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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 with Creative Writing with a Year Abroad
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- _Q3WA
- Typical Offer
- AAA (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- ABB (specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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Course Overview
Why BA English literature with Creative Writing with a Year Abroad at UEA?
Do you love to write as much as you love to read? Develop your unique writing voice in a vibrant creative environment, inspired by literature from around the world. Spend your third year studying abroad at one of our global partner universities.
Why choose UEA?
- Award-winning alumni: Study in the UK’s longest-running Creative Writing department.
- Creative craft: Underpin your creativity with a deep understanding of literary traditions and techniques.
- City of Stories: Study in Norwich, England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, home to the National Centre for Writing
What is BA English Literature with Creative Writing with a Year Abroad?
You’ll nurture your creativity alongside your love of literature. Guided by practicing writers, you’ll learn to sculpt language into stories, scenes, and images. You’ll study literature from around the world, discovering how writers have expanded literary possibilities and made art out of lived experience.
In your first two years, you’ll spend two-thirds of your time on English Literature and one-third on Creative Writing. In your third year, you’ll study abroad at one of our exciting partner universities across the globe. In your final year, you’ll return to UEA and can choose to focus more on Creative Writing or Literature, depending on your interests.
You can take inspiration for your creativity from the literary treasures of the British Archive for Contemporary Writing and the Sainsbury Centre. You can also get involved with our student-run publishing project EggBox, where you can publish your work or get hands-on experience making books and zines. You’ll study in a department home to award-winning writers such as Kazuo Ishiguro, Ian McEwan, and Anne Enright.
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Year Abroad
This four-year course gives you the chance to study abroad in your third year. You’ll join one of UEA’s global partner institutions, where your subject is taught in English. Choose from destinations including Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Europe, Latin America, Canada, and the USA.
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience. You’ll broaden your horizons, grow in confidence, and develop valuable communication skills. You’ll also gain a global perspective that makes your CV stand out to employers.
Places vary each year, so flexibility is key. You’ll need to meet academic progression requirements, including a 55% average across years one and two. If your plans change, you can transfer to the three-year version of the course at any time.
For more details, check out study abroad.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a degree in English Literature with Creative Writing you could launch a career as a:
- Publishing editor: Shape the literary landscape by commissioning or editing new books, or by working with writers as a literary agent
- Journalist: Capture engaging news stories, or write reviews and feature pieces about the latest books, films, TV, music or art
- Freelance writer: Work as a novelist, essayist or poet, or build a versatile creative portfolio, writing for businesses and other professional organisations
- Copywriter: Write content that captures your audience’s attention and imagination for advertising, marketing and communications
- Script- and screenwriter: Develop scripts and adaptations for stage and screen, working with production companies and directors to bring your creative vision to life
Career Support
You’ll be taught by published and practising writers, who’ll share their wisdom and experience with you. You’ll develop writing, critical thinking, and communication skills which prepare you for a host of fulfilling careers. Vocational modules on journalism, publishing and writing for podcasting will also ready you for the creative industries. You’ll get to attend our annual Working with Words employability event, where you’ll network with industry professionals. On top of this, you’ll benefit from our award-winning . You’ll have placement and mentorship opportunities, as well as the UEA Award to help you gain a competitive edge.
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
Upon graduating from our BA English Literature with Creative Writing with a Year Abroad course, you'll be a first-rate writer and an advanced critical and creative thinker with an independent mind. You’ll know how to manage your time, how to tell captivating stories, and how to express your unique voice. You’ll be ready to forge your own path working in the arts, or venturing into media, publishing, politics, charities and NGOs, teaching, or the commercial sector. You’ll also be well placed to study for a postgraduate degree, including one of our world-famous Creative Writing MAs. Regardless of the direction you choose, you'll be superbly placed to start writing your own story.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your study in writing craft and literary traditions will provide the backbone to your English Literature with Creative Writing with a Placement year degree. It’s a combination which will help you to grow and refine your voice as a writer.
You’ll explore the fundamentals of prose, poetry, and scriptwriting in your first semester, guided by the work of some of today’s most exciting contemporary writers. Through seminars and writing exercises, you’ll experiment with different forms and techniques, sharpening your craft in a supportive, creative environment. In the second semester, you’ll dive into genre writing, from fantasy to crime fiction. You’ll be encouraged to take risks and expand your creative horizons. Alongside this, you’ll explore how technology – from the printing press to AI – have shaped the writer’s work and creative practice.
On the literature side, you’ll immerse yourself in the global history of English, from its origins in multilingual medieval society to the extraordinary literatures still being forged today from the legacies of colonialism and its resistance. At the same time, you’ll experience the thrill of close reading, sharpening your analytical skills and deepening your appreciation of language and form.
Compulsory Modules
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 study in writing craft and literary traditions will provide the backbone to your English Literature with Creative Writing with a Placement year degree. It’s a combination which will help you to grow and refine your voice as a writer.
You’ll explore the fundamentals of prose, poetry, and scriptwriting in your first semester, guided by the work of some of today’s most exciting contemporary writers. Through seminars and writing exercises, you’ll experiment with different forms and techniques, sharpening your craft in a supportive, creative environment. In the second semester, you’ll dive into genre writing, from fantasy to crime fiction. You’ll be encouraged to take risks and expand your creative horizons. Alongside this, you’ll explore how technology – from the printing press to AI – have shaped the writer’s work and creative practice.
On the literature side, you’ll immerse yourself in the global history of English, from its origins in multilingual medieval society to the extraordinary literatures still being forged today from the legacies of colonialism and its resistance. At the same time, you’ll experience the thrill of close reading, sharpening your analytical skills and deepening your appreciation of language and form.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 80)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional D 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
You'll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our many partner institutions across the globe. This is a brilliant opportunity to experience living in another country. You’ll develop greater confidence and communication skills that will help your CV stand out to employers. Check out study abroad to learn more.
Compulsory Modules
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
You’ll refine your voice through advanced Creative Writing workshops modelled on UEA’s renowned MA programme. You may also wish to undertake a Creative Writing dissertation, producing a substantial original project with one-to-one guidance.
On the literature side, you’ll choose from specialist modules shaped by academic research, with topics ranging from banned books to feminist writing. You may also complete a literary dissertation, developing independent research under dedicated supervision.
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 30)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 30)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 90)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 60)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
Teaching comprises seminars, workshops, and lectures, led by published writers and literary critics. Lectures will introduce you to key ideas and contexts, while seminars give you space for discussion. In writing workshops, you’ll share your creative work with your peers, learning to receive and provide supportive feedback. Your time in the classroom will be supplemented by one-to-one tutorials and independent study, where you’ll complete guided reading, writing or research tasks, or pursue individual or collaborative projects.
In year one, most modules combine lectures and seminars. Skills workshops will help you develop essential study skills.
In year two, many Literature modules once again blend lectures and seminars, while practice-writing modules focus on collaborative workshopping.
While on your year abroad, you'll usually have to study at least 50% of your modules in your main area of academic specialism(s) at UEA. You'll also have opportunities to explore other subjects if you wish depending on exact topics offered by your host university.
In your final year, teaching is largely seminar- and workshop-based. You may also produce a creative writing or literature dissertation, bringing an extended project to life with the support of a one-to-one supervisor.
Assessment
You’ll be fully assessed through coursework as there are no exams in Literature or Creative Writing. You’ll prepare for your assessments by completing formative tasks, where you try out ideas and receive developmental feedback. On the literature side, you’ll express your thinking in a variety of forms, from close readings to personal reflective writing and academic essays. On the creative side, you’ll produce creative portfolios or standalone pieces accompanied by critical self-reflection.
In year one, Literature modules will involve close analyses and critical essays, starting with shorter pieces and gradually building towards longer work. Your creative writing will be assessed through short creative pieces and portfolios, as well as reflective tasks.
In year two, you’ll explore a wider range of assessment forms. From podcasts to screenplays to refining your essay writing, you’ll become more ambitious and have greater freedom in expressing yourself critically and creatively.
On your year abroad, you'll have assessments in modules in your host university. You'll need to pass the year abroad, but your marks don’t count towards your final degree classification. In the unlikely event you didn’t pass the year abroad, reassessment options are available at UEA.
In the final year, you’ll be working intensively on expanded critical and creative projects led by your ambitions. This might include critical or creative dissertation.
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
AAA including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Contextual offer: 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: DDD plus A-Level grade A in English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Contextual offer: DDM plus A-Level grade A 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 45 credits at Level 3.
Contextual offer: Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. 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 BA English Literature with Creative Writing with a Foundation Year (opens in a new window)
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall including 6 in HL English, History, Global Politics or Psychology.
Irish Leaving Certificate
6 subjects at H2 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
AAAA plus Scottish Advanced Higher at grade B in 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
BBB, 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.
- Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Candidates who are shortlisted will be asked to provide a sample of their creative writing: we ask for around 3-5 pages of work, which can be on any subject and in any genre of the candidate's choice. Most choose to send poetry, prose, or a mixture of the two.
- 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
AAA 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.
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 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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- Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Candidates who are shortlisted will be asked to provide a sample of their creative writing: we ask for around 3-5 pages of work, which can be on any subject and in any genre of the candidate's choice. Most choose to send poetry, prose, or a mixture of the two.
- 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: