English Literature and History BA Honours

Course summary

This is an exciting, interdisciplinary degree at the heart of the humanities. It allows you to explore a wealth of literary texts while thinking deeply about the circumstances of their production and reception, and to learn about a range of events, themes and ideas in history and consider the literary and cultural responses to them.

You'll develop your knowledge and understanding of the key periods, themes, styles and techniques in literary studies, and be able to use that learning in critical form. You'll also develop substantial knowledge and understanding of the modern history of London, Britain and the world.

The course will give you the skills and knowledge to enter careers with a significant element of research, such as in broadcasting, journalism, teaching or publishing. It will also equip you with the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development.

English Literature 

You'll study literature from a wide range of periods and genres, from Shakespeare to the present day, including non-fiction texts as well as novels, poetry and drama. In the first year,  you'll develop your skills, knowledge and confidence in literary studies in the context of our small group tutorial system.

In the second and third years, a range of option modules is offered. Through these studies, you'll develop a deep understanding of literature and its place in British culture, and be able to relate the study of English literature to the broader context of Western history and thought.

History 

You'll have access to a variety of interesting modules, many of them unique to our University. Our focus is explicitly modern, but within a very broad geographical sweep, including core modules in modern world history. We offer options on the fascinating history of London in peace and at war, along with an extensive range of other modules on topics such as France in the Second World War, the US civil rights movement, the history of international organisations, Irish history and the history of feminism. You can also take a credit-bearing internship in a museum, library or archive in London.

Top reasons to study with us

• London is your classroom – our modules include visits to museums, galleries and archives, and guided field visits to sites of specific literary or historical interest
• Try out your learning in the workplace – we have dedicated modules that allow students to undertake internship placements in a range of occupations for credit towards your degree
• Get experience before graduating – you’ll have the option to do a work placement as part of this course
• Excellent teaching staff – benefit from our experienced and renowned teaching staff

Course structure

The main modes of teaching are seminars, workshops, lectures and field trips, and much of your learning is independent, conducted beyond the classroom (individually and in groups) in the library, at home, and via online learning.

Assessment methods include essays, critical analyses, exams, presentations, journals, portfolios and your dissertation. 

You'll take some core modules in each of English and History, and the options allow you vary the balance of the two subject areas according to your interests. In Year 3 you'll complete the English Literature and History dissertation which allows you to refine and showcase, via a topic of your choosing, the skills developed over the course of your degree.

The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Placement Year
• Year 3