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.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
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 2025 entry (per year)
The 2025 home fees have not yet been confirmed.
Qualification: BA Honours | |
---|---|
Home students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
9250 |
International students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
23800 |
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.
Scholarships
Find out more about:
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You'll be able to:
- explore our beautiful campus
- find out about our vibrant city
- discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
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- 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.
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