BA English and Latin

By combining English and Latin in equal parts you'll have the opportunity to study the literature of the English-speaking world alongside improving your language skills in Latin. Learning Latin provides insights not only into ancient culture but also into the workings of language and construction of literature in general and as such is the perfect complement to the study of English.

From Beowulf to the Booker Prize, English offers you the opportunity to study the full historical range of literature in English as well as the latest developments in the field, and even to pursue your own creative writing.

You can discover the earliest works in English, deepen your knowledge of Shakespeare, find out what is great about Renaissance literature, darken your view of the 18th century, and unpack the Victorians. The course's structure allows you to develop a sound understanding of key periods, genres, authors, and ideas as well as choosing from a huge range of options. You can study Modernism, Postmodernism and American literature, explore literary criticism, develop your own creative writing, and analyse the latest developments in global literatures in English.

You will gain original insights into the whole range of English literature from its beginnings to its latest developments, ranging from Chaucer and Shakespeare to Virginia Woolf, James Joyce and Salman Rushdie and study unusual, non-traditional subjects such as the body in the 18th century or time in modern literature or courses incorporating visual arts and cinema.

The Latin element of the course is designed to develop your language skills beyond your advanced level. Over three years you’ll become a specialist in both the language and literature of the ancient Romans. Studying Latin at Royal Holloway will enable you to delve into a wide range of non-linguistic subjects too, including classical archaeology and ancient philosophy as well as ancient history and classical literature in translation.

Latin is part of our Classics Department, where the quality of research that informs our teaching and a friendly, individual approach which shapes the way we guide our students combine to create an unbeaten academic experience. We have a thriving Classics Society that contributes to the friendly and sociable atmosphere of our department.