Course Overview
Your degree is taught jointly by Lancaster's Philosophy Department, ranked first in the North West by The Guardian University Guide 2012, and our English Literature Department, which has one of the highest satisfaction rates of 93%, in the 2011 National Student Survey.
You'll learn how philosophical perspectives can be applied fruitfully to literature and your literary studies will elucidate the narrative structures and cultural functions of Philosophy. You'll take various approaches to English and other literatures by diverse authors and will look at both the history and contemporary discussions of Philosophy.
You'll start your degree with courses including English Literature and Introduction to Philosophy. As you progress, the scheme allows you to specialise according to your own interests and strengths, with a selection of second and third-year English Literature modules and options such as The Theory and Practice of Criticism; History of Philosophy; Philosophy of the Mind, and Philosophy of Science.
For a list of compulsory modules, please see the tab above.
The Departments administrative and academic staff were always friendly and happy to help
Career opportunities
A Philosophy degree from Lancaster teaches you to analyse problems from a multi-dimensional perspective, encouraging you to approach issues creatively and with an enquiring mind. Your study of Philosophy and Literature will also cultivate a wide range of interpersonal and communication skills that are highly valued by employers. All this will stand you in good stead for careers involving analysis, assessment and the weighing-up of arguments.
Many of our graduates go on to careers traditionally associated with English and creative writing, such as publishing and the media, teaching and librarianship. Others find roles in business, administration and professional services, where their skills of self-expression and critical understanding of complex information are equally valued.
A number of our English Literature and Philosophy graduates regularly go on to take higher degrees, at Lancaster or another institution.
Modules
Here are some of the current modules which are available during your studies at Lancaster:
PartI
- English Literature
- Introduction to Philosophy
PartII
- The Theory and Practice of Criticism
For more detailed module information please visit the English and Creative Writing department website.
Entry Requirements
A-level: AAA, inc grade A English Lit or English Lang and Lit. We normally expect three A-levels.
General Studies: Accepted as one of 3 A-levels
Applied A-levels: Accepted up to a maximum of 6 units
Preference: A-levels
Key skills: Not included in offer
Scottish Highers: AAABB inc A in English
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 36 pts overall with 16 pts from best three HL courses
BTEC: DD plus A-level English Literature or English Lang and Lit at Grade A
Mature students: Applications welcome, especially with evidence of recent successful formal study e.g. a pass in an Access Course involving English Literature with 6 - 8 unit distintions, including distinctions in all available English units.
IELTS: 6.5
For details of how we evaluate international qualifications, please click here.
Financial Support
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. In addition to government maintenance loans, grants and national scholarships, Lancaster University offers a range of financial support for full time UK Undergraduate students from lower-income backgrounds. Many students each year will be entitled to bursaries or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses.
The Lancaster Scholarship package is designed to reward the hard work and natural ability of full-time UK students applying to study with us regardless of their household income. Students achieving A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications) will receive a £1,000 per year Lancaster Scholarship during their undergraduate studies if they place us as their firm choice institution. Continuation of the Lancaster Scholarship is subject to satisfactory academic progression.
Our combined £5,000 bursary package will help students from England whose household incomes are less than £25,000 per year with fees and living costs.
Students from England eligible for our £5,000 bursary package will also be awarded a £3,000 Lancaster Scholarship if they achieve A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications). This totals £8,000 of support for students during their studies.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our
fees and funding page.
