MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
BA Philosophy and English Literature with Placement Experience
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
This four-year undergraduate program is meticulously designed to cultivate critical and analytical skills through the combined study of philosophy and English literature. The curriculum emphasizes the development of logical reasoning, ethical analysis, and creative expression. A distinctive feature of this program is the integrated year-long work placement between the second and final years, providing students with invaluable real-world experience and enhancing their employability.
Curriculum: In the initial year, students are introduced to foundational concepts in both philosophy and English literature, establishing a solid base for advanced study. As the program progresses, students have the flexibility to select modules that align with their interests, exploring specialized topics such as ethics, metaphysics, non-Western philosophies (including Indian philosophy), and diverse literary genres. This structure ensures a comprehensive understanding of both disciplines, fostering a balanced and enriching academic experience.
Research Focus: The University of Reading boasts a robust research culture, particularly within its Department of Philosophy and Department of English Literature. Faculty members are actively engaged in research areas including moral philosophy, the philosophy of mind and language, and various literary studies. Students are encouraged to participate in research activities, benefiting from exposure to contemporary scholarly discourse and the opportunity to contribute to ongoing academic conversations.
Industry Engagement: The program's integrated placement year is a testament to the university's strong industry connections. Supported by a dedicated placement team, students have the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings, enhancing their practical skills and expanding their professional networks. Past placements have included roles such as Education and Engagement Assistant, HR Intern, Communications Coordinator, and Azure Specialist, reflecting the program's versatility and alignment with various career paths.
Global Perspective: The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to incorporate global perspectives, encouraging students to analyze philosophical and literary texts from diverse cultural and international viewpoints. This approach fosters a broader understanding of global issues and their intersection with philosophical and literary studies. Additionally, the university's international partnerships and exchange programs offer students opportunities to study abroad, further enriching their academic journey and global awareness.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 25250
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 135.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.
Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.
The BA Philosophy and English Literature with Placement Experience program at the University of Reading provides students with a broad skill set that is highly valued by employers across diverse industries. This interdisciplinary degree, which integrates rigorous academic study with practical work experience, ensures that graduates are well-prepared for various career opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
Publishing and Media: Graduates of the program are well-equipped to enter the publishing and media industries, utilizing their critical thinking and communication skills. Roles in editorial positions, content writing, and journalism are popular choices, as students are trained to analyze and create written material with precision and clarity. The strong foundation in English literature allows graduates to work with literary works, while philosophy contributes to the development of analytical writing and ethical considerations.
Education: A BA in Philosophy and English Literature opens up opportunities in education, whether it be in teaching or educational consultancy. Graduates can pursue roles as secondary school teachers, university lecturers, or educational support professionals. The broad knowledge base in both subjects equips graduates to teach a wide range of topics and inspire students with both philosophical inquiry and literary analysis.
Law: The logical reasoning, ethical understanding, and critical analysis developed through the philosophy component of the degree are highly transferable to the legal profession. Many graduates pursue careers in law, becoming solicitors, legal advisors, or barristers. The ability to think critically and construct persuasive arguments is especially important in legal practice.
Public Relations and Marketing: The skills developed in literary analysis and philosophical reasoning are valuable in industries such as marketing and public relations. Graduates can enter roles where communication and storytelling are key, such as brand management, media relations, or digital marketing. The ability to craft compelling narratives and engage with diverse audiences makes graduates ideal candidates for marketing and PR firms.
Advertising: Advertising agencies value graduates who possess the ability to think creatively while maintaining an analytical and ethical approach. Philosophy encourages students to think deeply about societal values, and English literature teaches them how to craft persuasive narratives. These skills are highly sought after for roles in creative advertising, copywriting, and campaign strategy.
Civil Service and Public Policy: The critical and ethical thinking nurtured in philosophy, combined with the broad cultural awareness developed through English literature, prepares graduates for careers in civil service or public policy. Graduates can contribute to the formulation and implementation of policies that address societal issues. These roles are often found in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and think tanks.
Non-Profit and Charity Sector: Many graduates choose to work for organizations that align with their values, working in the non-profit or charity sector. Here, they can apply their understanding of ethical issues, societal challenges, and community development, often taking on roles such as program coordinators, communications officers, or fundraisers.
Creative Arts and Writing: With strong writing and creative thinking skills, many graduates pursue careers in creative fields such as writing, film, or theatre. They may work as authors, playwrights, scriptwriters, or in arts management, applying both their philosophical understanding and literary expertise to creative projects.
Business and Consultancy: A degree that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills is highly valuable in business environments. Graduates may work as management consultants, project managers, or in human resources, where they can apply their ability to analyze complex situations and develop solutions.
Technology and Digital Media: As digital media continues to grow, graduates can apply their communication skills to fields such as content creation, social media management, or digital content strategy. Their ability to understand and analyze complex issues also positions them well for roles in tech companies focused on ethical AI development, user experience (UX) research, or online content management.
