English Literature and Philosophy & Ethics

English Literature

Study with us and you will encounter a wide variety of texts from medieval right through to contemporary literature. As much as possible we try to make the experience of literature come alive by not only studying texts in classrooms, but also going on various local and national field trips.

During your degree, you will gain a sound grasp of the contexts and approaches within which English literature can be studied, as well as gaining a sense of the development across periods of English literature. You also develop a critical appreciation of the ways in which knowledge of other disciplines and their relationships to English literature can contribute to a deeper understanding of literary texts. The academic staff teaching the degree have research expertise in a broad range of fields. We pride ourselves on offering a challenging and stimulating degree, and our commitment to small group teaching allows us to help each individual student to develop sophisticated analytical and communication skills through working both independently and in groups.

Philosophy & Ethics

Through close attention to the primary texts of philosophers such as Plato, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Kant and Nietzsche, our Philosophy and Ethics degree will help you learn to analyse and evaluate arguments, and to compose and communicate your own ideas in a reasoned way. You will have a grounding in the foundational questions of philosophy. As you progress, you will look in depth at philosophy of religion, political philosophy, applied ethics and issues of human personhood, artificial intelligence and animality.

The degree is taught by a core team of critical academics who are passionate about teaching and are internationally recognised researchers and writers. This degree will equip you with the intellectual skills and perspectives needed to face the ethical and ideological challenges of the contemporary world.