BA (Hons) Film Studies and English Literature
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- QW36
- Entry Requirements
- ABB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Why you should choose us
UEA is ranked 19th overall for research quality in English Language and Literature
Course Overview
Explore two of the greatest forms of storytelling with a degree that combines theory and practice. As novels and short stories are increasingly adapted for the screen, the relationship between films and literature has never been more important. On our English Literature and Film Studies degree, you’ll explore this relationship through case studies like children’s literature, queer literature, and British and Hollywood cinemas. You’ll discover key writers and traditions in English literature and a global range of cinema.
UEA has been a pioneer, and continues to lead, in both film studies and English literature particularly in the area of creative writing. You’ll be taught across both disciplines by world-leading academics and creative practitioners.
This degree brings together two intertwined subject areas, both where UEA has an outstanding reputation. You'll benefit from our world-leading expertise as you explore key writers and traditions in English literature and a global range of cinema.
In your first year, you’ll cover all the essentials of both fields of study. In your second and third years you’ll increasingly specialise in the areas you find most engaging.
You’ll choose from creative practice options such as film production or scriptwriting and modules covering diverse topics from the Hollywood studio system to Gothic literature and Shakespeare's England. Or you could look at the process of adapting literature for the screen, bringing your two degree subjects into dynamic dialogue.
Our Film, Television and Media Studies department is recognised as a leading centre for the study of British and Hollywood cinemas, popular film and television genres, and feminist approaches to media. We’re home to the extensive East Anglian Film Archive – a unique resource which you can make use of during your time here. We also have close links with the British Film Institute in London, and with film festivals and local production companies. On the literature side of your degree, UEA’s School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing is famous for innovation in teaching and for cutting-edge research – that’s why in the most recent Times Higher Education Analysis (REF2021), UEA was ranked 19th in the UK for the quality of its research in English Language and Literature.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll have the option to add an international dimension to your studies by applying to spend a semester studying abroad in your second year. For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
In the first year, you’ll be introduced to the major debates in film studies and English literature. At the same time, you’ll develop the key skills needed to analyse a range of media and literary texts using contemporary and historical examples. These analytical skills will be invaluable in distinguishing the nuances of the separate media and allow you to develop a way of critically reading material, and to train your critical eye.
The theory at first year encourages the use of your critical voice and provides opportunities to apply it as a researcher and writer. You will be introduced to a range of influential thinkers who have shaped today's literary media world and will form the foundation of your studies as you progress through the degree.
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.
Teaching and Learning
Our world-leading academics employ a range of teaching styles. Alongside the more traditional lectures and seminars, you’ll learn through film and television screenings. You’ll also have access to UEA’s Television Studio and Media Suite, containing editing suites, cameras and sound equipment, and sound studios. You’ll have the opportunity to be trained to use all of these.
In addition to timetabled lecture and seminar slots, academic holds dedicated office hours where students can come and seek advice and guidance on a one-to-one basis. You’ll also be assigned an adviser who can support you through your studies by providing academic and career guidance
You’ll acquire vital skills needed for independent learning and will develop the analytical skills which you will need throughout your course. You will have access to dedicated sessions designed to help you make the most of UEA’s state-of-the-art library facilities. Through these sessions and your academic modules, you’ll gain the vital research skills of uncovering resources and critically assessing sources. You will be given opportunities to practice essay writing and presentations skills both in person and online. You will also get the opportunity to work in groups and develop the skills necessary for effective collaboration.
Assessment
You will be assessed primarily by coursework across all three years. You'll be assessed in individual and group assessment modes. Group work may be in the form of research presentations, practical work or discussions. Individual assessments may be in the form of essays, critical reflections or individual presentations. You may be asked to deliver in-person presentations or produce online video-essays or video presentations. Your progress in some theoretical modules may be assessed through creative practice.
Structure
You’ll deepen your knowledge of film theory. You’ll also begin the specialisation that continues into the third year. Past modules bringing together film and literature at this stage have covered topics such as queer literature and film and American literature on screen.
On the literature side of your degree, you might choose from modules which cover the historical and global sweep of English literature, or you might immerse yourself in a module which gives you a taste of a career using your literary skills in the creative industries (e.g. in publishing). You might try your hand at creative writing in one of our world-famous creative writing workshops.
You’ll also have the chance to take a placement. Previous students have undertaken placements with organisations including local radio stations, television production companies and the East Anglian Film Archive.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 60)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
In your second year, you’ll develop as a self-motivated researcher and independent creative thinker. The second year offers a wider range of learning and teaching methods from teacher-led surveys to student-centred practice or scaffolded independent study.
Assessment
While in the first year, assessment largely focusses on ensuring you have the key critical and analytical skills needed to work more independently in your second year, by the end of your second year your assessment will have prepared you for independent research as well as continuing to develop your critical and analytical skills.
Structure
You’ll continue to specialise, choosing from modules on a range of areas according to your own interests. Topics may include film, memory and the representation of the past, crime and punishment on screen, cinematic adaptation and scriptwriting, and genres such as science fiction. Literature modules currently on offer cover subjects such as children’s literature and crime fiction, Shakespeare and philosophy, feminist writing, and race, writing, and identity in post-war Britain. You’ll also develop your research skills in our dissertation module which includes a period of supervised independent study.
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 60)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
In your final year, the focus is on you becoming a researcher and independent scholar. You will have the opportunity to write a dissertation, a significant piece of scholarly research alongside a range of topics led by experts in the field. This year, the emphasis is on taking the skills you have learned and applying them to topics you are interested in.
Assessment
In your final year, you will have the opportunity to work closely with an expert supervisor in completing a dissertation on a topic of your own devising.
All our assessments are designed to strengthen your critical thinking, prepare you for the next level of study and give you skills that are attractive to future employers.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB 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. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Not accepted.
- BTEC
- Extended Diploma: DDM plus B at A-level 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. Excludes BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- 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, 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, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- 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, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3.
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 including HL grade 5 English.
- 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):
- 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 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:
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. 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
Extended Diploma: DDM plus B at A-level 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.
Diploma: DD plus B at A-level at A-level 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.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-level 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.
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 Film and Television Studies with a Foundation Year or BA English Literature with a Foundation Year.
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, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
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
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other 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
Your Film Studies and English Literature degree will prepare you for work in a wide array of fields. You’ll have the skills to work in the film and other creative industries. Or you could choose to enter the museum and heritage sector, both in the UK and elsewhere in the world. Alternatively, you might decide to continue your academic passion with postgraduate study at UEA.
As well as your subject-specific knowledge and skills, you’ll graduate with many transferable skills including high-level communication skills, team working, and self-management, all of which open a wide variety of careers.
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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Film and TV production
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Publicity officers
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Cultural heritage and archives
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Arts festivals
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Social media
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Publishing (books, magazines, newspapers)
Discover more on our Careers webpages.