About this course
Improve your knowledge of history and literature in English by studying them together. You could read fiction from Africa to help you understand European political history. You could gain new insights into the reign of James I by immersing yourself in the theatre of his time. A year abroad will enhance your studies and let you experience a new culture.
History at Southampton covers the ancient world to the present day. Our English modules explore writing from around the world and its connection to politics, the arts, identity and more.
With our advice, you can shape your degree to suit your own development. For example, you can:
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learn to write screenplays
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study Victorian sensation fiction
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take several modules on the history and literature of oceans
Your studies will include critical analysis, presentations and group work. These will help you develop your conceptual thinking, communication and research skills.
You can take modules that support your year abroad, such as a modern language or European politics.
Our year abroad partner universities in Europe include:
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Barcelona
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Prague
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Frankfurt
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Lausanne
You can also choose universities outside Europe, including locations in:
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the United States
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Canada
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Australia
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South Korea
As part of this course you can:
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join one of 40 student-led performing arts groups
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take part in writing workshops at Nuffield Southampton Theatres
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use a unique collection of rare books at the Chawton House Library
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explore experimental writing with our Entropics events
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get one-to-one tutorials on writing from our Royal Literary Fund Fellows
You can deepen your links to our History community by:
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joining the dynamic, student-run History Society
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use one of the largest Jewish document centres in Europe, the Parkes Archive
What's it like to study English and History at Southampton
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and History (or a related subject**)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *English Literature related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies. **History related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and History (or a related subject**), and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including English Literature (or a related subject*) and History (or a related subject**)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 at Higher Level in English Literature (or a related subject*) and History (or a related subject**)
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*English Literature related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies. **History related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level History (or a related subject**).
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level History (or a related subject**).
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level History (or a related subject**).
BTEC additional information
*English Literature related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies. **History related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and History (or a related subject**)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *English Literature related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies. **History related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and History (or a related subject**), and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and History (or a related subject**)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 at Higher Level in English Literature (or a related subject*) and History (or a related subject**)
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*English Literature related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies. **History related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level History (or a related subject**).
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level History (or a related subject**).
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level History (or a related subject**).
BTEC additional information
*English Literature related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies. **History related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
You’ll explore literature in English, starting in the medieval era. You'll study history from the ancient world up to the present day. Both subjects include modules that focus on other countries and cultures.
You'll have a huge amount of choice about how and what you learn. For example, you could take several modules in Russian history or creative writing.
Each year you can take modules from subject areas outside of English and History. You do not need to choose your modules when you apply. We'll guide you through the process before you start.
Year 1 overview
You’ll take an equal number of module credits in English and History. You’ll gain a foundation in critical thinking, essay writing and joint research. This will help you develop your own views and approaches in the study of literature.
You’ll take a compulsory module in world histories, and must study 1 History module which covers the period before 1750.
Typical modules cover topics such as:
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the novel
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histories of empire
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poetic language
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world dramas
Year 2 overview
You'll choose all of your modules, keeping a roughly equal balance of English and History topics. We encourage you to take modules from across historical periods.
Modules include topics such as:
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world literature after globalisation
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the Space Age
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African worlds
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witchcraft in England 1542-1736
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how writers influence each other
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women and Hollywood
In the second semester, you’ll take a module to prepare you for your year abroad.
Year 3 overview
You’ll study at one of our partner universities. Your lectures will be in English but you'll have opportunities to develop your language skills.
Alternatively, you can take an approved work placement abroad instead.
You’ll write a monthly personal blog to document your learning. This will record events, activities and intercultural encounters you experience. You’ll write a year abroad report with support from an academic supervisor.
Year 4 overview
You'll take a module examining your experiences abroad. This will help you produce an enhanced CV.
You’ll write a dissertation on a research topic of your choice in either English or History.
You’ll also choose modules from a wide range of topics, including:
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Jane Austen and the Regency world
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the Tudor court
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refugees in the 20th Century
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the East India Company and Britain’s Asian world
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radical England from Shakespeare to Milton
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literature of islands and oceans
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narrative non-fiction
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
You must study the following module in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Stephanie Jones is the course leader.
Careers
When you study English and History abroad you'll show employers that you‘re independent, curious and resourceful.
Studying English and History at Southampton also gives you a strong foundation in:
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research
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presentation skills
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project management
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critical thinking
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writing
You’ll learn how to tell a story. This is a crucial skill whether you want to write a press release or funding application, or edit a book or podcast.
Our graduates have gone on to careers involving History and English including:
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advertising
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account executive
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academic
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festival co-ordinator
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journalist
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marketing manager
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museum curator
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political researcher
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PR officer
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retail manager
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teacher
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translator
We offer a series of lectures and seminars given by experts, employers and alumni, which take you through career planning. These are designed for humanities students and cover:
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careers opportunities for graduates, including digital jobs
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entrepreneurial and start-up options
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skills self-assessment to help you discover hidden talents
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CV and application writing
Your personal academic tutor can write a reference based on knowledge of you as a student over the 3 years.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You can take work placements through our Excel internship scheme or Year in Employment scheme. Placements could take place in art galleries, publishing houses, schools or performing arts organisations. We can help you get placements and employment with local, national and international employers.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £17,560.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: QV32
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000