English Literature and History BA Honours
- UCAS code: QV31
- Full time
- 3 years
Study social, political, and literary cultures across historical periods from the Ancient World to today.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2024-25
Next start date:
- September 2024
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £21000
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Our English Literature and History course brings together cutting-edge research in two disciplines. You will have the chance to create your own balance between historical and literary material.
During this joint degree, you’ll work alongside world-leading researchers. You'll cover topics that range from postcolonial theory to medieval theology, and from Renaissance bodies to climate change protests.
In bespoke second and third-year modules, you’ll reflect on how literary and historical methods inform each other. You will also plan out your own research that draws on what you’ve learnt.
At the end of this degree, you’ll be a confident, knowledgeable, and highly independent learner. You will gain subject-specific research skills and the ability to think between disciplines.
Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditation and recognition
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Your compulsory modules will provide you with the core skills of analysis and interpretation for the study of literature and history.
These skills will underpin your learning and success in optional modules which cover a chronological, geographical and cultural range of topics.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Evidence and Argument | 20 |
Doing Criticism | 20 |
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Slavery | 20 |
Global Middle Ages | 20 |
Stuff: living in a material world | 20 |
Global Ancient Histories | 20 |
Historical Sources and Methods | 20 |
History Lab I | 20 |
History Lab II | 20 |
Public History | 20 |
What is History For? | 20 |
Introduction to Literary Studies 1 | 20 |
Introduction to Literary Studies II | 20 |
Transformations | 20 |
You will advance your understanding of literature and history through the ages, with a selection of modules that ensures historical coverage alongside optional modules of your choice.
An interdisciplinary independent research project provides you with the opportunity to bring together the methodologies of history and literature. Supported by scholars in each discipline, you will research, plan and write an essay on an area of particular interest to you.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Research Project in English Literature & History | 20 |
You only take one of the following modules if you undertake the Study Abroad exchange programme:
Students will conduct a major piece of original, independent research, through a jointly-supervised interdisciplinary dissertation. This may involve archival research from local or digital archives or tapping into the University’s broad and impressive range of resources.
Alongside this research project, students will benefit from a huge range of optional modules that allow them to critically reflect on their disciplines, and the connections between them.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Dissertation in English Literature & History | 40 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2022-23.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You can expect to spend around 10 hours per week attending lectures, seminars, workshops and film screenings.
You also spend around 25 hours per week on:
- class preparation
- reading
- writing
- other kinds of independent research recommended by your tutor
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
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Coursework
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Presentations
Skills and experience
Practical experience
All our modules offer practical experience. In history, this might take the form of interviews or archival research. Our literary studies might include staged readings or editorial work.
You'll also benefit from a range of regular field trips organised by the School. These include visits to:
- The Wordsworth Trust (Dove Cottage)
- Lindisfarne
- various city theatres such as Northern Stage, Live Theatre, and Theatre Royal
- Seven Stories (the National Centre for Children's Books)
- Beamish Museum
- the Great North Museum
Research skills
In Stage 2, you'll undertake an independent research project, and in your final year, you'll write a dissertation.
These projects will allow you to develop your skills across both disciplines and engage in interdisciplinary thinking.
You can also apply for a vacation scholarship and work alongside researchers. You'll have first-hand experience working on a project and will develop key skills, such as:
- researching new material
- collecting, analysing and interpreting social data
- working on a lab project with a team
- carrying out research in challenging environments
Employability
Employability and the engagement of literature and history with the wider world go hand-in-hand in this degree.
Many of our modules, particularly in Stage 3, model their assessments on the kind of tasks you might be employed to do:
- constructing marketing briefs
- drafting website copy
- curating exhibitions
- writing a clear and persuasive argument
Beyond our modules, there are plenty of extracurricular opportunities. These range from freelance work for Newcastle’s student newspaper to paid internships in the department.
The Newcastle Centre for Literary Arts, in particular, hires students to work on everything from event management to app design. The centre also runs workshops with professionals in the creative industries.
Chat with an English Literature and History student
Penelope Allen
Opportunities
Study abroad
You can study abroad for one semester in your second year as part of this degree. In Europe we have links with:
- Ghent University, Belgium
- Leipzig University, Germany
- Groningen University, Netherlands
- Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands
We also have links with universities in other parts of the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and the USA, including, but not limited to:
- Monash University, Australia
- University of Sydney, Australia
- McGill University, Canada
- University of Hong Kong
- University of Vermont, USA
Find out more about Study Abroad.
Work placement
During your degree, you’ll have multiple opportunities to undertake a meaningful work placement. In your second and third years, you may choose to take the Career Development Module which offers academic credit for 50 hours of placement. You can choose to carry out your placement via part-time work, volunteering or in a local school. You will be assessed through a mixture of written work, presentations, and professional skills assessment.
In addition, you'll have the option to spend 9 to 12 months on a work placement with University support from our dedicated Careers team to help you secure your dream placement in the UK or abroad. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice, and developing your professional expertise. Previous placements have been in a range of sectors, including:
- Journalism and Broadcasting
- Sustainable Energy
- Politics
- Digital Media and Marketing
- Education
- Finance
- Museum and Heritage
- Travel and Tourism
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
You'll be based in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics. The School is located in the Percy Building, which is at the heart of our city-centre campus. You'll join a lively community of students, academics, writers, and professionals.
You'll have access to:
- a digital media lab – for students with documentary and film-making modules
- a PC cluster
- a student-led café
- plenty of spaces to work and socialise
You will have exceptional library provision from our award-winning Library Service. It houses over one million books and a huge range of electronic resources.
Our literature and creative writing teaching is linked to the Newcastle Centre for the Literary Arts (NCLA) programme. This will give you regular contact with leading creative artists. You'll also have access to a diverse programme of events, including spoken-word events and creative writing courses.
Find out more about the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics.
Support
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a Personal Tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues affecting your academic progress.
Peer Mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer questions you may have when starting university.
Your future
Students on this degree all acquire a range of valuable skills, which they can transfer to many different sectors. These skills include:
- analysing and summarising
- communication
- time-keeping
- arguing and debating
- working independently and collaboratively
- critical thinking
This is excellent preparation for a wide number of professions and as such, our graduates have gone into a variety of career areas, such as:
- journalism
- media
- publishing
- PR
- politics
- professional writing
- libraries
- marketing
Follow in their footsteps
- Name: Penny
- Nationality: Chinese
- Graduated: 2017
- Now working as: English teacher and Head of Research & Development at ReachTop International
"Doing this program has been the most enlightening and enriching experience for me. You also get access to resources and networks in both English and History. This means there are usually more opportunities open to you than to most of your peers."
Find out what Penny liked the most about studying English Literature and History at Newcastle University and how this degree helped her in her career as a teacher.
Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2024 entry.
A-Level | |
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International Baccalaureate | |
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Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications
Contextual Offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)
Qualification: BA Honours | |
---|---|
Home students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
9250 |
International students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
21000 |
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
• explore our beautiful campus
• find out about our vibrant city
• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
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Get in touch
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