which degree is best for critical theory

I really like critical theory and am thinking about my choice for uni, is just English just philosophy or philosophy and English joint degree (all at Sheffield uni) the best for critical theory? (im aware it doesn't matter to much am just curious)

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

I think many philosophy degrees focus a lot more on analytic style philosophy than the areas that give rise to critical theory, so I suspect a "pure" philosophy degree wouldn't be ideal. Critical theory in the UK I think gets contextualised in terms of literary analysis and thus I think typically sits within English departments/faculties, at least based on some cursory looks at it.

It sounds like either just an English lit degree (especially if it has a lot of emphasis on critical/literary theory or within a department which has a lot of active research in that area), or maybe if you find a joint honours in philosophy that covers more of the philosophical topics of relevance/interest (presumably, continental philosophy and aesthetics type stuff?) may be the best fit :smile:

Not sure exactly where Sheffield's specialisms are for philosophy (I believe they were very strong in feminist philosophy for a while?) so couldn't say where that sits specifically. Also not very familiar with it in terms of English lit (although I do know the relatively nearby Nottingham has traditionally had a quite strong English lit programme I understand).