| UCAS code | QQ3V |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Classics and Ancient History |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | QQ4V |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Classics and Ancient History |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | QQ5V |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Classics and Ancient History |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | QQ6V |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Classics and Ancient History |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
Overview
- Explore the culture and thought of the ancient world combined with the study of English.
- Gain an understanding of some of the most brilliant and complex works written in any language.
- Develop the ability to unpack the meaning of all manner of texts, from political speeches to advertising slogans.
- Study key classical texts in translation.
- Optional Ancient Greek or Latin language modules.
Top 15 in the UK for English
11th in the Complete University Guide 2025; 14th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Top 50 in the world for English Language and Literature
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Top 50 in the world for Classics and Ancient History
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Proactive Classics Society with successful student tutor scheme
Top 15 in the UK for English
11th in the Complete University Guide 2025; 14th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Top 50 in the world for English Language and Literature
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Top 50 in the world for Classics and Ancient History
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Proactive Classics Society with successful student tutor scheme
Whilst my studies here at the University of Exeter have been incredible (I cannot speak highly enough of my English course), my time at Exeter has been defined by what I do away from the books.
I have taken managerial roles within societies, broadening my circle of peers and allowing me to develop my leadership skills. Not only have I been involved in voluntary positions, the University’s broad internship programme has allowed me to take paid work in the Digital Humanities Labs, assisting academics on world leading research and pioneering and fostering new relationships between the University and the rest of the world.
This internship has let me interact with texts like the first edition of William Golding’s ‘Lord of the Flies’ (with the rarely seen first chapter) and even taken me to Canada, all of which is incredible experience, and will stand me in good stead for further study. I chose the study abroad option at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, as I believe that having international experience is key to success as work between countries continues to become more globally significant and the world is becoming smaller through communication and travel,’
Connor
BA English with Study Abroad (Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia)
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB | B in English Literature, English Language, or English Language and Literature |
| IB | 34/665 | HL5 in English Literature, English Language, or English Language and Literature |
| BTEC | DDD | Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma are also required to achieve grade B in A-Level English Literature, English Language, or English Language and Literature |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade. | To include at least 12 L3 credits at Merit Grade in an acceptable English Literature or English Language subject area. |
| T-Level | Distinction | Applicants studying a T-Level will also require GCE A-Level English Literature, English Language, or English Literature & Language grade B |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBB |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules (including 30 credits of Classical Studies modules, and 30 credits of English modules).
Compulsory modules
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
a - select either CLA1005 or CLA1006; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLA1005 | Greek and Roman Narrative [See note a above] | 30 |
| CLA1006 | Greek and Roman Drama [See note a above] | 30 |
| EAS1035 | Beginnings: English Literature before 1800 | 30 |
Optional modules
b - select 30 credits from this list of optional Classical Studies modules.
c - select 30 credits from this list of optional English modules.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient History and Classical Studies Combined Hons Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above] | ||
| CLA1029 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic-Roman Syria | 15 |
| CLA1354 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus | 15 |
| CLA1031 | Text and Context: Women in Homer | 15 |
| CLA1405 | Text and Context: Roman Laughter | 15 |
| CLA1516 | Ancient World (Written Evidence): Persuasion in Ancient Greece | 15 |
| CLA1301 | Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) - Tyranny | 15 |
| CLA1508 | Ancient World: Roman Philosophy | 15 |
| CLA1030 | Ancient World: Racecraft | 15 |
| CLA1027 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin I (A) | 15 |
| CLA1028 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin I (B) | 15 |
| CLA1252 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 |
| CLA1254 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 |
| CLA1025 | Classical Language and Texts Greek I (A) | 15 |
| CLA1026 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek I (B) | 15 |
| CLA1202 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 |
| CLA1204 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek III | 30 |
| English Stage 1 CH Option Modules 2024-5 [See note c above] | ||
| EAS1037 | The Novel | 15 |
| EAS1038 | The Poem | 15 |
| EAS1041 | Rethinking Shakespeare | 15 |
| EAS1044 | Imagine This: Prompts for Creative Writing | 15 |
| EAS1016 | Digital Cultures: Narrative, Creativity, Industry | 15 |
30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules (including 30 credits of Classical Studies modules, and 60 credits of English modules).
