English Literature and History

Through the critical reading of texts of all kinds, our joint honours programme in English Literature and History helps you understand today's world while shedding light on the past.

English Literature

Our programme aims to develop your critical, analytic, linguistic and creative skills by engaging with a broad range of texts and a variety of approaches to reading.

You will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from all over the world, from the late Middle Ages to the present.

History

History at Edinburgh is distinctive for its range of historical themes, chronological periods and geographical areas. You can choose from courses covering:

• the early Middle Ages to the most recent past

• Britain and Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas

Further, our courses offer a rich variety of approaches to the past, including:

• political history

• cultural history

• social history

• economic history

• intellectual history

• gender history

• global and transnational history

Why Edinburgh

The historic city of Edinburgh is the first UNESCO World City of Literature. For centuries, it has been the home and muse of many great writers.

History has been taught at the University of Edinburgh since its foundation in 1583. We are the oldest department of English Literature in the UK, and one of the longest-established in the world.

From the University's Special Collections to the National Library of Scotland, the city's resources for studying literature and history are exceptional.

Our programme prepares you to contribute to a society in which an understanding of texts of all kinds is crucially important. It shows an openness to ideas and perspectives other than your own, an essential attribute in many careers and a global marketplace.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.

Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in your subjects. In addition to studying core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of subjects and disciplines. This gives you the chance to build your intercultural awareness in other areas of the arts, humanities, social sciences and beyond.

Your final two years will be your honours years. They will be tailored to your interests in specific topics, periods, genres or approaches to English Literature and History.

Programme benefits

• Study over four years, giving you choice and flexibility.

• Try out different subjects in your first two years.

• Learn in the heart of a UNESCO World City of Literature.

• Join societies related to what you are studying.

• Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.

• Try your hand at creative writing and publishing.