BA (Hons) English Literature and Philosophy with a Year Abroad
Key details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- VQ5A
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
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84%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
What does it mean to be human? How can we tell right from wrong? How can we change the world for the better? Philosophers and writers alike have asked these timeless questions for centuries, often turning to one another to find answers. Literary texts can stage philosophical questions in unique ways, while philosophy can use literary techniques to bring its ideas to life. If reading and thinking go hand in hand for you, and if you love to explore ideas using your imagination, then our BA in English Literature and Philosophy with a Year Abroad is the perfect fit for you.
You'll get the chance to engage in depth with both literary and philosophical texts from across the ages. You might study the meaning of life alongside Shakespeare's plays, environmental philosophy alongside contemporary poetry, or philosophy of mind alongside literary modernism. Splitting your time between our innovative Literature and Philosophy Departments, you’ll explore various forms of expression in interactive classroom activities.
UEA’s engaging Literature(opens in a new window) and Philosophy Societies(opens in a new window) and Philosophy Public Lecture Series will offer even more opportunities to delve into ideas and texts that fascinate you. You’ll also study within the vibrant literary community of Norwich, known as the City of Stories and England's first UNESCO City of Literature.
This course will equip you with a brilliant range of analytical skills for presenting complex ideas simply and adapting them to varied styles of communication to suit different audiences. This flexible skillset will be enhanced throughout your degree by employability workshops and other extracurricular opportunities, such as our annual Working with Words event. You’ll graduate with increased confidence in your skills and experience, and ready to share your ideas widely and make a difference in the world around you.
Our graduates work across a diverse range of areas: the arts, journalism, publishing, teaching, and beyond. Join us and discover how asking the right questions can help you write the successful story of your life.
On this version of the course, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to spend your third year studying at one of our partner institutions across the globe
Year Abroad
This 4-year version of the course gives you the opportunity to spend the third year of your degree studying with one of UEA's many partner institutions across the globe, which offers teaching in your subject and in English. Destinations range from Japan to Hong Kong, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and Canada and the USA.
Studying Abroad gives you the opportunity to broaden your academic and social horizons, giving you opportunities to develop your confidence and communication skills, while bringing a unique element to your CV that will help you stand out to prospective employers. Availability at our partner institutions does vary from year to year and we always recommend you bring an open mind about your destination preference. You'll also need to meet certain academic progression requirements (scoring an aggregate of 55% in your first- and second-year assessments). If for this or for any other reason you were to decide you were unable to spend your third year abroad you can transfer to a 3-year version of your degree at any time.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
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
BA English Literature and Philosophy graduates have gone on to do wonderful things in a wide range of professions. The reasoning and critical thinking skills that you’ll develop will prepare you for a variety of roles in the professional sphere. You’ll graduate with:
- Precise and effective communication skills
- The ability to analyse data and information, and to correct faulty reasoning
- The ability to listen carefully to others, with empathy and rigorous attention to detail
- The power to articulate innovative and original ideas supported by reason
- The ability to use your imagination, think creatively, and offer critical appraisal
The combination of these skills makes you an ideal candidate for a wide range of career paths.
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(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Contextual offer: BBC 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 English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Contextual offer: DMM plus B at A-Level 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.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM plus B at A-Level English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Contextual: DMM plus B at A Level English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Diploma: DD plus B at A level English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Contextual: DD plus C at A Level English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Contextual: D plus BC at A Level 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 Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit 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(opens in a new window) or Philosophy with a Foundation Year (opens in a new window)
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including 5 in HL English, History, Global Politics or Psychology.
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 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
AAABB 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
BCC 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(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window).
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.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM plus B At A-Level 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.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM plus B at A-Level English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Diploma: DD plus B at A level English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level 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
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including 5 in HL English, History, Global Politics or Psychology.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA 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(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, INTO UEA 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.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees(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
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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: