Students undertaking English and Philosophy at Queen’s explore literatures in English in the widest possible sense. From the earliest writings in Anglo-Saxon to contemporary Irish, British, and ‘global’ literatures, students study English in its historical, linguistic, cultural, material and ideological circumstances. In Philosophy students can study some of the key thinkers in the history of philosophy, from Plato and Aristotle to Descartes and Marx. Students also hone their skills in reasoning and argumentation by studying formal logic and critical thinking.

Studying 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. 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, including English. In particular, employers value the initiative, imagination, creativity and independence of thought fostered by the English degree.

The following is a list of the major career sectors that have attracted our graduates in recent years: Publishing, Media and Performing Arts, Public Relations, Advertising, Librarianship, Fast Stream Civil Service, Management Consultancy, Graduate Careers and Achievements. Many of our former graduates have risen to the top of their fields and include many famous figures; for example, from English: Seamus Heaney, Nobel prize-winning poet; Paul Muldoon, academic and poet; Stephen Rea, actor; Helen Madden, writer and actor; Annie Kelly, journalist and writer; Annie Mac, radio presenter.