Introduction
Explore the big questions and the works of English literature that have engaged people for centuries by studying our BA (Hons) Philosophy and English Literature degree in Cambridge.
Alumni success - Claire White
Since graduating with a Philosophy degree from ARU, Claire has founded her own sound therapy business and also works as Clinical Administrator for a substance abuse rehabilitation centre.
Discover how our Philosophy degree helped Claire achieve her dream career
Study at an award-winning university
We're the Times Higher Education (THE) 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
Facilities and showcase
Outstanding student support
Join our student community and:
- learn from inspiring tutors
- benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
- access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us. You can also explore the work of our graduating students in our digital graduate showcase.
Lecturers
Michael Wilby
Associate Professor of Philosophy
Tristan Moyle
Senior Lecturer
John Gardner
Dean of the Doctoral School
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.
CHLOE
"The best thing about the lecturers here is how helpful and friendly they are."
CHLOEBA (Hons) English Literature
Chloe's story
Life in Cambridge
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
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Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
Foundation year available
This course offers a foundation year – an extra year of study to help you prepare for university, and build your knowledge and skills.
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