Course summary

The joint study of philosophy and English literary cultures (including poetry, prose, theatre, film and creative writing) will throw you into some of the oldest debates around the very possibility of meaningful life. You'll also explore and tackle some of the real-world issues facing our society today, such as global justice, inequality and climate change. As a dual honours student, you'll divide your studies between the School of English and the Department of Philosophy. Choice and flexibility are at the heart of our teaching, which means you can pursue and develop your own interests. At every level, there is a wide variety of modules to choose from. You will be taught by world-leading experts from both departments. You'll be required to take a minimum number of credits within both departments each year, but how you choose to divide your modules after this is up to you: split your modules evenly between English and philosophy, or choose to weight your degree in favour of one subject or the other. In English, you'll study literature from the medieval to the present day, with the chance to explore areas as diverse as animal studies, the history of the Gothic, American literature and the analysis of film. In philosophy, you'll study the essential cornerstones of the subject (including philosophy of language, ethics, metaphysics and logic) alongside distinctive specialist modules on topics like philosophy of education, philosophy of law, philosophy of medicine, film and philosophy, and feminism. You'll also study the history of the subject from Plato to the French existentialists. Both departments offer an extensive range of optional modules, which means you can focus on the areas that interest and inspire you the most. Research is central to the student experience here in Sheffield. All our teaching is informed by the latest findings, and all our students have the opportunity to carry out their own research project as part of their degree. Outside of your degree, there are many opportunities to develop your interests, insights and critical faculties. Opportunities include student-led reading groups, multiple theatre and performance societies, and our award-winning student-led volunteering project, Philosophy in the City, which introduces school children to philosophical ideas they can apply to everyday life.