The Student Room GroupThe Student Room Group

Course name

Find a course

Search, shortlist and compare thousands of courses to find that perfect one.

Search for a course

Personalise your search by expected grades and more.

A-level explorer

See where your A-level subjects will lead you.

Where to study

See what makes a university special and discover where you belong.

Image from English and History
Image from English and History
Image from English and History
Image from English and History
Image from English and History
Image from English and History

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

English and History

Entry requirements

Here's what you will need to get a place on the English and History course at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Select a qualification to see required grades

A level

A,B,B

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. Socio-economic factors which may have impacted an applicant’s education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants. Required: A-Level grade B an essay based subject.

Most popular A-levels studied

The English and History course at Royal Holloway, University of London features content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below to find out about the students taking courses in each of those subject areas at this uni.

Literature in English
History
SubjectGrade
English LiteratureB
HistoryB
PsychologyB
SociologyB
Drama and Theatre StudiesB
SubjectGrade
HistoryB
English LiteratureB
PsychologyB
Government and PoliticsC
SociologyB
Source: HESA

Course summary

What this course is about

UCAS code: QV31

Here's what Royal Holloway, University of London says about its English and History course.

This exciting and challenging course offers the opportunity to combine the study of English with the study of History, allowing you to explore and reflect upon the relationships between literary texts and their historical contexts.

From Beowulf to the Booker Prize, English offers you the opportunity to study the full historical range of literature in English as well as the latest developments in the field, and even to pursue your own creative writing.

You can discover the earliest works in English, deepen your knowledge of Shakespeare, find out what is great about Renaissance literature, darken your view of the 18th century, and unpack the Victorians. The course's structure allows you to develop a sound understanding of key periods, genres, authors, and ideas as well as choosing from a huge range of options. You can study Modernism, Postmodernism and American literature, explore literary criticism, develop your own creative writing, and analyse the latest developments in global literatures in English.

You will gain original insights into the whole range of English literature from its beginnings to its latest developments, ranging from Chaucer and Shakespeare to Virginia Woolf, James Joyce and Salman Rushdie and study unusual, non-traditional subjects such as the body in the 18th century or time in modern literature or courses incorporating visual arts and cinema.

Studying History is exciting and rewarding; it encourages you to appreciate the human experience in other places and at other times. Exploring what people have felt, thought and done in the past expands our self-awareness. It will help to satisfy your curiosity about the past, acquire understanding of specific periods and problems, and make discoveries.

Our internationally renowned academics are developing the very latest thinking on historical problems; this cutting edge knowledge informs the curriculum and will enhance your learning experience. By studying History at one of the largest and most influential departments in the country you will be able to choose from an exceptionally broad range of subjects, enabling you to spread your studies across the medieval and modern worlds, from Ancient Rome through to modern China, from Saladin through to Margaret Thatcher.

  • Over 40 options across all areas of literature in your second and third years.

  • Study the ancient, medieval and modern worlds. Follow your passions – no compulsory modules in your third year.

  • Choice of modules that incorporate visual art and cinema

  • Opportunities for placement at, for example, The Telegraph or BBC.

Source: Royal Holloway, University of London

Course details

Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Department

English

Location

Main Site | Egham

Duration

3 Years

Study mode

Full-time

Subjects

• History

• English literature

Start date

21 September 2026

Application deadline

14 January 2026

Tuition fees

LocationFees
England£9,535 per year (provisional)
Scotland£9,535 per year (provisional)
Wales£9,535 per year (provisional)
Northern Ireland£9,535 per year (provisional)
Channel Islands£9,535 per year (provisional)
Republic of Ireland£9,535 per year (provisional)
EU£26,800 per year
International£26,800 per year

The modules you will study

How you will be assessed

Your course will be assessed by a combination of examinations and in-course assignments in the form of essays or presentations.

Royal Holloway, University of London student reviews

(3.7)
Based on 106 reviews from Royal Holloway, University of London's students and alumni
5 star
25%
4 star
34%
3 star
31%
2 star
6%
1 star
3%
All reviews

Showing 102 reviews

2nd year student

1 year ago

Things a little expensive but there's always something on. Summer Ball ticketing is a bit of a joke. They offer a certain number of cheaper tickets early but you have to be lightning fast to secure the.ticket at th e cheaper price. Plenty of variety and bars eating and shops

(4)
Student Union

2nd year student

1 year ago

There's always something on , Egham a bit run down but campus socialising is great. There's everything you need on campus ,although exploring further afield like Windsor and London is reasonable on the train.

(5)
University life

2nd year student

1 year ago

This is my main negative with this university. I was in really nice halls Kingswood 1st year. Affordable nice location. 2nd year halls were not an option so had to find private. Expensive. The student finance maintenance loan.does not cover then full cost. Work opportunities are few at the univers...

