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.
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.
Your studies will be supported by our expert lecturers, who offer one-to-one tutoring and personalised feedback. This support helped our philosophy courses rank first in the UK in the National Student Survey 2020, and top in the UK for “Satisfied with Feedback' (The Guardian University Guide 2021).
Course options
Key facts
Seventeenth Century Voyages To Other Worlds
A 60 second seminar from Dr Cassie Gorman, Lecturer in English Literature at ARU
Wherefore Art Thou Romeo?
A 60 second seminar from Professor Eugene Giddens, Skinner-Young Professor of Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature at ARU
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Facilities and showcase
Outstanding student support
Join our student community and:
- benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
- learn from inspiring tutors on a course ranked the top Philosophy degree in the UK (National Student Survey 2020) and top in the UK for ‘Satisfied with Feedback’ (The Guardian University Guide 2021)
- 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.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Michael Wilby
Course Leader and Lecturer, BA (Hons) Philosophy, BA (Hons) Philosophy & English Literature; Senior Lecturer, Philosophy
Tristan Moyle
Senior Lecturer, Philosophy
Alison Ainley
Head of Humanities and Social Sciences; Associate Professor Philosophy
Cassie Gorman
Senior Lecturer and Course Leader, BA English Literature
Tory Young
Associate Professor, English Literature
Eugene Giddens
Skinner-Young Professor of Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature Course Leader, MA Children's Literature
Sarah Annes Brown
Professor of English Literature Course Leader, MA Science Fiction and Fantasy
John Gardner
Professor of English Literature; Admissions Tutor; International Exchange and Study Abroad Partnerships and Erasmus Coordinator
Jeannette Baxter
Research Convenor in English Literature
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, Children's Literature, and Creative Writing and Publishing. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
CHLOE
"The best thing about the lecturers here is how helpful and friendly they are."
CHLOE
BA (Hons) English Literature
Chloe's storyWant to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. We're here Monday-Thursday 8.30am-5pm, and Friday 8.30am-4.30pm. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
Life in Cambridge
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about CambridgeFoundation 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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