Program Overview

English Literature and History BA Honours

Overview

Our English Literature and History BA Honours degree brings together cutting-edge research in two disciplines. Study the latest, most advanced thinking, whether that relates to the early medieval period or the very recent past. Choose topics that range from postcolonial theory to medieval theology. From Renaissance bodies to climate change protests. Collaborate with distinguished researchers from History and English Literature, developing your skills in both subjects.

Quality and Ranking

• 19th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2026 (English category)
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Top 85 for English Language and Literature - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 75 for Arts and Humanities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 200 for History - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 14th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 (English category)
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Modules and Learning

Stage 1

• The first year is all about expanding your skills and knowledge, while supporting you in making the transition to university study.
• Your two compulsory modules will provide you with the core skills of analysis and interpretation for the study of literature and history.
• These skills will underpin your learning and success in your four optional modules in Literature and History which cover a chronological, geographical and cultural range of topics.
• You may swap one of these modules for an ‘outside’ module in a third subject of your choice.

Stage 2

• You will advance your understanding of literature and history by choosing five modules from a generous range of options.
• You can study courses from the Anglo-Saxon period to the contemporary moment, with rich choice in Renaissance and Romantic Literature, in Global and European Histories, and in Modern and Contemporary Literature.
• Your interdisciplinary Independent Research Project provides you with the exciting opportunity to bring together history and literature in a single project.

Stage 3

• This year builds in further opportunities to pursue the topics that interest you.
• You will conduct a major piece of original, independent research, through a jointly-supervised interdisciplinary dissertation, on a topic chosen by you.
• Your dissertation could be inspired, for example, by an archive in the University’s broad and impressive range of holdings, such as the Gertrude Bell archive.

Teaching and Assessment

• You can expect to spend around 10 hours per week attending lectures, seminars and workshops.
• You also spend around 25 hours per week on:
  • class preparation
  • reading
  • writing
  • other kinds of independent research recommended by your tutor
• You'll be assessed through a combination of:
  • Assessments
  • Assignments – written or fieldwork
  • Coursework
  • Dissertation or research project
  • Essays
  • Examinations – practical or online
  • Group work
  • Portfolio submission
  • Presentations
  • Reflective report/journal
  • Seminar tasks/exercises

Skills and Experience

• Many of our modules offer practical experience.
• In history, this might take the form of conducting interviews with people who remember a particular historical event or undertaking archival research.
• In literary studies, this might include staged readings of plays, editorial work, or masterclasses with outside experts.
• You'll also benefit from a range of regular field trips organised by both Schools.

Opportunities

• Study abroad: You can study abroad for one semester in your second year as part of this degree.
• Work placement: During your degree, you’ll have multiple opportunities to undertake a meaningful work placement.

Facilities and Environment

• You'll be based in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics.
• The School is located in the Percy Building, which is at the heart of our city-centre campus.
• You'll have access to:
  • a digital media lab – for students with documentary and film-making modules
  • a PC cluster
  • a student-led café
  • plenty of spaces to work and socialise

Your Future

• All students on this degree acquire a range of valuable skills, which they can transfer to many different sectors.
• These skills include:
  • researching and analysing
  • reasoning and summarising
  • thinking critically and creatively
  • writing and speaking persuasively and lucidly
  • working independently and collaboratively
  • working to tight and multiple deadlines

Entry Requirements

• A-Level: AAB, including History and either English Literature or English Language and Literature.
• International Baccalaureate: 34 points including History and either English Literature or English Language and Literature at Higher Level, grade 5.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• The 2026 entry home fees have not yet been confirmed.
• International students: £24,500 per year.
• We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.