BA (Hons) Culture, Literature and Politics
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- LQ23
- Entry Requirements
- ABB
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
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Why you should choose us
UEA is ranked 5th overall for research quality in English Language and Literature
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Course Overview
Throughout history and into today’s world, literature has been censored, employed as government propaganda, and used for political protest. The same is true for culture more broadly – think of the way music, film, television and digital media have been used to support campaigns or to exercise power. The links between culture, literature and politics do not end with these examples. Literature often reflects and incorporates world events; it comments on the way we live. In turn, cultural policy and other aspects of government activity create the conditions in which literature is written, published and read.
This unique and distinctive course allows you to bring together the different worlds of culture, literature and politics, and to study them separately and together. It enables you to learn about politics and about literature, but also to explore the connections between the two.
On this degree, you’ll combine the study of literature with politics and culture, taking advantage of the knowledge of our world-leading specialists across those fields- in the most recent Times Higher Education Analysis (REF2021), UEA was ranked 19th in the UK for the quality of its research in English Language and Literature, and 14th overall in the UK for research quality in Politics and International Studies.
This unique degree allows you to combine the study of literature with politics and culture. You’ll have a great deal of choice in what you study, building a degree that closely reflects your own interests and questions. At the same time, you will develop a range of analytical and practical skills that will serve you in a wide range of future careers.
Whether your interest is in Shakespeare or post-colonial literature, whether it is the literature of Germany, Russia or the United States, there will be modules that allow you to develop your knowledge and understanding. The choices you have goes from the modern day to the medieval period. They cover poetry, fiction, autobiography and more. They also combine literature with issues of human rights, political satire, and feminist politics. And you’ll have the chance to study topics such as music and comics as well.
You will study the way politics links with the worlds of culture and literature, through modules on popular culture, identity and gender. You’ll also learn about the broader political context, through the study of political ideas and processes.
This course spans several disciplines and subject areas. It makes considerable demands of you, but your efforts will be rewarded in the range of knowledge, understanding and skills you will acquire over your three years.
Study and Modules
Structure
Because the degree in Culture, Literature and Politics covers so much, it is important that you have a solid grounding in the key knowledge and skills. In your first year, therefore, you take a number of compulsory modules that provide the necessary groundwork for your subsequent studies. Through these you’ll be introduced to the study of culture, media, literature and politics. In addition, you will be able to select two optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll be taught in a variety of learning environments, from lectures giving an overview of a topic, through to small group seminars where you will debate the work you have been reading that week. Your teaching will be focused, interactive, and up-to-date, and we make a point of incorporating current world events and cultural trends. You’ll learn crucial skills, such as how to summarise and analyse information, how to develop and criticise arguments and texts, and how to communicate that information and those arguments in public, at the same time as learning about the intersecting worlds of literature, culture and politics.
To provide you with solid foundations, in the first year you’ll learn about key texts and how to analyse them, as well as about key debates in the media industries and major political events.
Independent Learning
You will prepare for your weekly teaching with guided tasks, such as preparing answers to seminar questions or completing small weekly writing tasks which will help you to develop study skills. You will also complete longer assessments like essays, presentations and projects.
How you'll spend your time:
Teaching: 25%
Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
Our assessments are predominantly at the individual level, with some group assessment. These include essays and other written assessment including mini-essays and critical summaries of around 500 words, literature reviews or reading logs.
Structure
Once you are in your second year, you’ll be able to choose from modules in the key areas of your degree. This means a choice of topics in politics and culture, such as (but not limited to) global political economy, the role of language in politics, film, gender and political power, media and cultural policy, or digital media and its impact on society. Your choices in literature may include modernist, contemporary fiction, or historical and regional literary specialties.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 100)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll explore different areas of the intersection between culture, literature and the political world. You will begin specialisation by selecting from a wide range of modules with a variety of topics and theoretical approaches.
Independent Learning
You’ll write longer pieces and start to develop your research skills and areas of interest. You will have the opportunity to take modules with a range of different assessments including writing reflective essays, literature reviews, analytical essays and presentations.
How you'll spend your time:
Teaching: 25%
Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
As you progress through your degree, you can choose from a wide range of modules with a range of assessment formats. Most of our assessment is at the individual level and is written coursework. Students could also take modules involving assessment by presentation, group projects, including group presentations, and a range of new types of writing tasks, such as a policy brief.
Structure
You’ll have the opportunity to write a dissertation of 8-9000 words. You will select the topic, research question and methodology, under the guidance of an academic expert.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 90)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 90)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your third year is about specialisation: focusing on the topics that you want to explore. If you choose to write a dissertation, you’ll select your topic and methodology, guided by one of our experts.
Independent Learning
By year 3, you’ll be able to develop, research and present your ideas on culture, literature and politics. This could include writing a dissertation under the supervision of an academic expert.
How you'll spend your time:
Teaching: 20%
Independent Learning: 80%
Assessment
This same kind of choice greets you in your third year, but with greater opportunity to specialise in particular areas of culture, literature and politics. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete a dissertation under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB 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 accepted
- BTEC
- DDM alongside A-level 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 Law. Excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB 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
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC 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
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 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
- Access to HE Diploma
- Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway accepted. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3.
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 including 5 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 Law
- GCSE
- You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English 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: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 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:
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- Interviews
- Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS. 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.
- Deferred Entry
- 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.
Additional Information or 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.
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 one 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.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes
Important note
Once enrolled 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 enrolled.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
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
View our information about Additional Course Fees.
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:
Employability
After the Course
The BA Culture, Literature and Politics will equip you with the knowledge and skills for a large choice of careers, directly related to your areas of study and well beyond. These might include jobs in publishing, international organisations, parliaments or political parties, or the civil service. It might involve work in the media, marketing, advertising, non-governmental organisations, think-tanks, or other research organisations. Alternatively, you could continue your studies with a postgraduate degree.
Careers
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:
- Publishing
- Digital marketing
- Media
- Charities and NGOs
- Journalism
- Business management
- Politics