English Literature and Philosophy

Course details
If you’re fascinated by literature from different cultures and times and have an interest in the big questions about how the world works and what makes us human, this course could be for you.
The Joint Honours in English Literature and Philosophy is a thought-provoking, cross-disciplinary degree that will challenge the way you think about the world. It develops your skills, knowledge and understanding across the two subjects through the study of a range of philosophical and literary texts, important concepts, questions, arguments and methods. The syllabus is equally weighted between the two subjects with modules such as Theory and Practice of Literary Criticism exploring the intellectual connections between the two areas.

Why Durham University?

English
You will be taught by subject experts with wide-ranging specialisms across both disciplines. Course content is informed by the research expertise of teaching staff which keeps the course relevant and up to date.
Spanning texts from Chaucer to Shakespeare, from Jane Austen to Virginial Woolf, and American poetry to twenty-first century novels, English Studies at Durham will appeal to those with a sensitivity to language, a love of reading and a sense of intellectual adventure.
An English degree at Durham provides a comprehensive grounding in literary theory. The wide range of modules allows you to explore a variety of literary forms and challenge the way you think about the role of literature in the world, from the classics to contemporary texts.
Philosophy
Philosophy at Durham covers many of the profound and important questions that arise in all areas of human life.
At Durham we pride ourselves on our excellence in teaching and research and we are committed to the pursuit of philosophical knowledge and understanding.
Our distinctive, research-led approach to learning means that our undergraduate courses are constantly shaped in line with research and to reflect contemporary study in the area.

Facilities
Students have access to extensive general collections in literary studies which are housed in the University library, and a number of specialist collections and archives in Palace Green, in the heart of Durham city.

Rankings
3rd in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
5th in the Guardian University Guide 2026
5th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026
Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026

Careers Opportunities
Academically, we inspire our students to develop as analytic, sensitive and creative readers and writers, yet an English Studies degree is worth so much more. We aim to transform students into independent thinkers with the ability to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively. It’s this skill set, coupled with effective organisational and research skills, that makes them so highly valued across a range of work environments. Outside of the classroom, we offer regular lectures and workshops that focus on personal development and key employability skills.
Graduates progress into a diverse range of careers and sectors, including roles in arts and theatre management, broadcasting, publishing and journalism, technical writing, business, marketing and advertising, teaching, higher education, law, the third sector and government.

For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.

Most modules on the degree will be assessed by essays and end-of-year examinations.

The final year will culminate with the dissertation, an independent research project undertaken in either English Literature or Philosophy which draws together the skills developed throughout the course and gives you the opportunity to engage with current research.

In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/