BA (Hons) Philosophy and English Literature at Anglia Ruskin University

Explore the big questions that have puzzled humans for centuries, alongside works of English literature that offer unique perspectives on them. Learn to make your point of view stand out with substance and style. Consider 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.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences  |  Department: School of Humanities and Social Sciences  |  Duration: 3 years; 4 years with placement  |  Study mode: full-time (placement year available)  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Location: Chelmsford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

In Year 1 you’ll get a broad overview of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period onwards. You'll also start to explore some of philosophy’s biggest issues, including the existence of God and the nature of knowledge and ethical deliberation. Year 1: The World Religions, Introduction to the Study of Literature and Writing, Introduction to Philosophy: The Big Questions, Reading Critically, Old English to Enlightenment. Year 2: Ethics in Theory, Ethics in Practice: Healthcare, Law, and the Environment, Crocodiles, Pirates and Moon-men: Renaissance Encounters, Ruskin Module; options include Philosophical Texts: From Descartes to Kant, Critical Social Thought: Knowledge, Power and Division, Science Fiction, Film Criticism and Reviewing. Year 3: Spectacle and Representation in Renaissance Drama, Philosophy of Evil and Criminality; options include Philosophy Research Project, Undergraduate Major Project in English, Renaissance Magic, Writing Poetry.

Career pathways

I think employers need people who can solve complex and multi-layered problems, which philosophy students learn to do very well! On this course, you'll develop vital skills particularly valued by business leaders.

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