BA (Hons) AMERICAN LITERATURE WITH CREATIVE WRITING
BA (HONS) AMERICAN LITERATURE WITH CREATIVE WRITING
Explore the rich American literary tradition that gave us Herman Melville, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Gertrude Stein, William Faulkner and Toni Morrison while also developing your own distinctive voice.
You’ll develop your creative practice, knowledge of American literature, and your industry links in the department of American Studies while taking additional modules in the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing, whose internationally esteemed alumni include Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro. You’ll also have the chance to see award-winning American authors, such as Michael Chabon and Jesmyn Ward, in conversation with staff at UEA’s lively and long-established writers’ festival.
You’ll be studying in Norwich, an ideal location for this course, with its vibrant contemporary writing scene and status as a UNESCO City of Literature. You’ll also have the advantage of spending a year studying abroad, deepening your understanding of American literature, and immersing yourself in the culture of another country.
All of this experience will enrich your final year, during which you’ll take a series of advanced classes and write a dissertation on a topic of your choice, guided by a supervisor. You also have the option of writing a creative dissertation, combining research and creative practice.
Our BA American Literature with Creative Writing is ranked 6th for Creative Writing by 'The Guardian 2023'.
About
You’ll be introduced to the demands and challenges of literary creative practice. Studying creative writing and the creative industries alongside American literature will enable you to develop both your creative and your critical abilities.
You’ll have access to UEA’s close and active links with the world of contemporary writing and publishing — a legacy of the university’s long running and highly respected courses in the writing of fiction, poetry and drama. You’ll also learn about writing for the creative industries through practice-based modules and workshops covering topics such as the history and practice of American journalism and scriptwriting for the American stage and screen.
Whatever path you choose through your studies, this degree will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how American literature has shaped the world around us. You will learn about the relationship between culture and politics, while gaining an in-depth knowledge of the forces that transform societies and forge nations. The specialised focus of American Literature with Creative Writing will give you the critical tools to better understand how culture is produced while you hone your own creative practice.
Your year abroad will give your degree further cosmopolitan flavour, enhancing your understanding of your subject and presenting you with invaluable opportunities for enriching your creative writing skills from an international perspective. You’ll take modules at your host university, whilst experiencing the culture of another country first-hand. Your year abroad will increase your confidence, broaden your horizons, build your contacts and demonstrate your resilience to future employers.

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.After the Course
As an American Literature with Creative Writing graduate, you’ll be well placed to enter a wide range of professions. Completing your degree with a substantial creative writing portfolio will equip you to pursue a career in writing and publishing. Working across disciplines, studying abroad, and undertaking in-depth research will give you key skills that are highly regarded by employers. You’ll also graduate as an expert researcher and communicator, skilled in analysing data, and good at working in a team. You will develop an understanding of the cultural forces shaping creative content, and the processes by which audiences can access it, giving you an advantage over your peers as you begin your career.
Career destinations
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Professional writing and publishing
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Law
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Journalism
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Marketing and advertising
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Cultural and creative industries
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Teaching

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Assessment for Year 1
We use a variety of assessment methods in modules, with a particular focus on developing your creative voice. You will receive constructive feedback on every piece of assessment that you submit. Your creative work will also be workshopped by your peers. These comments and reflections will help you identify the methods and strategies to improve your work and get the most out of your studies.In your first year, your assessment will focus on ensuring you have the skills of research and analysis you will need to pursue more independent learning as you progress through the degree.
Assessment for Year 2
In your second year, you’ll have more autonomy over your assessment. For example, you may devise your own research questions or opt for a creative response to the module organiser’s prompts, even in your American literature modules. You’ll continue to refine your own writing, hone your ability to present your knowledge to others and to collaborate with peers.Assessment for Year 3
You’ll spend this year studying abroad in one of our partner institutions. Although you’ll need to ensure you pass the modules you take this year, the marks you achieve on your year abroad don’t count toward your final degree classification.
Assessment for Year 4
In your final year, you’ll have the exciting option to write a creative dissertation in the genre of your choice with the support of expert staff. In your critical modules you will be assessed on the depth of your knowledge of specialised topics in American literature. Your final degree result is determined by the marks you receive in your second and final years of study.Assessment for Year 1
We use a variety of assessment methods in modules, with a particular focus on developing your creative voice. You will receive constructive feedback on every piece of assessment that you submit. Your creative work will also be workshopped by your peers. These comments and reflections will help you identify the methods and strategies to improve your work and get the most out of your studies.In your first year, your assessment will focus on ensuring you have the skills of research and analysis you will need to pursue more independent learning as you progress through the degree.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Students should choose only 60 credits each semester.
Assessment for Year 2
In your second year, you’ll have more autonomy over your assessment. For example, you may devise your own research questions or opt for a creative response to the module organiser’s prompts, even in your American literature modules. You’ll continue to refine your own writing, hone your ability to present your knowledge to others and to collaborate with peers.Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Students spending a year in the USA/Canada must select AMAY5028Y. Students spending a semester in the USA/Canada and a semester in Australia must select AMAY5026B and AMAY5027A.
Assessment for Year 3
You’ll spend this year studying abroad in one of our partner institutions. Although you’ll need to ensure you pass the modules you take this year, the marks you achieve on your year abroad don’t count toward your final degree classification.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Students should choose only 60 credits each semester.
Assessment for Year 4
In your final year, you’ll have the exciting option to write a creative dissertation in the genre of your choice with the support of expert staff. In your critical modules you will be assessed on the depth of your knowledge of specialised topics in American literature. Your final degree result is determined by the marks you receive in your second and final years of study.Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
AAA including English Literature, or one of the subjects listed below: English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.T Levels
Not acceptedBTEC
DDD (Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business Administration) alongside grade A in English Literature, or one of the subjects listed below: English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.Scottish highers
AAAAA alongside Advanced Higher grade B in English Literature, or one of the subjects listed below: English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or LawScottish highers advanced
BBB including English Literature, or one of the subjects listed below: English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or LawIrish leaving certificate
6 subjects at H2, including English Literature, or one of the subjects listed below: English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or LawAccess course
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences accepted. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3.European Baccalaureate
82% including 8.5 in English Literature, or one of the subjects listed below: English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or LawInternational Baccalaureate
34 points, including 6 in HL English Literature, or one of the subjects listed below: English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or LawGCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
If you do not have an A-Level or equivalent qualification in any of the subjects listed above, once you have submitted your UCAS form we may then contact you to ask you to submit a short analysis of a passage of a literary text in support of your application.
Candidates who are shortlisted will be asked to provide a sample of their creative writing: we ask for around 5 pages of work, which can be on any subject and in any genre of the candidate's choice. Most choose to send poetry, prose, or a mixture of the two.
Important note
Once enroled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enroled.
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
You are eligible for reduced fees during the year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee website.
There will be extra costs related to items such as your travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location.
View our information about Additional Course Fees.

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How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:

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