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Interpret texts with skill and a critical eye while exploring diverse societies and cultural changes throughout history
What’s the relationship between a piece of literature and the time it was written in? How are writers affected by their circumstances? What influence do literary texts have on social, cultural and political life? Study this combination of subjects to link the social and political history of a period with its literary texts, giving you the chance to reflect on these questions and more.
Surrounded by outstanding museums and resources, you’ll expand your knowledge as you explore different histories and perspectives from Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. At the same time, you’ll unravel cultural history and the historical approach to literature, social justice, mixed media and more.
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Our English teaching team is made up of 40 academics who are either world experts or rising stars – you might have already come across them on the radio or TV. The history team are equally expert. One of our history professors wrote and presented the BBC series ‘Suffragettes Forever! The Story of Women and Power’. Both subjects are a fantastic launchpad into many careers. You could apply your knowledge directly in a museum or heritage role. Or use your communication and analytical skills in a career in publishing, policy making, social research or the Civil Service. With our support, you’ll soon be creating your own history.
You can complete your English and History degree in three or four years. If you choose to do a year abroad this will take place in Year 3 and Year 3 modules will instead be studied in Year 4.
In English, you will take the following modules (all compulsory):
In History, you will take the following compulsory module:
You then select one of the following modules:
You choose your remaining credits from a selection of Level 4 History modules that changes each year.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
In English you will take one 30 credit module from List One or Two, and at least one module from Lists Three or Four:
List One: Medieval and Early-Modern Studies
List Two: Eighteenth Century Studies, Romanticism, Nineteenth-Century Studies
List Three: Modern, Contemporary, and Postcolonial Studies
List 4: Special Options (Modules offered on this list changes each year). Modules may include:
In History you will take this compulsory module:
You then select your remaining credits from a selection of Level 5 History modules that changes every year. Modules may include:
You choose further modules from a wide range of options that changes each year.
You choose your final-year elective modules from a wide range of options that changes each year. In English, one module selected must normally be a 30 credit option.
This is a sample of modules from our full module directory.
Apply for this degree with any of the following options. Take care to use the correct UCAS code - it may not be possible to change your selection later.
Go global and study abroad as part of your degree – apply for our English and History BA with a Year Abroad. Queen Mary has links with universities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia (partnerships vary for each degree programme).
Find out more about study abroad opportunities at Queen Mary and what the progression requirements are.
A few modules may require you to buy tickets to shows or exhibitions (often at a discounted rate) as well as pay for travel within London.
Studying history has given me the chance to explore civilisations I never even knew existed. From medieval monks to modern day Britain, my eyes have been opened to a vast array of cultures.
You'll receive approximately 10 hours of weekly contact time, comprising lectures, smaller seminar groups, field trips, tutorials and workshops.
For every hour spent in class, you'll complete a further four to six hours of independent study.
Assessment typically includes a combination of coursework (essays, projects, presentations, log books and portfolios) and exams.
The Schools offer excellent on-campus and London-based resources to support your studies, including:
Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification.
For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Our standard contextual offer: BBC including English Literature or English Language at A-Level.
Our enhanced contextual offer: BCC including English Literature or English Language at A-Level.
More information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page.
Please note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered.
We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit International Admissions for full details.
If your qualifications are not accepted for direct entry onto this degree, consider applying for a foundation programme.
Find out more about our English language entry requirements, including the types of test we accept and the scores needed for entry to the programme.
You may also be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.
See our general undergraduate entry requirements.
UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.
Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.
Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.
Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.
We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.
Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:
Our English and History graduates go on to work in a variety of roles in many different sectors, including teaching, publishing, media and communications, and arts and heritage.Recent graduates from our English and History degree have gone on to work for:
You’ll have access to bespoke careers support during every step of your degree, including personal academic support from experts in both history and English literature. A practical third-year module will prepare you for the transition from university to working life by researching career, entrepreneurial and postgraduate study prospects.
Our careers team can also offer:
Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.
English and History - BA (Hons)
English and History with Year Abroad - BA (Hons)
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The School of the Arts combines innovation, discovery and excellence in education and research in Drama, Film, Modern Languages, English & Comparative Literature, Creative Writing, Linguistics and Liberal Arts. We rank in the top 100 worldwide for Arts and Humanities (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
The School of History is one of the top 100 in the World according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021. Our staff are at the forefront of research in their respective fields - world-leading scholars engaged in innovative teaching and bringing history to the wider public on TV and radio.