English and Philosophy

The human condition is best explored in literature and poetry. The products of the imagination tell us who we really are.

This Joint Honours degree in English and Philosophy will introduce you to the latest thinking and practice in literary and philosophical studies in ways that combine both subjects into a unified course – bringing together the methods and perspectives of both intellectual traditions in a highly integrated manner.

The course is both historical and contemporary in its focus and aims to show how philosophy can only be fully understood within a wider literary context, and that literature inescapably touches on issues of the highest moment.

The course investigates the nature, significance and contemporary relevance of a range of literary and philosophical texts across time and space, exploring their globality and contemporary positioning in relation to mental health, environmental, and other sustainability agendas. You will engage with both ancient and modern texts in ways that demonstrate that the study of English Literature and Philosophy remains of pre-eminent significance in relation to the world's most pressing challenges.

With this focus to the fore, the course will offer a fully interdisciplinary approach to English Literature and Philosophy in order to analyse and explain the complex interrelations that exist between the logical, ethical, social, political, institutional and technological dimensions of texts and meanings, with a specific emphasis upon the way in which literary and philosophical skills are fast becoming key to unlocking the employability potential of undergraduates in the Humanities for future high skilled professional roles.).

Why study English and Philosophy at NTU?

• 1st in the UK for teaching satisfaction on Philosophy courses (Guardian University Guide 2024).

• You will get the best preparation for your future career through work-like experiences that are embedded throughout the length of the course.

• You will have the opportunity to create your own pathway through the course, with a study abroad and extended placement modules available in the second year.

• The course is fully interdisciplinary – both subjects work together to produce a unified course and a coherent student experience. Interdisciplinary options available in both the second and the final year.

• The course will allow you to develop the philosophical knowledge and literary skills required to become an expert practitioner across a range of future professions.

Throughout the course, modules will cover a variety of subjects, a few examples include: Ethics in the 21st Century, Literary Pasts, Presents and Futures, Issues in Applied Philosophy, World Philosophy, Rebel Literatures, Romantic Revolutions, Modernist Writing, and Writing Justice, Changing Worlds.

To view the full list of modules, visit the course page: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/course/arts-and-humanities/ug/ba-hons-english-and-philosophy

We use a varied and diverse range of coursework assessments to develop your skills and support your progress. These include digital projects, reviews, case-studies, essays, presentations and reports.

Our innovative approach to assessment means that in Year One you will develop and enhance a complementary set of key skills for success in second and third year, and throughout the degree the varied assessment pattern will enable you to engage with the past and prepare for your future through an exciting array of projects.