English and History

Put the text into context. Combine a love of literature with a passion for the past on this English and history joint honours degree.

If you’re an innovative thinker who thrives on the stimulating combination of English literature and history, this qualification will appeal to you.

As part of your course, you’ll:


• Learn about the relationship between the two subjects by critically and creatively focusing on specific time periods or themes



• Analyse the key genres of prose, poetry and drama



• Explore the relationship between historical developments and genres of creative literature, including detective fiction and postcolonial literatures



• Engage critically with literary texts from a variety of historical periods, cultures, and genres, from the early modern era to the present day



• Gain an understanding of human developments, ranging from the 17th century to the 20th century



Find out more

Building your future potential

As a student in the School of Humanities & Social Sciences, you’ll be encouraged to think about your future career right from the start of your learning journey. Information and advice about relevant future career options will be built into the first year of your degree. During your second and third years of study, you’ll be able to choose modules with live brief learning challenges (real life projects designed by employers) and work placement opportunities.

You’ll learn from tutors who are widely published and actively researching new topics, providing fresh course content that is constantly evolving.

We regularly offer cultural studies seminars where visiting lecturers present and elaborate on their own literary or historical research.

Why study the BA English and History course at Leeds Beckett University?


• Strong and meaningful partnerships with community organisations



• We offer distinctive and creative programmes that are responsive to the changes taking place in society



• Explore two subjects in detail on an interdisciplinary course, with dedicated joint honours modules



• Expert careers service

Curiosity needs thinkers, makers, and dreamers. It needs you!

Leeds Beckett believes that when unlike minds come together, incredible things happen. That’s why they don’t just teach; they collaborate, challenge and inspire.

Their courses are meticulously designed, combining practical experience through work placements with a vibrant location at the heart of one of the UK’s largest student communities. Boasting a top 10 UK ranking for both course quality and student life (Unicompare 2026) and a prestigious five-star QS rating, LBU sets the standard for excellence.

The university prioritises student wellbeing and stands among just seven universities nationwide to earn the University Mental Health Charter Award - proof of their unwavering commitment to advancing mental health and wellbeing.

All of this is why 98% of Leeds Beckett students and graduates would recommend studying at the university to a friend (Unicompare, 2024 reviews).