English and Philosophy BA

Engage with some of the world’s greatest writers and thinkers with this wide-ranging degree, which will allow you to explore the rich heritage of literature in English while considering important questions about how we see and understand the world.

Core modules will enable you to explore poetry, prose and drama in English across historical periods while introducing you to central issues in philosophy and how to construct arguments. You’ll also build on this knowledge by choosing from an impressive range of optional modules, allowing you to pursue the topics that interest you.

From metaphysics to children’s literature, Nietzsche to American fiction and aesthetics to the language of the media, this degree offers a great opportunity to understand the development of human thought as well as an important form of cultural expression – and how the two can inform each other.

Leeds has great facilities for students of philosophy and English. The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections– valuable assets for your independent research. Our other library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.

A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you’ll take fewer optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

You’ll spend your first year studying core modules that introduce you to key aspects of philosophy from the nature of knowledge, the self, and ethics to logical reasoning, as well as poetry, prose and drama. You’ll also have the chance to study optional modules on topics such as political philosophy and the history of scientific thought, or take discovery modules from across the University.

Over the next two years, you’ll maintain a balance across different areas of philosophy by choosing modules from groups such as the mind and knowledge, language and logic or value philosophy. At the same time, you’ll choose from core modules exploring the literature of different historical periods. Then you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules, from Arthurian legends to the digital humanities.

Throughout the degree, you’ll be developing high-level skills in independent research, interpretation and analysis. You’ll also have the chance to showcase all of these when you undertake your independent research project in your final year, allowing you to specialise and conduct research on a topic of your choice.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read English and Philosophy BA in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

The Schools of English and Philosophy, Religion and History of Science are home to tutors who are at the forefront of research in their fields.

To enable you to benefit from their knowledge and experience, we use a range of teaching methods. Normally these will include lectures, seminars, tutorials, but workshops may occasionally be used as well. However, independent study is central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis as well as giving you space to form your own ideas.

Assessment

We also use different types of assessment, usually a mixture of exams and essays. However, some modules may also assess you on oral presentations and group work. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA including A in English.

Other course specific tests:

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be AAB at A Level including A in English and grade A in the EPQ.

We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. The Access course must include English modules. An interview and a piece of written work may be required.

• BTEC

  We will consider this qualification in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, D3, M1 including D3 in English.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 overall with 17 at Higher Level including 6 in English at Higher Level.

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  H2, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 including H2 in English

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AA in Advanced Highers including an A in English and AABBB in Highers, or A in English in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers.

• Welsh Baccalaureate

  The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.

• Other Qualifications

  European Baccalaureate: 85% with 85% in English.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: ABB including A in English at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
 

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £18,500 (per year)

For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2018, the fee for 2018/19 will be £9,250. 

For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

A Joint Honours degree in English and Philosophy will equip you with a wide range of transferable skills that are attractive to employers across different sectors and industries.

You’ll have strong research skills and be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources. You’ll also be able to construct effective arguments and present and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. In addition, you’ll be confident working independently or in a team, and you’ll have good organisational skills from juggling two different subjects.

Graduates have on to succeed in a wide range of careers as a result, including publishing, law, journalism, education, advertising and marketing, the civil service and business and finance. Many others progress to postgraduate study.

Careers Support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad

All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a yearstudying abroad. It’s a great way to gain an insight into another culture, aswell as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.

The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also hasexclusive exchange links with universities in Denmark, France and Spain –language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.

Read more about Study abroad in Philosophy, Religion and History of Science

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.