Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - History and English

The History and English programme at Derby combines two subjects to enhance employability and provide the opportunity to develop expertise in both areas, producing versatile graduates. The course explores British, European, and global history from the Renaissance to the twenty-first century, with fieldwork at historical locations ranging from country houses to industrial cities. Students also engage in organising and marketing high-profile public conferences, presenting their research to wider audiences. The teaching team is highly supportive and includes published experts in their fields.

The English component of the programme is grounded in literary, critical, and cultural theory, enabling students to develop sophisticated approaches to the analysis of literature, language, and culture. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including the evolution of fantasy, representations of crime, the legacy of Empire, cultural politics, existentialist writing, classical myth, and the nineteenth-century realist novel. Students encounter literature from across the globe, studied in the context of theories concerning identity, desire, cultural politics, and the nature of reality.

Derbyshire provides an ideal backdrop for the study of History and English, with a rich literary heritage that has inspired writers such as Jane Austen, Walter Scott, Charlotte Brontё, George Eliot, and Henry James. Its industrial past and thriving heritage industry, including a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer opportunities for study visits and field trips to museums, art galleries, country houses, parks, and other heritage sites.

The History and English course combines close analysis of historical sources and literature with the examination of the cultural, intellectual, and social contexts in which these materials were produced and consumed. Students explore the history of art, film, philosophy, linguistics, sociology, and contemporary cultural politics, as well as cultural expression from diverse historical periods and global perspectives. Students also apply their skills to benefit the wider community through projects with international arts and heritage organisations. Recent initiatives have included collaborations with Derby Museums to explore the communication of history to broader audiences.

Derby’s programmes are highly ranked for teaching quality, learning opportunities, assessment and feedback, and graduate prospects. History at Derby has been ranked first for learning opportunities and assessment and feedback in the National Student Survey 2025, while English has been ranked third for teaching quality and learning opportunities, with top rankings for student satisfaction and graduate prospects across national guides.