English Literature and History BA (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The English Literature and History BA (Hons) at the University of Northumbria Newcastle offers you a unique opportunity to explore the intricate connections between literary works and historical contexts. This undergraduate degree is designed for intellectually curious students eager to understand how texts shape and reflect societal changes, and how historical events influence artistic expression. You will delve into diverse periods and genres, developing a nuanced appreciation for the power of narrative and the complexities of the past. This course provides a robust academic grounding for those passionate about both textual analysis and historical inquiry.

You will study this programme full-time on campus over three years, engaging with core modules such as 'Introduction to Literary Studies', 'Talking Texts', 'The Making of Contemporary Europe', and 'Making History'. The syllabus features a wide array of optional modules, allowing you to tailor your studies, from 'Gothic Stories' to 'The Holocaust' and 'Migration Nation'. You will have the chance to undertake a Humanities Work Placement Year or a Study Abroad Year, enriching your practical experience. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in heritage, publishing, education, and research, equipped with strong analytical and communication skills.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) in English Literature and History offers a comprehensive exploration of literary and historical periods. You will engage with foundational literary studies and historical methodologies, delving into diverse topics such as Gothic literature, European history from the medieval to contemporary eras, and the development of academic language skills. The program allows for specialization through a wide range of optional modules in later years, covering areas like American history and literature, modernism, and various aspects of European and global history.

1 Year One

Introduction to literary studies Core
Talking texts Core
Gothic stories: Nineteenth century to the present Core
The making of contemporary Europe Core
Late medieval and early modern Europe 1200-1720 Core
Making history Core
Academic language skills for humanities and social sciences Core – for International and EU students only

2 Year Two

Early modern cultures Core
Modernism and modernity Core
Literary revolutions, eighteenth century to romanticism Core
Affluence and anxiety: The US from 1920 to 1960 Optional
America in the 1960s Optional
Your graduate future Optional
From reconstruction to reunification: Europe, 1945-1991 Optional
The Holocaust Optional
Civilians and the Second World War Optional
Setting America right: Conservatism in the United States, 1933-2016 Optional
Divisive pasts: Legacies of conflict and oppression in the 20th and 21st centuries Optional
Early modern monarchies: Power and representation, 1500-1750 Optional
Dictatorship and development: Central America, 1912-1996 Optional
The making and breaking of industrial Britain, 1770-1990 Optional
Rise of the Russian Empire: The Romanovs, 1613-1855 Optional
Power and freedom: West African history, 1850 to 2010 Optional
Witches, knights and plague: Medieval Europe on film Optional
History/film: Using popular film as historical evidence Optional
Field notes: Politics and policy making in place Optional
Migration nation: Britain’s history of immigration, multiculturalism and race Optional
Al-Andalus to America: Spain and the New World Optional
People power before democracy: The United Kingdom, 1790-1914 Optional
Unilang - Languages for all - Level 5 Placeholder Optional
Academic language skills for humanities and social sciences Core – for International and EU students only

3 Year Three

Humanities work placement year Optional
Humanities study abroad year Optional

4 Year Four

Red, white and green: The American environment through time Optional
Vamps and virgins: Gothic sexualities Optional
The black Atlantic: Literature, slavery and race Optional
Boxing with Byron: Romanticism and popular culture Optional
Shaking up Shakespeare Optional
Postwar US writing Optional
Political theatre in early modern Britain Optional
Twenty first century literature: Writing in the present Optional
Writing women: Aphra Behn in focus Optional
Writing and environment Optional
Thieves, harlots, pirates, murderers: Criminal lives in the long eighteenth century Optional
The African American freedom struggle since 1945 Optional
Civil war and reconstruction Optional
Women, crime and subversion in early modern Europe Optional
Joint honours dissertation Optional
Northern Ireland: The 'Troubles' and the search for peace Optional
Barricades and boulevards: Revolution, culture, and urban life in nineteenth-century Paris Optional
Recording the past: Making your own history documentary Optional
Men of war: Masculinities and warfare in Britain 1914-1945 Optional
Environmental disaster in modern Britain Optional
The British women's suffrage movement in history and memory Optional
Russia between democracy and dictatorship: Gorbachev to Putin, 1985-2008 Optional
How to kill a king: Monarchies in crisis, 1547-1689 Optional
Dissertation with public history Optional
From the campus to the streets: Student activism and youth movements since 1900 Optional
Modern India: Making the world’s biggest democracy Optional
From grand tours to dirty weekends: Travellers and tourists in Britain, Ireland and beyond Optional
Academic language skills for humanities and social sciences Core – for International and EU students only

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

15% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 22,818.00 USD 26,831.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,831.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,831.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 76,481.00 USD 80,493.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 520.00 - USD 1,323.00
Food & Groceries USD 6,283.00 - USD 10,149.00
Transport USD 1,048.00 - USD 1,309.00
Utilities & Bills USD 3,496.00 - USD 6,976.00
Estimated Total USD 10,827.00 - USD 18,173.00

Living cost estimates are based on Newcastle City Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Client Services & Account ManagementClinical & Medical ServicesDigital Media & Online PublishingEvent & Experiential MarketingEvent Promotion & ManagementJournalism & ReportingMedical Research & Clinical TrialsPhotojournalism & Visual MediaPublic Health & EpidemiologyTheme Parks & Leisure

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

British Council

NHS

Nottingham Trent University

Sky Group

The British Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

Why Study English Literature and History BA (Hons) at University of Northumbria Newcastle

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Northumbria Newcastle in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about English Literature and History BA (Hons) at University of Northumbria Newcastle

Can I work while studying?

As a Degree course student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, you'll need an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with specific listening, reading, speaking, and writing scores of at least 5.5 each.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers in heritage, publishing, education, and research.

What will I actually study in this course?

The English Literature and History BA (Hons) at the University of Northumbria Newcastle offers you a unique opportunity to explore the intricate connections between literary works and historical contexts. This undergraduate degree is designed for intellectually curious students eager to understand how texts shape and reflect societal changes, and how historical events influence artistic expression. You will delve into diverse periods and genres, developing a nuanced appreciation for the

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The English Literature and History BA (Hons) program starts in September. Make sure to apply in advance to secure your spot.
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