Compulsory modules
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
d - select either CLA2005 or CLA2006; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLA2005 | Greek and Roman Narrative [See note d above] | 30 |
| CLA2006 | Greek and Roman Drama [See note d above] | 30 |
Optional modules
e - select 30 credits from this list of optional Classical Studies modules.
f - select 60 credits from this list of optional English modules. English modules in stage 2 are divided into three groups: Group 1, modules concerned with pre-1750 literature; Group 2, modules concerned with post-1750 literature; Group 3, modules not concerned with a particular historical period. Combined Honours students may not take more than one module from each group.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient History Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note e above] | ||
| CLA2029 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic-Roman Syria | 15 |
| CLA2354 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus | 15 |
| CLA2031 | Text and Context: Women in Homer | 15 |
| CLA2405 | Text and Context: Roman Laughter | 15 |
| CLA2516 | Ancient World (Written Evidence): Persuasion in Ancient Greece | 15 |
| CLA2301 | Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Tyranny | 15 |
| CLA2030 | Ancient World: Racecraft | 15 |
| CLA2252 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 |
| CLA2254 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV | 30 |
| CLA2202 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 |
| CLA2205 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV | 30 |
| English Stage 2 Pre-1750 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above] | ||
| EAS2026 | Desire and Power: English Literature 1570-1640 | 30 |
| EAS2036 | Theatrical Cultures in Early Modern England | 30 |
| EAS2071 | Chaucer and His Contemporaries | 30 |
| EAS2080 | Renaissance and Revolution | 30 |
| EAS2102 | Satire and the City: English Literature 1660-1750 | 30 |
| English Stage 2 Post-1750 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above] | ||
| EAF2510 | Adaptation: Text, Image, Culture | 30 |
| EAS2029 | Revolutions and Evolutions 19C Writings | 30 |
| EAS2103 | Modernism and Modernity: Literature 1900-1960 | 30 |
| EAS2104 | Crossing the Water: Transatlantic Literary Relations | 30 |
| EAS2106 | Romanticism | 30 |
| EAS2116 | Empire of Liberty: American Literature of the Long Nineteenth Century | 30 |
| English Stage 2 Neutral Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above] | ||
| AHV2018 | Comics Studies: Histories, Methodologies, Genres | 30 |
| EAS2031 | Creative Writing: Building a Story | 30 |
| EAS2032 | Creative Writing: Making a Poem | 30 |
| EAS2089 | Creative Industries: Their Past, Our Future | 30 |
| EAS2090 | Humanities after the Human: Further Adventures in Critical Theory | 30 |
| EAS2113 | Culture, Crisis and Ecology in a Postcolonial World | 30 |
| HUM2000 | Humanities in the Workplace | 30 |
Typically, any placement year will take place in Year 3. If you are not taking a placement year please see the Final Year modules for year 3.
30 credits of compulsory dissertation, 90 credits of optional modules (including 30-60 credits of Classical Studies modules, and 30-60 credits of English modules)
Compulsory modules
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
g - select a Dissertation in either Classical Studies or English: CLA3009 or EAS3003 or EAS3122 (you cannot choose more than one module from this group).
