Program Overview

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Philosophy and English (BA)

Award: Bachelor of Arts Typical Offer: ABB Duration: 3 years Course Type: Full-time Campus: Avenue UCAS Course code: QV35

About this course

Philosophy and English literature have tackled some of the biggest questions of our age: Is there a god? What is morality? What does it mean to be human?

On this joint honours course, you’ll examine these and other fundamental concepts from 2 complementary angles, enriching your understanding and appreciation of each discipline.

This BA degree will give you an excellent education in literature, theory, and critical thinking.

In your degree you can:

• learn about philosophical questions such as ethics, reason, and responsibility
• explore philosophy and literature through diverse times and places, from Viking to Victorian eras, and from Eastern to African settings
• study themes like the Islamic Golden Age, classical Indian philosophy, and holocaust literature
• study abroad at one of our partner institutions
• explore contested narratives, like race and culture in American literature

You’ll be taught in small groups in a relaxed and friendly environment, and benefit from the expertise of academic staff whose research feeds directly into the course content.

Compulsory modules provide a strong grounding in philosophical and critical thought, while optional modules give you the freedom to pursue your own interests in varied subjects like scriptwriting, short stories, and Islamic philosophy. You can take modules from other disciplines such as anthropology or psychology, studying a language, or choosing from a range of cross-disciplinary modules.

Year abroad

A year abroad will enhance your understanding of philosophy and English and let you experience a new culture. Discover more benefits and financial support options for studying abroad.

Apply using:

• Course name: Philosophy and English with a Year Abroad
• UCAS code: QV36

Year in employment

Enhance your employability by taking this course with an industrial placement year.

You'll spend this extra year applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Learn more about these subject areas

Philosophy

Explore the big questions as part of our supportive and enthusiastic community of philosophers. Choose topics that match your interests, and learn about new perspectives, critical thought, and methods...

English

Discover the rich and diverse history of literature in English, spanning over 1,000 years and 6 continents across the globe. You'll develop your conceptual thinking and learn to communicate complex ideas...

Course location

This course is based at Avenue.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

• Download ODT

Entry requirements

A-levels

ABB including an essay writing subject*

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Essay writing subjects include History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB including grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in an essay writing subject*

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

*Essay writing subjects include History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

BTEC

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus B in essay writing A level subject. Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in essay writing A level subject Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB to include an essay writing A level subject*

BTEC additional information

*Essay writing subjects include History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in an essay writing subject*

Access to HE additional information

*Essay writing subjects include History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including an essay writing subject*

Irish certificate additional information

*Essay writing subjects include History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.

Scottish Qualification

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Cambridge Pre-U

D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including an essay related subject*

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

*Essay writing subjects include History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.

Welsh Baccalaureate

ABB from 3 A levels including an essay writing subject* or AB from two A levels including an essay writing subject* and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Essay writing subjects include History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.

T-Level

Not accepted for this course.

Other requirements

• UK students
• International students
• Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

• our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
• skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

Course structure

You’ll have the freedom to shape your degree to suit your interests by choosing modules from a wide range of options, including modules outside philosophy and English.

You’ll have the opportunity to broaden your studies beyond philosophy and English, by selecting:

• interdisciplinary modules
• language modules
• a minor subject

You don't need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

Year 1 overview

Compulsory modules give you a firm foundation in the philosophical concepts of reason, argument, freedom and responsibility, and appearance and reality.

Your English modules are varied, and it’s up to you to select the modules that most interest you. Choices range from Victorian feelings, to world literature, to the voices and narratives of sex workers and asylum seekers.

You can also choose to take part in a group project, where you'll work with a small group of students to complete a research project led by one of your lecturers.

Year 2 overview

Your knowledge of philosophical concepts is extended by a further compulsory module in the history of philosophy, in addition to which you will take 7 optional modules. This flexibility allows you to build the course around your developing interests.

Year 3 overview

Along with completing your choice of optional modules, you'll consolidate your knowledge and skills by writing a dissertation on a topic of your choice in either of your main subjects.

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Year 1

• Study time: 19% scheduled learning & teaching, 81% independent learning
• Assessment: 13% written exam, 81% coursework, 6% practical exam

Year 2

• Study time: 20% scheduled learning & teaching, 80% independent learning
• Assessment: 31% written exam, 59% coursework, 10% practical exam

Year 3

• Study time: 11% scheduled learning & teaching, 89% independent learning
• Assessment: 94% coursework, 6% practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Careers and employability

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,535.
• EU and international students pay £24,200.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees
• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges, and expenses regulations

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: QV35
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [insert email] Tel: +44(0) [insert phone number]

Related courses

Philosophy and English (BA) is a course in the Philosophy and English subject areas. Here are some other courses within these subject areas:

• Liberal Arts
• Modern Languages (French) and Philosophy
• Modern Languages and Philosophy (1 language: French or German)
• Philosophy
• Philosophy and Economics
• Philosophy and History
• Philosophy and Politics
• Philosophy, Ethics and Religion
• Philosophy, Politics and Economics