University of Leicester

What you'll study

This joint honours degree interweaves modules in English literature and historical study so you gain a broad understanding of literary traditions alongside the methods and debates of historians. In English you will typically encounter modules covering periods and genres such as medieval and early modern literature, Shakespeare, Romantic and Victorian writing, modern and contemporary literature, poetry, prose and drama, and literary theory and cultural studies. In History you will study topics that may include medieval and early modern Britain, modern British history, empire and global connections, social and cultural history, and historiography.

The course is structured so that early years introduce core skills — critical reading, textual analysis, source evaluation and historical method — while later years allow you to choose specialised options and undertake extended independent work. Final-year options commonly include a dissertation or substantial independent project in either English or History, advanced seminars on selected authors or periods, and practical modules such as public history, archival research or creative approaches to literature.

• Year 1: foundations in literary periods, introduction to historical thinking and sources, and skill-based modules in research and writing.
• Year 2: a mixture of compulsory and optional modules, greater focus on specialised topics across both subjects.
• Final year: optional modules and an independent dissertation or project, preparing you for postgraduate study or employment.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, small-group tutorials and workshops. Assessment methods include essays, source-based assignments, presentations, portfolios and a final-year dissertation or project. There are opportunities to use the university's archives and special collections and to take part in public-facing projects or placement modules where available.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a good set of qualifications in appropriate subjects. Typical offers ask for strong A-level (or equivalent) performance in humanities or arts subjects, though a variety of qualifications are considered including the International Baccalaureate, BTEC, Access to Higher Education diplomas and recognised international qualifications.

The programme welcomes mature students and applicants with non-traditional backgrounds; relevant experience and a written personal statement are important. If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in English through an approved test or equivalent qualification. Selection is based on academic potential shown in qualifications and in your statement.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with adaptable skills valued by employers: close reading, critical thinking, research, presenting complex material and written communication. Common career paths include teaching (often following a PGCE), publishing and editorial work, journalism and media, heritage and museum work, archives and librarianship, public history, cultural policy, civil service and local government, marketing, communications and arts administration. Many students also go on to postgraduate study in literature, history, cultural studies, archive management or related professional courses such as law and librarianship.

The university’s careers service supports CV preparation, placements and employer engagement to help you move into internships, graduate roles or further study.

Why study at University of Leicester

Leicester offers a research-led environment with active English and History staff whose work spans medieval to contemporary periods and global perspectives. Students benefit from small-group teaching, opportunities to work with the university’s Special Collections and archives, and modules that encourage public engagement and applied historical work.

The university is well known for impactful local and national research (for example its high-profile work on historical projects) and provides an engaged, multicultural campus experience in a city with rich cultural and historical resources. Dedicated student support services, a central library with strong humanities holdings and careers provision help you develop academically and professionally throughout the degree.