Why?
Oxford offers you one of the best History and English departments in the world, with world-class researchers, historians and writers. This specific degree provides you with an opportunity to study two highly complementary subjects, and the chance to design your degree through a choice of multiple optional papers covering various time periods and topics, authors and literary styles.
Course
As a first-year student, you take 4 papers: Introduction to English Language and Literature, One period paper from single honours English Language and Literature, One British history paper from single honours History, One of Approaches to history; Historiography; optional subject (from single honours History). Your first-year examinations consist of three papers and two submitted essays.
In second and third year, you choose further 7 papers roughly split between History and English, including a 10,000-word dissertation on either subject. You also sit between 2-4 written exams and submit a portfolio of essays.
Your weekly timetable centres around your weekly essay and the tutorial, with each essay requiring around 20 hours of work. In addition, you are expected to attend around 3-7 lectures and, depending on their course selection, may be required to attend weekly classes.
Applying
History and English requires AAA A-level or 38 points at IB, but, most applicants will have higher grades. English Literature A-level/HL IB is required whilst History is highly recommended but not essential. Oxford uses contextual data as part of their decision- making process; this means that achievements in relation to school and postcode are considered when deciding to offer interviews, yet students are still expected to achieve the minimum grade requirements. History & English applicants must take the History Aptitude Test and will be expected to achieve 60+ marks in order to be invited for an interview.
A strong applicant will have a thorough grasp of at least a few historical periods that they are able to discuss and analyse, completed with extra-reading of relevant and high-calibre historians. Simultaneously, they will have read extensively and be familiar with a good number of important literary works, as well be able to discuss their varying interpretations. You will be able to demonstrate excellent writing and research skills in both subjects.
Statistics
2017 - Applications: 89, Offers: 19, Acceptance Rate: 18%.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Personal Statements
Our Mentors offer advice on personal statement structure and writing; they also recommend literature.
Entrance Tests
Oxbridge entrance exams are different from GCSEs and A Levels; our Mentors can help you with them.
Interviews
Interviews are vital to Oxbridge success. They are also what students practise least; our Mentors can help.
Support Courses
View our tried and tested courses, designed to ensure that your Oxbridge application succeeds.
KEY HISTORY & ENGLISH RESOURCES
Oxford
The first and most important step of your analysis must be to identify the themes within the source; that is, what broad topics and subjects does the source pertain to, what ideas recur throughout the source? Identifying themes is crucial because it provides the foundation on which you can build the rest of your analysis…