University of Reading United Kingdom

BA Classical Studies and English Literature

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

Embark on a journey through the enduring legacy of the classical world and its profound impact on modern literature and culture with the BA Classical Studies and English Literature at the University of Reading. This undergraduate degree is crafted for those fascinated by the interplay between ancient civilisations and contemporary expression, inviting you to explore texts from antiquity to the present day. You will delve into the literature, history, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, examining poetry, tragedy, and themes of love through translated texts, while also engaging with the rich tapestry of English literature, from canonical works to emerging voices.

This full-time, on-campus programme, studied over three years, offers a dynamic learning experience. You will develop critical analysis skills through modules covering prose, poetry, and ancient song, alongside optional forays into Latin, Ancient Greek, or even museum studies. Your second and third years will allow for deeper exploration of specific areas like ancient epic, Roman history, or contemporary literature, culminating in a significant dissertation or independent project. You will graduate with a versatile skill set, prepared for diverse career paths in publishing, education, heritage, and beyond, equipped to interpret and create compelling narratives.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of both Classical Studies and English Literature. Students will engage with foundational texts, theories of writing, and various literary periods from antiquity through to contemporary works. The curriculum also delves into ancient history, languages, and cultural studies, providing a rich interdisciplinary foundation.

1 YEAR 1

Texts, Readers and Writers Compulsory
Theories and Practice of Writing Compulsory
Prose: Writing Identities Compulsory
Poetry in English Compulsory
Ancient Song Compulsory
Roman History: The Rise and Fall of the Republic Optional
Latin 1-3 Optional
Ancient Greek 1-3 Optional
Optional Language Modules Optional
Presenting the Past: An Introduction to Museum Studies Optional

2 YEAR 2

Ancient Epic Optional
Greek Sculpture and Architecture Optional
Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander Optional
My Mother's Sin and Other Stories Optional
Latin 1-4 Optional
Ancient Greek 1-4 Optional
Careers for Classicists and Ancient Historians with Placement Optional
Careers for Classicists and Ancient Historians Optional
Ancient Drama Optional
Roman History: From Republic to Empire Optional
Myth, Legend and Romance: Medieval Storytelling Optional
Victorian Literature Optional
Contemporary Literature Optional
Modernism Optional
Writing in the Public Sphere Optional
Optional Language and University Wide Modules Optional
Museum Learning and Engagement Optional
Curatorship and Collections Management Optional
Writing America: Perspectives on the Nation Optional
Critical Thinking Optional
Early Modern Literature Optional
The Business of Books Optional
Enlightenment, Revolution and Romanticism Optional
Entertainment and Leisure in Roman Society Optional
Roman Satire Optional
Greek Religion and Mythology Optional
Ancient Egyptian Language and Hieroglyphs Optional

3 YEAR 3

Dissertation in Classics Optional
Independent Project in Classics Optional
Dissertation in English Literature Optional
Latin 1-6 Optional
Ancient Greek 1-6 Optional
Greek and Roman Painting Optional
‘Race’ and Ethnicity in the Ancient Greek and Roman Worlds Optional
From Classroom to Courtroom: Mastering the Art of Persuasion in the Ancient World Optional
Lyric Voices, 1340-1650 Optional
British Black and Asian Voices: 1948 to the Present Optional
Literature and Mental Health Optional
Optional Language and University Wide Modules Optional
James Joyce Optional
From Romance to Fantasy Optional
Placing Jane Austen Optional
Decadence and Degeneration: Literature of the 1890s Optional
Women Writing Poetry Optional
Children's Literature Optional
Margaret Atwood Optional
The Bloody Stage: Revenge and Death in Renaissance Drama Optional
Modern and Contemporary Poetry Optional
History, Culture, and Society in the Time of Nero Optional
Aristotle: Philology, Philosophy, Politics Optional
Gender and Classical Antiquity Optional
Romans and the Natural World Optional
Ancient Biography Optional
Xenophon's Anabasis Optional
Ancient Ethiopia: The Aksumite Kingdom Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 104,824.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 467.00 - USD 1,787.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 8,200.00
Transport USD 903.00 - USD 935.00
Utilities & Bills USD 2,093.00 - USD 2,616.00
Estimated Total USD 6,218.00 - USD 11,228.00

Living cost estimates are based on London Road Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Aerospace Engineering & DesignAmusement & Recreation ServicesAnimation & Visual EffectsAviation Maintenance & RepairBroadcasting & TelevisionClient Services & Account ManagementDigital MarketingSocial Media & Community ManagementSports & AthleticsTheme Parks & Leisure

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Kings College London

Manchester City Council

Sky Group

Why Study BA Classical Studies and English Literature at University of Reading

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Reading in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA Classical Studies and English Literature at University of Reading

Can I work while studying?

As a degree student in the UK, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed for this.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you need to meet specific English language requirements. Acceptable tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, with varying score thresholds.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as a Publisher, Editor, Teacher, Researcher, or Literary Critic.

What will I actually study in this course?

This degree combines the exploration of classical literature and modern English texts. You will study topics like ancient Greek and Roman literature, along with genres such as Gothic and children’s literature.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Classical Studies and English Literature program intake begins in September. Make sure to apply ahead of the deadlines for a smooth entry process.
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