English Literature and History

Literature and history have always been closely intertwined. Novels, poems and plays are historical documents as much as artistic ones: they record how people thought, what they feared and hoped for, and how they made sense of the world around them. History, in turn, depends on interpretive skills that literary study sharpens.

Studying English Literature and History together at York St John University allows you to bring both lenses to bear on the past and present, developing a richer understanding than either discipline could offer alone.

The English Literature side of the degree develops your ability to read closely and critically across different periods and forms, from medieval writing to contemporary fiction, attending to the ways that language and form create meaning. The History strand takes you through major historical periods and themes, teaching you to evaluate evidence, construct arguments and understand causation and change over time. Together, the subjects develop strong research skills, critical thinking and the ability to write clearly and persuasively, building a foundation that is valued across many professions.

York St John's programme includes a foundation year, which provides additional preparation for degree-level study and broadens access to the programme. The course also includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and a work placement, giving you the opportunity to develop professional experience and international perspectives alongside your academic study. York itself, with its deep historical layers, literary associations and active cultural life, is an inspiring setting for this kind of joint degree.

Graduates of English Literature and History degrees move into a wide range of careers, including teaching, journalism, publishing, heritage and museums, the civil service, law, communications and the third sector. The transferable skills the degree develops, particularly the ability to research, analyse and communicate complex ideas, are broadly valued by employers. Postgraduate study in literature, history or a related field is a natural next step for those who want to specialise further.