English Literature and History

On our English Literature and History (BA) programme, you’ll be able to explore the span of English literature and take history modules that develop your knowledge and critical understanding of the political, social, economic, and cultural structures of past societies.

Our historical expertise reaches an extraordinary breadth of periods, societies, and places, spanning the British Isles, Europe (east and west), Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In English literature, you won’t be restricted to studying the printed word: we are intrigued by the connections between literature and film, art, history, technology, language, and everyday life, and our teaching reflects these interests. The focus throughout the degree is on your becoming a careful and informed reader and writer who can communicate precisely, stylishly, and effectively. You’ll become a versatile, highly employable researcher who is both critically independent and collaborative.

Criss-crossing this wide range of time spans and perspectives, you’ll cultivate intellectual skills such as the ability to assess literary and historical evidence critically, to evaluate different interpretations of the evidence, to construct arguments on the basis of evidence, and to express opinions cogently in speech and in writing. Our modules give you the opportunity to study both well-established areas, such as political, social, cultural and gender history, or explore areas that might be new to you, such as environmental history or digital history. On our joint degree, you’ll develop the skills so advantageous in our digital age: creativity, empathy, critical thinking, persuasive communication skills and the ability to challenge and question. 

Our friendly academic staff will be on hand to guide you and provide full and constructive feedback throughout your studies. Bringing a wealth of expertise across theme, genre, period and geography, your lecturers will share latest thinking in the classroom, including their own cutting-edge research.

Distinctive Features of the Programme Follow your interests: Choose from modules across a range of periods and genres. Adventure and exploration: Opportunities to study abroad in Europe and beyond, fostering independence and resilience. Future-focused: Develop in-demand employability skills, enhancing your career prospects in a wide range of fields. Learn from the best: Study research-led modules with world-renowned literary scholars and authors. Communicate effectively: Develop employability skills and experience in presenting your ideas in speech and writing.