English Literature and History

Overview

Studying English Literature and History in combination enables you to explore prose in varied contexts alongside investigating different aspects of history across a broad range of periods. You’ll examine written texts to determine intent and meaning, developing analytical and critical thinking skills as you explore the historical context and its impact.

The joint honours course is taught through lectures and seminars from specialist academic staff who focus on creating a supportive and friendly learning environment. Students graduate with a multitude of skills relevant to jobs in a range of different industries.

Key features

• A long, established and evolving course with highly-skilled and enthusiastic lecturers who are experienced teachers and published researchers

• Strong emphasis on the development of advanced literacy, research, analysis and communication – all of which are highly valued by employers

• A wide range of modules in British, European and World History from the sixteenth through to the twenty-first centuries and encompassing both ‘canonical’ and ‘marginal’ texts

• Opportunities to gain work experience, to study abroad for a semester and to play an active role in local and regional literature festivals.

• Ready access to the nationally significant resources of Worcestershire County Archives Service, which is based in The Hive (the university library)

Why the University of Worcester?

The University of Worcester is a campus university, meaning everything you need is on site. We’re based in a vibrant cathedral city just 40 mins south of Birmingham and an hour north of Bristol, and our beautiful green campuses have plenty of parking and quality on-site accommodation.

At Worcester, small class sizes, supportive tutors, and professionally focused courses mean you’ll be prepared for your dream career. These are just some of the reasons why we’re first in the UK for both graduate employment and quality education.

• University of the Year finalist in the Times Higher Education Awards 2025.

• First in the UK for sustained employment, further study or both, from any multidisciplinary university – Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) 2017 to 2025.

• First in the UK for quality education – Joint 1st in the Times Higher Education’s University Impact Rankings 2025.

Join us at one of our regular Open Days to see if the University is a good fit for you: www.worcester.ac.uk/opendays

For a breakdown of the modules you'll study each year visit our course page. You can do this by scrolling to the bottom of this page and selecting 'Visit our course page'

For detailed information about assessment, feedback, teaching and contact time visit our course page. You can do this by scrolling to the bottom of this page and selecting 'Visit our course page'