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Media studies/journalism

English and media studies go well together because they are both writing orientated, and so will suit people who love the printed or scripted word.

People often take English in place of journalism because they aren’t ready to leave behind their favourite subject. Studying joint honours eliminates the need to choose, as well as giving you the chance to learn both theoretical and practical skills.

Rae, a second year English and Journalism student at the University of Salford, thinks the two subjects really complement each other and said: "In journalism I take a feature writing module, and a feature writing narrative is basically a short story, so creative writing for English comes in handy too.

"Both honours work together to ensure you can write anything. The possibilities are endless so you’re good to go straight out of uni. Likewise, things like proof reading and subediting in journalism helps punctuation and grammar for English."

History

Studying history can require skills that English students also need.

For example, in history you’ll be studying heavy or olde language texts, so skills in English will help here. The ability to analyse work and write good essays is key in both English and history too.

Joint honours will help you combine your ability to write concise convincing arguments, and to participate in debates, with a love for literature from the past.

The way these two degrees complement each other, gives you the chance to study some wider world modules alongside more specific literature from points in history.

A language

English is the study of how language used, so as a subject it naturally co-exists with other languages.

Learning a language and having a great knowledge of another is also great for job prospects, as you’ll be able to work in other countries or translate for people.

Katie, who studies English and Spanish at the University of Sheffield, said:

"I think a lot of people believe that a joint honours degree means that the focus is quite vague on each of the subjects. But in reality I do all of the core modules and have more choice in my optional modules (as I can choose modules from either English or Spanish)

"The only negative is the lack of the social aspect of the course. It's difficult to get to know people when you're only in a few classes with them, unlike single honours students who spend the majority of time in uni with the same classmates".

Philosophy

Studying English often consists of a lot of analysis, of the texts you read and the way language is used. Studying philosophy alongside this will suit those people who enjoy this aspect of thought in English, and allow them to think in a more abstract way at the same time.

Sociology

English is more in tune with the way society works than you may think. So studying a subject which is devoted to society will round off your learning and prove to employers that you can be flexible with your approaches to learning.

Drama

Drama would support your study of play texts and help those who may want to go into playwriting or screenwriting, as English teaches theoretical skills whilst drama will give you a practical edge and specialist knowledge.

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