English and History (Hons) University of Portsmouth

Overview

Through the English and History (Hons) degree at University of Portsmouth you'll explore the ideas and events that have shaped societies across time. Investigate power, identity, and conflict through the lens of history and the written word.

Examine how narratives shape our understanding of the past and present—and how you can challenge them to build a better future.

Career opportunities:

You’ll graduate with specialist expertise in English Literature and History, along with highly transferable skills that employers value across a wide range of sectors. These include:

• critical thinking and problem solving

• communicating clearly and persuasively

• constructing evidence-based arguments

• resilience, adaptability and independent learning

If you decide to pursue a career directly related to your degree, you could apply your skills in sectors such as publishing, heritage, education or journalism. Or you might choose to build on your research and analytical expertise with postgraduate study in areas like law, history, literature or interdisciplinary studies.

This degree allows you to follow your interests and shape your own path. You’ll be equipped to engage with big global issues, from sustainability to social justice, and contribute meaningfully to careers in both the private and public sectors.

Previous English Literature and History graduates have gone on to work in roles including:

• teacher

• researcher and writer for TV

• museum curator

• archivist

• political researcher

• NHS manager

• development editor in publishing

• barrister

• assistant to a Member of Parliament

• senior policy advisor (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government)

• communications officer (House of Commons)

• civil servant (Department for the Cabinet Office)

They’ve worked for employers such as:

• British Council

• National Trust

• Office for National Statistics

• Serco

• West Midlands Police

• Government of Jersey

Many graduates also continue their studies with postgraduate degrees – including Master’s and PhD programmes in English, History, or interdisciplinary areas – or progress into specialist fields such as law, publishing or public policy.