MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
BA History and English Literature
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Reading, located in the heart of the United Kingdom, offers a distinguished academic experience with a diverse range of undergraduate programs. One of the most celebrated offerings is the BA History and English Literature program. This program combines two intellectually stimulating disciplines—History and English Literature—giving students the opportunity to explore the complexities of the past through historical analysis while also delving into the rich world of literary works. This interdisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking, research skills, and creativity, providing graduates with a well-rounded education that opens doors to various career paths.
Curriculum: The BA History and English Literature curriculum at the University of Reading is designed to offer a balanced blend of historical investigation and literary exploration. In the first year, students build foundational knowledge by studying core modules in both fields. History modules might include British and world history, while English Literature courses introduce students to a wide variety of literary genres, from classic to contemporary works. As students progress, the curriculum allows for greater specialization in areas of personal interest. In History, they might explore specific historical periods or events, such as the Victorian era, medieval history, or modern politics. Similarly, English Literature students can study specific authors, genres, or movements, with a focus on literary theory and criticism. The program also emphasizes the development of independent research skills, particularly in the third year, when students complete a dissertation that integrates both disciplines, providing an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to conduct in-depth analysis.
Research Focus: The University of Reading is known for its strong commitment to research across multiple disciplines. In the BA History and English Literature program, students are encouraged to engage with current research trends in both fields. In History, the university has renowned research groups focusing on themes such as cultural history, gender, and the global impact of historical events. English Literature students also benefit from a robust research culture, with expertise in areas such as postcolonial literature, Victorian studies, and modernist literature. The opportunity to work alongside leading scholars in these areas gives students an edge in both their academic and professional pursuits.
Industry Engagement: The University of Reading has a well-established reputation for fostering strong connections with industry, offering students access to a wide network of potential employers. For students pursuing the BA History and English Literature degree, the program includes opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative projects with institutions such as museums, archives, publishing houses, and historical societies. These hands-on experiences allow students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their employability upon graduation. Additionally, the university’s career service offers specialized support to help students with job search strategies, CV writing, and interview preparation.
Global Perspective: The University of Reading prides itself on providing a global perspective in its teaching and research. The BA History and English Literature program offers students the chance to engage with global literary traditions and historical contexts. Through its diverse curriculum, students explore world literature, colonial histories, and international historical movements. The university also encourages international exchanges, allowing students to study abroad at partner institutions across Europe, North America, and beyond. This global outlook helps students gain a broader understanding of historical events and literary works, enriching their academic experience and preparing them for careers in a globalized world.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 25250
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 135.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.
Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.
Graduating with a BA History and English Literature degree from the University of Reading opens a wide array of exciting career opportunities. This interdisciplinary program equips students with critical thinking, research, and communication skills, all of which are highly valued across various industries. The combination of historical knowledge and literary expertise provides a strong foundation for graduates to pursue careers in fields such as education, publishing, media, heritage, public relations, and more.
Education and Teaching: Graduates of the BA History and English Literature program at the University of Reading can pursue careers in education, particularly as history or English literature teachers. The program provides a solid understanding of both subjects, making it a great stepping stone for individuals interested in teaching at the secondary or even higher education level. Additionally, those with a passion for education can further specialize in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) or history through various postgraduate qualifications.
Publishing and Journalism: The skills honed through the English Literature component of the degree, such as critical reading, writing, and communication, make graduates highly competitive in the publishing industry. Opportunities in publishing include roles as editors, proofreaders, or literary agents, where graduates can work with both fiction and non-fiction publications. Additionally, journalism is a popular career choice for history and literature graduates. Their research skills, combined with strong writing abilities, enable them to work in print or digital media, contributing to news, features, and editorial work.
Heritage and Museums: The strong historical foundation in the BA History and English Literature program prepares graduates for careers in the heritage sector. This includes working in museums, galleries, historical sites, or archives. Graduates can apply their knowledge of historical events, periods, and literature to preserve cultural heritage, create educational exhibits, or manage historical collections. Roles in this sector may include curators, archivists, or heritage project managers.
Public Relations and Communications: The ability to effectively communicate complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner is another skill emphasized in the BA History and English Literature program. Graduates are well-suited for careers in public relations, media relations, corporate communications, and advertising. Their ability to craft persuasive narratives and write compelling content positions them as valuable assets in managing public perceptions, creating media campaigns, and developing brand messaging for organizations across various industries.
Law: A BA History and English Literature degree also provides a solid foundation for a career in law. The research, writing, and analytical skills developed during the program are highly transferable to the legal profession. Many graduates go on to pursue a law conversion course or become paralegals, before eventually qualifying as solicitors or barristers. Furthermore, the historical knowledge gained in the degree provides an understanding of the development of legal systems and frameworks.
Marketing and Advertising: The ability to analyze texts, identify key themes, and construct persuasive arguments translates well into the marketing and advertising industries. Graduates can work in roles such as content creation, social media management, brand strategy, and marketing communications. The BA History and English Literature program encourages creative thinking and allows graduates to develop compelling narratives, which are essential skills in crafting effective marketing campaigns and promotional materials.
Research and Policy Analysis: The research skills gained in both history and literature subjects can lead to careers in research and policy analysis. Graduates can find opportunities in think tanks, government organizations, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In these roles, they might be involved in researching social issues, historical trends, or literary movements, providing valuable insights that inform public policy, historical preservation efforts, or even literary scholarship.
Writing and Creative Arts: Graduates with a passion for creative writing can pursue careers as authors, poets, or screenwriters. The BA History and English Literature program provides an excellent foundation in literary techniques, historical context, and critical theory, which can all enhance creative output. Additionally, roles in scriptwriting, content creation, and copywriting are great options for those who want to blend creative skills with historical and literary knowledge.
Event Management: The skills of organization, communication, and research developed during the degree are also highly applicable in the event management industry. Graduates can find opportunities to plan and organize cultural events, literary festivals, historical exhibitions, or conferences. Their ability to manage projects, work with a team, and communicate with stakeholders makes them highly sought after in this dynamic field.
Government and Public Sector Roles: Graduates of the BA History and English Literature program are also well-suited for various roles in local or national government, particularly in cultural or educational departments. With a background in history, graduates can contribute to policy-making, government projects, and public services, while their skills in literature and communication can be used to help shape public narratives and engage with diverse communities.
