History and English Literature BA (Hons)
Bangor , United Kingdom
History and English Literature BA (Hons)
Prifysgol Bangor University
History and English Literature
Program Overview: History and English Literature BA (Hons)
The History and English Literature BA (Hons) at Bangor University allows you to combine the study of the past with the literature that past societies have produced. Spanning from the early medieval period right through to the contemporary world, this joint honours degree offers a rich interdisciplinary experience that draws on political, cultural, and social approaches in history alongside a wide range of literary genres.
You will explore diverse literary traditions including Welsh writing in English, dystopian literature, and children's literature, while simultaneously developing your understanding of historical events, movements, and sources. In your third year, you have the opportunity to develop your own major dissertation topic that can combine insights from both disciplines.
Placement Year and International Experience Year options are also available for this course, allowing you to gain professional experience or study abroad as part of your degree. Bangor's location in North Wales, between the mountains of Snowdonia and the Menai Strait, provides an inspiring setting for studying the humanities.
Key Program Highlights
- Joint honours programme with equal 50/50 split between History and English Literature, offering breadth and depth across two complementary disciplines
- Coverage spanning from the early medieval period to the contemporary world, with diverse approaches including political, cultural, social, and literary analysis
- Access to one of the largest university-based archives in Wales and the UK, along with Special Collections of rare printed books
- Optional Placement Year and International Experience Year pathways to enhance employability and global perspective
Curriculum and Modules
The History and English Literature BA (Hons) is structured across three years of full-time study, with modules split equally between the two disciplines. You will build foundational skills in Year 1, deepen your specialisation in Year 2, and pursue independent research in Year 3. Module listings are for guidance purposes and may be subject to change.
Introduction to Medieval Literature
20 creditsAn introduction to the literary works of the medieval period, exploring key texts, themes, and cultural contexts that shaped early English writing.
The Gothic in Literature and Film
20 creditsExamines the Gothic tradition across literary and cinematic forms, analysing how horror, suspense, and the supernatural have been represented from the eighteenth century onwards.
The Literature of Laughter
20 creditsExplores the role of comedy, humour, and satire in English literature, investigating how writers have used laughter as a tool for social commentary and entertainment.
Modern and Contemporary Writing
20 creditsA study of literary movements and major works from the modern and contemporary periods, examining how writers have responded to social, political, and cultural change.
Shakespeare and Early Modern Literature
20 creditsAn in-depth study of Shakespeare and other early modern writers, exploring themes of power, identity, and society in Renaissance literary culture.
The English Dissertation
40 creditsA substantial independent research project in Year 3 allowing you to investigate a topic of your choice in depth, combining insights from both History and English Literature where appropriate.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
Bangor University welcomes applications from a wide range of academic backgrounds for the History and English Literature BA (Hons). The programme considers applicants with A-levels, BTEC qualifications, International Baccalaureate, Access to HE Diplomas, and equivalent international qualifications. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on your eligibility.
Academic Requirements
- A-levelsHistory, English Literature, English Language, or English preferred but not required. General Studies and Key Skills not normally accepted.
- BTEC National/Extended DiplomaMMM to DDM grades accepted. Other BTEC qualifications considered in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications.
- International BaccalaureateIB Diploma accepted, including H5 in English Literature or English Language.
- Scottish HighersMinimum of 5 Scottish Highers; some subject-specific grades or Advanced Highers may be required.
- International QualificationsSchool-leaving qualifications equivalent to A-levels and college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide, subject to minimum English language requirements.
English Language Requirements
- IELTSContact Uni4Edu for the most current IELTS score requirements for this programme.
- TOEFLContact Uni4Edu for the most current TOEFL score requirements for this programme.
- Other TestsEquivalent English language qualifications may be accepted. Contact Uni4Edu for details.
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Bangor University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students, with over GBP 1,000,000 in funding available for new and returning students each year. International students are automatically considered for certain scholarships upon application. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on funding opportunities.
International Scholarship
Up to GBP 4,000 (Undergraduate Year 1)Available to all international fee-paying students. No separate application is required; all international applicants are automatically considered based on criteria including academic performance, personal statement, and references.
Merit Scholarship
Up to GBP 10,000Awarded to high-achieving undergraduate and postgraduate students based on academic excellence. This scholarship is offered through the Entrance Scholarship examination process.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
The History and English Literature BA (Hons) equips you with a wide range of transferable skills including critical thinking, research analysis, written communication, and debate. Joint honours degrees are highly versatile, and graduates pursue careers across many sectors including education, law, media, the cultural industries, and public administration.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employer Sectors
Rankings and Recognition
Bangor University, founded in 1884, is one of the oldest degree-awarding institutions in Wales with a strong reputation for teaching quality and research excellence. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 85% of research at Bangor was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The university has also been named top in Wales in the 2026 University Compare Rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture and Forestry | QS World by Subject | Top 150 |
| Psychology | QS World by Subject | Top 350 |
| Environmental Sciences | QS World by Subject | Top 350 |
| English Literature (Department) | REF Research Intensity | Top 10 in UK (REF 2014) |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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