Philosophy and English Literature, BA (Hons)

Our BA in Philosophy and English Literature develops critical and analytical skills through the study of diverse philosophical and literary texts, enabling students to present arguments with clarity and persuasion. In philosophy, you will explore core principles, concepts, and figures, guided by experts in moral philosophy, mind, and language, with opportunities to examine non-Western traditions like Indian philosophy. The first year introduces foundational skills and interdisciplinary options, while later years allow in-depth exploration of topics such as ethics, animals, crime, punishment, and religion.In English Literature, you will engage with familiar and new genres, from Shakespearean tragedy and Gothic fiction to contemporary works by Plath and Beckett, alongside areas like children’s literature, publishing, and the history of the book. Our academics conduct research spanning medieval poetry to modern American fiction. According to the 2023 National Student Survey, 94% of students rated our teaching staff as good or very good at explaining concepts. Key modules include Reason and Argument, Great Works in Philosophy, Poetry in English, Theory and Practice of Writing, and Ethical Argument, subject to availability and final approval. For more details, visit the programme page.

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2025/26. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change. Modules for this course: Reason and Argument Great Works in Philosophy Poetry in English Theory and Practice of Writing Ethical Argument. The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available in the summer of 2024. We suggest that you regularly revisit our course page during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme. Check our website for more details about the course structure.