Philosophy and English and American Literature

The BA Philosophy and English and American Literature programme at the University of Kent offers students a unique interdisciplinary education combining the critical thinking and analytical skills of philosophy with the rich textual and cultural exploration of English and American literature. This programme is designed for students passionate about exploring fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of reality, while simultaneously engaging with a diverse range of literary works from different periods and geographical contexts. The curriculum provides a balanced blend of modules that develop rigorous philosophical argumentation alongside the analysis of literary texts, fostering a deep understanding of both disciplines and their interconnections.

Students will study core areas within philosophy, such as metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy, and ethics, alongside modules in literary theory, modern and contemporary literature, and American literature. The programme emphasizes critical reading, articulate writing, and structured argumentation, equipping graduates with versatile skills highly valued in numerous career paths, including education, publishing, journalism, law, and public policy. Throughout their studies, students have opportunities for engaging in discussion-based seminars, independent research projects, and possible placements or study abroad options, enriching their academic experience and cultural awareness.

The combination of Philosophy and English and American Literature encourages students to think deeply about human culture, identity, and societal values. It also fosters transferable skills such as logical reasoning, effective communication, and analytical thinking. The programme offers dedicated support from experienced faculty members committed to guiding students through their academic journey. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared for postgraduate study or entering the workforce with a comprehensive skill set rooted in critical analysis and creative thinking. Overall, the BA Philosophy and English and American Literature from the University of Kent promises a stimulating and rewarding educational experience that develops both intellectual and practical abilities.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Credits Total Kent credits: 360
Duration full-time 48 months Partnership Joint Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

EN333 - Romanticism

IT312 - History of Italian Cinema:The Legacy of Neo-Realism

IT315 - Writing Italy through the Centuries:An Introduction

EN302 - Early Drama

EN331 - Readings in the Twentieth Century

EN332 - Writing America

IT301 - Learning Italian - Beginners

IT308 - Learning Italian 3 (Post A Level)

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

IT563 - Learning Italian 4 *Advanced)

IT508 - Learning Italian 2 (Intermediate)

IT542 - Italian Extended Essay

IT552 - Italian Short Story

IT556 - Catching the Tide: Cultural Renewal in 20th Century Italy

EN697 - Chaucer and Late Medieval English Literature

EN681 - Novelty, Enlightenment and Emancipation: 18th Century Literature

EN692 - Early Modern Literature 1500-1700

EN694 - Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama

EN695 - Empire, New Nations and Migration

EN677 - The Contemporary

EN689 - Modernism

EN672 - Reading Victorian Literature

EN675 - Declaring Independence: 19th Century US Literature

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

You can spend a year studying abroad in Italy or the USA.

Possible modules may include:

LA514 - Year Abroad Module

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

IT506 - Learning Italian 5

EN701 - The Global Eighteenth Century

EN702 - Thomas Hardy

EN703 - The 'Real' America: Class and Culture in the American Gilded Age

EN704 - Discord and Devotion: Society & Spirituality in Middle English Literatu

EN705 - The Contemporary Memoir

EN707 - The British Novel in the 1860s: Sensing Modern Life

EN708 - Virginia Woolf

EN709 - Animals, Humans, Writing

EN710 - Victorian Aestheticism and Decadence

EN676 - Cross-Cultural Coming-of-Age Narratives

EN684 - Clouds, Waves & Crows: Writing the Natural, 1800 to the Present

EN687 - Poetry and Crisis, from the First World War to Occupy

EN580 - Charles Dickens and Victorian England

EN583 - Postcolonial Writing

EN586 - Language and Place in Colonial and Postcolonial Poetry

EN588 - Innovation and Experiment in New York, 1945- 1995

EN604 - The Unknown: Reading and Writing

EN623 - Native American Literature

EN633 - Bodies of Evidence: Reading The Body In Eighteenth Century Literature

EN637 - Unruly Women and Other Insubordinates: the dramatic repertoire of the Q

EN646 - Image, Vision and Dream: Medieval Texts and Visual Culture

EN655 - Places and Journeys

EN656 - Heroes and Exiles: An Introduction to Old English Poetry

EN657 - The Brontes in Context

EN658 - American Crime Fiction

EN659 - Contemporary Irish Writing

EN660 - Writing Lives in Early Modern England: Diaries, Letters and Secret Selv

EN661 - The Stranger

EN666 - From Book to Blog: Geoffrey Chaucer and his Afterlives

EN667 - Harlem to Hogan's Alley: Black Writing in North America

EN668 - Discovery Space: New Theatres in Early Modern England

EN669 - Marriage, Desire and Divorce in Early Modern Literature

EN670 - Lyric, Ballad and Popular Song

IT503 - Italian Dissertation

IT564 - Istantanea: Photography and Visual Culture in Modern and Contemporary I

IT571 - Learning Italian Through Literature

IT573 - Italian Gangsters: Literary and Cinematic Representations of Crime in T

SCL501 - Languages in the Classroom

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

• A level: ABB including B in English Literature or English Language and Literature

• GCSE: C in a modern European language other than English

• Access to HE Diploma: The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma): The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

• International Baccalaureate: 34 overall or 16 at HL, including 4 at HL or 5 at SL in a modern European language other than English and HL English A1/A2/B at 5/6/6 OR English Literature A/English Language and Literature A (or Literature A/Language and Literature A of another country) at HL 5 or SL 6

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

The Philosophy and English and American Literature program at the University of Kent offers students a unique opportunity to explore two vibrant and intellectually stimulating disciplines. This joint honours degree combines the study of philosophical thought, critical reasoning, and analytical skills with a comprehensive examination of English and American literary traditions, authors, and genres. The program is designed to foster critical thinking, advanced writing skills, and cultural awareness, preparing students for a wide range of careers in academia, publishing, media, public service, and other fields requiring analytical and communication skills.

Throughout the course, students undertake modules that cover fundamental philosophical questions as well as detailed literary analysis. Philosophy modules might include topics such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy, and the history of philosophy, allowing students to develop rigorous argumentation and logical reasoning skills. Meanwhile, modules in English and American Literature cover major literary periods, critical theories, and significant authors, from classical to contemporary works. This dual approach encourages students to draw connections between philosophical ideas and literary texts, enriching their understanding and fostering interdisciplinary insights.

The program typically combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, thereby promoting active learning and intellectual engagement. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests, with opportunities for dissertation work in both disciplines. The University of Kent’s supportive academic staff, many of whom are experts in their fields, guide students through complex theoretical concepts and literary analysis.

The course also emphasizes skills development in critical thinking, essay writing, argument formulation, and presentation skills. Additionally, students have access to various university resources, including libraries rich in philosophical and literary texts, digital archives, and learning support services. The program's structure often includes optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to match their interests and career aspirations.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for postgraduate study or professional careers in various sectors: education, journalism, arts and culture, law, and public policy, among others. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree cultivates a broad perspective and adaptable skill set, making it highly valuable in today's complex and interconnected world. The University of Kent prides itself on providing a supportive academic environment, fostering critical inquiry, and encouraging independent thought, ensuring that students leave the program equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for success.