English Literature and Philosophy BA (Hons)

University of Keele

English Literature and Philosophy explores a diverse range of literary works from different cultures and historical periods, whilst investigating philosophical theories from around the world. You will develop your expertise as a reader, writer, and critic, and also gain the knowledge and skills to contribute to some of the most crucial debates of our time about issues such as decolonisation, sustainability and the environment, gender and sexuality, and political extremism. In Philosophy, you'll consider key questions about the nature of the world and our experience of it, right and wrong, and the boundaries of meaning and what is possible.

Why choose this course?

• Become a skilled analyst of literature of all kinds, from poetry to graphic novels to political speeches
• Discover new ideas, debate big questions and better appreciate the views of others
• Research-led teaching, providing insight into new and traditional topics, developing your analytical skills
• Opportunity to apply for an International Year at a partner university to explore diverse cultures
• No. 1 in the UK. Britain's best university, ranked by students (Student Crowd University Awards, 2022)

As an English Literature and Philosophy student at Keele, you will immerse yourself in literature from Shakespeare to the contemporary world, and engage with big questions about right and wrong, human life, the nature of reality.

On this combined honours programme, you will examine literature in English from across the world, including Britain, North America and Africa, taking a truly global perspective. Taught by expert lecturers in the School of Humanities, you will explore and interpret literary texts that will challenge your views, advance your tastes, prompt your creativity, and give you the opportunity to become a versatile graduate. Through a range of activities and assessments, this diverse course will equip you with a vast array of attributes that employers are looking for, including problem solving, creativity, emotional intelligence, and digital literacy.

In Philosophy you will study texts, think about ideas and formulate your own philosophical theories. You will explore central themes such as moral and political philosophy, logic, epistemology, and the philosophies of mind, religion and science. You will consider key philosophical problems about the nature of the world and the mind and various solutions proposed.

You’ll learn about different philosophical traditions past and present, including Anglo-American, Indian, Buddhist, Greek, French and German philosophy. You’ll enhance your logical and critical thinking skills, and develop the use of sound arguments to defend your views, while detecting fallacies and other argumentative weaknesses.

About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.