Philosophy and Literature (including Year Abroad)

The Philosophy and Literature degree at the University of Essex offers a fascinating interdisciplinary approach that explores the complex relationship between philosophical thought and literary expression. This innovative programme is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding of both disciplines through a comprehensive curriculum that spans classical and contemporary philosophical theories alongside a diverse range of literary texts from different historical periods and cultural contexts. Students will have the opportunity to examine fundamental questions about human existence, morality, knowledge, and reality, as well as how these themes are reflected and challenged in literature. The programme encourages active engagement with texts through close reading, innovative interpretation, and critical debate, fostering a deeper appreciation of the ways philosophy and literature influence each other. Additionally, the course includes a Year Abroad, providing students with valuable international exposure, experimenting with different literary and philosophical traditions, and enhancing their intercultural competence. The year abroad also offers opportunities for language acquisition, research, and internships, preparing students for careers in academia, publishing, journalism, cultural management, and beyond. The programme combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research, supported by expert faculty members with diverse backgrounds in philosophy, literature, and related fields. Graduates of this programme will possess a unique interdisciplinary perspective, excellent analytical and communication skills, and a strong capacity for critical inquiry, equipping them with the tools necessary for further academic study or for professional paths requiring nuanced understanding of complex texts and ideas. Whether you are interested in exploring existential questions, analyzing literary narratives, or engaging with contemporary philosophical debates, the Philosophy and Literature programme at Essex provides an enriching academic experience designed to inspire curiosity, cultivate intellectual rigor, and develop versatile skills applicable in many sectors.

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

Year abroad

Year 4

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.

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 Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Literature at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary undergraduate programme designed to develop students' analytical, critical, and creative skills. The course combines the study of philosophical ideas, literary texts, and cultural contexts, providing students with a broad understanding of these interconnected disciplines. Throughout the programme, students explore fundamental philosophical questions concerning existence, morality, knowledge, and language, while also engaging with diverse literary works from different historical periods and cultural backgrounds. An integral component of the course is the Year Abroad, which allows students to immerse themselves in a different cultural and linguistic environment, enhancing their intercultural competence and language skills. During the Year Abroad, students typically study at partner universities in non-English-speaking countries, gaining firsthand experience of foreign academic cultures and developing linguistic proficiency. The curriculum is designed to promote critical thinking, essay writing skills, and an appreciation of diverse perspectives, enabling graduates to pursue careers in fields such as education, journalism, publishing, public policy, and further postgraduate study. The department employs a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent research, fostering an interactive learning environment. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, exams, and research projects, ensuring a thorough academic development process. The course also emphasizes employability skills, offering opportunities for placements and networking events. With a dedicated academic staff who are active researchers in their fields, students benefit from current scholarly insights and innovative teaching approaches. Overall, the Philosophy and Literature programme aims to cultivate thoughtful, articulate, and globally-minded individuals prepared for a variety of professional pathways.