Philosophy and English Literature
Explore the big questions that have puzzled humans for centuries, alongside works of English literature that offer unique perspectives on them.
Alumni success - Claire White
Since graduating, Claire has founded her own sound therapy business and also works as a Clinical Administrator.
Claire's story
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
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.
Our English courses ranked 12th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025.
Join a course ranked 3rd in the UK for organisation and management in the National Student Survey 2024.
Course options
Key facts
Entry Requirements
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Fees and Paying for University
Student experience
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Dr Jon Stone considers how poetry is changing in the digital age in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Dr Cassie Gorman discusses how the first telescopic images of the moon affected literature in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Prof Eugene Giddens discusses one famous line and two things you may not realise in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Dr Mike Wilby explains the philosophical underpinnings of artificial intelligence in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Dr Tory Young discusses the use of second-person in Ali Smith's short story 'May' in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Facilities
Join our student community and benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources. You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Our Royal Literary Fund Fellows can give you advice and guidance on with all your writing, whether it’s academic or creative.
Lecturers
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Michael WilbyAssociate Professor of Philosophy
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Dr Cassie GormanAssociate Professor
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Dr Tristan MoyleSenior Lecturer
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Dr Alison AinleyAssociate Professor
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Dr Tory YoungAssociate Professor
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Professor Eugene GiddensProfessor
Careers
Our BA (Hons) 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 or Creative Writing. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Employability and personal career development
Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.
You will need to dedicate time outside of your course to develop your employability, through placements, internships or volunteering or through our partner scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). You can evidence this experience on your CV and talk about it in interviews to give you that all important edge.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
ARU Spotlight: Kiera Hewitt
English Literature graduate Kiera now works as Customer Service Advisor for Cambridge University Press and Assessment on their Cambridge English exams.
Meet KieraApply for Philosophy and English Literature
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