BA ENGLISH LITERATURE AND DRAMA
BA 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 and acting. Your practical skills in the theatre and your mastery 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 epic to children’s literature, crime writing to lyric poetry, tragedy 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 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.
Our BA English Literature and Drama is ranked in the top 30 for Drama and Dance by 'The Guardian 2021'

UEA Live
Social Media

After English

Ask a Student
- SHARE
- Facebook
- Twitter
- LinkedIn
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 our Study Abroad section of our website.

UEA Live
Social Media

After English

Ask a Student
After the Course
Some graduates go into careers in drama, film or radio. 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
Examples of careers you could enter include:
-
Theatre and film
-
Journalism
-
Media
-
Teaching
-
Finance
-
Publishing

UEA Live
Social Media

After English

Ask a Student
Assessment for Year 1
Our BA English Literature and Drama modules do not have written exams. Each of the modules you take has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Your practical work in acting, performance and directing will be observed and assessed. You might also write reflectively about your own performance, or you might find yourself writing creatively, producing portfolios of scriptwriting for assessment.
On the literature side, you’ll be assessed on the written coursework you submit. 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 – submitting ‘creative criticism’, where 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 BA English Literature and Drama modules do not have written exams. Each of the modules you take has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Your practical work in acting, performance and directing will be observed and assessed. You might also write reflectively about your own performance, or you might find yourself writing creatively, producing portfolios of scriptwriting for assessment.
On the literature side, you’ll be assessed on the written coursework you submit. 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 – submitting ‘creative criticism’, where 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 BA English Literature and Drama modules do not have written exams. Each of the modules you take has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Your practical work in acting, performance and directing will be observed and assessed. You might also write reflectively about your own performance, or you might find yourself writing creatively, producing portfolios of scriptwriting for assessment.
On the literature side, you’ll be assessed on the written coursework you submit. 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 – submitting ‘creative criticism’, where 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 1
Our BA English Literature and Drama modules do not have written exams. Each of the modules you take has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Your practical work in acting, performance and directing will be observed and assessed. You might also write reflectively about your own performance, or you might find yourself writing creatively, producing portfolios of scriptwriting for assessment.
On the literature side, you’ll be assessed on the written coursework you submit. 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 – submitting ‘creative criticism’, where 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 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 their 2nd Year, students must take 40-60 credits from modules starting LDCD and 40-60 credits from modules starting LDCL.
Assessment for Year 2
Our BA English Literature and Drama modules do not have written exams. Each of the modules you take has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Your practical work in acting, performance and directing will be observed and assessed. You might also write reflectively about your own performance, or you might find yourself writing creatively, producing portfolios of scriptwriting for assessment.
On the literature side, you’ll be assessed on the written coursework you submit. 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 – submitting ‘creative criticism’, where 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 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 their 3rd Year of study, students must take 60-90 credits from modules starting LDCD and 30-60 credits from modules starting LDCL.Modules in this range are core, which means they have to be passed and are not eligible for compensation.
Assessment for Year 3
Our BA English Literature and Drama modules do not have written exams. Each of the modules you take has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
Your practical work in acting, performance and directing will be observed and assessed. You might also write reflectively about your own performance, or you might find yourself writing creatively, producing portfolios of scriptwriting for assessment.
On the literature side, you’ll be assessed on the written coursework you submit. 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 – submitting ‘creative criticism’, where 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 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
BBB or ABC including an English Literature or BBC including English Literature with an A in the Extended ProjectBTEC
DDM in an Arts/Humanities subject (usually Performing Arts) alongside a grade B in English Literature. BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services or Business Administration not acceptedScottish highers
AABBB including English LiteratureScottish highers advanced
CCC including English LiteratureIrish leaving certificate
2 subjects at H2 and 3 subjects at H3 including English LiteratureAccess course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in English Literature or Theatre Studies at MeritEuropean Baccalaureate
70% overall including 70% in English LiteratureInternational Baccalaureate
31 points including Higher Level 5 in 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 meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes.
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):
-
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
If your application tells us that you're capable and enlivened by your chosen course, we will invite you to a one-to-one workshop with an academic. This is a chance to meet us, discuss the course and work on a monologue from a play you love, giving you a taste of what it would be like to study Drama here at UEA. Workshops take place on Applicant Days and include opportunities to look around the campus, view accommodation, meet current students, talk to staff members and find out more about what happens here. You'll be asked to bring a monologue that you enjoy so that you can work on it together with an academic. We'll also talk about your current studies, extra-curricular interests and the theatre that excites you.
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.

UEA Live
Social Media

After English

Ask a Student
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.

UEA Live
Social Media

After English

Ask a Student
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.

UEA Live
Social Media

After English

Ask a Student

UEA Live
Social Media

After English

Ask a Student
Related Courses
Not quite right? Search for other courses below: