Program Overview

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BA English and Philosophy (QV35)

2026 entry

Course summary

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 philosophical principles of logic, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and political philosophy, and study English literature in its full extent and diversity from the medieval period to the present day, including work on individual authors, topics, and genres. You will also be able to explore your own interests by choosing from a range of stimulating optional and research-led subjects.

The curriculum is designed to enable you to benefit from the research expertise of members of staff from both disciplines.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: AAA
• A-level contextual offer: ABB
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 3 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £27400 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

Philosophy

In your first year in philosophy, you will gain a grounding in the fundamentals of philosophy through two mandatory introductory units; one exploring issues in epistemology and metaphysics; the other concerning moral and political philosophy. You will also take a unit in critical thinking and logic.

In year two, you complete your foundation in philosophy with mandatory units and conduct more detailed studies from ethics to philosophy of language.

The third-year units require engagement with the latest research. Students reach a high level of attainment and are well prepared for postgraduate study, both in philosophy and many other subjects.

English

In your first year in English, you will take two units that are designed to help you make the transition to university-level study, alongside a survey unit that will introduce you to literature from a particular historical era. In your second year, you will have the opportunity to take additional survey units, as well as exploration units - which offer a deeper dive into the literature of particular historical periods - and specialist subjects, which are research-led units.

The English and Philosophy degree will equip you with a wide range of transferable skills, including textual analysis, clear written and verbal expression and critical thinking, which are valuable in a wide range of careers.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

• AAA

A-level contextual offer

• ABB

BTEC

• DDD in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate

• 85% overall

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AA, and Standard Higher: AAAAB

Access to HE Diploma

• Access to HE Diploma in Humanities, Social Sciences, Law or History (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above.

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

• Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

GCSE profile requirements

• Standard numeracy requirement (4 or C in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent)
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 7.5 overall with 7.0 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade B or 6
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level A.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for English and Philosophy can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Related courses

• BA English and Classical Studies
• BA English with Study Abroad

Related Subjects

• Ancient History
• Classical Studies
• Classics
• Comparative Literatures and Cultures