English and History of Art

English and History of Art is a combination that approaches human culture through two of its most powerful forms: literature and visual art. English literature trains you to read with care, to interpret complex texts, and to write with clarity and precision. History of Art asks why objects and images look the way they do, how they create meaning, and what they reveal about the societies and periods in which they were made.

Studying both disciplines develops an unusually rich interpretive toolkit, attentive to both language and image, and able to move between textual and visual modes of analysis.

At the University of York, this three-year, full-time programme includes a sandwich year and a year abroad, as well as work placement opportunities. You will cover a wide range of periods and traditions across both disciplines, from the classical era to the contemporary moment, with the freedom to tailor your degree to your own interests. English modules span literary traditions from around the world, and may include film and creative writing alongside the study of texts.

History of Art introduces you to foundational topics in visual culture before taking you deeper into particular periods, media, and critical approaches, examining not just what was made but why, and what it meant in its historical and social contexts. York's city provides direct access to exceptional collections and architectural heritage, enriching the learning environment.

Graduates of English and History of Art work in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions as curators, educators, and administrators. Many build careers in publishing, journalism, arts management, cultural policy, and arts criticism. The broad analytical and communicative skills both disciplines develop are also valued in law, the civil service, public relations, and any role that rewards close attention to language and image.

Postgraduate study in English, history of art, cultural studies, museum studies, or creative and critical writing is a natural next step for those seeking specialisation or academic careers.