Classical Studies and English Literature University of Reading

Overview

Study texts written in every era, from ancient Greece to the Renaissance, and contemporary writing in English from across the globe.  Classical Studies and English Literature is offered at the University of Reading .

Key facts

In classical studies, you will learn about the literature, history and culture of ancient civilisations. Through the study of translated texts you can explore genres and themes like poetry, tragedy and love in classical literature, and their influence on the modern world. You can also enhance your knowledge of the ancient world through Latin and Greek language modules or gain an understanding of the period through different media, for example through drama and films from Ben-Hur to Gladiator. 

In the Department of Classics, 95% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Classics). Our findings feed directly into your learning, with 97% of our students saying that teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025, 97.4% of responders from the Department of Classics).

In English literature, you'll read more of authors and genres that you may already know (from tragedy to Gothic, from Shakespeare and Dickens to Plath and Beckett). But you will also encounter aspects of literary studies that may be less familiar to you. This may include studying topics such as children’s literature, publishing and the history of literature.

Academics in the Department of English Literature have published research on everything from medieval poetry to contemporary American fiction, and 100% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – English Language and Literature). Our research enriches your studies, with 97% of our students saying that teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025, 97.4% of responders from the Department of English Literature).