COURSE CURRICULUM

The joint honours degree in History and English Literature at Aberystwyth University provides a diverse and interdisciplinary education, combining the exploration of literary texts with a critical understanding of historical contexts. In the first year, students engage with core modules such as Ancestral Voices, Critical Practice, and Introduction to History, building foundational knowledge in both disciplines. Optional modules allow students to explore areas of interest such as American literature, speculative fiction, classical studies, climate change, poetry, and key periods in Welsh, European, and global history.In the second year, students develop their theoretical and practical understanding through core modules like Literary Theory: Debates and Dialogues and Making History. A wide range of optional modules are available, covering topics such as medieval literature, Victorian culture, African-American history, gender and sexuality, the Reformation, medieval chronicles, climate literature, and modern global politics. These modules allow students to deepen their knowledge and begin to tailor their degree according to their personal interests and career aspirations.In the final year, students undertake a significant piece of independent research, either through an Undergraduate Dissertation or an Independent Research Project. A rich selection of optional modules offers further specialisation in themes such as Romantic and Victorian literature, modern and postmodern writing, political and cultural history, medieval kingship, magic in the Middle Ages, Southeast Asian history, and American race relations.The degree emphasises critical thinking, analytical writing, and effective communication, providing students with transferable skills valued in a wide range of careers. Graduates are well prepared for roles in education, journalism, publishing, heritage, policy-making, and further academic research. The combination of history and literature fosters a nuanced understanding of how narratives are constructed, challenged, and interpreted across time.