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLA3009 | Dissertation [See note g above] | 30 |
| EAS3003 | Dissertation [See note g above] | 30 |
| EAS3122 | Creative Writing Dissertation [See note g above] | 30 |
Optional modules
h - if selecting EAS3003 or EAS3122, select 60 credits from this list of optional Classical Studies modules.
i - if selecting CLA3009, select 60 credits from this list of optional English modules.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient History & Classical Studies Final Stage option modules 2024-5 [See note h above] | ||
| CLA3251 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin V: Epic | 30 |
| CLA3059 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek V: Imperial Greek Prose | 30 |
| CLA3252 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 |
| CLA3254 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 |
| CLA3206 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV | 30 |
| CLA3202 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 |
| CLA3204 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek III | 30 |
| CLA3205 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV | 30 |
| CLA3263 | Being and Not-Being in Greek Philosophy: from Parmenides to Aristotle | 15 |
| CLA3113 | Art in Greek Society | 15 |
| CLA3273 | Polybios and the Challenge of Change | 15 |
| CLA3126 | Critical Classics and the Contemporary World | 15 |
| CLA3276 | Courage in the Ancient World | 15 |
| CLA3275 | Women Writing Classics | 15 |
| CLA3056 | Ovid and the Erotic Passions | 15 |
| CLA3114 | Art in Roman Society | 15 |
| CLA3277 | Lost Works and Fragments | 15 |
| CLA3264 | Ancient Science and Society | 15 |
| HUM3004 | Transforming the Tablet: Digital Approaches to Ancient Text and Artefact | 15 |
| CLA3267 | Dialogues with the Past: Creative Interpretative Project | 15 |
| CLA3279 | Knowledge, Wealth and Power in the Ancient World | 30 |
| CLA3125 | Reading and Writing Greek Literature in the Hellenistic World | 30 |
| CLA3007 | The Crisis of the Athenian Polis | 30 |
| CLA3274 | The Persians in a Near Eastern Context | 30 |
| CLA3033 | Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds | 30 |
| CLA3008 | The Age of Cicero | 30 |
| CLA3042 | Ancient Literary Criticism | 30 |
| CLA3124 | Receptions of the Classical Body | 30 |
| THE3229 | Syriac Christianity: Monks, Monasteries and Mimre | 30 |
| English Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note i above] | ||
| EAS3128 | Writing the Short Film | 30 |
| EAS3131 | Advanced Critical Theory | 30 |
| EAS3181 | Visual and Literary Cultures of Realism | 30 |
| EAS3182 | Encountering the Other in Medieval Literature | 30 |
| EAS3191 | Writing for Children and Young Adults | 30 |
| EAS3198 | The Death of the Novel | 30 |
| EAS3219 | Virginia Woolf: Fiction, Feeling, Form | 30 |
| EAS3225 | 'Reader, I Married Him': The Evolution of Romance Fiction from 1740 to the Present | 30 |
| EAS3237 | The Rise of Science | 30 |
| EAS3245 | The 21st Century Museum | 30 |
| EAS3252 | Poison, Filth, Trash: Modernism, Censorship and Resistance | 30 |
| EAS3311 | Piracy in Early Modern Literature, 1570-1730 | 30 |
| EAS3408 | Poetry and Politics | 30 |
| EAS3414 | Jane Austen: In and Out of Context | 30 |
| EAS3415 | The Development of British Childrens Literature | 30 |
| EAS3416 | Feeling Bodies: Emotions in Early Modern Literature and Culture, 1500-1700 | 30 |
| EAS3417 | Sex, Scandal and Sensation in Victorian Literature | 30 |
| EAS3420 | Staging Space: Dramatic Geography and Audience Experience | 30 |
| EAS3421 | Picturing the Global City: Literature and Visual Culture in the 21st Century | 30 |
| EAS3502 | Shakespeare and Crisis | 30 |
| EAS3503 | Migration, Literature and Culture | 30 |
| EAS3501 | Fiction Matters | 30 |
| EAS3100 | Hardy and Women Who Did: the Coming of Modernity | 30 |
| EAS3500 | American Counterculture in Literature | 30 |
| EAS3504 | Surrealism and its Legacies | 30 |
| EAS3228 | Romance from Chaucer to Shakespeare | 30 |
| EAS3509 | From Pen to Printed Page: Exeter's Literary Archives | 30 |
| EAS3511 | 'Mad': cultures, histories, phantasies, imaginaries of mental distress | 30 |
| EAS3312 | Adventures in Technique (Poetry) | 30 |
| EAS3196 | Charles Dickens: Novelist, Journalist and Reformer | 30 |
Course variants
UCAS code: QQV4
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why Study Abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I Study Abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your Study Abroad year.
