BA English and History

About this course

English and history is one of the most natural subject combinations in the humanities, recognising that literature and history are both concerned with making sense of human experience across time and that each discipline enriches the other. English literature develops close reading skills, sensitivity to language and narrative, and the ability to construct well-reasoned arguments about complex and contested texts. History develops the capacity to analyse evidence, think contextually about why things happened as they did, and make arguments that are both empirically grounded and intellectually coherent. Together, they produce graduates who can read with precision, think historically, and communicate with clarity and depth. At Nottingham Trent University, this programme is offered on a part-time basis with a sandwich year that includes a work placement, making it accessible to students who need to study alongside other commitments and giving them the opportunity to develop professional experience in a relevant field during their studies. You will engage with literature across a broad range of periods, genres, and critical approaches alongside historical study that can span medieval to modern times and different geographical and thematic focuses. The work placement allows you to apply the skills you have developed in a professional context and to understand how the analytical and communication capabilities of humanities graduates are valued outside the academy. Graduates of English and history move into publishing, journalism, education, the heritage sector, libraries and archives, arts administration, the civil service, and a wide range of management and professional roles that value strong written and analytical skills. Teaching at secondary level attracts many humanities graduates, and a postgraduate teaching qualification is the route into state school employment. Further postgraduate study in English, history, creative writing, journalism, or archival science provides deeper expertise for those who wish to specialise. The part-time format and sandwich year make this programme particularly appropriate for those who are already working in or exploring related fields alongside their studies.

Student Satisfaction