Philosophy and Literature

Description

The University of Essex is one of the UK's leading academic institutions, ranked ninth nationally for research excellence following the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

Our BA Philosophy and Literature enables you to study topics from literature and from philosophy and to explore issues at the cross-sections of these two exciting disciplines. We provide a wide-ranging and flexible curriculum, embracing different traditions of philosophical thought, and English literature of several genres and periods. We also focus on the interrelations between the disciplines of philosophy and literature.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

The Enlightenment;
Introduction to Literature;
Introduction to Philosophy; and
Death, God and the Meaning of Life or one first-year option

Year 2

Two literature options from: Early Modern Literature, Versions of Modernity, United States Literature since 1850, or Approaches to Text;
Philosophy and Literature; and
Conceptual Foundations of Modernity or one philosophy option

Year 3

Two philosophy options; and
two literature options

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB
GCSE English: C
IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Philosophy and Literature program at the University of Essex offers students a unique interdisciplinary education that combines the study of philosophical ideas with literary analysis. This program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the ways in which philosophical concepts influence literary works and vice versa. Students engaging in this course explore major philosophical questions related to existence, knowledge, ethics, and aesthetics, while also analyzing a wide range of literary texts from different periods and genres.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to examine the ethical and existential themes present in literature, understanding how writers engage with philosophical issues. The curriculum includes modules on the history of philosophy, contemporary philosophical debates, literary theory, and specific literary periods and genres. Students also have the opportunity to participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects that foster independent critical thinking and scholarly research skills.

The program is suitable for students interested in the humanities, philosophy, literature, and cultural studies, offering pathways to careers in academia, publishing, journalism, arts, and cultural management. The interdisciplinary nature of the course supports the development of a versatile skill set, including oral and written communication, argumentation, interpretative analysis, and research methodology.

The University of Essex's supportive academic environment provides access to expert faculty members who are engaged in research and teaching across a range of philosophical and literary disciplines. Students benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities, including guest lectures, conferences, cultural events, and collaborations with external organizations. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion enhances the learning experience, fostering a vibrant intellectual community.

The program typically offers a flexible study structure, with options for full-time or part-time study, allowing students to balance their education with other commitments. Graduates of the Philosophy and Literature program often pursue postgraduate studies or enter careers that require high-level analytical and interpretive skills. The University of Essex's emphasis on employability ensures students are well-prepared for the competitive job market and for contributing thoughtfully to society through their understanding of philosophical and literary issues.