History And English Literature

Highlights

Study in a Grade I listed building. Browse manuscripts and papers from politicians, literary figures and scholars in our archive, where over 2.3 kilometres of archival material can be found. Benefit from world-leading research and expertise across two disciplines, exploring topics in History from the Neolithic to the modern day, and over 1,000 years of English literary history.

Steeped in history, North Wales offers fieldtrips to the castles and town walls of Edward I in Gwynedd, Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, all UNESCO World Heritage sites. Hear from award-winning novelists and poets, recent guests speakers have included novelist Catrin Kean, poet Bhanu Kapil, and author Wendy Erskine. We recently achieved over 90% Overall Satisfaction for History and Literature in English in the National Student Survey, 2025.

Course overview

Our BA (Hons) History and English Literature combines your study of the past with the literature past societies have produced. Learn from what has come before us in a region steeped in history; one which inspired poets Hedd Wyn and RS Thomas and authors William Wordsworth and Kate Roberts. This joint History and English Literature degree is deliberately flexible, allowing you to pursue your passions and interests.

Our provision in both subjects spans from the early medieval period, right through to the contemporary world. You’ll learn to process and synthesise vast amounts of information, form ideas and opinions, construct arguments, communicate and present written and verbal findings. In doing so, you’ll be honing skills useful for work in various different industries.

History has been taught at Bangor University since the University was established in 1884. In medieval and early modern history, strengths encompass the Normans and Anglo-Normans; Welsh princes, Tudors, and Stuarts. Our expertise in modern and contemporary history includes nationalism, the labour movement, consumerism, protest, government policy, country houses and estates, gender and colonialism.

Enjoying a reputation for world-class literary research, our English Literature department is one of the oldest in the UK. Our faculty includes some of the world’s foremost authorities on Arthurian Literature, early modern literature, the history of the book, and Welsh writing in English. As a study location, Bangor has a rich history.

One of the oldest cities in Wales, its Cathedral is located on a site used for Christian worship since the sixth century, while Bangor Pier provided access to and from passenger ferries as far back as 1292. A short journey away and you can explore the Segontium Roman Fort, established nearly two millennia ago and the medieval Caernarfon Castle. The island of Anglesey is home to the prehistoric burial ground and Neolithic chambered tomb of Bryn Celli Ddu, Caer Gybi, a Roman fort built in the third century, and Beaumaris Castle- the last in the ‘iron ring’ of imposing castles built by Edward I.

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Placement year

What is the Placement Year? This exciting opportunity allows you to spend a year working with a self-sourced, professional organisation relevant to your studies. You'll typically start between June and September of your second year and finish by the following June or September.

Placements can be UK-based or even overseas. Why choose a Placement Year? Gain practical experience that complements your academic learning Make valuable industry contacts that could open doors for future careers Strengthen your employability by gaining real-world experience.

How does the Placement Year work? With dedicated support from your Academic School and our Careers and Employability Services, you will be fully equipped to find the perfect placement to complement your degree. We will guide you through the process of securing and finalising your placement arrangements.

Is the Placement Year for you? There is no need to decide now. You will have…