BA (Hons) ENGLISH LITERATURE AND DRAMA
BA (HONS) ENGLISH LITERATURE AND DRAMA
On this degree you’ll immerse yourself in all aspects of the theatre while gaining a first-class academic grounding in English literature. This will give you a deep understanding of the relationships between the practices of writing in all major genres – prose, poetry, and drama – and the practices of dramatic production, acting, and contemporary theatre. Your practical skills in the theatre and your deep understanding of literature will support and enrich one another.
You’ll develop your skills in practical stagecraft through our intensive drama training and with the resources of UEA’s Drama Studio on hand for you to use and enjoy. You’ll also encounter literature from across centuries and across genres, ranging from established classics to new work being written today. With its vivid dramatic and literary traditions and lively contemporary scene, Norwich is the perfect city in which to be a student of drama and literature.
About
This course combines modules in English literature with practical and theoretical drama modules. You’ll largely have flexibility to decide the precise balance between literature and drama in your course. You may, for example, choose to study a wide range of genres, including the novel and poetry, or gradually to specialize in dramatic literature and performance.
You will have access to the same range of literature modules as our full-time English literature students. That means you’ll be able to delve into periods from the medieval to the present day, explore diverse traditions from across the globe, and tackle a heady mix of genres, which currently range from the gothic to children’s literature, crime writing to Japanese fiction, apocalyptic writing to biography. It’s worth reading the detailed account of our BA English Literature degree to get a sense of the possibilities on offer.
In your practical drama modules, you will work alongside full-time drama students in our professionally equipped 200-seat Drama Studio. You’ll have the keys to this amazing space, letting you control everything in your own productions, from performance and staging to costume, lighting, and sound-design. You’ll have the chance to bring all your performance skills together in major practical projects each year.
Studying literature will deepen your practical work in the theatre. As you get inside the words of plays in the seminar room, you’ll become better able to release their energies in your own performance. At the same time, your study of literature will be enriched by your performance work – you’ll understand how plays work from the inside. The two elements of your degree are always deepening and enhancing one another.
You’ll be taught by our leading drama practitioners and literary critics. 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 your tutors on this degree will use that cutting-edge research to inspire you. You’ll also benefit from our highly regarded student-run Minotaur Theatre Company, which gives you the chance to gain valuable additional performance, technical and scriptwriting experience. Find out more about life in the School of Literature, Drama, and Creative Writing on our Instagram @uealdc.

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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 will have the opportunity 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 literature and drama while learning about another culture.
At UEA, you will also be surrounded throughout your degree 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
Some graduates go into careers in theatre, film, or radio, as writers, developers, agents, casting directors, or artistic directors of their own companies. Recent graduates from our drama degrees include the actor Matt Smith (famous for his portrayal of Doctor Who and his leading role in The Crown) and the presenter of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Greg James. For others, the degree is a stepping-stone towards careers in the arts, media, publishing and politics, charities and NGOs, teaching, and the commercial sector.
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 also 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 drama and 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.
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Theatre and film
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Journalism
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Media
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Teaching
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Finance
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Publishing

