Two students working in the Brynmor Jones Library

Study English, History and Humanities at Hull

Explore global literature, analyse language and share your voice in England’s “most poetic city.” Gain historical knowledge and discuss important philosophical debates to help tackle today’s challenges.

Choose the right course for you

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Join a university where you’re a name, not a number

Here, it’s personal. When you walk through our doors for the first time, you’re a valued member of a tight-knit community. And you’re part of a tradition that stretches back nearly 100 years. We’ve been teaching English, History and Philosophy since 1928 and were one of the first UK universities to offer American Studies.

You’re taught by local, national and international experts: scholars, researchers, historians, and published authors. People who bring their research, experience and passion into everything you learn.

On top of that, you get your own Personal Supervisor. They’re on hand to give you all the help, guidance and encouragement you need, from your first year to your last.

Want to join us? Now’s your chance. With your hard work and determination, our support and inspiration, you’re unstoppable.

Ashvita Sudhakar studying in the Brynmor Jones Library

100% success

100% of our Creative Writing and History graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. American Studies at Hull is also highly employable, scoring 95.4%.¹

1st in the UK

American Studies at Hull is ranked 1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction,2 and Teaching Quality.3 Philosophy scored 5th in the UK for Student Experience.6

Top for research

100% of History at Hull received the top grade 4* for Research Impact, and is also 18th for Historical Research in the UK, according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

3rd in the UK

Creative Writing at Hull is ranked 3rd in the UK for Student Satisfaction.⁴

90+ years

English, History and Philosophy have been taught at Hull since 1928. And we've been teaching American Studies for more than 50 years.

Top 15 in the UK

History at Hull is ranked 11th for Student Experience in the Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.5

A city full of history, creativity and opportunity

Everywhere you look in Hull, you’ll have places and people of interest – and the resources to research them – right on your doorstep.

We’re home to several world-leading research groups, including Treatied Spaces, the Cultures of Incarceration Centre, and the Larkin Centre for Poetry and Creative Writing.

And our ties stretch across the globe. Brussels, America, Hong Kong: our internship and study abroad opportunities are some of the biggest and best.

English Larkin

Literary legacy

Poets and writers Andrew Marvell, Philip Larkin, Stevie Smith, Tom Paulin, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Winifred Holtby all have ties to Hull.
Queens Gardens

Hull is history

Work with local museums, archives and galleries, and take part in voluntary placements with the Hull History Network.
Connie Fredrickson

Connie Fredrickson

“I now have friends dotted all over America … from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Rochester, New York.”
Carolyn Ward

PASS it on

Gain experience in mentoring and leadership alongside your Philosophy studies by joining our Peer-Assisted Student Success (PASS) scheme.

Where could a degree in English, History or the Humanities take you?

You’ll develop skills that are prized in many professions, and acquire the adaptability to flourish in various arenas.

Hull has 100% employability in Creative Writing and History, and 95.4% in American Studies.

Philosophy at Hull will sharpen your analytical and critical skills, and promote intellectual integrity and a creative approach to problem solving.

Dane Mellows - History
colourful-clearing
English Library
American Studies Hannah Townsend UNI-0184

First stop: University of Hull

Next stop:

Journalism

Professional writing

Civil service

Teaching

Business and finance

Advertising

Heritage management

Law

Librarianship

Marketing and PR

Publishing

Journalism

Research

Take a look at the facilities you’ll be using

Want to make a positive difference to the world?

So do we. Our interdisciplinary research is addressing some of the biggest issues of today: climate change, mental health, modern slavery, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights.

We’re working with marginalised groups to co-produce creative outputs about their experiences. And we’re shaping policies to protect the rights of indigenous people, and communities most affected by climate change and natural disaster. So everything you learn prepares you to rethink and reshape the issues of tomorrow.

University of Hull students and staff at Pride in Hull

Think you’re not ready or right for uni? Think again…

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, you could still join us on a foundation year. This is an extra year at the start of your degree, designed to boost your academic skills and subject knowledge. It’s available on our American Studies, English, History and Philosophy courses.

We also offer pre-sessional English language programmes, if English isn't your first language and you're looking to boost your skills to study a degree.

Spread your wings and see the world while you study

Some universities only offer a single term in the USA. Not us. On our American Studies course you'll go for a whole year, studying at one of our 30 US exchange partner institutions – from California to Kansas, from Arizona to Albany.

But it doesn’t matter what you’re studying – every Hull student has the chance to travel and study abroad through our Global Hull service. So where do you want to go?

Your next steps

We’re here to help at every stage of your journey to university, whether you’re looking for a course, or you’re ready to apply. If you have any questions, just get in touch. You can also receive important updates from us using the form.

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Download your prospectus

SUBSCRIBE TO UPDATES

1. UK domicile full-time first degree leavers, Graduate Outcomes survey for the academic year 2019/20, published by HESA July 2022.

2. (American Studies) The Complete University Guide 2024.

3. (American Studies) The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

4. (Creative Writing) The Complete University Guide 2024.

5. (History) The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

6. (Philosophy) The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

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