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English and Philosophy

  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
University Park Campus
More about University of Nottingham

Course options

2026-2027
Apply

Course summary

English and Philosophy both explore and explain human existence. The great themes of literature and debates about language run together with the big issues of philosophy, asking questions such as:

what are the struggles, conflicts and challenges of human life?

how should we navigate the social, moral and personal struggles that make up our everyday lives?

You’ll explore a diverse range of themes in both disciplines, and develop highly transferable and sought after skills that can be applied to a wide range of professions.

You'll study each subject separately, but equally.

In philosophy, you'll explore traditional topics such as ethics and philosophy of mind alongside emerging areas like environmental and social philosophy. In English, you’ll study the full range of English, including language, literature, linguistics and drama from Old English to the present day.

The range of modules in both subjects will ensure you'll be able to follow your interests wherever they take you.

*Engaged Arts  *
All students within the Faculty of Arts can select ‘Engaged Arts’ modules where you’ll approach real world challenges across contemporary themes such as sustainability or equity and justice. These modules have been newly designed to help you gain the skills and analytical abilities that employers are looking for.

Why choose this course?

  • Tailor your degree to your interests – our wide range of optional modules lets you study the topics which interest you most

  • Research driven learning – engage with cutting-edge research and teachings from experts in their fields

  • Career-ready skills - develop your presentation, organisation, teamwork and leadership skills and how to apply them to a wide range of professions

  • Volunteering opportunities – gain valuable experience and share your passion for your subject through the School of English and Department of Philosophy volunteering opportunities

  • Unleash your creativity - live in a UNESCO City of Literature. Put your skills into practice and get involved with Impact Magazine, the Creative Writing Society, or the Words on Words blog

  • Work experience -Work with our dedicated Faculty of Arts Placements Team to assist with your employability skills development via a range of placements, internships and volunteering opportunities.

  • Explore real-world challenges across interdisciplinary themes with our ‘Engaged Arts’ optional modules

Some key statistics
Top 100 in the world for Philosophy (QS World University Rankings 2024)

Top 20 for English in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 and Complete University Guide 2024)

Making the difficult easy – 97% of our students said we are good at explaining things (NSS 2024)

You can also access this course through a Foundation Year. This may be suitable if you have faced educational barriers and do not expect to meet the entry requirements for direct entry to a degree course. Please see the UCAS page for the relevant Foundation Year course for further information.

Modules

For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/English-and-Philosophy-BA-Jt-Hons-U6UENLPY.html

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • University Park Campus

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
QV35
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Nottingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
QV35
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAB

including A English Language, Literature or combined or any Language subject, Geography, History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Classical Civilisation, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted for A level.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Unfortunately we are unable to accept this qualification on its own due to the subject specific requirements at A Level. RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD + A in A Level English or any Language subject, Geography, History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Classical Civilisation, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology accepted.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits

Pass the Access to HE Diploma 45 credits at level 3, with distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and 15 at Merit. 9 credits must be achieved at Distinction in English modules.

Scottish Higher - AABBB

including English or any Language subject, Geography, History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Classical Civilisation, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology with grade A. This qualification is only acceptable when combined with Advanced Higher grades AA including English or any Language subject, Geography, History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Classical Civilisation, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology with grade A.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DD plus A Level English or any Language subject, Geography, History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Classical Civilisation, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology grade A

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus 2 A Levels grades AB including A in A Level English or any Language subject, Geography, History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Classical Civilisation, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology

Scottish Advanced Higher - AA

including English, any Language subject, Geography, History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Classical Civilisation, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology with grade A Only accepted with Scottish Highers AABBB including English or any Language subject, Geography, History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Classical Civilisation, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology with grade A

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

with a minimum of 6 points in English at Higher level. OR 665 in 3 Higher Level certificates including 6 in English Accepted subjects instead of English are the following: any Language subject, Geography, History, Philosophy, Global Politics, Psychology, World Religions, Social and Cultural Anthropology

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

Considered alongside A Levels

Extended Project - A

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M1, M2

including English or any Language subject, Geography, History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Classical Civilisation Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology at D3.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE requirements - English grade C (numeric grade 4)

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) - A

If you have already achieved your Core Maths Qualification at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your Core Maths Qualification you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Core Maths Qualification. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your Core Maths will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer.

European Baccalaureate - 80% overall including 80% in English or any Language subject, Geography, History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Classical Civilisation Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We consider applicants solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential – we use exam grades to prioritise applicants but look at a range of factors and aim to give everyone an equal opportunity to show their achievements.

We understand that background and personal circumstances can have an impact on academic performance at school or college. Applicants who are eligible under our contextual admissions policies may be considered for a reduced contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Nottingham website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For University of Nottingham, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
BBB Most common
  1. A*A*A
  2. Highest grades
  3. CCC
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

99% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

63 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

86 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Republic of Ireland£9790*Year 1
EU£24700*Year 1
England£9790*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790*Year 1
Scotland£9790*Year 1
Wales£9790*Year 1
Channel Islands£9790*Year 1
International£24700*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202627/undergraduate.aspx

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