BA Joint Honours English and Philosophy (UCAS Code: QV35)
For entrance requirements
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838
For course information
Dr Eamonn Hughes
School of English
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3320
E: english@qub.ac.uk
W: http://www.qub.ac.uk/english
BA Joint Requirements
For BA Joint Honours the requirements are stated separately under each programme.
For students whose first language is not English
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information on other acceptable English Language qualifications is available here
If you are an international student and you do not meet the English Language requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will develop the language skills you need to progress. INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses. For a full list click here
Back to topEnglish at Queen's brings together a variety of specialist approaches under a single subject heading. Our literature programmes encourage students to look at a writer's works in the context of the historical period, the cultural background, and the literary genres to which these works belong. They also introduce students to critical theories such as feminism, structuralism and post-structuralism, which are now a significant part of literary studies.
Our language programmes (also available on the Linguistics pathways) encompass the study of language structure and function, including the day-to-day use of the language and the major influences which have shaped it over the last millennium and a half.
Back to topStage 1
There are six English modules in Stage 1, including English Language and Creative Writing. Joint Honours students take three English modules, whilst Single Honours students take six English modules.
Stage 2
In the second year, students choose from modules in:
18th-Century and Romantic Literature
Discovering the Earliest Writings in English
History of English: Studying Language Change
Introduction to American Writing
Introduction to Renaissance Literature
Irish Literature
Late Medieval Literature
Literature and Society 1850-1930
The English Language: Language and Power
The English Language: Patterns of Spoken English
Stage 3
In the third year, students have a choice from a range of specialist modules:
19th-Century Irish Writing
American Fiction 1945-60
Chaucer's London Poetics
Comic Fiction: Fielding to Austen, 1740-1820
Contemporary Indian Literature in English
Contemporary US Crime Fiction
Corpus Linguistics
Critical Fictions
Critical History: Reading the Classics of Literary Criticism
English Syntax
Interacting with the Late Medieval
Irish Fiction in the 20th Century
Language and Narrative Style
Language in the Media
Literature and Science in the 19th Century
Marvels, Monsters and Miracles in Anglo-Saxon England
Poet, Philosopher and Anti-Christ: Friedrich Nietzsche
Premodern Cultures of Performance
Reading Contemporary Irish and British Poetry
Shakespeare on Screen
Shakespearean Genres
Speech Worlds
Televising the Victorians
The Mock Epic in the Long 18th Century
Women's Writing 1660-1820
Dissertation on an English Language topic
Dissertation on an English Literature topic
Click here for more information on modules
Back to topAt Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential.
On the English and Philosophy degree programme we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
Assessment (general): The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.
Feedback (general): As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.
Back to topStudying for an English and Philosophy degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Transferable skills such as team-working, analytical understanding, debating and presentation skills, and, increasingly, information technology and communication skills are embedded in the curriculum. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline.
The following is a list of the major career sectors that have attracted our graduates in recent years:
|
|
Employer Links
Consultations
We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, BBC Northern Ireland who provide sponsorship for the English course in Broadcast Literacy (currently offered at postgraduate level but soon to be offered at undergraduate level also).
We also have an active and engaged Employers Forum, which is a panel composed of individuals of high ranking organisations in fields directly relevant to our degree programmes, including Northern Bank, Price Waterhouse, Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, a range of government departments based at Stormont, and the BBC. The members of this panel advise staff in incorporating employability skills in the development of our degree programmes and in helping prepare our students for the world of work. They also contribute to advisory sessions for students on careers and employability.
Graduate Careers and Achievements
Many of our former graduates have risen to the top of their fields and include many famous figures; for example:
You should also take a look at the Prospects website for further information concerning the types of jobs that attract English and Philosophy graduates.
Further study is also an option open to our graduates. Students can choose from a wide range of Masters programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics.
Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers. Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plus initiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer. See Queen’s University Belfast full Employability Statement for further information.
Degree Plus and other related initiatives: Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.
Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.
Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies. These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.
Back to topPhilosophy societies: there is an active student-run Philosophy Society and the School is also the home of the Belfast branch of the Royal Institute of Philosophy, which organises regular talks and seminars by distinguished visiting philosophers.
Research-led teaching: our academic staff are all engaged in state-of-the-art research which informs and enriches their teaching practice.
Curriculum: we have particular strengths in the areas of applied ethics and political philosophy, and - unusually amongst UK universities - offer teaching in scholastic philosophy.
Back to top
