Philosophy and English with Year Abroad

Summary

Philosophy and literature both ask big questions about life, meaning and what it is to be human. On this course, you will explore these questions from two different but connected perspectives.

You will study texts and ideas from across time and place, from Viking and Victorian literature to Chinese and Indian philosophy. By bringing these disciplines together, you will deepen your understanding of both, exploring how stories and ideas shape the way we think about the world.

You will also engage with contemporary issues, from the ethics of climate change and artificial intelligence to questions of race and culture. Along the way, you will develop the ability to think critically, analyse complex ideas and communicate your arguments clearly.

As you progress, you will build skills in reasoning, problem solving and communication that are valued across a wide range of careers and further study. A degree in Philosophy cultivates a deep understanding of human existence, thought, morality, and the nature of reality. Graduates are equipped with impeccable analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills – valuable assets in virtually any profession. This is reflected in our Graduate Outcomes where 95% of our Philosophy graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation” (Graduate Outcomes, 2022/2023, published 2025)

Key features of the course

Shape your degree through a wide range of optional modules across Philosophy, English and other disciplines.

Benefit from small group teaching and the opportunity to explore your ideas in depth with expert academics.

Develop career focused skills throughout your studies, embedded across the course.

Access the Southampton Ethics Centre and the Hartley Library, home to the University Archives and Special Collections.

Use digital humanities facilities to explore ideas through technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning.

Student support

You will be taught by philosophy and literature experts with a wide range of interests. Through small group teaching and one to one support, you will be encouraged to develop your ideas and build confidence in your voice.

You will also have access to wellbeing services, peer mentoring and dedicated careers support, all within a welcoming and supportive community.

Further information

BA Philosophy and English is a three year full time course based at Avenue Campus. You can choose to extend your degree with a year abroad or a placement year.

Find out more on our course page.

The programme is designed to ensure that your learning is progressive. You will move from developing foundational skills in Philosophy and English in the first year, to leading your own self-directed research project in the final year.

Year 1: You will develop foundational skills in critical thinking and textual analysis, through modules such as: Reason and Argument and The Novel.
Year 2: You will deepen your understanding of both subjects, exploring key arguments around mind and world in Philosophy, and the global dimensions of English Literature. You will also tailor your degree with a wide variety of optional modules in both subjects.
Year 3: Year Abroad
Year 4: You will personalise your degree through a self-directed dissertation project on any topic in Philosophy and/or English, and will choose from a range of specialist modules, each led by active researchers in the field.

You will also have the option of further tailoring your degree by choosing optional modules outside of Philosophy and English, with subjects including digital humanities and modern languages.

For a full list of modules available please visit the course page.

On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, and independent learning (studying on your own).

You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as debates, essays, oral presentations, dissertations, individual and group projects, written exams.

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.