BA English Literature and History

On our degree, you will be able to explore the span of English literature, from the Anglo-Saxon period to the 21st century, 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. You will not be restricted to the printed word – we are intrigued by the connections between literature and film, art, music, history, language and popular culture, and our teaching reflects these interests. The focus is on becoming a careful, attentive, and informed reader and writer, sensitive to the nuances of language and style, and able to articulate responses to texts in writing which is precise, stylish and effective.

Criss-crossing this wide range of time spans and perspectives, our highly respected programme will 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 will 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, period and geography, your lecturers will share latest thinking in the classroom, including their own cutting-edge research.