University of Bristol United Kingdom

BA English and Philosophy

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA English and Philosophy at the University of Bristol offers you a unique opportunity to explore the fundamental questions of human existence and expression. This undergraduate degree is designed for intellectually curious students who wish to delve into the nature of thought, language, and culture, examining how literature and philosophy illuminate each other and our world. You will develop critical analytical skills by engaging with diverse literary traditions, from medieval texts to contemporary works, alongside core philosophical concepts like logic, ethics, and metaphysics. This course provides a robust academic grounding for those passionate about understanding both the human condition and the power of narrative.

You will study this programme full-time on campus over three years, immersing yourself in a curriculum that balances compulsory units with a wide array of optional modules. This structure allows you to tailor your studies, perhaps focusing on areas such as epistemology, political philosophy, or specific literary periods and genres like Shakespearean tragedy or Victorian fiction. Throughout your degree, you will engage in critical reading, essay writing, and seminar discussions, culminating in a final-year dissertation or extended essay where you can pursue an independent research project. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in fields such as publishing, education, policy, and further academic study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA English and Philosophy program offers a comprehensive exploration of literary traditions and philosophical inquiry. Students will engage with foundational concepts in philosophy and critical thinking, alongside diverse literary periods and genres, from Renaissance poetry to contemporary prose. The curriculum allows for specialization in areas such as political philosophy, philosophy of mind, or specific literary movements and themes, fostering analytical and critical skills across both disciplines.

1 Year 1 (2024/25 entry cohort)

Introduction to Philosophy A Mandatory
Critical Issues Mandatory
Approaches to Poetry Mandatory
Logic and Critical Thinking Mandatory
Literature 1550-1740 Mandatory
Introduction to Philosophy B Mandatory

2 Year 2 (2024/25 entry cohort)

Literature 1740-1900 Optional
Realism and Normativity Mandatory
American Literature: 1945 to Present Optional
Border-Worlds Optional
Creative Writing, Prose Fiction: Representing the World Optional
Literature and Trauma: 1900 to the present Optional
Paradise Lost: Inception and Reception Optional
Revenge Tragedy Optional
The Art of Grief Optional
Philosophy of Language Optional
Philosophy of Mind Optional
Political Philosophy Optional
Literature 1900-present Optional
Philosophy of Science Optional
Ethics Optional
The Nature of Reality Optional
Black British Literature Optional
Creative Writing: Poetry Optional
Dangerous Books Optional
Gender, Desire and the Renaissance Stage Optional

3 Year 3 (2024/25 entry cohort)

Victorian Fiction: Art and Ideas in the Marketplace Optional
Novel Territories: Eighteenth-century Prose Fiction Optional
Philosophy of Psychology Optional
The Philosophy and History of Medicine Optional
Philosophical Issues of Physical Sciences Optional
Virtue and Well-Being Optional
Ethics and Literature Optional
Hero or traitor? Outlaws in Literature Optional
Illness Narratives Optional
Literature's Children Optional
Representing HIV/AIDS Optional
Shakespearean Tragedy: Textual and Literary Criticism Optional
Women on the Verge: Gender and Experimentation in the 20th/21st Century Optional
Homing Desires/Imaginary Homelands: Representing South Asia and its Diasporas Optional
Writing the Anthropocene 1945-Present Optional
Philosophy of Biology Optional
Philosophy of Technology Optional
The Frankfurt School Optional
Math, Language and Reality Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,117.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,117.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,117.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,117.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 152,471.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,285.00 - USD 2,164.00
Food & Groceries USD 1,048.00 - USD 1,402.00
Transport USD 355.00 - USD 693.00
Utilities & Bills USD 10,471.00 - USD 13,967.00
Estimated Total USD 11,874.00 - USD 16,062.00

Living cost estimates are based on Clifton campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

95%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Animation & Visual EffectsCloud Computing & InfrastructureConstruction Technology & Digital SolutionsCybersecurityEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEdTech & E-LearningHome Health & Long‑Term CareIT Support & Systems AdministrationPublic Health & EpidemiologyRehabilitation & Physiotherapy

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Deloitte

EY

Epigram

European commission

United Nations

University of Exeter

University of Oxford

sony interactive entertainment

Why Study BA English and Philosophy at University of Bristol

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Bristol in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA English and Philosophy at University of Bristol

Can I work while studying?

International students enrolled in degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, you may take TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE tests. Specific score thresholds apply, such as a TOEFL overall score of 103 and an IELTS overall score of 7.5.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include English teacher, philosopher, content writer, editor, and research analyst.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course gives you the opportunity to study two distinct disciplines:

  • philosophy, which questions everyday assumptions and enquires into the foundations of other forms of knowledge;
  • English literature, in which the study of literary texts offers a means of exploring the complexities of both the past and the present.

You will learn the fundamental principles of logic, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and political philosophy, and study English

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The course intake month for BA English and Philosophy is September. Make sure to prepare your application in advance to meet this deadline.
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