BA (Hons) English Literature and Philosophy with a Placement Year
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- VQ5P
- Typical Offer
- BBB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Contextual Offer
- BCC (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
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Why you should choose us
92%
Of students were positive about the learning resources and facilities
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024-25Course Overview
What does it mean to be human? How can we tell right from wrong? How can we change the world for the better? For centuries, philosophers and writers have explored these questions together, each enriching the other's search for answers. Literary texts bring philosophical questions to life, while philosophy reveals deeper meanings in literature. If reading and thinking go hand in hand for you, and if you love to explore ideas using your imagination, join us and discover how asking the right questions can help you write the successful story of your life.
You'll get the chance to engage in depth with both literary and philosophical texts from across history. Imagine exploring the meaning of life through Shakespeare's plays, environmental ethics through contemporary poetry, or consciousness through modernist literature. Between our innovative Literature and Philosophy departments, you'll engage with ideas through interactive discussions and debates. On this version of the course, you’ll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year in a work placement, gaining invaluable real-world experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.
Beyond the classroom, UEA's Literature and Philosophy and our Philosophy Public Lecture Series offer extra opportunities to explore your interests. You'll study in Norwich - England's first UNESCO City of Literature - known for its vibrant literary scene.
You'll develop essential skills in analyzing complex ideas and communicating them clearly to different audiences. Through employability workshops and events like Working with Words, you'll build practical experience alongside academic knowledge.
Our graduates succeed in diverse fields - from journalism and publishing to teaching and the arts - using their unique combination of analytical and creative skills to make their mark on the world.
Placement Year
Want to graduate with professional experience? This course typically includes a 9-12 month placement during your third year, where you'll gain valuable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.
While you'll take the lead in finding your placement, you're never alone in the process. From your first year onwards, UEA's Career Central Service and your School will support you with:
- Tailored guidance on finding placements
- Help with applications and interviews
- Support throughout your placement year
Where Could You Work? With the versatile skills from English Literature and Philosophy, your options are diverse:
- Heritage and cultural organizations
- Business and consulting
- Public sector
- Creative industries
- Publishing and media
All placements are designed to develop professional skills that enhance your final year studies and launch your career.
Have an Entrepreneurial Spirit? Your placement year could become a 'Year in Enterprise' - your chance to launch your own business with expert support. You'll receive:
- Structured guidance
- Training courses
- Professional mentoring
(Note: The Year in Enterprise option is not currently available to Student Visa holders due to visa regulations.)
Want to know more? Our careers team can help you explore your options and start planning your placement journey.
Study and Modules
Careers
Career Pathways
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Law
- Journalism
- Civil service
- Cultural industries
- Teaching or lecturing
- Charity and environmental work
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
Our BA in English Literature and Philosophy opens doors to diverse and exciting career paths. Our graduates succeed across many fields because they combine sharp analytical skills with creative thinking and clear communication. You'll graduate ready to make your mark with abilities that employers value highly:
- Clear and persuasive communication across different media and audiences
- Expert analysis of complex information and arguments
- Active listening skills with attention to detail and nuance
- Creative problem-solving backed by logical reasoning
- Critical thinking that combines imagination with analytical rigor
These skills are sought after in fields like publishing, journalism, teaching, marketing, civil service, law, and business consulting. Many of our graduates also pursue further study or research, while others create their own innovative career paths combining their philosophical and literary interests.
Recent graduates have become editors, teachers, policy analysts, writers, consultants, and entrepreneurs. Whatever path you choose, you'll have the intellectual tools to succeed and make meaningful contributions in your chosen field.
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.
- 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.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Contextual: BCC including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Acceptable 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.BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM plus B at A-Level including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Contextual: DMM plus B at A-Level including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Acceptable 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.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities & Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 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
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - English Literature with a Foundation Year or Philosophy with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall including 5 in HL English, History, Global Politics or Psychology.
Irish Leaving Certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 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, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
Scottish Highers
AABBB 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, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
Scottish Advanced Highers
CCC 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, Psychology, 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.
- 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.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
BBB including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Acceptable 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.International Baccalaureate
31 points overall including 5 in HL English, History, Global Politics or Psychology.
- 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):
-
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 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 offer 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.
)
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
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
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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: