English Literature and History (Study Abroad) Lancaster University

Explore a vast range of literary works, from ancient myth to the contemporary graphic novel, and study a host of historical movements, from the medieval world to the rise of human rights. Through engagement with texts and artefacts crossing continents and centuries, our interdisciplinary programme will immerse you in both literature and history.

Why Lancaster?

• Explore a city steeped in history and with the Lake District, home of the Romantic poets, on its doorstep

• Be inspired by our rich programme of free literary and historical events on campus, online, and in the city’s historic Castle Quarter

• Benefit from internship opportunities, including residential positions at Wordsworth Grasmere in the heart of the English Lake District and placements with local heritage organisations

• Enhance your professional skills by getting involved with our student-run literary journals: Cake, Lux, Flash, and Errant

• Address the challenges to our world past, present and future, from environmental change, to war, and conflict and human rights

• Be taught by critics, writers and historians with international reputations

Past worlds: world literature

You will engage with texts and artefacts crossing continents and centuries, exploring the profound question of where literature ends and history begins. In doing so, you will learn how to understand the worlds of others, both on these shores and far beyond. In your first year, you will be given a broad grounding in both literary and historical analysis. This will help you make informed decisions about the particular literary themes and historical periods that really interest you and, indeed, may lead you to your final-year research project, where you work on a literary and/or historical topic or theme of your own choosing.

In Literature, this could be anything from, say, Renaissance sermons to filmic representations of World War One; whilst in History, you could choose, for example, a global phenomenon like the Transatlantic Slave Trade or an episode from Lancaster’s own rich history such as the infamous execution of ten people for witchcraft in 1612.

Literary and historical communities

To supplement your studies, we offer an extensive range of literary and/or historical events, some of which take place in the University Suite at Lancaster’s spectacular medieval Priory nearby. These include:

• Talks from visiting scholars and well-known authors

• Access to our interdisciplinary Research Centres for Regional Heritage, Digital Humanities, and War and Diplomacy

• Social events such as our October Evening and May Gathering, both held at the Priory

To build on your studies, you can discover the latest research by attending our History seminar series, where guest historians from across the UK come to share their insights and discuss their findings. Connect with fellow student historians in the student-led History Society for organised trips and talks.

Lancaster Litfest give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Literary Lancaster.This is an excellent way to make valuable professional connections and to establish friendships.

Professional development

You will have a range of opportunities to develop real-world skills that will prepare you for your future career. You might, for example, volunteer at Lancaster LitFest or one of the museums, or apply for one our residential internships at Wordsworth Grasmere, or help manage one of our four student-run literary journals, giving you invaluable experience in writing, publishing, and marketing.

Throughout your degree you will gain the vital professional skills that all employers value, such as clarity of writing, presenting well-researched arguments, and creative and critical thinking.

Study abroad
The study abroad option is an exciting opportunity for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

AAB

Access to HE Diploma

36 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 9 Level 3 credits at Merit

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade AB plus BTEC at D

International Baccalaureate

35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Distinction overall

GCSE requirements

English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.