(1)
Finance

2nd year student

1 year ago

Support has been OK.

(4)
Support

2nd year student

1 year ago

Lack of affordable accommodation for continuing students. Student union on campus great safe little expensive.Other facilities library etc good.

(3)
Facilities

2nd year student

1 year ago

As stated course content challenging and found that workload high but was able.to keep on top of assignments. Tutors helpful and approachable.

(4)
Course

National Student Survey (NSS) scores at Royal Holloway, University of London

The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.

The English and History course at Royal Holloway, University of London features content from more than one subject area. Using the options below, you can see ratings from students who took courses in each of these subject areas at this uni

Literature in English
History

Select an option to see a detailed breakdown

How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?

86%

med

How good are teaching staff at explaining things?

93%

low

How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?

89%

med

How often is the course intellectually stimulating?

90%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?

89%

med

How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?

88%

med

How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?

82%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?

91%

med

To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?

74%

med

How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?

86%

med

How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?

81%

low

How often does feedback help you to improve your work?

78%

med

How often have you received assessment feedback on time?

96%

med

How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?

76%

med

How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?

94%

med

How well have teaching staff supported your learning?

89%

low

How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?

87%

med

How well organised is your course?

86%

med

How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?

88%

med

How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?

91%

med

How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?

85%

low

How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?

70%

med

To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?

88%

med

To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?

83%

med

How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?

77%

med

During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?

92%

med

How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?

78%

med

Select an option to see a detailed breakdown

How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?

91%

med

How good are teaching staff at explaining things?

98%

med

How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?

92%

med

How often is the course intellectually stimulating?

94%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?

89%

high

How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?

91%

med

How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?

94%

high

To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?

93%

med

To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?

73%

low

How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?

86%

med

How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?

89%

med

How often does feedback help you to improve your work?

74%

low

How often have you received assessment feedback on time?

90%

med

How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?

79%

med

How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?

95%

med

How well have teaching staff supported your learning?

96%

med

How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?

83%

med

How well organised is your course?

91%

med

How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?

88%

med

How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?

94%

med

How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?

90%

med

How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?

75%

high

To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?

85%

med

To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?

88%

med

How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?

68%

med

During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?

91%

med

How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?

76%

med

Student information

The English and History course at Royal Holloway, University of London features content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below to find out about the students taking courses in each of those subject areas at this uni.

Literature in English
History
Mode of study
Full-time100%
Gender ratio
Female87%Male13%
Where students come from
International7%UK93%
Student performance
2:1 or above81%
Number of students585
Mode of study
Full-time99%Part-time1%
Gender ratio
Female59%Male41%
Where students come from
International6%UK94%
Student performance
2:1 or above84%
Number of students535
Source: HESA

Graduate prospects

What graduates do next

The English and History course includes content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below for information about Royal Holloway, University of London graduates across each of those subject areas.

Literature in English
History

Graduate statistics

75%

Say it fits with future plans

65%

Are utilising studies

Graduate statistics

65%

Say it fits with future plans

35%

Are utilising studies

Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates

Earnings after graduation

The English and History course includes content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below for Royal Holloway, University of London graduate earnings across each of those subject areas.

English studies
History and archaeology

Earnings

£23.7k

First year after graduation

£25.7k

Third year after graduation

£31.8k

Fifth year after graduation

Earnings

£23.4k

First year after graduation

£26.6k

Third year after graduation

£32.8k

Fifth year after graduation

Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to English and History.

Source: LEO

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree

Discussions

Chat with Royal Holloway, University of London

Hello!

This is the Official Rep profile for Royal Holloway, University of London.

We're proud to be ranked in the top 30 of all UK universities in the country (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024). We have a supportive community, where all our students can excel. Our vibrant campus has a mixture of classic and modern buildings, with lots of beautiful green spaces to explore!

Get in touch if you'd like to ask us anything.

www.royalholloway.ac.uk +44 (0)1784 434 455 @royalholloway

_4MkZNPhoNA

Mobile phone in hand

Royal Holloway, University of London socials

Tap these links to go to this university's social media channels

Royal Holloway, University of London open days

Secure your spot at one of our upcoming Open Days and visit our beautiful campus to experience life at Royal Holloway.

See where you could be living and studying and get a sense of what it’s like to be part of our diverse and supportive community.

Our next Undergraduate Open Day is taking place on Saturday 22 November. Can't join us in person? Our next Online Open Day is on Wednesday 26 November.

Source: Royal Holloway, University of London

Explore more courses at Royal Holloway, University of London

Royal Holloway, University of London

Main Site | Egham

English and Classical Studies

BA (Hons) 3 Years Full-time 2026