University of Leicester

English and History BA

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

The disciplines of English and History are inseparable. Major historical events affect authors, works, literary and cultural movements, even language itself, in important and complex ways, from the Norman Conquest to the Reformation, and from the Civil War to the Cold War and beyond. The English and History BA brings together these two naturally complementary subjects by grouping modules in such a way that they support and enrich one another.

You will explore English Literature and History from every period, and encounter a broad range of approaches and methodologies. A variety of option modules will allow you to deepen your understanding of those subjects that you find most fascinating. Our graduates leave Leicester with an unrivalled breadth of knowledge and skills.

This course will help you to understand how writers have been influenced by their wider contexts, how they have represented the world around them, and how to read and interpret texts in light of their history. You will have access to library collections that include material that dates back to the 12th century. Our 'special collections' of manuscripts and historical books offer a direct connection with the past.

In your first and second year you will divide your time equally between English and History modules. You third year offers you the chance to specialise more in the area that interests you the most. You will have the opportunity to study a vast range of English and History modules from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Other official national and international qualifications considered from across the world. You can review some of the qualifications we accept on our countries page and English Language equivalencies. If your qualification or country is not listed, please contact us for more information, including the name and result of the qualification you have studied.

Second Year Entry may be possible with suitable qualifications. If you don’t quite meet the above entry requirements, why no

Key highlights

  • Modules grouped so English and History support and enrich each other
  • Literature and History from the Middle Ages to the present day
  • Library special collections include material dating back to the 12th century
  • Equal split between English and History in first and second years
  • Final year lets you specialise in your preferred subject
  • Wide choice of option modules to deepen chosen interests

Entry requirements

  • A-level: ABB — to include including English (Language, Literature or combined
  • A-level: BBB — to include including English (Language, Literature or combined) + EPQ at grade B International Bacca; with EPQ
  • International Baccalaureate: 30 — …A-level including English (Language, Literature or combined) + EPQ at grade B International Baccalaureate : Pass Diploma with 30 points, including 6 in HL English A or B Access to HE Diploma : Pass Access to HE Diploma with a…
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass — Pass; with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction
  • BTEC: D*DD — To include 12 credits at Distinction in English Level 3 Modules BTEC Nationals : Pass Diploma with D*DD.

Scholarships

  • Chancellor’s International Scholarship

    This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.

    Up to £3,000

  • Choral Scholarships at Leicester Cathedral

    Leicester Cathedral offers three Choral Scholarships of £1,000 each year to University of Leicester students (undergraduates or postgraduates).

    Up to £1,000

  • Family Loyalty Discount

    10% discount on the tuition fee for each year of your course.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • International Citizens of Change Scholarship

    A £10,000 tuition fee discount will be awarded to 10 undergraduate international fee-paying students starting an undergraduate programme in September 2026 for each year of their course for up to three years.

    Up to £10,000

  • International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

    This merit-based scholarship, worth £5,000 per year, is offered to international-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester who achieve or exceed the academic grades outlined.

  • International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver

  • Music Scholarship

    Music Scholarships of £500 are available for the academic year to cover the cost of music lessons for student musicians who are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any subject.

    Up to £500

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Each Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a tuition fee waiver, and a support package to be confirmed following assessment with our Welfare Service.

  • Sports Scholarships - The Talented Athlete Award

    Financial contribution on agreed items up to £500 (e.g., travel expenses, equipment, specialist coaching, nutritional advice).

Careers this course leads to

  • Secondary school teacher
  • Archivist
  • Museum curator
  • Journalist
  • Editor
  • Heritage officer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790; £10,050 | International: £20,200

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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