BA (Hons) English Literature and Philosophy
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- VQ53
- Entry Requirements
- AAB
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
Course Overview
Writers and philosophers consider the same universal questions using different approaches. By studying English Literature and Philosophy together, you get to read and discuss the literature you love with staff and students in our world-famous School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing, while also exploring the deep philosophical questions with philosophy students and staff, who will make you think twice and read again.
Our degree course provides roughly equal proportions of both subjects, but there’s scope to adjust the balance towards more literature or more philosophy if you wish, as your interests deepen. In fact, there are staff in both departments whose research and teaching interests cross between the two disciplines. And in your second year you’ll have a co-taught module that combines the two together in an exciting way – all of which makes for a university experience you’ll never forget.
How are we to live? What is justice? How can our minds know the world? What is truth? Can we prove anything about God? How do we tell good reasoning from bad?
The study of philosophy considers these questions in a systematic attempt to make sense of human life and the world in which we live. And literature is another, equally important way that we try to make sense of human life and the questions it raises.
In this course, you’ll discover how these two disciplines spark off each other to deepen your understanding of both. You’ll discover how philosophers and writers explore existential aspects of the human condition in diverse ways. You’ll examine the literary artistry of thinkers such as Plato and Nietzsche, who invite us into philosophy in exciting and unexpected ways. And you’ll discuss how novels, poems and dramatic works uncover special kinds of truth about the world.
To study literature and philosophy together is to understand the influence one has on the other – and the way different minds work. Approached together in a single degree they’re incredibly stimulating, with the study of one enriching your study of the other.
You’ll especially love this course if you’re interested in existential and intellectual themes in literature. You’ll choose from the full range of modules in both Philosophy and English Literature, developing skills in both fields. Interdisciplinary links are emphasised, and in your second year you will take a dedicated module that brings the two subjects together.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You could expand your horizons by choosing to spend a semester of your second year studying abroad at one of UEA’s partner universities. You’d spend the autumn semester completing three modules at UEA, then transfer overseas in the spring.
You will not only experience life in a different country and make international connections, you’ll also make yourself even more attractive to prospective employers, who value the skills of resourcefulness and resilience that studying abroad will bring you.
For further details, visit our Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your first year of study will provide you with a well-balanced mix of literature and philosophy modules that introduce you to your subjects in engaging ways and help you develop key skills for study in these areas, such as close reading
You’ll also be invited to look at the past to see how we came to where we are now, for instance in Reading Literature in History, and modules on the history of philosophy.
In your second semester, you’ll choose three modules to suit your interests from the full range of philosophy and literature modules. If you wish, you can also select one module outside your main subjects – from a wide range of complementary subjects, including languages.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)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
Through engaging lectures, small seminars, skills workshops, and one-to-one support, you will explore a wide range of topics and approaches and discover your passions.
We place great emphasis on working ideas through together. We encourage everyone to contribute, listen and respond appropriately in both large and small group settings. We seek out positive criticism, and polite and fruitful exchanges of views.
As part of supported independent learning you will engage with diverse and fascinating texts, including both historical and contemporary works. Using individual feedback and guidance from your teachers, you will develop your ability to express your ideas clearly, both in writing and other formats.
Continuing throughout your degree, each of your lecturers holds drop-in office hours, through which you’ll be able to gain one-to-one guidance.
You’ll have an academic adviser from the advising team throughout the course of your studies. The adviser is there to provide academic and career guidance, and to support your wellbeing.
How you’ll spend your time:
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35% Teaching
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65% Independent learning
Assessment
Our assessments are at the level of the module and consist of a mixture of exam, class tests, essays, and journal entries. The assessments for Year 1 do not contribute to your final degree classification.
You will receive constructive feedback on both your formative and summative assessments to help you develop your understanding and skills.
Structure
By the time you enter your second year, you’ll have discovered where your best talents lie, and you’ll be equipped to choose from the wide range of philosophy and literature modules on offer. You will choose five of your six modules and can shift the balance towards one subject or the other.
Your one compulsory module will be our keystone module Literature and Philosophy, in which you will be taught by expert lecturers and tutors in both philosophy and literature. In it, you will study topics such as the literary style of Plato, historicism and folktale, and deconstruction.
