The School of Philosophy and Religion at Bangor University offers the opportunity to study some of the most important and challenging philosophical ideas that have shaped Western culture, and to consider how they interrelate with Western religious thought. The School has developed out of a longstanding tradition in these subject areas within the University since the 19th century, and you will find here a friendly and informal atmosphere that will help you to cultivate the skills of debate and independent thinking.

The English Literature part of the course offers you the opportunity to study texts and authors from an exceptionally wide range of English and American literature. During your degree these works are studied in a variety of ways, some emphasising, for example, the social or political context in which a text was produced; others are studied with a more linguistic or stylistic approach. The course course aims to develop your skills in reading literature and to introduce you to new critical techniques and ways of studying literary texts. Through the study of English literature you will develop critical capacities and a range of invaluable intellectual and interpersonal skills: the ability to evaluate and interpret material and the capacity to explain it logically, orally or on paper, the ability to work independently and as a member of a group, to manage your own time and to work to deadlines set by yourself and others. These are skills which are sought by employers in many fields.

Internships

Bangor University runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.

Career

A Philosophy and Religion course will open up opportunities in a broad range of areas, including teaching, communication, publishing, social work, librarianship, the media etc. Many students will go on to pursue postgraduate degrees leading to an MA, MRes or PhD.

Employers are looking for graduates who are articulate and responsible, capable of working independently, and demonstrating the academic abilities of analysis, reflection, critique and synthesis – all of which are developed through a degree in English. Many graduates go on to make exceptional contributions in their chosen field. Oscar winning Danny Boyle, director of Slumdog Millionaire, is one of our former students. The Olivier Awardnominated actor Frances Barber and star of stage and screen, John Sessions, are also both Bangor alumni. Typically, graduates emerge from their Bangor degree prepared for the world of work, either here in the UK or overseas. Many achieve success in careers which include business, creative industry, journalism, teaching and the Civil Service.