BA (Hons) ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATURE (3 YEARS)
BA (HONS) ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATURE (3 YEARS)
The Atlantic Ocean does not mark a barrier when it comes to literary traffic. In fact, it is impossible to understand British Literature in the modern period, or American Literature in any period, without knowing something of the other nation’s culture.
At UEA, you’ll be able to focus on Anglo-American interchanges. You’ll also explore the many aspects of English and American literature which lie beyond that interchange, such as English Literature prior to the 19th century, and Native American and multi-ethnic writing.
Under the tuition of our world-leading scholars of English and American literature, culture and history, you will study the wealth of both countries’ literatures. Your studies will reach back to Chaucer, Julian of Norwich and beyond, and forwards to the likes of Kazuo Ishiguro, Ian McEwan and Ali Smith. You’ll study writers as different from one another as Walt Whitman and Sylvia Plath, Brett Easton Ellis and Edith Wharton. After a firm grounding in your first year, you’ll launch yourself into more specialist areas of study, like contemporary fiction, journalism or comics.
About
The writers of Britain and America are deeply connected. Often they employ the same language, address the same readers, and share the same cultural reference points. But at the same time, the two traditions differ sharply in their typical values and tones of voice. This programme allows you to experience these continuities and distinctions.
In your study of English literature, you’ll have the chance to discover a wealth of writers from Chaucer to the present day – from medieval romance via Shakespeare, Milton, Austen, the Brontës, and James Joyce, to novelists and poets who are still writing now. You’ll explore diverse traditions from across the globe and tackle a heady mix of genres, which currently range from epic to children’s literature, crime writing to lyric poetry, tragedy to biography. You might find yourself honing the perfect essay, experimenting with new forms of critical writing in one of our creative-critical modules, or gaining experience of careers like journalism or publishing which draw on your literary training.
You’ll also be studying the landmarks of American literature. Alongside writers such as Edgar Allan Poe and Herman Melville you'll read abolitionist works by Harriet Beecher Stowe and Frederick Douglass. Towards the end of the century, you'll discover contemporaries of Mark Twain and Henry James such as Charles Chesnutt and Pauline Hopkins. At the height of the twentieth century, you'll explore the dizzy heights of postmodernism all the while keeping up with the radical decolonising work of writers like Leslie Marmon Silko and Nobel-prize winner Toni Morrison. After this firm grounding, you’ll launch yourself into more specialist areas of study, like contemporary American fiction, journalism or comics. You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in both the big canonical American classics and in areas that are unique, contemporary, interdisciplinary, or cutting-edge.
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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
On graduation you could go on to work in the arts, media, publishing, politics, charities and NGOs, teaching and the commercial sector. You’ll be equipped with sought-after skills of critical reading, independence, time management, team work, and many more. You’ll also be well placed to study for a postgraduate degree.
Our Careers Service is here to support you in launching your career by advising about CV writing, internships, and much more. Every year we run an event, Working with Words, which gives current students the chance to meet and hear from successful UEA alumni from across the creative industries.
UEA also has its own in-house publishing project, Egg Box, along with many other exciting initiatives that give you opportunities to turn your love of literature into a foundation for your future 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.
- Media
- Marketing
- Finance
- Publishing
- Events management
- Journalism
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Assessment for Year 1
We use a variety of assessment methods in modules, with the majority forms of coursework. You’ll receive constructive feedback on every piece of assessment that you submit. 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 will 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. You’ll continue to hone your ability to present your knowledge to others and to collaborate with peers.Assessment for Year 3
In your final year, you’ll be assessed on the depth of your knowledge of specialised subjects. You’ll also have the option to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice with the support of expert staff. 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 the majority forms of coursework. You’ll receive constructive feedback on every piece of assessment that you submit. 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.In Year 2 students take 120 credits in total. 60 credits in semester one and 60 credits in semester two. You will also have the option of applying to spend one semester of your second year in the US to gain invaluable first-hand experience of the country you are studying.
Assessment for Year 2
In your second year, you will 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. You’ll continue to 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.In Year 3 students take 120 credits.NB: Students can only choose one dissertation module (either AMAS6056B, LDCL6061A, LDCL6062B)
Assessment for Year 3
In your final year, you’ll be assessed on the depth of your knowledge of specialised subjects. You’ll also have the option to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice with the support of expert staff. 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
AAB 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 excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. A-level grade B also required 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 C 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
BBC 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
4 subjects at H2, 2 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 LawAccess course
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences pathway accepted. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3European Baccalaureate
80% including 8 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
33 points 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 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 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 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: 6.0 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
View our information about Additional Course Fees. UEA Live
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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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