In addition to the usual areas of philosophy that we offer in second year – such as ethics, philosophy of language, philosophy of religion, and various thinkers and texts from ancient or modern philosophy – modules will be available that reflect UEA’s specialisms, such as environmental philosophy, explorations in the connections between philosophy and film, and the links between literature, philosophy, and political theory.
You’ll have an immense choice of literature modules, many of which allow you to step beyond the literature that you have met before, or to approach the familiar with unfamiliar questions.
Many of your optional modules, covering topics such as ‘philosophy meets the arts’, and critical theory and practice, will allow you to explore the connections between philosophy and literary studies. You may also find the chance to study Nietzsche, or the existential philosophers such as Sartre, particularly stimulating. If you wish, you can also select up to two modules outside your main subjects – from a wide range of complementary subjects.
You can also take a placement module in which you apply the skills you are developing through your degree into the working world, to explore a career path that interests you.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)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
Lectures and seminars will help you delve into your chosen areas of study. The teaching methods on individual modules are tailored to support your development in the wide variety of topics on offer. You continue to benefit from one-to-one support.
In your independent study, you’ll immerse yourself in your chosen areas. Using individual feedback and one-to-one support, you will build your skills further as you develop into a self-motivated researcher and independent creative thinker.
How you’ll spend your time:
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25% Teaching
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75% Independent learning
Assessment
Our assessments at the level of the module and comprise of module essays and other written projects, including class presentations, and long-form essays based on the module topic. This is meant to help you improve your performance in the summative tasks.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll typically choose two advanced modules from literature and two from philosophy. Although you have the freedom, for example, to shift the balance towards one of your main subjects, or to select a complementary module from outside your main subjects. Third year modules involve a higher degree of independent study, allowing you to take the subject to a greater depth. You can choose to further progress in areas that you explored in your second year, explore new areas and issues, or a mixture of the two.
In addition to the main modules we offer across the spectrum of philosophy and literature, your final year will give you the option to undertake either a dissertation with one-to-one supervision, or a special subject, in which you and a few fellow students will work with a tutor on an area of mutual interest. If you choose the dissertation route, your subject matter can be a philosophical or literary topic, or a question that combines the two.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 0)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 0)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
This is your chance to explore important and compelling subjects in depth, taught by subject specialists in lectures and seminars. If you choose, you may pursue a dissertation, working one-on-one with an expert on a project of your own design.
In your independent study, you’ll flourish as a creative and independent thinker as you master the fields of study that matter the most to you.
How you’ll spend your time:
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20% Teaching
-
80% Independent learning
Assessment
The third year is the same as Year 2 except with the opportunity to write a dissertation of 8-9000 words on a topic of choosing where you will be under the supervision of a member of the school.
The constructive feedback will be substantial throughout so that you can deliver your best work as part of your summative assessment.
Your final degree result is based on the marks for all your modules in the last two years, weighted 40:60 so that more importance is attached to the fully mature work of your third year.
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, Psychology, 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 accepted
- BTEC
- DDD 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, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law. Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business Administration
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA 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, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBC 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, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 4 subjects at H2, 2 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, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law
- Access to HE Diploma
- Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway accepted. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3.
- International Baccalaureate
- 33 including 5 in HL 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 Law
- GCSE
- You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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) 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:
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- Interviews
- Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. 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.
- 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.
- Intakes
- This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or 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.
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 have an A-Level or equivalent qualification in one of the subjects listed below, 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.
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.
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
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:
Employability
After the Course
UEA English Literature and Philosophy graduates have gone on to do great things in a wide range of professions. The reasoning and critical thinking skills that you’ll develop will prepare you for all kinds of roles in the professional sphere. They include:
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Precise and effective communication skills
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The ability to analyse data and information, and to correct faulty reasoning
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Listening carefully to others, with empathy and rigorous attention to detail
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Innovative and original ideas supported by reason
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The ability to use your imagination, think creatively, and offer critical appraisal
Careers
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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Law
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Journalism
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Civil service
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Cultural industries
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Teaching or lecturing
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Charity and environmental work