English Literature and History is a diverse and stimulating joint honours degree that explores the past and its cultural representations across more than 1,500 years. You will study historical events and literary texts side by side, gaining insight into how stories, ideas, and experiences shape societies across time.
Through literature ranging from the medieval period to the present day, and historical study that spans global and local perspectives, you will explore themes such as identity, gender, race, nationhood, culture, and the environment. This combined approach helps you understand how people have interpreted and recorded their world, and how those interpretations continue to shape contemporary debate.
The degree balances structure with flexibility, allowing you to build a strong foundation in both subjects while tailoring your studies to the themes and periods that interest you the most. You will develop valuable skills in critical thinking, research, communication, and analysis, working with a range of materials and producing outputs such as essays, archival research, creative writing, blogs, and zine-making.
You can broaden your horizons through opportunities to study abroad for a semester in destinations such as the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, or Singapore, an enriching experience that enhances both your academic development and your future career prospects.
You can also choose to take a Year Abroad or Year in Industry. Whether you spend time studying overseas or gaining paid workplace experience, these pathways help build your confidence, skills, and employability.
An optional Foundation Year is available if you would like additional preparation before starting the degree. It offers an engaging introduction to university study, helping you develop the skills and confidence needed for success. After completing the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BA.
Why English Literature and History at Swansea?
Swansea is the birthplace of Dylan Thomas, widely regarded by many literary scholars as one of the twentieth century's most influential lyrical poets, and amongst the finest of all time. The university’s links to the legacy of Dylan Thomas remain with our annual Dylan Thomas Prize for Literature. Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to get involved in projects with the Dylan Thomas Centre and the National Theatre Wales.
Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula;
English at Swansea University is ranked:
11th in the UK for Research Impact (REF2021)
Top 15 in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2026)
Top 101-150 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
18th in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025) - assessed under 'Literature in English'*
History at Swansea University is ranked:
94% of History graduates are in employment and/or study, or doing other activities such as travelling 15 months after leaving Swansea University (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025)
You can spend a semester studying abroad in the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong or Singapore.
*Based on the overall positivity score for questions 1 -26 in the NSS 2025, when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide
Your English Literature and History Experience
When you join this programme, you become part of a friendly and supportive community where you’re encouraged to connect, collaborate, and feel a real sense of belonging. Both subject areas place strong emphasis on helping you settle in through engaging teaching, shared activities, and opportunities to meet students with similar interests.
In English Literature, you will join a creative and enthusiastic community where events, reading groups, and cultural activities organised by students and staff help you build friendships and explore your interests beyond the classroom. The department’s collaboration with the Dylan Thomas Centre and Welsh National Theatre further enhances your sense of belonging by linking your studies to real‑world cultural institutions,
In History, inclusive teaching and active student involvement help you feel at home from the start. Through student representation and the History Society, you’ll be able to share ideas, attend talks and trips, and take part in social activities that enrich your academic and personal experience.
Across both subjects, collaborative learning and community engagement help you develop confidence, teamwork skills, and meaningful connections. Staff are approachable and committed to your wellbeing, offering guidance and support throughout your studies. As a joint honours student, you will enjoy the benefit of belonging to two vibrant subject communities.
You can also tailor your degree to reflect your interests and future ambitions. You will have the option to study abroad or gain hands-on experience through a Year in Industry, helping you broaden your horizons, develop new skills, and stand out in a competitive job market.
The Year in Industry can be completed in the UK or overseas, giving you valuable workplace experience. The University encourages paid placements, with average salaries of £20,000+, though unpaid opportunities are considered individually. While securing a placement is your responsibility, we work with a range of organisations offering opportunities, and you will receive support throughout the application process. If you are unable to secure a placement by the end of your second year, you can transfer to the equivalent three-year degree.
Together, these experiences create a welcoming and empowering environment where you can grow academically, socially, and professionally.
