BA ENGLISH LITERATURE
BA ENGLISH LITERATURE
UEA is the place where literature lives. At UEA, you’ll be part of a unique and supportive community of critics, writers, and drama practitioners who are dedicated to bringing literature to life. You’ll be studying literature in a city with both a rich literary tradition and a vibrant contemporary writing scene.
We emphasize choice and flexibility in building your own unique pathway through English literature. You’ll have the chance to discover a wealth of writers from the middle ages right up to poets and novelists writing now. You might explore diverse traditions of writing from across the globe, and you’ll tackle a heady mix of genres, which currently range from epic to children’s literature, crime writing to Latin American fiction, tragedy to biography. Your journey through literature is shaped by you and your interests – no two UEA English Literature degrees are the same.
All our BA English Literature modules are 100% coursework. This enables you to cultivate the craft of critical writing. You might find yourself honing the perfect essay or try expressing your ideas in new, experimental forms in one of our creative-critical modules or you might turn your skill with words towards modules on writing as a profession, which give you a flavour of the diverse and exciting careers for which the craft of critical writing prepares you.
Whatever you study, you’ll work with our world-leading critics, who will help you to develop your own critical voice. UEA’s School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing is famous for innovation in teaching and for cutting-edge research – that’s why in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2014), UEA was ranked joint tenth in the UK for the quality of its research in English Language and Literature (Times Higher REF 2014 Analysis). Your lecturers will be passionate about bringing their own expertise into the seminar room.
At UEA, your Literature degree is a rigorous, flexible and distinctive course, which enables you to become a sophisticated reader of literature, and a confident writer about it. You’ll graduate as a passionate and informed advocate for the literature you love.
About
Literature at UEA is vivid, contentious and alive: mixed up with passion, politics and play. You’ll gain a first-class grounding in literature from across time and across cultures, while learning to respond to the books you're reading in inventive ways.
Whether getting your hands on an early draft of a novel by a world-famous living crime writer or using innovative techniques to bring Shakespeare's contemporaries to life, your training as a literary critic blends the acquisition of high-level analytical skills and broad and deep knowledge with an attention to critical writing as a craft.
Norwich is the ideal place to learn the craft of the literary critic. World-renowned literature has been produced here from the 14th century, when Julian of Norwich became the first woman to write a book in English, right up to 21st-century fiction by UEA graduates like Ian McEwan, Emma Healey and Kazuo Ishiguro.

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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.Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll have the option to apply to study abroad for one semester of your second year. Studying abroad is a wonderfully enriching life experience – you will develop confidence and adaptability and will have the chance to deepen your understanding of English literature while learning about another culture. At UEA, you will also be surrounded by the many students we welcome from around the world to study with us.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.

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After the Course
On graduation you might go on to work in the arts, media, publishing, politics, charities and NGOs, teaching or the commercial sector. You’ll be equipped with sought-after skills of critical reading, independence, time management, teamwork 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 with 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 has its own in-house student 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
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Journalism
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Publishing
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Media
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Marketing
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Finance
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Teaching

