Writtle University College and ARU have merged. Writtle’s full range of college, degree, postgraduate and short courses will still be delivered on the Writtle campus. See our guide to finding Writtle information on this site.

Why study in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences?

Criminology students

Humanities and social sciences courses

  • Our Sociology courses ranked 18th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2024.
  • In the National Student Survey 2023 our BA (Hons) Philosophy scored 93% for Student Voice, 92% for the Teaching on my Course, 92% for Learning Opportunities, 90% for Assessment and Feedback, and 90% for Academic Support. Our BA (Hons) History scored 95% for the Teaching on my Course and 91% for Assessment and Feedback.
  • We were awarded world-leading status for History, Sociology, and Communication, Cultural and Media Studies in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
  • Learn from teaching staff who work with governmental organisations and public services to help inform future policy, and shape their courses accordingly.
  • As well as learning from our teaching staff, you’ll hear the opinions of renowned speakers at our many events.
  • Study abroad for one Semester, and apply for funding to help cover the cost.
  • Receive work placement opportunities and specialist careers advice, thanks to our links with the local community.
  • Every year, you'll have the chance to win one of our prizes for academic achievement, such as the Justin Wand Memorial Prize, awarded for the best performance in any degree with English or Philosophy in its title.

Literature, language and linguistics courses

  • Our English courses ranked 11th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2024, and 7th in the UK for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2024.
  • In the National Student Survey 2023 our BA (Hons) Writing and English Literature scored 92% for Academic Support, and our BA (Hons) English Literature scored 91% for Academic Support.
  • We were awarded world-leading status for our English Language and Literature research in the REF 2021.
  • We’ve taught English Literature at degree level for over 40 years and, over that period, have been considered one of the best departments in the country.
  • Your writing work will be supported by a team of published authors, including Dr Tory Young (author of Studying English Literature, a text used on many other university courses as well as our own), Professor Eugene Giddens (Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass: A Publishing History), and Laura Dietz (In The Tenth House; chapters in The Edinburgh Companion to the Short Story in English / New Writing) .
  • Our connections to local organisations such as EF, Cambridge University Press and CAMDoSA will give you many opportunities to attend guest lectures, seek work placements, or practise your classroom materials.
  • You can get feedback and support for your writing projects from our Royal Literary Fund Fellowship Scheme mentors.
  • ARU Global will give you the chance to study abroad and immerse yourself in another culture - the perfect opportunity to practise your languages and your language teaching skills.
  • Join our MA English Literature course and apply for a two-week internship with Shakespeare and Company, a busy Paris-based literary institution.
  • As one of our students, get automatically entered to win one of our prizes for academic achievement, all generously donated by various companies and organisations.