Course Overview

Imaginative, persuasive expression in the study of English Literature or Language is a complementary pairing with different philosophical perspectives as you discover how literary culture has shaped society, and how society has shaped literary culture.

You will choose either a Literature or Language pathway to study alongside Philosophy. At Birmingham, you will have access to world-class talent in philosophical fields as diverse as metaphysics and epistemology, philosophy of language and mind, ethics and ethical theory.

In your undergraduate Philosophy studies, you will explore the great minds of history and the present day, both learning what they thought and engaging with them critically.  If you choose the Language pathway, you will gain a thorough appreciation of the technical aspects of the English language and its social and political context.  If you take the Literature pathway, you will be given a strong foundation in all major periods and genres and will be able to specialise in areas ranging from medieval poetry to twenty-first century digital literary culture. You will also have the opportunity to take our specialist second-year undergraduate Shakespeare module and the possibility of participating in our residential trip in Stratford-upon-Avon.

General Eligibility

• Three GCE A levels (including International A Levels)

• The International Baccalaureate Diploma

• SQA Highers and Advanced Highers (many programmes will accept Highers without additional Advanced Highers)

• The Cambridge Pre-U (minimum three separate subjects)

• A mix of A levels and Cambridge Pre-U subjects (minimum three in total)

• The Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level

• The European Baccalaureate

• Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (the grade required will be the same as from an A level and must be combined with 2 A levels.)

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a suitable level of English proficiency.

  You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications. The sections below will tell you what grades you need in these qualifications for the subject area you want to study.

  English tests/qualifications normally need to have been taken within two years of the start date of your programme.

  For those joining us for 2022, we will accept the following additional tests as evidence of English language proficiency:

  • TOEFL Home Edition

  • IELTs Online

  • PTE Academic Online