UCAS code: QQSV
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
UCAS code: QQ6V
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience Abroad?
Spending up to a year living and working in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. By carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements abroad you can demonstrate to employers your adaptability, cultural awareness, independence and resourcefulness and, depending on where you stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector and country you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fee?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
Our teaching makes full use of seminars, study groups and web-based learning, and there are many other opportunities for you to add to your overall experience in the department. We integrate the latest approaches with traditional lectures to give you a varied and challenging programme. In the first two years, the teaching is via both formal lectures (usually 50-70 students) and discussion-based seminar groups of around 12-18 students. All final year teaching is through discussion-based seminar groups.
Teaching hours
You’ll receive 10 contact hours per week with staff, both teaching time and with your personal tutor. You’re also expected to invest plenty of time in independent study and contact with your study-group (for example, in preparation for seminars). The exact amount of time spent working independently varies from module to module.
Extra opportunities
We hold mini conferences for some modules, where students can present papers to fellow students and staff, along with weekly research seminars and monthly Classical Association lectures, with talks from leading internal and external speakers. We have a lively and engaged student-led Classics Society which organises events throughout the year. Recently they have organised a trip abroad, plays, balls, debates, film nights, and loads more, on top of running lectures and a peer-mentoring scheme for the ancient languages. The department also publishes its own journal, Pegasus, and our students take an active role in writing and editing this publication.
Research-inspired teaching
Teaching that is inspired by research ensures that lectures are up-to-date and relevant to your studies. You will benefit from access to the latest thinking, equipment and resources. All staff teach third year options linked to their own interests, which include the study of ancient Greek Mythology, moral concepts in Latin literature, Greek inscriptions and ancient ideas of character, food, sex, politics and religion.
Academic support
All students have a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies. There are also several services on campus where you can get advice and information, including the Students’ Guild Advice Unit.
Assessment
You will be assessed by coursework and exams throughout your study. You must pass your first-year modules in order to proceed: this level does not count towards your final degree classification. To be eligible for ‘Study Abroad’ you will need to attain an average of 60% or more in your first year. The assessments in the second year, year abroad (if applicable) and final year will contribute to your final degree classification. In most modules, your assessment will be: in the first year 70% exams and 30% coursework; in the second year 60% exams and 40% coursework; and in the final year 50% exams and 50% coursework.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
A degree in Classics and Ancient History, will provide you with skills which are highly valuable to employers across many sectors. You will develop an advanced knowledge of other cultures, learn how to think logically and independently, to interpret and critique sources, to assess and evaluate information and to communicate (verbally and in writing) in a sophisticated way.
Career support
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. The Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market. Our graduates compete very successfully in the employment market, with many employers targeting the University when recruiting new graduates.
Career paths
As a Classics and Ancient History graduate, you will have an array of different industries open to you, such as museum and heritage work, education, journalism, business, and law. Our recent graduates have since secured a variety of positions, such as:
- Archives Assistant
- Business Development Associate
- Freelance Journalist
- Grants and Partnerships Assistant
- Investment Analyst
- Marketing Manager
- Publishing Assistant
- Research Culture Administrator
- Trainee Chartered Accountant
- Media Producer
Further study
A degree in Classics and Ancient History will put you in an excellent position to pursue postgraduate study after you have graduated. Our recent graduates have since enrolled on courses such as:
- MA History
- MA International Relations
- MSc Bioarchaeology
- MSc International Management
- Graduate Diploma in Law
- MSc Library and Information Studies
