English Literature and Philosophy

At Lancaster University, when you study English Literature and Philosophy you have an exciting opportunity to engage with a wide range of literary texts while considering the fundamental philosophical questions about human existence - truth and knowledge, right and wrong, politics and justice, art, faith and reason.

In English Literature, you’ll read the greats as well as the voices that history has overlooked. From ancient myth to the contemporary graphic novel, you’ll read and experiencing literature in a host of new and immersive ways. Alongside this, you’ll apply philosophy in real-world scenarios examining philosophy’s role in addressing global, social and political challenges.

Why Lancaster?

• Study a wide range of genres from both ancient and modern literatures

• Develop your own critical (and even creative-critical) voice

• Be part of Literary Lancaster

• Take the opportunity to engage in philosophy as an active practice, learning from philosophers

• Study a distinctive course that draws upon multiple philosophical traditions including, Western, Chinese, Continental and Feminist thought

• Gain valuable work experience with internship opportunities through the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies

What will I study In English Literature?

We offers a rich engagement with the very best of literature from classical and medieval to the modern and contemporary. We are pioneers in experimental or creative forms of literary criticism, as well as established forms of literary scholarship.

Studying English Literature is an opportunity to connect with history, culture, and the many ways literature shapes our world.

To enhance your experience, we run many special literary events, often in spectacular locations such as Lancaster’s medieval Castle, the awe-inspiring Priory, or the archive-rich Wordsworth Grasmere in the nearby Lake District.

What will I study in Philosophy?

From ethics, epistemology, metaphysics and critical thinking in your first year, to the opportunity to undertake an independent project and study research-led cutting edge questions at the frontiers of philosophy in your final year, you will leave your degree with a deeper understanding of multiple philosophical traditions, themes and topics. And you will have developed the critical thinking, reasoning and communication skills.

You will gain a deeper appreciation of the connections between the two subjects of your degree and of how philosophical questions can inform our interpretation of literature and media. Meanwhile, your skills in interpretative analysis, honed in your study of literature, will help inform your approach to Applied Philosophy in your second year, and be invaluable in undertaking close Textual Explorations in Philosophy in your final year.

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to carry out independent research to produce a portfolio of work in an area of philosophy that interests you, or to write a short dissertation, working with expert philosophers at Lancaster on a topic of your choosing from amongst the wide range of specialisms available.

How can I enhance my career?

You could choose to get involved in one of our four student-run literary journals: Cake, Flash, Lux and Errant. You could also volunteer to help at Litfest, Lancaster’s annual literature festival which attracts well-known authors from around the world.

In Philosophy you may further enhance your employability skills through a live research project. You are invited to apply for one of our paid research internships, where you will work alongside an academic member of staff on an active research project. You’ll join a thriving community and take part in events organised by our Philosophical Society, including debates, essay competitions, and visits by guest speakers.