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Literature and Creative Writing at UEA
Find out more about studying Literature and Creative Writing at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBA (Hons) English Literature and History
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- _QV31
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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UEA is ranked 19th overall for research quality in English Language and Literature
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Why English Literature and History at UEA?
Literature and history share the same foundation: storytelling. On this dynamic course, you’ll explore how stories shape our past and identities.
Why choose UEA?
- Literary hub: Study in Norwich, City of Stories and England's first UNESCO City of Literature, home to the National Centre for Writing
- Flexible degree: Tailor the course to your literary and historical interests through flexible module choices and coursework-only assessments
- Leading experts: Discover literature and history firsthand from renowned experts working at the cutting-edge
What is BA English Literature and History?
Study texts and cultures across time and discover how they shape our present. You’ll read literature from around the world alongside global history. From ancient epics to revolutionary politics, and from Cold War culture to apocalyptic fiction, you’ll engage with an exciting range of ideas.
You’ll forge your own path through your degree, choosing topics in history and literature that resonate with you the most. Throughout, you’ll hone and express your ideas in a range of forms, such as close readings, source commentaries or creative retellings.
You’ll also have opportunities to gain experience with archives and publishing to help you prepare for the world of work. You’ll attend events like our annual Working with Words conference to explore your future career options.
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’ll develop confidence and adaptability and will have the chance to deepen your understanding of literature and history while learning about another culture.
For more details, check out study abroad.
Instead of a semester abroad, you could choose to do a short placement during your second year. This placement would be in a creative, cultural, charity, heritage, media or other appropriate organisation. You’ll secure your own placement with support. This will take place alongside two other modules in the spring semester.
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Careers
Career Pathways
With a degree in English Literature and History, you could launch a career as a:
- Publishing Editor: Shape the literary landscape by commissioning or editing new books, like our former student Izzy
- Heritage Officer: Build on your historical and literary knowledge in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage
- Teacher: Shape the new generation of thinkers by sharing your love of language, history, and storytelling
- Advocacy Officer (NGO): Make a real difference in the world by shaping the stories that most need telling today
- Archive Librarian: Preserve historical documents, writers’ papers, and manage and curate physical and digital materials for public use
Career Support
Our modules will help you develop the full range of verbal, communication, and creative skills required in today’s world of work. You’ll practice those skills in the classroom and in your coursework. Events like Working with Words will give you a chance to meet inspiring industry professionals.
Our award-winning Career Service will also help you identify, shape and foster your career ambitions with hands-on guidance. You can get support with securing placements and internships, developing your CV, and preparing for interviews.
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
Your BA English Literature and History degree is a gateway qualification to a range of careers for which your analytical and communication skills will be invaluable. After graduation, you could go on to work in the arts, media, publishing, the heritage industry, politics, charities and NGOs, teaching or the commercial sector. You’ll be equipped with skills of critical reading, independence, time management, teamwork, and more, which are highly valued by employers. You’ll also be well placed to study for a postgraduate degree in literature, history, or a related subject.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll engage with both subjects from day one. You'll cover the historical span of English Literature and explore how your subjects can illuminate one another. You’ll choose from topics such as medieval, early modern or modern history. You’ll explore the global history of English itself, from its origins in multilingual medieval society to the extraordinary literatures which are still being forged today. As AI becomes more powerful, you’ll investigate the dynamic relationship between writing and technology.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)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.
Structure
Your second year allows you to deepen your literary and historical interests. You’ll learn about and experiment with the many creative ways in which history can be written. You’ll also select modules from a range of options in literature and history. In History, you might learn about eras from the Roman period to the contemporary. On the English side of the course, you can explore literature from the medieval to the present day.
You can choose exciting options in creative writing, journalism, and publishing. You can also build strong connections between your subjects by studying the same period from each discipline. You might explore Victorian novels while analysing the social upheavals of the same historical era.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)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.
Structure
Your final year is your chance to explore your passions across history and English literature. You can choose from an exciting range of specialist modules covering everything from the Middle Ages to the political transformations of Thatcher’s Britain. You might dive into the trailblazing women writers of the Renaissance or today’s bold feminist voices. You could discover terrifying medieval monsters or immerse yourself in gripping contemporary hardboiled detective fiction. In your final year, you may complete a dissertation in literature or history. You’ll continue studying both subjects, but you’ll decide the balance. Your choices will showcase the distinctive academic identity you’ve built throughout your degree.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 90)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 90)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 30)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.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You’ll experience a dynamic mix of teaching styles and shape your studies around them. From lectures and seminars to tutorials and independent study, learning is varied and engaging.
You’ll explore ideas through guided reading, writing, and research. You’ll also take part in individual and collaborative projects that bring your learning to life.
Throughout your degree, you’ll be supported by expert tutors and your academic adviser. You’ll benefit from excellent library resources and dedicated support teams. Together, they’ll help you build confidence and develop key study, research, and writing skills. Student wellbeing and accessibility support are always available when you need them.
In year one, you’ll build a strong foundation through lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials.
In year two, you’ll deepen your knowledge, with options including practice-based modules like publishing.
In your final year, you’ll have greater independence, with seminar-led teaching and self-directed study. If you choose a dissertation, you’ll work closely with a supervisor to explore a topic you’re passionate about.
Assessment
All your assessments are coursework. There are no exams for English Literature and History.
Your work will take many forms, from critical essays and source commentaries to exhibition brochures and creative adaptations. Whatever modules you choose, your tutors will support you with feedback as you develop your ideas.
In year one, you’ll build confidence through standalone pieces and critical portfolios. You’ll start with shorter tasks and progress to more developed work.
In year two, essays remain central, alongside new formats such as presentations and creative retellings. You’ll expand your skills and explore new ways of expressing your ideas.
In your final year, you’ll take on ambitious, independent projects shaped by your interests. You can also propose and research your own topic through the dissertation module.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.(opens in a new window)
- Contextual Offers
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(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Contextual offer: BBB 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.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD plus A-Level grade B in English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Contextual offer: DDM plus 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.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3.
Contextual offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Not accepted.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including 5 in HL English, History, Global Politics or Psychology.
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3 including English Literature or one of the following subjects: 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.
Scottish Highers
AAAAA including English Literature, or one of the following subjects: 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.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC, including English Literature or one of the following subjects: 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.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- 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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include 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.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.(opens in a new window)
- Typical International 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, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including 5 in HL English, History, Global Politics or Psychology.
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers 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.
- 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)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- 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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include 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.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see additional course fees for details of course-related costs.
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: