Course content

Many philosophers – Ludwig Wittgenstein and Stanley Cavell, for example – have taken language or literature as the subject of their reflections. Both subjects require students to consider the biggest questions for humankind, and to develop an alert awareness of the use of language, form and narrative in exploring these questions. As an English Literature and Philosophy student at Keele, you'll be encouraged to delve deep into a range of literary works, which may include authors such as Emily Bronte, Aphra Behn, Tsitsi Dangarembga and J M Coetzee whilst exploring different philosophical traditions past and present. Ethical and epistemological issues are central to great works of poetry and prose. This programme encourages complementary skills and sensitivities in language use and interpretation. 

Our intellectually stimulating and engaging approach to exploring novels, poetry, drama, graphic novels and other types of literature produce intelligent, perceptive, socially aware and compassionate individuals who are able to make a real impact. You'll tackle a range of issues and unprecedented challenges of our cultural moment, which could include decolonisation, sustainability and the environment, gender and sexuality, migration, political extremism, or the role of literature as an arbiter of truth in an era of information overload and fake news.

Studying English Literature and Philosophy at Keele enables you to develop key skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. You will explore and interpret texts that will challenge your views, advance your tastes, prompt your creativity, and give you the opportunity to become a versatile graduate. Through a range of activities and assessments, our diverse course will equip you with a wide array of attributes that employers are looking for, including problem solving, creativity, emotional intelligence, and digital literacy. You will pursue your passions, grow in confidence, and gain a unique set of transferable skills that will be invaluable for your future career in a variety of sectors.

Enhancing Your Employability

Opportunities to enhance your employability are at the heart of the English Literature and Philosophy programme - we want you to graduate with a highly-desirable set of skills. Our second-year optional module "Work Placement in the Humanities" allows you to engage with potential future employers whilst being supported by academic and career advisors to design and complete a programme of work in partnership with the workplace. Previous work placements have included charities, museums, schools and archives. We also recognise that as your knowledge and appreciation develops, so will your career aspirations. Our Careers and Employability advisors run excellent workshops and offer tailored, individual guidance throughout the course.

Work Placement Year

On this course, you will have the opportunity to opt for a Work Placement Year in the School of Social, Political and Global Studies between Year 2 and 3. This will allow you to apply your knowledge and practical skills in a workplace environment enabling you to build key skills in communication, teamwork and project management. You will be able to demonstrate your abilities and creative thinking, working with fellow professionals as well as independently.

You will be supported by staff in your preparation to apply for a work placement that suits your interests and career prospects. This opportunity will allow you to develop both personally and professionally during your studies which will assist you in your employment after university.

Learn a Language and Study Abroad Opportunities

Studying English Literature and Philosophy at Keele also gives you the chance to learn a language. Whether you are a complete beginner or already have a foundation of knowledge we offer a flexible and guided route to enhancing your skills. We currently offer British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish. Upon successful completion of a series of elective language modules, you will have the opportunity to gain an enhanced degree title.

You may also look to study abroad at one of our partner institutions enabling you to broaden your knowledge while experiencing a new culture. Our Global Opportunities team will support you throughout the process, ensuring you are able to get the most out of your international experience. We are partnered with many institutions across the world enabling you to further develop your appreciation and awareness of other cultures and societies. 

It is also possible to undertake an International Year between Year 2 and Year 3. You will have the opportunity to spend the two semesters of the international year at one partner university or one semester at one university and the second semester at another. On successful completion of all modules across the year, you will graduate with a degree title ‘with International Year’. 

Related courses

• English Literature
• English Literature and Creative Writing 
• Education and English Literature
• English Literature and Film Studies
• English Literature and History
• English Literature and Psychology
• Philosophy
• Education and Philosophy
• Mathematics and Philosophy
• Philosophy and Politics
• Philosophy and Psychology

Entry requirements

Keele is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. On that basis we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria.

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom and International students.

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

A Level requirements

• A Level requirement BBC

GCSE requirements

• English at C (or 4)

BTEC

• BTEC requirements DMM

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course with 64 UCAS points via a Foundation Year.

International Baccalaureate

• 29 points 

Access to HE Diploma requirements

• Access to Higher Education Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction. 

Foundation year

You may choose to study this course via foundation year.

If you’re returning to education following a break, wish to study a new subject or don’t have the grades or sufficient equivalent experience for direct entry to this course, a foundation year may be a good option for you.

Following successful completion (including any additional progression requirements) of the foundation year you can progress on to this course.

The foundation year offers September starts across all subjects, and January starts across all science, humanities, social sciences and business routes.

The January intake excludes the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree with Foundation Year and other health-related foundation Year degree

For more details visit our foundation year webpages.

Foundation year

Fees and funding

Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.

We can help you to manage your funds, create a budget and ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible. We also offer financial support such as the Keele University Hardship Fund and emergency loans.

For more information visit our money, advice and guidance section.

Career prospects

96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (HESA, 2017)

Studying English Literature and Philosophy will equip you with a wide range of skills, critical thinking and a superb understanding of the way people think and approach problems, all of which are prized by employers and adaptable to a wide range of careers. You will learn to present your ideas in a variety of media, including presentations, written work, dialogues and film, to express yourself clearly and to negotiate with others. English Literature and Philosophy has an excellent graduate placement record. On finishing, you could move into education, the law, finance, government, publishing, the media, or the arts. To enhance your degree, you can study abroad for a year, or Keele’s Language Centre offers a variety of language courses which can be taken as modules of your degree course.

Previous employers

• Apple
• Primary, Secondary and Higher Education
• Barclays
• NHS
• Marks and Spencer
• HSBC
• Santander
• Local Government
• Memiah
• Vodafone
• BAE Systems Applied Intelligence
• British Army
• Lucy Electric
• RSPCA
• SEL -First Class
• Sheffield Probation Office

Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do:

• Academic Librarian
• Advertising Copywriter
• Editorial Assistant
• Journalist
• Public Relations Officer
• School Teacher
• HE Lecturer
• Editorial Assistant
• Lexicographer
• Social Researcher

Regardless of which career you pursue after Keele, employers will want evidence of the range of skills and personal qualities you possess and which are required for the job. Your degree is clearly important in this respect but don’t forget the extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility, jobs and voluntary work you may have been engaged in while studying at Keele. These activities allow you to demonstrate the skills and personal qualities required by employers and will be vital in your attempts to secure graduate employment.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.