English Literature and History (Extended Degree)

If you have a love of both literature and history, this course is for you. There are enormous benefits to studying the two disciplines in tandem.

You will use poems, novels and other works of literature to interpret and understand past societies and cultures, and, at the same time, you’ll bring textual analysis to historical sources. You’ll be asking questions about how the two disciplines differ, but also how the methods and approaches of the historian and literature specialist overlap. By the end of the course you will have developed both the rigorous research skills of the historian and the advanced communication skills of the literature student.

The distinctiveness of the course lies in its combination of academic rigour with a concern for employability and developing ‘citizen scholars’. As part of this, we offer options to broaden your experience and cultural sensitivity by studying abroad for a semester.

Extended Degree
This extended degree provides an alternative route to higher education and supports those who don’t meet the standard entry requirements for an undergraduate degree. It includes a foundation year where you will explore a wide range of topics taken from across the real-world subject areas such as history, literature, language and linguistics, creative writing and American studies.

What will I learn in my Foundation Year?
Immersed in a stimulating and challenging learning environment, in your foundation year you will explore a wide range of key areas, including history, literature, film, philosophy, and politics, as well as the digital humanities. Teaching methods include lectures, workshops and seminars, guided study and self-directed learning. You will learn to share ideas with your peers and work as a productive member of a team. Guest speakers from across the humanities will put what you have learnt into context and give you a real-world perspective.

The foundation year of the course delivered at level 3 which develops your ability to study in Higher Education is not accredited. Subsequent levels and years are accredited and deliver the knowledge, competencies, and skills required to meet the specific course accreditation requirements that relate to the approved accredited award title.

Joining the Northumbria means joining a business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence. Northumbria are currently ranked Gold for student outcomes and Silver for overall teaching excellence (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023).

Located in Newcastle, Northumbria University is home to an enormous student population of 31,170, and consequently, some of the best nightlife scenes in the country! Newcastle also has one of the lowest costs of living in the country (We Buy Any Home, 2024), so you don't have to break the bank to have fun either!

There's truly something for everyone at Northumbria! You can make use of the fantastic facilities including the £30 million flagship Sports Central. And if exploring is more your thing? You're never far from beaches, stunning countryside and local history.

Find out more about Northumbria and get in touch today!