BA English and Philosophy (QV35)

2024 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

This course gives you the opportunity to study two distinct disciplines:

  • philosophy, which questions everyday assumptions and enquires into the foundations of other forms of knowledge;
  • English literature, in which the study of literary texts offers a means of exploring the complexities of both the past and the present.

You will learn the fundamental principles of logic, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and political philosophy, and study English literature in its full extent and diversity from the medieval period to the present day, including work on individual authors, topics, and genres. You will also be able to explore your own interests by choosing from a range of stimulating optional and research-led subjects.

The curriculum is designed to enable you to benefit from the research expertise of members of staff from both disciplines.

Course structure

In your first year in philosophy, you will gain a grounding in the fundamentals of philosophy through two mandatory introductory units; one exploring issues in epistemology and metaphysics; the other concerning moral and political philosophy. You will also take a unit in critical thinking and logic.

In year two, you complete your foundation in philosophy with mandatory units and conduct more detailed study from ethics to philosophy of language.

The third year units require engagement with the latest research. Students reach a high level of attainment and are well prepared for postgraduate study, both in philosophy and many other subjects.

The course will also equip you with skills, including textual analysis, clear written and verbal expression and critical thinking, which are valuable in a wide range of careers.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAA including English Literature or combined English Literature and Language
ABB including A in English Literature or combined English Literature and Language

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DDD in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma and A in either English Literature or combined English Language and Literature at A-level (or equivalent)

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36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in English A Literature or combined English A Literature and Language
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in English A Literature or combined English A Literature and Language

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85% overall, with 8.5 in English
Advanced Higher: AA including English, and Standard Higher: AAAAB
Access to HE Diploma in Humanities or Social Sciences (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include at least 30 credits at Distinction (including 12 from English Literature units) and 15 at Merit or above.

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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