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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
Key details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- Q300
- Typical Offer
- AAB
- Contextual Offer
- BBB
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
19th
UEA is ranked 19th overall for research quality in English Language and Literature
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Do you feel excited when you see the words ‘Chapter One’? Do you want to discover how storytelling has shaped the world from ancient times to the modern day? Do you want to develop confidence in expressing your ideas in bold and inventive ways? Then come and join our English Literature degree at UEA: the place where literature lives.
Our English Literature course is based in UEA’s vibrant School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing (you can follow our activities on Instagram!). This degree is highly flexible, letting you follow your own literary interests. You'll also gain a firm grounding in writing from across time, countries, and genres. Our tutors have a rich range of literary specialisms, from the medieval to the present day. They will help you to deepen your understanding of authors and books you already know and love. They'll also inspire you to explore exciting new texts and writers you've never heard of before.
Our BA English Literature modules are assessed through 100% coursework. Our passionate and expert lecturers will help you cultivate your critical writing and analysis. In seminars, you'll take part in friendly group discussions. Outside the classroom, guided learning exercises will support your studies. You'll build up a new understanding of how to work with words: both other people's and your own.
Your base will be the beautiful and historic city of Norwich, famous as the 'City of Stories'. Norwich has been home to ground-breaking writers and readers for centuries. From Julian of Norwich – the first woman to write a book in English – to award-winning UEA alumni like Ian McEwan. As an English Literature student, you'll immerse yourself in this thriving literary scene. You'll have access to unique resources like UEA's British Archive for Contemporary Writing. You'll be able to go to literary events or publishing fairs at the world-renowned National Centre for Writing. It's no wonder Norwich became England's first UNESCO City of Literature!
Our English Literature degree will make you a skilful reader. It'll make you a persuasive and compelling communicator. You'll have countless opportunities to develop your career aspirations alongside your degree. You might join UEA's award-winning student newspaper, Concrete. Or get involved with the student-led publishing imprint, Eggbox. You can attend our annual careers event, 'Working With Words'. You'll graduate ready to take the skills you've learned into a whole range of fulfilling careers. Recent graduates have succeeded in industries including publishing, journalism, teaching, heritage and marketing.
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Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll have the option to apply to study abroad for one semester of your second year. Studying abroad is a wonderfully enriching life experience – you'll develop confidence and adaptability and will deepen your understanding of English literature while learning about another culture. At UEA, you'll also be surrounded by the many students we welcome from around the world to study with us.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Careers
Career Pathways
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Journalism
- Publishing
- Media
- Marketing
- Heritage and Museums
- Teaching
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
On graduating from your English Literature degree, you’ll be uniquely poised as a nimble thinker, a skilled reader and an excellent communicator. You might go on to work in the arts, media, publishing, politics, charities and NGOs, teaching or the commercial sector. Or you could go into marketing, like our former student Rebecca. You’ll be equipped with sought-after skills of critical reading, independence, time management, teamwork, and many more. You’ll also be well placed to study for a postgraduate degree.
Our Careers Service is here to support you in launching your career by advising with CV writing, internships, and much more. Every year we run an event, Working with Words, which gives current students the chance to meet and hear from successful UEA alumni from across the creative industries. UEA has its own in-house student publishing project, Egg Box, along with many other exciting initiatives that give you opportunities to turn your love of literature into a foundation for your future career.
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
AAB including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Contextual: BBB 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 B in English Literature or one of the subjects listed below.
Contextual: DDM plus 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, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD plus B at A-Level in English Literature or one of the above subjects.
Contextual: DD plus C at A Level in English Literature or one of the above subjects.
Extended Certificate: D plus AB at A-Level including English Literature or one of the above subjects.
Contextual: D plus BB at A Level including English Literature or one of the above subjects.
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 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 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 a Foundation Year(opens in a new window)
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including 5 in HL English, History, Global Politics or Psychology.
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 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, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
Scottish Highers
AAAAA 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 Advanced Highers
BBC, 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.
- 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.(opens in a new window)
- Typical International 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, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall 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).
- 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):
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IELTS: 6.5 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.
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- 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
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: