History and English Literature BA (Hons)

About This Course

This course allows you to combine study of the past, with the literature past societies have produced. The provisions in both subjects at Bangor spans from the early medieval period, right through to the contemporary world; and includes study of a range of sources and approaches from the political, cultural and social in history, to a wide range of genres in English (for example Welsh writing in English, dystopian literature, or children’ literature). In the third year there is a chance to develop your own major dissertation topic which can combine insights from both disciplines.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

• Study in an inspiring area steeped in history and rich in arts & culture.
• A flexible course structure - lets you explore and develop your own interests.
• Excellent library holdings and on-site University archives and special collections.
• A local area steeped in history (including UNESCO World Heritage Sites) and provides a resource for fieldwork and a superb location for study.
• Our close links with the university's Arts Centre, Pontio, student societies and local theatres and museums.

Course Content

During your degree you will learn through a variety of small-group seminar classes, fieldtrips, practical workshops, one-to-one tuition, and lectures of between 10 and 50 students. With key historic and World heritage sites on the doorstep, our location gives access to a rich resource of local heritage sites, monuments, and museums. From prehistorical burial mounds to stately homes and castles, this tremendous resource is an integral part of the course and used in our teaching through field trips, practical workshops, and excavations.

In the first year of your History and English Literature degree you will choose from a selection of modules that are intended to provide a flavour of both disciplines. In the second and third year you will have a wide choice of more specialist and thematic modules. This allows you to tailor your degree to your own interests. You will also have an option to research and write a dissertation on a topic of your choice in Year 3.

Alongside classroom teaching and fieldtrips, you will also benefit from a range of other academic and social activities in both Schools. These include student conferences and School journals, quizzes and social occasions, student-led trips and talks. Our students are also able to benefit from University schemes such as ‘Languages for All’ and ‘Welsh for Adults’ (free languages classes in French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and Welsh) and the Study Skill Centre.

Outside this time, you will prepare for seminars, carry out research, and complete assignments. Assessment is a mixture of essays, projects, presentations, and examinations. Throughout the course you will be supported by our expert and enthusiastic teaching staff.