English and History

Summary

Writing and history are deeply connected. Together, they shape how we understand the world and our place within it.

On this course, you will explore literature and history side by side, uncovering how texts reflect the societies they were written in. You could study the novels of Jane Austen alongside the history of the naval wars at the time she wrote, or explore African literature to gain a different perspective on the history of the modern city.

You can also spend a semester or a summer at one of our global partner universities. History at Southampton covers the ancient world to the present day. Our English modules explore writing from around the world and its connection to arts, politics and more. By bringing these subjects together, you will develop a richer understanding of culture, politics and human experience.

Our graduates are creative, adaptable thinkers working in publishing, journalism, marketing, teaching, heritage, and beyond. Many find roles in copywriting, PR, editorial, or media, while others succeed in law, business, or further study. Southampton English graduates are highly employable, with 100% in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2022/2023, Published in 2025). Employers value the research, communication, and analytical skills you’ll gain.

Key features of the course

Study in a top 12 English department in the UK, according to the Times and Sunday Times 2026.

Shape your degree through a wide choice of modules across literature, creative writing and history, from medieval to contemporary topics.

Take advantage of the comprehensive collection of physical books and journals, as well as extensive digital collections and rare volumes that make us one of the UK's best resourced institutions for the Humanities. We also have established links with Chawton House, God's House Tower, Mayflower Studios, and the John Hansard Gallery, bringing new perspectives to your learning.

Use digital humanities facilities to explore texts and history through technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning and immersive audio visual spaces.

Work with primary sources in the Parkes Archive, one of the largest Jewish documentation centres in Europe.

Choose to study abroad at one of our global partner universities, either for a semester or a summer.

Student support

You will be taught by experts who take the time to know you as an individual. Through small group seminars and support from your personal tutor, you will build confidence in your ideas and your voice.

You will also have access to wellbeing services, peer mentoring and dedicated careers support, all within a welcoming and supportive community. Your feedback will help shape your experience throughout the course.

Further information

BA English and History is a three year full time course based at Avenue Campus. You can choose to extend your degree with a year abroad or a placement year.

Find out more on our course page.

Over the three years of this English course, you will be encouraged to think about what texts do in the world whilst studying a wide range of writing, from the medieval period to the present day.

Year 1: Consider how English literature has evolved throughout history from cross-cultural global exchanges, with a focus on the history of the novel as a literary form.
Year 2: Build your knowledge in the key area of English literary study - Revolutions in English literature as well as having the opportunity to explore other topics of your interest.
Year 3: Build on the subject and methodological expertise you developed in Years 1 and 2 to independently research and write your dissertation, as well as customising your degree with options in History and English modules

You will also have opportunities to tailor your learning through student-selected units and an elective placement.

For a full list of modules available please visit the course page - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/english-history-degree-ba#modules

On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning (studying on your own).

You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as creative projects, dissertations, essays, oral presentations, individual and group projects, module journals, portfolios, self-assessment, written exams, teamwork.

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.