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Assessment for Year 1
Assessment
Our BA Literature and Drama modules do not have written exams (apart from one technical theatre test). The technical theatre skills you're developing will usually be assessed through tasks such as making a 3D model of a set, designing a costume, or placing mics on a soundstage. Your performance work will be graded, and so will the rehearsals for your end-of-year production, capturing your development in the round. You'll develop renewed enthusiasm for writing academic essays, and express your thinking in a diverse variety of forms, like reviews or personal reflective writing.
Feedback
You're given constant feedback on your practical work, helping you to deepen your craft as a performer. To prepare for coursework, you'll receive feedback on pieces of 'formative' work from your tutors, e.g. in one-to-one tutorials. Feedback on assessed work will be returned within 20 working days (after it has been carefully marked and moderated). As your first year does not count toward your overall degree result, it's the perfect moment to experiment and take risks.
Assessment for Year 2
Assessment
You'll continue to be assessed on your practical work in all its forms, whether that's acting, directing, filmmaking, technical theatre, or your collaborative work with an external organisation. You'll also continue to submit coursework for all your literature modules, taking your essay writing to new heights (in projects of around 2500 words) and becoming increasingly daring in your work. While essay writing remains the cornerstone of your degree, you might also submit podcasts, videos, or exhibition plans, or experiment with 'creative criticism', for instance by writing a short story to show off what you've learnt about that form.
Feedback
Your practical work is constantly enriched by your drama tutors' feedback during rehearsals, and you'll continue to receive advice on 'formative' writing, too, from both your literature and drama tutors.
Assessment for Year 3
Assessment
If you choose the Drama Production module, your rehearsal and technical work will be continuously assessed by your mentor and the drama tutor who's leading the whole project, and your final performance will be marked, and that mark moderated by an external examiner. If you choose a Drama Project, that will also be assessed and externally moderated. On the literature side, you'll continue to submit 100% written coursework, perfecting the craft of essay writing in more substantial and independently-conceived projects (3500-5000 words). You might also find yourself submitting reflective writing about your performances, scripts, or pieces of creative-critical writing, where you fuse critical with imaginative writing (e.g. assessments in the Drama and Literature module might ask you to adapt a non-dramatic text into script to explore the unique nature of theatre as a medium).
Feedback
As well as constant advice on your practical work as it develops, you'll receive full written feedback on your work in either the Drama Production or Drama Project modules. Written work in your third year continues to be supported by feedback on formative writing. All the feedback you've received on the literature side enables you to graduate with highly developed skills in writing and argument which are hugely valued by employers.
Assessment for Year 1
Assessment
Our BA Literature and Drama modules do not have written exams (apart from one technical theatre test). The technical theatre skills you're developing will usually be assessed through tasks such as making a 3D model of a set, designing a costume, or placing mics on a soundstage. Your performance work will be graded, and so will the rehearsals for your end-of-year production, capturing your development in the round. You'll develop renewed enthusiasm for writing academic essays, and express your thinking in a diverse variety of forms, like reviews or personal reflective writing.
Feedback
You're given constant feedback on your practical work, helping you to deepen your craft as a performer. To prepare for coursework, you'll receive feedback on pieces of 'formative' work from your tutors, e.g. in one-to-one tutorials. Feedback on assessed work will be returned within 20 working days (after it has been carefully marked and moderated). As your first year does not count toward your overall degree result, it's the perfect moment to experiment and take risks.
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.Assessment for Year 2
Assessment
You'll continue to be assessed on your practical work in all its forms, whether that's acting, directing, filmmaking, technical theatre, or your collaborative work with an external organisation. You'll also continue to submit coursework for all your literature modules, taking your essay writing to new heights (in projects of around 2500 words) and becoming increasingly daring in your work. While essay writing remains the cornerstone of your degree, you might also submit podcasts, videos, or exhibition plans, or experiment with 'creative criticism', for instance by writing a short story to show off what you've learnt about that form.
Feedback
Your practical work is constantly enriched by your drama tutors' feedback during rehearsals, and you'll continue to receive advice on 'formative' writing, too, from both your literature and drama tutors.
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.Assessment for Year 3
Assessment
If you choose the Drama Production module, your rehearsal and technical work will be continuously assessed by your mentor and the drama tutor who's leading the whole project, and your final performance will be marked, and that mark moderated by an external examiner. If you choose a Drama Project, that will also be assessed and externally moderated. On the literature side, you'll continue to submit 100% written coursework, perfecting the craft of essay writing in more substantial and independently-conceived projects (3500-5000 words). You might also find yourself submitting reflective writing about your performances, scripts, or pieces of creative-critical writing, where you fuse critical with imaginative writing (e.g. assessments in the Drama and Literature module might ask you to adapt a non-dramatic text into script to explore the unique nature of theatre as a medium).
Feedback
As well as constant advice on your practical work as it develops, you'll receive full written feedback on your work in either the Drama Production or Drama Project modules. Written work in your third year continues to be supported by feedback on formative writing. All the feedback you've received on the literature side enables you to graduate with highly developed skills in writing and argument which are hugely valued by employers.
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
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, 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
DDM in an Arts/Humanities subject (usually Performing Arts) 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, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law. Excludes BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business AdministrationScottish highers
AAABB including 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, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or LawScottish highers advanced
BCC including 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, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or LawIrish 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, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or LawAccess course
Humanities and 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.European Baccalaureate
75% including 7 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
32 including HL 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 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.
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 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.
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
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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:
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.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.

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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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