Explore the big questions and the works of English literature that have enthralled people for centuries by studying our BA (Hons) Philosophy and English Literature degree in Cambridge.
Study Philosophy and English literature together, and learn to make your point of view stand out with substance, as well as style.
You’ll consider big questions such as ‘Who are we?’, ‘What can we know?’, and ‘What should we do to lead worthwhile lives?’ and discover how great minds have tried to answer them.
Alongside this, you’ll explore how English literature is shaped by its historical and cultural context, and how, in turn, it influences readers and society. In doing this you’ll also explore other subjects such as history, politics, religion, psychology and history of art.
Your studies will be supported by our expert lecturers, who offer one-to-one tutoring and personalised feedback. This support helped our philosophy courses rank first in the UK in the National Student Survey 2020, and top in the UK for “Satisfied with Feedback) (The Guardian University Guide 2021).
You’ll develop your problem solving, critical thinking and judgement skills by analysing major philosophical ideas alongside classic literary texts in a range of genres including science fiction and children’s literature.
You’ll gain valuable research skills by using bibliographies, databases and information technology to answer important questions about literature.
You can also choose to focus on areas of particular interest to you, such as Victorian literature, poetry, contemporary fiction, and the work of philosophers including Kant, Descartes and Heidegger.
These are important skills, with the World Economic Forum ranking complex problem solving and critical thinking among the top ten skills needed to succeed in today’s job market (https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/the-10-skills-you-need-to-thrive-in-the-fourth-industrial-revolution/).
You can also engage in philosophical discussions and debates through our student-led Philosophy Society, attend events such as our Royal Institute of Philosophy lecture series or boost your employability by learning a language with our Anglia Language Programme.
**Careers**
Our BA Philosophy and English Literature graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including teaching, journalism, local government, publishing, charity administration and management, librarianship, digital and media, project management, PR and marketing, start-ups and online companies.
The problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, judgement, research, analysis and communication skills our Philosophy and English Literature students gain are highly valued by employers. You’ll also learn to work well independently and as part of a team.
You could also learn more, develop a specialism or start an exciting career in research with our Masters degrees in English Literature, Children’s Literature, Creative Writing and Publishing. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Course Details - Modules
Yr 1 Core modules:
Introduction to English Literature 1: Writing Matters
Reason and Argument: An Introduction to Philosophy
Introduction to English Literature 2: Literary Theory
World Philosophies
Yr 2 Core modules:
Ethics in Theory and Practice
Modernism and the City
The European Novel: Transgression and Desire
Philosophy of Art and Image
Yr 2 Optional modules
AI and Philosophies of the Future
Descartes and the Rationalists
Romantic Conflicts
Reading Beyond Britain
Writing World War One: Trauma, Memory, Resistance
Modern Science Fiction
Contemporary Issues in Stylistics
Working with Philosophy
Kant and the Empiricists
Victorian Literature and Culture
Dialogue and Debate: More to Milton
History of English
Writing Short Fiction
Making a Difference
Anglia Language Programme
Yr 3 Core modules
Undergraduate Major Project
Spectacle and Representation in Renaissance Drama
Concepts of Good and Evil
Yr 3 Optional modules
Experiencing God
Writing Poetry
Elizabeth Gaskell and the Brontës
Renaissance Magic
Knowledge, Truth and Doubt
Working with English
Language, Flesh, Philosophy
Heidegger and Phenomenology
Theorising Children’s Literature
Romantic Idealism
Contemporary Fiction
Anglia Language Programme
Course Details – Assessment Method
We’ll assess you using a combination of exams, essays, portfolios, presentations, reviews and reports, as well as your final-year Major Project.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
VQ53
Institution code:
A60
Campus Name:
Cambridge Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
96 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent), including grade C in English Language or English Literature.
UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent), including grade C in English Language or English Literature.
UCAS Tariff Points accepted.
2020 Entry requirements are under review for the next cycle and have been published using the current cycle information. Please check back when apply opens for the exact requirements.
If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 ( Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
