English and Social Policy, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you'll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You'll also undertake a major research project in either subject in your final year.

English 

In your first year you'll choose from core modules exploring poetry, prose and drama through time. You may have the chance to study optional modules in English or discovery modules from across the University. Over the next two years you'll develop your knowledge and skills through a choice of core modules focusing on different literary periods from the medieval period to today. We offer an exceptionally wide range of optional modules, enabling you to specialise in the periods, regions, genres, or themes that interest you most.

Social Policy 

Core modules in your first year will give you an understanding of the social, political, economic and cultural influences that have shaped the welfare state since the 1940s, as well as some of the key debates surrounding welfare today. In the following year, you'll continue to study some of the major issues in social policy, as well as choosing from optional modules on topics such as urban disorders, crime and the law. In your final year you'll also shape your studies to suit your interests through a wider range of optional modules.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB

  including A in English (Literature, Language or Language and Literature), excluding General Studies.

  GCSE: Mathematics grade 4/C.

  • Career opportunities

    Studying for a Joint Honours degree allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of two subjects and demonstrates that you're intellectually versatile. Your degree will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines that employers actively seek.

    You'll have good research skills, and you'll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You'll then be able to communicate and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. In addition, you'll have strong research and organisational skills and be confident working independently or in a team.

    All of these qualities are very attractive to employers, and graduates have pursued careers reflecting the diversity of their degrees. They've gone on to be successful in education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service, business and finance and the charity sector to name a few. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study.

    To find out more about graduate destinations in your subjects, please see the relevant Single Honours pages.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.