English and History BA (Hons)

Course description

The disciplines of English and History are inseparable. Major historical events affect authors, works, literary and cultural movements, even language itself, in important and complex ways, from the Norman Conquest to the Reformation, and from the Civil War to the Cold War and beyond. The English and History BA brings together these two naturally complementary subjects by grouping modules in such a way that they support and enrich one another.

You will explore English Literature and History from every period, and encounter a broad range of approaches and methodologies. A variety of option modules will allow you to deepen your understanding of those subjects that you find most fascinating. Our graduates leave Leicester with an unrivalled breadth of knowledge and skills.

This course will help you to understand how writers have been influenced by their wider contexts, how they have represented the world around them, and how to read and interpret texts in light of their history.

You will have access to library collections that date back to the 12th Century, with our 'special collection' archives of old books and manuscripts offering a direct connection with the past.

In your first and second year you will divide your time equally between English and History modules. You third year offers you the chance to specialise more in the area that interests you the most. You will have the opportunity to study a vast range of English and History modules from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of essays, group work, oral presentations, and exams. These assessments are designed to help you build confidence in a range of skills and to provide prospective employers with evidence that you can work effectively both as an independent researcher and as a team member.

You will have regular meetings with your Personal Tutor to discuss progress in your studies. Your Personal Tutor will also provide a sympathetic ear for all matters of personal concern, whether they be academic, financial, housing, career or social issues.

Careers and employability

All students take part in the Talent Academy, which will introduce you to the resources provided by our Careers Development Service and provides opportunities to gain work experience with leading employers.

'History in the Classroom' is a Second Year module in which you can spend one afternoon a week under the direct supervision of a qualified classroom teacher in a local school where you will teach some History. If you are thinking of teaching as a profession, this is the module for you.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have found work with companies such as:

• Allegis Group
• Aceville Publications
• The Mills Archive Trust
• PPL PRS Music Licensing
• Dennis Publishing
• Miyazaki City Board of Education