Course overview

This course combines the study of history with the opportunity to study English language, literature and drama from old English to the present day, while developing the skills required for the writing and debating of history. In the second year you will undertake an independent history project which involves planning, researching and writing a 5,000-word analysis of the historiography of a topic of your choice.

Year one

You gain familiarity with the practices of working at degree level in both subjects. In English Studies, you have a choice of three core modules from the areas of English language, modern English literature, medieval studies and drama. In History, you will take Learning History, a skill and methodology based core module, where the emphasis is on reflecting on the nature of history as a discipline and developing the skills required for the writing and debating of history. You will also choose from a range of options covering European and world history.

Year two

In English, you will choose core modules to develop your studies in at least two areas of the discipline. You will also have the opportunity to choose one literary period option, to explore how and why literature can be read in terms of an historical 'age' or 'epoch'. The History core module is Exploring Historiography, intended to develop independence of mind and critical abilities, which involves planning, researching and writing a 5,000-word analysis of the historiography of a topic of your choice. You will also choose from a range of optional modules in different areas of History.

Year three

You choose from a wide range of final year option modules enabling you to specialise in key areas of English Studies. You may also choose to undertake a dissertation if you wish to do so. In History, you will select a special subject, focusing on a specialised area of history, and one optional module.

By the end of the course

You will have a broad knowledge of a range of areas in English and history. You will have carried out an in-depth study in history using primary sources and will have skills in writing and analysing historical texts. Your transferable skills will include effective communication, the ability to develop and sustain a reasoned argument, and analytical and presentation skills that will prepare you for a wide range of careers.

Websites

School of English Studies
School of History