English Literature and History Employment Opportunities
The BA English Literature and History programme is designed to give you a wide range of transferable skills and real-world experiences that support your future career, whatever direction you choose to take. Across both subjects, you will develop confidence, creativity, independence, and the ability to think critically about the world around you, qualities that employers value highly.
In English Literature, you will benefit from strong links with the creative and cultural industries. Students have opportunities to explore how literature is produced, published, marketed, and shared with audiences, gaining insight into the professional world of writing and the arts. Many students work with external partners and organisations on projects and events, developing practical experience as well as teamwork, communication, and organisational skills. The student led English Society also provides opportunities to get involved in literary and cultural activities, helping you build confidence and leadership skills.
Your literary studies will help you read texts with precision and imagination, build persuasive arguments, and communicate ideas clearly in a range of formats. These skills open doors to careers in publishing, media, education, cultural administration, marketing, and many other sectors.
In History, employability runs throughout the degree. You will work closely with historical sources and debates, developing your ability to evaluate evidence, think analytically, and express complex ideas with clarity. There are opportunities to apply your historical knowledge in practical and professional contexts, helping you understand how the past shapes contemporary issues. Students often work with community partners, heritage organisations, and cultural institutions, building skills that support careers in public history, heritage, policy, the charity sector, and consultancy.
By combining English Literature and History, you will graduate with a distinctive blend of analytical, creative, and professional abilities. You will be confident working with ideas, evidence, and narratives, and able to communicate your insights to different audiences. These strengths prepare you for a wide range of careers, including:
Publishing and Journalism
Cultural and Creative Industries
Heritage and Museum Work
Communications and PR
Education and Research
Literary Festival Management and Authorship
With the cultural and creative industries among the fastest growing global sectors, and history’s relevance more vital than ever, this degree equips you to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Modules
We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.
Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : Select one module. If you select a semester 1 module, then the English Literature module selected from the box above must be from semester 2 (and vice versa). Modules with codes ending in a 'C' have their seminar taught through the medium of Welsh.
Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : Select two modules from the list below. At least one of these modules must have a HIH-code. Overall students must select 60 credits in each joint honours subject, and not exceed 60 credits per semester.
Choose Minimum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : Select at least two modules and a maximum of three modules. Select at least one module in each teaching block. Overall students must select three modules per semester and three modules per joint honours subject.
Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : Students may (but do not have to) choose one module to make up 60 credits of English Literature for the year. Do not select more than three modules in total in any one semester.
Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : A dissertation is not required for this degree but may be taken in either subject. ** please note that acceptance on the English Literature dissertation is subject to the submission of a suitable proposal towards the end of year 2. Students who do not select a History dissertation, MUST take a special subject module
Choose Minimum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : If you have selected a dissertation in English Literature select one module. If you have selected a History dissertation or no dissertation select at least two modules, or three and do not select from the optional creative writing modules box below. Students must select 60 credits in each joint honours subject.
Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : If required, select ONE module to fulfill 60 credits in English Literature. Students must not select EN-3026 if they have selected EN-3031. Students must have previously studied a Creative Writing module to select EN-3026.
Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : If you have selected the English Literature or No dissertation you MUST select one module from these Special Subjects. If you have selected the History dissertation you may select one module from this box OR the box below. Credits must be balanced with students selecting either three modules in each semester (and no dissertation) or two modules in each semester alongside their dissertation.
Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : If you have selected the English Literature dissertation or no Dissertation you must select two modules, one of which must start with a HIH code (together with a special subject from the box above). If you have selected a History dissertation you may select one module if required to make up 60 credits in History
Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : Select one module. If you select a semester 1 module, then the English Literature module selected from the box above must be from semester 2 (and vice versa). Modules with codes ending in a 'C' have their seminar taught through the medium of Welsh.
Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : Select two modules from the list below. At least one of these modules must have a HIH-code. Overall students must select 60 credits in each joint honours subject, and not exceed 60 credits per semester.
Choose Minimum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : Select at least two modules and a maximum of three modules. Select at least one module in each teaching block. Overall students must select three modules per semester and three modules per joint honours subject.
Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : Students may (but do not have to) choose one module to make up 60 credits of English Literature for the year. Do not select more than three modules in total in any one semester.
Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : A dissertation is not required for this degree but may be taken in either subject. ** please note that acceptance on the English Literature dissertation is subject to the submission of a suitable proposal towards the end of year 2. Students who do not select a History dissertation, MUST take a special subject module
Choose Minimum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : If you have selected a dissertation in English Literature select one module. If you have selected a History dissertation or no dissertation select at least two modules, or three and do not select from the optional creative writing modules box below. Students must select 60 credits in each joint honours subject. Credits must be balanced with students selecting either three modules in each semester (and no dissertation) or two modules in each semester alongside their dissertation.
Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : If required, select ONE module to fulfill 60 credits in English Literature. Students must not select EN-3026 if they have selected EN-3031. Students must have previously studied a Creative Writing module to select EN-3026.
Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : If you have selected the English Literature dissertation or no dissertation you MUST select one module from these Special Subjects. If you have selected the History dissertation you may select one module from this box OR the box below. Credits must be balanced with students selecting either three modules in each semester (and no dissertation) or two modules in each semester alongside their dissertation.
Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : If you have selected the English Literature dissertation or no Dissertation you must select two modules, one of which must have a HIH code (together with a special subject from the box above). If you have selected a History dissertation you may select one module if required to make up 60 credits in History. Credits must be balanced with students selecting either three modules in each semester (and no dissertation) or two modules in each semester alongside their dissertation.
Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : Select one module. If you select a semester 1 module, then the English Literature module selected from the box above must be from semester 2 (and vice versa). Modules with codes ending in a 'C' have their seminar taught through the medium of Welsh.
Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : Select two modules from the list below. At least one of these modules must have a HIH-code. Overall students must select 60 credits in each joint honours subject, and not exceed 60 credits per semester.
Choose Minimum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : Select at least two modules and a maximum of three modules. Select at least one module in each teaching block. Overall students must select three modules per semester and three modules per joint honours subject.
Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : Students may (but do not have to) choose one module to make up 60 credits of English Literature for the year. Do not select more than three modules in total in any one semester.
Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : A dissertation is not required for this degree but may be taken in either subject. ** please note that acceptance on the English Literature dissertation is subject to the submission of a suitable proposal towards the end of year 2. Students who do not select a History dissertation, MUST take a special subject module
Choose Minimum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : If you have selected a dissertation in English Literature select one module. If you have selected a History dissertation or no dissertation select at least two modules, or three and do not select from the optional creative writing modules box below. Students must select 60 credits in each joint honours subject. Credits must be balanced with students selecting either three modules in each semester (and no dissertation) or two modules in each semester alongside their dissertation.
Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : If required, select ONE module to fulfill 60 credits in English Literature. Students must not select EN-3026 if they have selected EN-3031. Students must have previously studied a Creative Writing module to select EN-3026.
Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : If you have selected the English Literature dissertation or no dissertation you MUST select one module from these Special Subjects. If you have selected the History dissertation you may select one module from this box OR the box below. Credits must be balanced with students selecting either three modules in each semester (and no dissertation) or two modules in each semester alongside their dissertation.
Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : If you have selected the English Literature dissertation or no Dissertation you must select two modules, one of which must be HIH coded (together with a special subject from the box above). If you have selected a History dissertation you may select one module if required to make up 60 credits in History. Credits must be balanced with students selecting either three modules in each semester (and no dissertation) or two modules in each semester alongside their dissertation.
At Swansea, you will benefit from a high-quality, research-informed
education that combines a range of effective and inclusive teaching methods,
carefully tailored to suit the needs of your course. Most courses are taught
in person, on campus, giving you the opportunity to
actively engage with other students, academic staff, and the wider
university community.
You can expect a mix of
lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions -
including laboratory work, skills training, or studio-based teaching where
relevant to your discipline. These sessions are designed to encourage active
participation, collaboration, and the development of both subject-specific
and transferable skills.
