English Literature and Classics

Many of the basic concepts underlying Western society were expressed for the first time in ancient Greek or Latin. Together with English, they are the languages of many highly influential literary works.

Our joint honours programme aims to develop your critical, analytic, linguistic, and creative skills by engaging with a broad range of texts and a variety of approaches to reading.

For English Literature, you will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from the late Middle Ages to the present. For Classics, you will explore highly influential scholarship and literature of the classical world. You will take either a Greek, Latin or non-language pathway through Classics.

In this way, studying English Literature and Classics helps us understand the contemporary world as well as the past.

Why Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a remarkable place to study, write, publish, discuss and perform prose, poetry and drama alongside Classics.

We are the oldest department of English and Scottish Literature in the UK, one of the longest-established in the world.

From the University's Special Collections to the National Library of Scotland, the city's resources for studying literature and classics are exceptional.

This programme is very flexible. In Years 1 and 2, in addition to studying English Literature and Classics, you will choose option courses from a broad list of disciplines. You will then specialise as you progress through your honours years.