Philosophy and English Literature

About this programme

This joint programme gives you in-depth knowledge of Philosophy and English Literature. In Years 1 and 2, you will take courses that introduce you to each subject area, and choose options from a range of disciplines. At honours level (Years 3 and 4), you will select courses based on your interests so you can specialise in particular topics. Combining literature with philosophy shows an openness to different ideas and perspectives which is valuable in many careers and the wider world. Philosophy has been central to Western intellectual life for at least 2,500 years. It is an integral part of our understanding of the world and our interaction with it. Philosophy gives you skills to think about philosophical questions in a clear and systematic way. While there are different approaches that philosophers have taken, the study of philosophy focuses on: Edinburgh is the first UNESCO World City of Literature. For centuries, it has been the home and muse of many great writers. On this programme, you will develop your critical and creative skills by engaging with a broad range of texts from around the world and a variety of approaches to reading. You will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from the late Middle Ages to the present, and many different topics and genres. From the University's Special Collections to the National Library of Scotland, the city's resources for studying literature are exceptional. A key benefit to studying a 4-year degree programme is that you have the flexibility to study a range of subjects, outside your chosen degree programme,