English and History

UCAS code: QV31

Here's what University of Southampton says about its English and History course.

About this course Enhance your knowledge of history and literature in English by studying them together on this English and History degree. You could study the novels of Jane Austen alongside the history of the naval wars at the time she wrote. Or, you could study 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.

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 10 English department in the UK (Times Good University Guide, 2025)

• Choose from a diverse range of modules, from medieval to contemporary literature and creative writing, as well as history.

• Partnerships with Chawton House and the John Hansard Gallery offer unique learning experiences.

• Access cutting-edge Digital Humanities facilities including VR, 3D scanning, and immersive audio-visual spaces.

• Use one of the largest Jewish document centres in Europe, the Parkes Archive.

• Option to study abroad at one of our global partner universities.

Student support You’ll be taught by supportive experts who know you as an individual. Small-group seminars and personal tutors will help you build confidence. Beyond academics, you’ll have access to wellbeing resources, peer mentoring, and careers advice, all in a friendly, welcoming community. Our English programmes are shaped by our students' feedback and input.

Further information The BA English and History is a three-year, full-time course at our Avenue Campus. You can also apply to add a year abroad or placement year, extending your degree to four years. For details, visit 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.