English and Classical Civilisation

Are you fascinated by ancient civilisations? Intrigued by the development of language over time? Or perhaps curious about how literature and performance have changed from ancient times to the contemporary period?

We combine studying the literature, history, art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome with English language, literature and drama from Old English to the present day. You’ll explore the many different aspects of ancient society, whilst also developing valuable skills in analysis, communication, teamwork, and presentation – qualities highly valued by employers.

Create your own path, specialising in the topics that interest you most as you progress through your course.

In classics, you’ll choose modules ranging from the Aeneid to ancient novels, religion, violence, comedy, animals and citizenship, as well as classics on film or on the modern stage.

In English, you’ll choose modules from applied linguistics, drama, Old English and medieval literature and language, and literature from 1500 to today, exploring novels, poetry and plays.

You can also choose to study ancient Greek or Latin, Old and Middle English, and Old Norse, which will give you greater insight into the original language of texts you’re reading in translation. It also provides linguistic analysis and literacy skills that are valued by employers.

Engaged Arts

All students within the Faculty of Arts can select ‘Engaged Arts’ modules where you’ll approach real world challenges across contemporary themes such as sustainability or equity and justice. These modules have been newly designed to help you gain the skills and analytical abilities that employers are looking for.

Why choose this course?

• Get creative - Put your skills into practice and get involved with Impact Magazine and the Creative Writing Society

• For literature lovers - Unleash your creativity in a UNESCO City of Literature, with opportunities both on campus and in the city

• Top 20 for English in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 and Complete University Guide 2024)

• Top five for English Language in the UK (Daily Mail University Guide 2025)

• Top ten for Classics and Ancient History in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

• Give something back – Work with local schools and gain valuable experiencing by getting involved in Nottingham Classics Out and About outreach volunteering scheme , the Viking workshops for local primary schools, or reading to residents in care homes

• Have the freedom to explore: following an introductory programme in year one, deepen your knowledge of your favourite topics and explore new ones through a wide range of modules

• Work with our dedicated Faculty of Arts Placements Team to assist with your employability skills development via a range of placements, internships and volunteering opportunities.

• Opportunity to apply for The Letters Page project to gain publishing industry skills

• Explore real-world challenges across interdisciplinary themes with our ‘Engaged Arts’ optional modules

You may also progress to this course from our Arts and Humanities Foundation Year, subject to eligibility.

You can also access this course through a Foundation Year. This may be suitable if you have faced educational barriers and do not expect to meet the entry requirements for direct entry to a degree course. Please see the UCAS page for the relevant Foundation Year course for further information.