About This Course
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.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
Philosophy and Religion:
- Philosophy and Religion at Bangor University has developed out of a long and distinguished tradition of teaching philosophy and religion for over a century.
- You will benefit from our staff’s expertise and commitment to teaching, student care and welfare.
- Our staff are research active and incorporate current research into their teaching.
- We offer the opportunity for students to study Philosophy and Religion as a Single Honours degree, or in combination with a range of complementary subjects as part of a Joint Honours degree.
English Literature:
- We offer an extremely wide choice of modules in a variety of periods, from c.700AD to the present, giving you the freedom to develop and explore your own interests, under expert supervision.
- Our range of modules allows you to concentrate your interests on a particular theme or author.
- We are committed to teaching in small groups: many of our modules are delivered through weekly seminars, alongside lectures; others are taught solely by weekly seminars.
- If you are taking English as a single honours subject you may also take modules in creative writing and American literature.
- You will be taught by staff who are active researchers and are publishing books and articles in the areas you are studying.
- Members of staff have international reputations in their field.
Course Content
Teaching is mainly by lectures, seminars, and individual tutorials. Many modules also make use of Blackboard, the University’s online learning environment. During each semester you will study modules equivalent to 60 credits, making a total of 120 credits per year. We use a wide range of methods for assessment, including essays, book reviews, case studies, reports, presentations, and written examinations.
What will you study on this course?
In your first year of this joint honours degree in Philosophy and Religion and English Literature you will take modules equivalent to 60 credits in the School of Philosophy and Religion. The other 60 credits will be taken in the School of English Literature.
In your second year, you will take modules equivalent to 60 credits in the School of Philosophy and Religion and 60 credits in the School of English Literature.
In your third year you will take modules equivalent to 60 credits in the School of Philosophy and Religion and 60 credits in the School of English Literature. You may be eligible to choose the Dissertation module (40 credits), which involves independent study with supervised support, leading to the submission of a 10,000-word dissertation.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Philosophy & Religion and English Literature Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Course Cost
Philosophy and Religion:
Optional Costs:
Purchase of books for required reading for some modules at a discounted price (though copies of required reading are available in the University Library): Approx. £0-25 per module, £0-35 per year, and £0-45 per course.
School Graduation Lunch – free for student and 2 guests, additional guest £10 per head.
English Literature:
Mandatory Costs:
In English Literature, mandatory costs will be the purchase of books. The precise cost will vary according to the choice of modules, but the average cost would not normally exceed £50 per module in English Literature and/or Creative Writing.
Optional Costs:
Theatre and cultural visits - the cost of these will vary from year to year depending upon the organised programme of events.
General University Costs
Home/EU Student Tuition Fees (starting in 2019–20 & 2020–21)
- Full time: £9,000 per year
- Part time: £750 per 10 credits
International Student Tuition Fees*
* Please note: the international tuition fees displayed are for the current academic year (2020-21). The fees for the next academic year (2021-22) will be confirmed soon.
When coming to University, you will have two main costs, Tuition Fees and Living Costs.
There are also some common additional costs that are likely to arise for students on all courses, for example:
- If you choose to study abroad or take the International Experience Year as part of your course.
- If you attend your Graduation Ceremony, there will be a cost for gown hire (£25-£75) and cost for guest tickets (£12 each).
Course-specific additional costs
Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:
- Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.
- Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.
- Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.
Entry Requirements
USA Requirements
International Year Zero: HSD GPA 2.0 OR SAT 1500+
International Year 1: HSD GPA 3.0 OR SAT 500+ each section OR ACTs 26+
Undergraduate Courses: HSD GPA 3.0 OR SAT 550+ each section OR ACTs 26+
Postgraduate Courses: Bachelor Degree GPA of 3.0. GRE not required
PhD/Research Course: Masters Degree
Note: Some courses may require higher entry requirements. Refer Individual Course page for details.
Applicants from USA need NOT provide additional evidence of English Language ability, if previous education was with English medium of instruction. Otherwise, an IELTS overall 6.0 with 5.5 in each component or equivalent is normally required (some courses may require a higher score).
The entry requirements below are the School of Philosophy and Religion requirements. Please also check with the School of English Literature for any additional requirements.
For 2021 entry:
Typical offer is based on a minimum 104 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.:
- A Levels (no specific subjects required)
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
- BTEC National/Extended Diploma and Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: MMM
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical/Extended Diploma: considered on a case by case basis
- Access: Pass
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted. International school leaving qualifications
International Candidates: school leaving qualifications and college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements). More information here.
We also welcome applications from mature applicants.
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com.
For 2020 entry:
Typical offer is based on a minimum 104 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.:
- A Levels (no specific subjects required)
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
- BTEC National/Extended Diploma and Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: MMM
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical/Extended Diploma: considered on a case by case basis
- Access: Pass
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted. International school leaving qualifications
International Candidates: school leaving qualifications and college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements). More information here.
We also welcome applications from mature applicants.
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com.
General University Requirements
We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.
All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.
As part of the University’s policy we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.
To study a degree, diploma or certificate course you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com
We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more help and advice about being a mature student at Bangor, please visit the Study at Bangor site.
Specific entry requirements can be seen on the individual course pages.
EU and International students' entry requirements
For information and further detailed guidance on entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.
Bangor University offers International Incorporated Bachelor Degrees for International students whose High School qualification is not equivalent to the UK school leaving qualification. The first year (or Year 0) is studied at Bangor University International College, an embedded College on our University campus and delivered by Oxford International Education Group.
More information
Home/EU students and International UCAS applicants
E-mail for General Admissions: admissions@bangor.ac.uk or write to:
Admissions Office
Bangor University
Gwynedd
LL57 2TF
Telephone: +44 (0)1248 383717
International students (non-UCAS applicants)
Email to International Admissions: internationaladmissions@bangor.ac.uk or write to
Admissions Office
Bangor University
Gwynedd
LL57 2TF
Telephone: +44 (0) 1248 382028
Careers
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.
Opportunities at Bangor
The University’s Skills and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions. Developing your personal skills and enhancing your employability while at university is becoming increasingly important in today’s job market.
The Bangor Employability Award (BEA) and Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)
The Bangor Employability Award enables students to build on their transferable skills through the recognition of activities they become involved in during their university life. Students can gain points towards the award through extra-curricular activities such as volunteering, attending workshops or actively participating in the Students’ Union’s clubs and societies.
The HEAR is a final graduation report that all undergraduates receive. The report itemises all academic achievements and additional extra and co-curricular achievements. Academic achievements appear on the report automatically and students are able to note their eligible activities by using the online platform ‘My Employability Hub’. This ensures that future employers are made aware of the additional skills the student has gained outside of the curriculum.
The Award is open to everyone and taking part in the scheme can make a major difference to your performance in the graduate job market.
Internships
Bangor University runs undergraduate and postgraduate internship schemes twice a year, which allow students to work in a professional environment while learning relevant skills and earning money.
Internships offer valuable experience in a professional workplace and there are a range of internships you can get involved in.
Student Volunteering
Not only is volunteering worthwhile – it also improves your employability and widens your experience.
The Students’ Union has a dedicated Student Volunteering Office (SVB) which currently contributes a total of 600 hours each week, promoting a close relationship between the university and the local community. Find out more on the Student Volunteering pages of the Bangor Student’s Union website.
TARGETconnect - Working while you Study
The Skills and Employability Service offers support to students searching for employment during and after their studies.
TARGETconnect advertises the following opportunities:
- Graduate jobs – Local, National and International
- Full-time, part time, permanent and temporary jobs
- Work experience / internships
- Voluntary opportunities
Application
General University Application
How to apply through UCAS
UCAS stands for Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. All university applications are processed through UCAS and then passed on to the universities listed.
Students may apply for a maximum of five courses. For Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary courses students are only allowed to apply for four courses.
The application form is found on the UCAS website, under ‘Apply’.
When to apply?
We advise you to apply as early as you can as we will start considering applications and making offers straight away. The initial UCAS deadline for UK and EU students is 15 January, however we welcome applications after this date. Those received between 15 January and 30 June will continue to be forwarded to universities by UCAS and will receive consideration where places are still available.
Your Personal Statement
Writing your Personal Statement is the part of the application form that requires most work. You are only allowed 47 lines or 500–550 words to explain why you wish to study the course and the skills you have that are essential for university study.
To write a successful personal statement for your UCAS application you must have a good understanding about the course and its content. Remember that you write only one personal statement for your five choices. Make sure that the courses are similar, if not the same, and make sure that you do not mention a specific course or university.
Read our advice on how to draft a winning personal statement or watch our video guide.
After you’ve applied
You should keep an eye on your application on UCAS ‘Track’. Offers from universities will appear on track and you will be able to accept or decline offers.
You can only reply when you have received all your decisions. The types of reply you can make are firm acceptance and insurance acceptance. Usually students reply in early May.
International Student?
If you are an international student, our International Student pages offer further information on applying.
As an international student applying to study one of our undergraduate programmes you can:
- apply via UCAS,
- or apply direct to Bangor through our online direct application system
- or apply with the help of one of our recruitment agents
Erasmus student?
We receive around 350 exchange students every year from all over the world. 45% of these students come from Europe and the remainder from as far as Singapore, South Korea and Australia.
The University’s International Exchanges Office is responsible for welcoming these students.
Confused about your next steps?
Take a look at our Going to University website for information and advice on getting ready for university.