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Assessment for Year 1
Our English Literature course has no exams – we believe that the best way to express your thoughts about literature is through carefully crafted pieces of writing which you have time to rethink and revise. That’s why all of your literature modules will be assessed through submitted coursework. Your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Coursework can take many forms. You’ll often find yourself writing a critical essay in response to questions a tutor has set or, as your degree progresses, you might invent your own projects with increasing independence. But you might find yourself pushing the boundaries of what you write, too, by submitting coursework in which you express your new critical ideas by writing creatively. Your coursework is supported by seminar discussion, peer feedback, and tutorials with your seminar leader.
Assessment for Year 2
Our English Literature course has no exams – we believe that the best way to express your thoughts about literature is through carefully crafted pieces of writing which you have time to rethink and revise. That’s why all of your literature modules will be assessed through submitted coursework. Your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Coursework can take many forms. You’ll often find yourself writing a critical essay in response to questions a tutor has set or, as your degree progresses, you might invent your own projects with increasing independence. But you might find yourself pushing the boundaries of what you write, too, by submitting coursework in which you express your new critical ideas by writing creatively. Your coursework is supported by seminar discussion, peer feedback, and tutorials with your seminar leader.
Assessment for Year 3
Our English Literature course has no exams – we believe that the best way to express your thoughts about literature is through carefully crafted pieces of writing which you have time to rethink and revise. That’s why all of your literature modules will be assessed through submitted coursework. Your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Coursework can take many forms. You’ll often find yourself writing a critical essay in response to questions a tutor has set or, as your degree progresses, you might invent your own projects with increasing independence. But you might find yourself pushing the boundaries of what you write, too, by submitting coursework in which you express your new critical ideas by writing creatively. Your coursework is supported by seminar discussion, peer feedback, and tutorials with your seminar leader.
In Year 1 students take 120 credits, 60 credits in each semester (100 Compulsory, 0-20 from Option Range A, 0-20 from Option Range B). Compulsory modules develop your core skills as literature students. Option Range A further develops your literary skills and interests. Option B provides you the opportunity to choose from selected Humanities modules that complement your skills and subject understanding.Pre-requisites: You are advised to consult catalogue information for second year module choices, in case these have pre-requisites that you will need to take in your first year.
Assessment for Year 1
Our English Literature course has no exams – we believe that the best way to express your thoughts about literature is through carefully crafted pieces of writing which you have time to rethink and revise. That’s why all of your literature modules will be assessed through submitted coursework. Your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Coursework can take many forms. You’ll often find yourself writing a critical essay in response to questions a tutor has set or, as your degree progresses, you might invent your own projects with increasing independence. But you might find yourself pushing the boundaries of what you write, too, by submitting coursework in which you express your new critical ideas by writing creatively. Your coursework is supported by seminar discussion, peer feedback, and tutorials with your seminar leader.
Important Information
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.In Year 2 students take 120 credits, 60 credits in each semester (80-100 from Option Range A, 20-40 from Option Range B and 0-20 from Option Range C). Option Range A comprises core modules for literary study. Option Range B modules focus on writing in practice. Option Range C includes literature modules with specialist focus, further study from core or writing in practice modules, or you may select modules from other humanities subjects to tailor your study to specific interests. Pre-1789 requirement: In years 2 and 3 combined, students must take at least 60 credits from modules on writing before 1789, and 40 of these must be taken in year 2. This means that in your second year you must take two pre-1789 modules. Pre-requisites: Some second and third year modules in LDC and other HUM schools have pre-requisites. You are advised to make yourself aware of these when choosing your modules at each year level. This is particularly relevant to language modules.Students should consult with the Study Abroad Coordinator before choosing Erasmus Exchange or Semester Abroad modules.
Assessment for Year 2
Our English Literature course has no exams – we believe that the best way to express your thoughts about literature is through carefully crafted pieces of writing which you have time to rethink and revise. That’s why all of your literature modules will be assessed through submitted coursework. Your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Coursework can take many forms. You’ll often find yourself writing a critical essay in response to questions a tutor has set or, as your degree progresses, you might invent your own projects with increasing independence. But you might find yourself pushing the boundaries of what you write, too, by submitting coursework in which you express your new critical ideas by writing creatively. Your coursework is supported by seminar discussion, peer feedback, and tutorials with your seminar leader.
Important Information
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.In Year 3 students take 120 credits by selecting four 30 credit modules, 60 credits in each semester. 20-credit versions of year 3 modules are only available to non-HUM and Visiting Students. Pre-1789 requirement: In years 2 and 3 combined, students must take at least 60 credits from modules on writing before 1789, and 40 of these must be taken in year 2. Consult the Catalogue for pre-requisites and restrictions.Please note that students opting to undertake a dissertation are only permitted to take one dissertation module across the year.
Assessment for Year 3
Our English Literature course has no exams – we believe that the best way to express your thoughts about literature is through carefully crafted pieces of writing which you have time to rethink and revise. That’s why all of your literature modules will be assessed through submitted coursework. Your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Coursework can take many forms. You’ll often find yourself writing a critical essay in response to questions a tutor has set or, as your degree progresses, you might invent your own projects with increasing independence. But you might find yourself pushing the boundaries of what you write, too, by submitting coursework in which you express your new critical ideas by writing creatively. Your coursework is supported by seminar discussion, peer feedback, and tutorials with your seminar leader.
Important Information
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.Entry Requirements
A Levels
ABB including English Literature or BBB including English Literature with an A in the Extended ProjectBTEC
DDM alongside a grade B in A-Level English Literature or equivalent qualification. BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services or Business Administration not acceptedScottish highers
AAABB including English LiteratureScottish highers advanced
BCC including English LiteratureIrish leaving certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including English LiteratureAccess course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in English Literature and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3European Baccalaureate
70% including 70% in English LiteratureInternational Baccalaureate
32 points including HL 5 EnglishGCSE 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
If you do not have an A-Level or equivalent qualification in English Literature (or English Language and Literature), 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.
If you do not meet the academic and or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture
International Foundation in Humanities and Law
Alternative Qualifications
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
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 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
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, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Information on tuition fees can be found here.
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.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.

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How to apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
Further Information
Please complete our Online Enquiry Form to request a prospectus and to be kept up to date with news and events at the University.

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