History and Literature

History and Literature at the University of Essex offers an interdisciplinary programme designed to explore the rich and complex relationship between historical developments and literary expressions across different periods and cultures. This degree provides students with the opportunity to develop critical skills in both historical analysis and literary critique, fostering a comprehensive understanding of how literature both reflects and influences historical contexts. The programme combines rigorous academic training in historiography, literary theory, and textual analysis, encouraging students to engage with a wide variety of sources, genres, and methodologies.

Students will study key periods including the medieval, Renaissance, Enlightenment, Victorian, and modern eras, examining major historical events and their representation in literature. The curriculum emphasizes comparative approaches, enabling students to analyze texts from different cultures and timeframes, thereby gaining a global perspective. Throughout the course, students will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, research, and academic writing, preparing them for careers in academia, publishing, cultural sector, or other fields requiring analytical and communication skills.

The programme offers a range of modules that delve into themes such as identity, power, resistance, gender, and societal change, providing a multifaceted understanding of human experience. Students will undertake independent research projects and have opportunities for internships, seminars, and collaborative work, enhancing their practical skills and employability. With access to the university’s extensive archives, libraries, and digital resources, students can engage deeply with primary sources and digital humanities tools.

Graduates from the History and Literature programme are well-equipped to pursue further studies or careers in education, journalism, arts management, archaeology, or diplomatic service. The programme’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their learning experience according to their interests, integrating optional modules in areas like digital humanities, creative writing, or intercultural studies. Overall, this interdisciplinary degree aims to cultivate informed, critical, and culturally-aware graduates who understand the interconnectedness of history and literature and are prepared to contribute thoughtfully to society.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

• The Making of the Modern World, 1776-1989 or Society, Culture and Politics in Europe, 1500-1750
• Introduction to Literature
• The Enlightenment
• And choose 30 credits from a range of History, Literature or outside options.

Year 2

• Making Histories: Concepts, themes and sources
• Choose two literature options from: Early Modern Literature, Versions of Modernity, United States Literature Since 1850 or Approaches to Text and
• Choose 45 credits from a range of history options

Year 3

• History Independent Research Project or Independent Study in Literature and
• Choose from a range of history options and literature options

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above).
• We welcome applications from students whose A-levels do not include History.

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Bachelor of Arts in History and Literature at the University of Essex offers students a unique interdisciplinary curriculum that combines the study of historical developments with literary analysis. This program is designed to develop students' critical thinking, research skills, and cultural awareness through a comprehensive exploration of different periods and genres of literature alongside key historical contexts. Students will engage with a diverse range of texts, from ancient manuscripts to contemporary works, and examine how historical forces have shaped literary production and reception. The programme encourages analytical skills through close reading, contextual analysis, and comparative studies, preparing graduates for careers in education, publishing, journalism, public history, and research. The course structure typically includes modules in historical methods, literary theory, thematic studies, and periods such as Medieval, Renaissance, Modern, and Contemporary history and literature. Students have opportunities to undertake independent research projects and may participate in study abroad schemes or internships to gain practical experience. The teaching approach emphasizes interactive seminars, tutorials, and collaborative learning, supported by a strong faculty team with expertise across various historical and literary fields. Graduates of this program will benefit from the university’s research-led teaching, state-of-the-art library resources, and vibrant academic community. The program aims to foster a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of history and literature, equipping students with analytical and communication skills essential for diverse professional pathways. Typical entry requirements include A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with a preference for students demonstrating strong performance in arts and humanities subjects. The duration of the full-time course is usually three years, with options for part-time study. Overall, the History and Literature BA program at the University of Essex offers an enriching academic experience that combines critical inquiry with creative engagement, preparing students for lifelong learning and a broad range of careers.