Why Pembroke?

History and English is an intellectually stimulating and immensely rewarding degree. The intersection between language, culture, and history is currently the focus of active debate within both the disciplines. We have a strong reputation in history joint schools, and are the largest College for History and English with an excellent scholarly community - a fact that is reflected in the great deal of choice offered to students when it comes to selecting your specific areas of interest. Throughout your degree, you are encouraged to relate literary and historical ideas in the investigation of your chosen periods, topics, or authors.

Pembroke has a number of tutors and lecturers in both disciplines. The Senior History Tutors are Stephen Tuck, an expert on the history of America, and Adrian Gregory, a specialist in WWI history and the writing of historical memory. Our Tutorial Fellows in English are Professor Lynda Mugglestone, whose expertise centres on the social and cultural history of English (and its representation), and Dr Ushashi Dasgupta, whose research interests include nineteenth-century fiction and the relationship between literature and place. These main tutors are supported by a team of other lecturers, each with their own specialities and research interests.

The History and English degree will equip you with analytical and writing skills that are readily transferable into many other situations and many professions. It opens up the opportunity to go into a great variety of careers.

What extra activities do we offer?

Students studying this course benefit from the activities of both the subjects’ societies which meet regularly throughout term. The history society organises academic presentations and also social events such as quizzes and film nights, whilst the English society’s activities range from film screenings and theatre visits, to talks from external speakers or graduate students.

Could you become a History and English student at Pembroke?

Both parts of the course require students to enjoy critical debate, and to be open to new ideas. Students need to interrogate texts from a range of perspectives and periods. Being intellectually flexible, and able to communicate clearly are useful skills. Strong analytical abilities help on both sides of the course.

All History applicants (including joint courses) are also required to take the History Aptitude Test (HAT).

In addition to this, those applying for History and English are also required to take the Oxford ELAT test. Please visit the University's website for the most up to date information.

If you are considering this course, we encourage you attend an Open Day, where you can meet our tutors and students and find out more.  This is the best way to get a feel for whether you should make an application.  We look forward to meeting you!

Looking for single honours courses?

This course can also be taken as a single honours course.

Have you considered our other joint courses?

Both of these disciplines form part of several joint honours courses, including History and Modern Languages, History and Economics, History and Politics and English and Modern Languages.