English Literature and History, BA (Hons)

Study English Literature and History and Develop Valued Skills

Students enjoying their studies in the library

It's not too late to start studying with us this September/October.

See our clearing pages for more information.

Course Overview

English Literature and History is a diverse and challenging course which stretches from medieval to modern times.

Explore over a thousand years of literature, from the early medieval era to the present day, while engaging with thought-provoking themes of gender, culture, and society. This course covers both national and global literary traditions, including the Renaissance, Gothic genres, 19th-century literature, and contemporary fiction. By delving into these works, you will develop a deeper understanding of literature while gaining transferable skills valued by employers, opening a range of career opportunities.

Alongside literature, a diverse selection of history modules allows you to tailor your studies to your interests. Topics may include medieval Europe, modern British social history, religion, health and medicine, gender and women’s history, cultural history, the memory of war and conflict, public history and heritage, and the Cold War.

You also have the opportunity for a semester abroad in the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong or Singapore – an exciting and rewarding experience, which will further enhance your student experience and career prospects.

Why English Literature and History at Swansea?

Swansea is the birthplace of Dylan Thomas, widely regarded by many literary scholars as one of the twentieth century's most influential lyrical poets, and amongst the finest of all time. The university’s links to the legacy of Dylan Thomas remain with our annual Dylan Thomas Prize for Literature and through research carried out in our Centre for Research into the English Literature and Language of Wales (CREW). Throughout this course you will also have the opportunity to get involved in projects with the Dylan Thomas Centre and the National Theatre Wales.

Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula;

English at Swansea University is ranked:  

  • 11th in the UK for Research Impact (REF2021)
  • Top 20 in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025)
  • Top 101-150 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
  • 18th in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025) - assessed under  'Literature in English'*

History at Swansea University is ranked: 

  • Top 15 in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2025)
  • 94% of History  graduates are in employment and/or study, or doing other activities such as travelling 15 months after leaving Swansea University (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025)

You can spend a semester studying abroad in the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong or Singapore.

*Based on the overall positivity score for questions 1 -26 in the NSS 2025, when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide

Your English Literature and History Experience

You can choose from a wide range of modules in English literature, creative writing and history to shape your course to match your interests.

Topics available can include: national and global literature from Beowulf to the present day, Renaissance literature, Gothic and genre fiction, 19th century literature, contemporary fiction, gender and culture, creative and professional writing as well as modern British social history, the history of religion, health and medicine, gender and women’s history, cultural history, the history and memory of war and conflict, public history and heritage.

Swansea has thriving, student-run societies for both English and History graduates with lively social and cultural events.

You will also have a personal tutor for any pastoral or academic support you may need.

English Literature and History Employment Opportunities

Our graduates enter careers in a wide range of sectors including:

  • Education
  • Journalism
  • Media and Public Relations
  • Public Services

Modules

Your early studies will introduce you to topics ranging from medieval Europe and modern British history to critical reading and gender in English literature.

You will then choose your pathway with modules to suit your own interests, before focusing in depth on your chosen research projects.

Year Four modules include: Discovering Old English, Poetry in the Twentieth Century, The Rise of Brazil and Internationalism, War and Peace.

English Literature and History, BA (Hons)

English Literature and History with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

English Literature and History with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)