Digital learning tools are also used to enhance your
learning experience. These may include:
Recorded lectures to support flexible study and
revision.
Virtual labs or simulated environments, particularly in
science, healthcare, and technical disciplines.
Online resources on the university’s virtual learning
environment (Canvas), including videos, reading materials, quizzes, and
discussion forums.
This approach enables you to engage with and review content at your own pace
while benefiting from the structure and support of in-person teaching.
This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or
bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh
speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh
Provision expander below.
N.B If you are an international student studying with a Student Route
Visa, please note that your timetabled activity, along with any
additional supervisory activity (with Swansea University staff present)
will take place on campus. In line with UKVI protocol, these sessions
will be monitored and data made available on request.
There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this course through the medium of Welsh but
there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year*.
Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea
University. We can offer you:
Access to generous Welsh-language study bursaries.
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to
study in English), and your work will be marked in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
One-to-one support through the medium of Welsh to improve your academic skills.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence
of your Welsh language ability for future employers, namely the WJEC and Coleg Cymraeg's Welsh Language
Certificate.
* For the majority of scholarships, the standard benchmark is completing at least 40 credits per year through the
medium of Welsh.
If you study at least 5 credits in Welsh and it is listed as an eligible course on the webpage, you can apply for the Academi Hywel Teifi Bursary (£100 for 1 year) at the beginning of term (after registration).
Fees for full time undergraduate UK students may increase in subsequent years of study in line with the maximum regulated fee level set by the Welsh Government
You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.
Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's
scholarships and bursaries
page.
Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually.
For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.
Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your
personal tutor, the Centre for Academic
Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas
such as:
Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).
In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability,
mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have
Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and
requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.
We care about our students and our aim is to ensure that you achieve the best degree classification. We have a personal mentoring system where you will be allocated an personal tutor. We also have an “open door” policy where our academic teachers are available to talk to you at any time about any queries or academic concerns you may have.
To learn more about study abroad, visit our
Go Global webpages. Enrolment on a
programme with a semester/year abroad does not guarantee you a semester/year
abroad placement. Spaces are limited and subject to a competitive selection
process. In the event you do not secure a semester/year abroad placement,
you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme
without a semester or year abroad.
International summer programmes are open to students from all schools.
Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as
Sri Lanka, South Korea, Fiji, Bali, the USA and across Europe. For more
information about programmes and eligibility visit our
Summer Abroad webpages.
We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application
deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can
find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.
The University will seek to deliver each course in accordance with the
descriptions set out in the relevant course web pages at the time of
application. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable
or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision,
either before or after enrolment.
The information below is for students starting their courses in 2016 or
later.
The University will not normally make very substantial changes to courses
(for example, a change to the course title, significant restructuring,
substantial change in course content, or the introduction of a progression
hurdle) which would impact on students who have already begun their course.
In exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary for the University to make
such a change after acceptance of a place by an offer-holder. This will not
happen less than 5 months before enrolment. The offer-holder will be
notified of the change and will have the opportunity to withdraw their
application and apply elsewhere.
Other changes could be made to course content, study location, delivery and
teaching provision because of developments in the relevant subject,
enhancements in teaching or assessment practice, requirements of external
accreditation processes, changes in staffing, resource constraints or
changes in the availability of facilities. Such changes will take account of
the reasonable expectations of prospective and current students.
Summary of Changes
Date of Change
13/01/2026
Course Title(s)
English Literature and History,
BA (Hons)
3 Year
Full Time
(QV31)
English Literature and History
With a Year Abroad,
BA (Hons)
4 Year
Full Time
(QV3C)
English Literature and History
With a Year in Industry,
BA (Hons)
4 Year
Full Time
(QV3I)
Material Change
There are minor changes to this programme's structure that impact whether modules are compulsory and optional.
Reason for Change
These updates are designed to make your learning experience more streamlined, relevant and manageable.
