2024 entry (view 2023 entry)
BA English and Philosophy (QV35)
Course overview

Typical offer
A-level standard offer: AAA
A-level contextual offer: ABB
See entry requirements for full details and eligibility.
Course duration
3 year(s) full-time
6 year(s) part-time
Part-time study with daytime, weekday teaching.
Application method
Full-time: UCAS
Part-time: Contact artf-ugoffice@bristol.ac.uk for more information and to apply.
Fees
£9,250 per year, home students
£26,400 per year, international students
Part-time tuition fees will normally be charged on a pro rata basis
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Location
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.
Go to programme catalogueEntry 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.
A-level standard offer
AAA including English Literature or combined English Literature and Language
A-level contextual offer
ABB including A in English Literature or combined English Literature and Language
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offerBTEC
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)
Find out more about our BTEC entry requirementsInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in English A Literature or combined English A Literature and Language
International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in English A Literature or combined English A Literature and Language
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offerEuropean Baccalaureate
85% overall, with 8.5 in English
Scottish Qualifications Authority
Advanced Higher: AA including English, and Standard Higher: AAAAB
Access to HE Diploma
Access to HE Diploma in Humanities, Social Sciences, Law or History (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include at least 30 credits at Distinction (including 12 from English units) and 15 at Merit or above.
Mature students can contact mature-students@bristol.ac.uk to check the suitability of their Access course.
Welsh Baccalaureate
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.
Cambridge Pre-U
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.
International qualifications
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Search international qualificationsApplicants must also meet these requirements
GCSE profile requirements
Standard numeracy requirement (4 or C in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent)
Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
- IELTS 7.5 overall with 7.0 in all skills
- GCSE English Language grade B or 6
- An alternative English Language Profile A qualification
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels
More about UK qualifications.
Selection process
- For most candidates, we will only use your information in UCAS or your application form to assess your application. We may interview mature applicants and applicants with non-standard qualifications.
- Full information about our selection processes for this course:
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement: