Program Overview

English Literature and History BA

The English Literature and History BA program at the University of Birmingham offers students the opportunity to explore diverse narratives and literary genres alongside society, culture, and history. This program allows students to hone their critical thinking and analytical skills as they study modules that interest them most.

Course Overview

The program is designed to help students achieve 120 credits per year, which equals about 40 hours of learning each week. This includes lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, revision, and assessments.

Course Highlights

• Top 15 for History in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026)
• Top 15 for English in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025)
• Develop a love of literature with academic staff support
• Explore beyond the printed book, including art, comics, film, marketing, music, social media, textual production, theatre, TV, and video games
• Apply history to today’s society, exploring how the past informs the present
• Live and study in a city that values history and literature

Course Delivery

• Study at the University of Birmingham and learn from world-class experts
• Lecture, seminar, and tutorial formats
• Support during studies, including personal academic tutors, wellbeing officers, academic writing advisory service, and student experience team

Module Information

The modules listed for this program are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The program includes:

• Year 1: Critical Environments, Cultural Environments, History and Heritage, Literary Worlds 1770-Today, Literary Worlds, Practising History: Skills in History
• Optional modules in History and English Literature

Entry Requirements

• A Level: AAB including A level English Literature or English Language and Literature
• IB: 6,6,5 including a 5 in English and 32 points overall
• BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus AB at A-level in the required subject/s
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band

Fees and Scholarships

• £9,535 per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
• Undergraduate loans available through the Student Loans Company
• Scholarships, grants, and bursaries available for students

Application Process

• Apply online through UCAS
• Application deadline for September 2026 entry: 14 January 2026

Career Opportunities

• Develop strong communication skills, a deep understanding of the past, leadership and teamwork, critical thinking, and oral presentation skills
• Alumni have gone on to secure roles in various industries, including publishing, media, education, and heritage

Related Courses

• Digital Media and Creative Industries BA
• English Literature BA
• History BA

Student Experience

• Accommodation options in the UK’s second city
• Living in Birmingham, with its unique history, food and drink scene, nightlife, and culture
• Student support, including wellbeing services and academic support
• Campus life, with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities

Student and Alumni Profiles

• Harpal Khambay, TV Freelancer, Radio Presenter, and Blogger, English Literature and History alumnus.