Two of the UK’s finest departments, now in one programme
Year of entry: 2019
QV31
Y50
3 years full-time (plus optional placement year)
AAA (full entry requirements)
September 2019 (term dates)
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Book nowA combined English and History course offers one of the most wide-ranging and adventurous of university degrees, tackling key aspects of human culture.
You can discover more about the Department of English and Related Literature’s exciting degree programmes by watching our video.
Incredible chronological breadth and thematic scope – find out what it’s like to study History at York.
Both departments are part of our Faculty of Arts and Humanities, which is ranked 42nd in the 2018 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), the Department of English had the highest proportion of world-leading (4*) research of all UK English departments. In the Times Higher Education's ranking of the REF, the Department of Politics was second overall for research performance.
The Department of English and Related Literature is ranked 3rd in the UK and the Department of History is ranked 7th in the UK in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.
You'll benefit from our interdisciplinary research and teaching with critical thinking and transferable skills.
It is fantastic to be a part of two amazing departments and explore both subjects in exciting ways. I have been completely supported by both departments and the chance to write an interdisciplinary dissertation with two supervisors is a real highlight of my joint studies.Alex
BA English/History
Our pioneering curriculum offers an international outlook. Our modules span the globe, encompassing over two millennia of history and literature.
All combined course students take 120 credits each year, adding up to 360 credits across the course of your degree. In the first year, you will split your studies equally between the English and History components of your degree. In second year, it’s possible to vary the balance and devote more time to either English or History. In third year, your choice of Advanced Option Modules (English), Special Subject (History), and bridge dissertation topic let you tailor the degree to your own interests and needs.
You can apply to study abroad during your second year, for the whole year or just a term.
In the first year of your degree, we’ll introduce you to the undergraduate study of English and History. Our modules will give you the skills you need to start undertaking literary and historical research, and advice on how to combine the two disciplines.
You'll take the following three modules in English (20 credits each). These modules are designed to lay the foundation of literary study for your whole degree.
You'll also choose one of the following modules:
In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.
This module covers some of the essential skills and knowledge which will help you to study independently and produce work of a high academic standard which is vital for success at York.
This module will:
In the second year of your degree, you’ll choose from a range of intermediate modules across the English and History departments.
English/History students take a minimum of 40 credits in English in Year 2. You will choose from the same English options as our single subject students.
These include Critical Practice (20 credits) and our Intermediate Option Modules (20 credits):
These also include our World Literature offerings (30 credits each) and our Topic Modules (10 credits each).
In addition, all English/History students take Texts and Histories (10 credits), designed specifically for their degree pathway and taught by a member of staff from each department. This module is the cornerstone of your combined course programme; it will provide you with a range of critical and analytical skills that are applicable across periods, and that will highlight the possibilities offered by studying two disciplines.
You'll choose one Histories and Contexts module (20 credits). You'll typically be able to choose from around eight options:
Finally, you'll also choose one Explorations module (30 credits). We usually offer around 18 options for you to choose from:
In the third year of your degree, English/History students will study a History Special Subject (40 credits). You'll be able to choose from around 16 options.
You will also take two Advanced Option Modules (20 credits), one in the Autumn and one in the Spring. Once again, you will choose from the same exciting menu of options as our single subject students (you can typically expect to choose from around 25 options).
You will also undertake a Bridge Dissertation, one of the distinctive features of the English/History degree at York. The Bridge Dissertation invites students to undertake a research project that brings the study of English and History together, and is supervised by a member of staff in each department. This year-long advanced module offers you the chance to use all the research and writing skills you will have developed at York.
Please note, modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
The fees and funding figures below are based on data from 2018 entry. If you take a year abroad or year in industry you'll pay a reduced rate of fees for that year.
You'll need copies of the texts set for each module. Where possible, the Department works to arrange digital copies via the University Library. Where this is not practical, you'll be instructed in advance of the start of each term about the texts and editions you'll need to purchase (whether new or second-hand).
UK/EU or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK, EU or international student.
For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.
We offer a number of scholarships to help cover tuition fees and living costs.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
“Students from all backgrounds achieve consistently outstanding outcomes”
The TEF Panel, Office for Students, June 2018
Our Gold Teaching Excellence Framework award demonstrates our commitment to the delivery of consistently outstanding teaching and learning for our students.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
In both English and History, you’ll learn through a programme of seminars, lectures, workshops, and one-to-one consultations. We emphasize small-group teaching, which means you’ll mainly be taught in seminars.
York’s English and History degree is renowned for its flexible and innovative approach.
As a guide, students on this course typically spend their time as follows:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures and seminars | 180 hours | 144 hours | 120 hours |
The figures above are based on data from 2016/17.
The rest of your time on the course will be spent on independent study. This may include preparation for lectures and seminars, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.
Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours will vary from person to person. In UK higher education the expectation is that full-time students will spend 1200 hours a year learning.
You will be based in the Department of English and Related Literature and the Department of History, which are on Campus West.
Your contact hours will be divided between Derwent College, Vanbrugh College, the Spring Lane Building, and other locations nearby on Campus West.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
The Department of English and Related Literature employs a variety of assessment methods, including group presentations and closed exams, but with a strong emphasis on essay writing. Your main mode of assessment will be essays, which will range from short exploratory exercises to more detailed discussions on a topic of your choice, to the 8,000-10,000-word bridge dissertation in your final year.
The Department of History also uses a variety of assessment methods. These include assessed essays from 2,000-4,000 words, closed exams, and open exams. You will complete a 3,000-word group project in your second year and an 8,000-10,000-word bridge dissertation in your third year.
Both departments offer high levels of feedback and ample opportunities for you to meet with staff to discuss your written work.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exams | 38% | 17% | 17% |
| Coursework | 62% | 75% | 83% |
| Practical exams | 0% | 8% | 0% |
The figures above are based on data from 2016/17.
When looking at different universities, York offered me the best flexibility to study English and History together. I love the way the different modules intertwine.Emily
BA English/History
Studying English and History at York will provide you with numerous career possibilities. You’ll learn presentation, language, and critical thinking skills during your combined degree, and gain expertise in complex analysis and research. These skills suit a wide range of careers, from law and teaching to national and local government and the creative industries.
While at York I learned to read fast while absorbing key details and to express myself clearly. I learned to listen and to be generous when sharing ideas. I gained confidence and developed a more independent way of thinking.”Sarah Ward-Lilley
Head of International Bureaux, BBC News
| Qualification | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| A levels |
|
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 36 credits at Distinction, including at least 9 credits in Literature-related units, and 6 credits at Merit or higher. |
| Cambridge Pre-U | D3, D3, D3, including D3 in English and History |
| European Baccalaureate | 85 overall, including 85 in English and History |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 points, with 6 in all Higher Level subjects, including History and English |
| Irish leaving Certificate | H1 (English), H1 (History), H2, H2, H2, H3 |
| Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers | AAAAA at Higher Level AA at Advanced Higher Level, including English and History |
Our English language requirements for international applicants can be found on our Entry Requirements page.
To apply to York, you will need to complete an online application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
We look for intellectual and literary curiosity, open-mindedness, and analytical ability.
Normally, only mature candidates and those with special circumstances and/or qualifications will have an interview. Interviews will usually be a half-hour conversation about your interests. We’ll also ask you to bring along some of your recent essays.
Get in touch if you have any questions
Department of English and Related Literature, Department of History
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