BA (Hons) English Literature and Philosophy
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- VQ53
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subjects specified)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (specific subjects specified)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
)
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
92%
Of students were positive about the learning resources and facilities
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024-2589%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23Course Overview
Why BA English Literature and Philosophy at UEA?
English Literature and Philosophy explore profound questions about what it means to be human. This degree builds powerful critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills valued across many careers.
Why choose UEA?
- Explore literature: Discover how novels, poetry, and philosophical argument illuminate questions of ethics, identity, and meaning
- Sharpen your voice: Tailor your studies to your passions in small, interactive seminars, developing confident, independent thinking skills
- City of Stories: UEA is home to the UK's most renowned creative writing programme, in England's first UNESCO City of Literature
What is BA English Literature and Philosophy?
To study English Literature and Philosophy at UEA is to explore life's biggest questions through two of humanity's most powerful ways of thinking. Your degree will be shaped by your curiosity, as you discover which texts, traditions, and problems speak most to you.
You'll learn to read closely and argue precisely, moving between philosophical analysis and literary interpretation with confidence. From year two, you'll follow your passions, choosing from modules that reflect the full breadth of both disciplines.
You'll develop the clarity, critical voice, and independence of thought that employers across every sector value. Norwich's vibrant literary scene, and UEA's unique creative and philosophical community, will enrich your studies throughout.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a BA English Literature and Philosophy degree, you could develop a career as a:
- Editor: Work with authors to shape manuscripts, develop ideas, and prepare books or articles for publication
- Journalist: Research and write stories that analyse events, ideas, and culture for newspapers, magazines, or digital media
- Teacher: Inspire students to think critically about literature, philosophy, and the big questions shaping society
- Solicitor: Use analytical reasoning and persuasive writing to advise clients and prepare legal cases
- Arts Curator: Develop exhibitions and cultural programmes that explore literature, ideas, and human experience
Career Support
Work closely with your tutors as you develop the critical, analytical, and communication skills that today's employers seek. Identify and shape your career ambitions with personalised guidance from UEA's dedicated Career Central. Through one-to-one appointments, employer events, and professional development workshops, you'll build strong, competitive applications. You'll also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through placements and internships.
After the Course
Your English Literature and Philosophy degree is a gateway to careers where rigorous thinking and clear communication are invaluable. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in law, creative writing, or philosophy, opening doors to new professions. You'll also be well-positioned to pursue a Master's degree or PhD in either discipline or a related field. Our graduates have built successful careers in publishing, journalism, teaching, and the creative industries.
Study and Modules
Structure
This three-year interdisciplinary degree is designed to help you tackle big questions through literature and philosophy, and grow as a person, while giving you skills sought by employers.
Your first year builds strong foundations in both literature and philosophy. You’ll develop key skills such as close reading, critical thinking, and analytical writing, which are essential across both subjects. In literature, you’ll explore ancient myths and read some of today's most exciting authors, seeing how writers have captured human experience across time. In philosophy, you’ll read ancient, early modern, and contemporary philosophers, and will examine questions about the meaning of life, competing moral frameworks, and clashes between science and lived experience. You’ll learn to recognize philosophical themes in literature and appreciate literary craft in philosophical texts, gaining new perspectives on how the two disciplines connect.
Compulsory Modules
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
In your second year, two core modules explore philosophical questions about literature and the arts while examining how literature and cinema have been used to address philosophical questions. Typically, co-taught by philosophers and literary scholars, these modules reveal connections between disciplines, from Plato’s literary style to the “novel of ideas.” Further philosophy options may include existentialism, aesthetics, or philosophy of religion, while literature choices range from medieval writing to contemporary fiction and critical theory. You’ll also be able to engage with influential thinkers like Nietzsche and Simone de Beauvoir, examine social and political issues linked to your studies, or study a foreign language.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional G 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.
Structure
Your final year offers you the freedom to shape your studies around your interests. You'll take two advanced modules from philosophy, with the option to focus only on philosophy or maintain an equal balance. This year emphasizes independent study, allowing you to explore topics in greater depth. Whether you want to build on areas you discovered in your second year or venture into a new territory, you'll have the flexibility to create your own academic path. A highlight is the optional dissertation. Working one-to-one with a supervisor, you can focus on philosophy, literature, or combine both disciplines in an original way. It's your chance to develop your own research project and contribute new insights to a topic you're passionate about.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 30)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 30)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
Teaching combines interactive lectures, small-group seminars, and workshops, delivered by research-active literary scholars and philosophers. Carefully curated reading lists and bespoke learning materials support your independent study between sessions. A unique integrated module in year two is taught collaboratively by experts from both disciplines. Regular academic advising and formative tasks help you reflect on your progress and develop across both fields.
In year one, extra workshop hours help you transition confidently into university-level close reading and philosophical analysis.
In year two, seminars become more discussion-led, with integrated teaching that draws out the connections between both disciplines.
In year three, teaching is shaped around your chosen advanced modules and independent research project.
Assessment
The course uses a wide range of formats to help you develop and demonstrate the skills employers value most. You'll benefit from formative assessments throughout, giving you ongoing feedback before summative work is due. Summative formats include essays, presentations, and close reading exercises drawn from both literary and philosophical traditions.
In year one, assessments build your confidence in both philosophical arguments and literary analysis.
In year two, you'll tackle more complex essays and integrated tasks that draw on both disciplines simultaneously.
In year three, you may choose to write a dissertation, developed one-to-one with a supervisor, on a topic spanning literature, philosophy, or both.
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(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below:
Contextual: 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, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
BTEC
Extended Diploma: DDM plus B at A level in English Literature or one of the subjects listed above
Contextual: DMM plus B at A level in English Literature or one of the subjects listed above
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 the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 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
32 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 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 Highers
AAABB 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
BCC including English Literature or one of the subjects listed above
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(opens in a new window) 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
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.
International Baccalaureate
32 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(opens in a new window) 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, 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(opens in a new window) applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
)
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
-
UK Students: £10,050
-
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. (opens in a new window)
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: