English Literature and Philosophy (Study Abroad)

BA Hons

  • UCAS code QV38
  • Entry year 2025 or 2024
  • A level requirements AAB
  • Duration Full time 4 years

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • 6

    6th for Creative Writing

    The Complete University Guide (2025)

  • 7

    7th for English

    The Guardian University Guide (2025)

  • 7

    7th for Creative Writing

    The Guardian University Guide (2025)

Why Lancaster?

  • Learn to see the world in different ways, as you build a degree from diverse module choices covering literature and philosophy from around the globe
  • Hear from visiting authors and scholars at our many literary events on campus, online, and in Lancaster’s historic Castle Quarter
  • Broaden your perspective with a decolonised curriculum led by experts in non-Western philosophy and world literature
  • Sharpen your thinking in regular small-group seminars, where you’ll debate and critique philosophy and literature under the guidance of our expert tutors
  • Develop skills in critical thinking, analysis and persuasion that will prepare you for a range of exciting graduate careers

Investigate the ways in which both literature and philosophy grapple with fundamental human questions – such as right and wrong, freedom and restraint, and what it is to lead a good life. Learn to read literature with attention to philosophical themes and philosophy with attention to literary themes.

An intellectual landscape without boundaries

Through studying both literature and philosophy, you’ll develop a unique toolkit to interpret, analyse, and critique the ideas that shape our world. You might study the idea of liberty in both, say, Utilitarianism and the Harlem Renaissance; or explore the concept of the self in both the work of the British Romantics and in philosophers of the same period.

You’ll have the freedom to build your degree from a large and diverse range of modules. In philosophy we have experts in both Western and non-Western traditions, meaning you’ll be able to explore everything from Kant to feminist philosophy to Islamic ethics and Indian philosophy. Likewise in literature we have experts in both English and world literatures, offering modules in everything from Medieval theatre to contemporary Palestinian fiction.

Applying your skills in practice

You’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills in a real-world context by getting involved with one of our four student-run literary journals: Cake, Lux, Flash and Errant. In your first year of studies, you’ll choose from mini-module options designed to enhance your professional skills, like Creating a Literary Tour. You’ll also have the chance to attend our literature-specific careers workshops.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for an internship with the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, based in our department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion, which could see you contribute to a real-world research project with organisations such as think tanks and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Careers

Studying English Literature and Philosophy will equip you with a host of transferable skills that will prepare you for a rich variety of exciting careers. Your ability to handle complex ideas, think critically, and communicate and debate effectively will be highly sought-after by a range of employers.

You might choose to pursue a career in, say:

  • Media, journalism and public relations
  • Civil and Diplomatic services
  • Politics and government
  • Publishing
  • International charities and non-governmental organisations
  • Advertising
  • Teaching

You might also seek to go onto further study, developing your expertise by taking a Master’s degree or PhD.

Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring that you gain a highly reputable degree. We are also dedicated to ensuring that you graduate with relevant life and work-based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award, which offers you the opportunity to complete activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development.

Visit our Employability section for full details.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements

A Level AAB

IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.

Other Qualifications

International Baccalaureate 35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects

BTEC Distinction, Distinction, Distinction

We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.

Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

International foundation programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Contextual admissions

Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.

Course structure

Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and some which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

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Fees and funding

Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting in the October of your year of study.

Our Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2025/26 are:

Home International
£9,250 £24,700

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Scholarships and bursaries

You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status:

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

Undergraduate open days 2024

Our summer and autumn open days will give you Lancaster University in a day. Visit campus and put yourself in the picture.

Undergraduate Open Days
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  • Virtual tour

    Take five minutes and let us show you what Lancaster has to offer, from our beautiful green campus to our colleges, teaching and sports facilities.

  • Accommodation guide

    Most first-year undergraduate students choose to live on campus, where you’ll find accommodation to suit different preferences and budgets.

  • The city and beyond

    Our historic city is student-friendly and home to a diverse and welcoming community. Beyond the city you'll find a stunning coastline and the picturesque Lake District.