BA HISTORY OF ART AND LITERATURE
BA HISTORY OF ART AND LITERATURE
You’ll be equipped with key skills in imaginative understanding, critical thinking, and confident communication. You’ll expand and deepen your understanding of texts and artworks from a uniquely wide array of contexts while developing your intellectual and professional skills via your interaction with outstanding academics in both literature and history of art.
You’ll establish firm foundations in both disciplines through your engagement with different documents and sources. At the same time you’ll encounter works of art at first-hand in the collections of the internationally recognised Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, which includes works of modern European art and also outstanding works from Africa, Asia and the Americas.
In your second and third years you’ll select from a range of optional modules in order to pursue your own interests in more depth. This will enable you, for example, to explore the medieval period through texts such as Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and through monuments such as the great cathedrals, including, of course, those of Norwich and Canterbury. Or you might choose to examine the 20th century through the history of modernist texts and modernist art, by studying movements such as Surrealism.
As you progress through the course, you’ll be encouraged to engage with different methods and approaches and to develop informed views of your own. You will consolidate your independence as a scholar through the completion of a research dissertation in your final year.
You’ll have the opportunity to study the world-famous collection of art held in the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, itself a celebrated icon of modern museum architecture. That means you will have access to important artworks from Asia, Africa, the Pacific, the Americas, and Europe. You will be able to study relevant objects at first-hand, while learning about the processes of collecting objects for museums.
The department of Art History and World Art Studies at UEA is a world-leading department. Our main areas of research are the history of art and architecture in Europe and North America, the arts of Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America, the archaeology and anthropology of art, and museum studies and cultural heritage.
We are part of a close network of internationally renowned centres for the study and display of art; the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, the Sainsbury Research Unit for the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures.
Norwich is England's first UNESCO City of Literature and it boasts a vibrant literary community. Great literature has been produced here from the 14th century, when Julian of Norwich became the first woman to write a book in English, right up to 20th and 21st century work by UEA graduates like Booker-prize winner Ian McEwan and Costa Award winning author Emma Healey.
UEA’s School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing is famed for the quality, rigour and adventurousness of its teaching.
About
Study word and image in unison and gain a deeper understanding of the intertwined histories of art and literature. You’ll encounter the most important periods and movements of European, British and American art and literature. At the same time you’ll broaden your horizons by exploring the arts of other cultures, including those of the Pacific, Africa and the Americas.
On this course you’ll benefit from the expertise of both the world-leading School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing and the department of Art History and World Art Studies. You will explore the intimate relationships forged between artistic movements both literary and visual, from the strong links between literature and church architecture of the Medieval period to the literary impressionism of the Modernist period, to experimentation with word and image in postmodernity.

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll have the option to apply to study abroad for one semester of your second year. Study abroad is a wonderfully enriching life experience – you will develop confidence and resilience, while learning about another culture.
For further details, visit our Study Abroad section of our website.

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After the Course
As an History of Art and Literature graduate you’ll be ready for a wide range of careers the art world, in the heritage industry, academia, art publishing, teaching, and business. You’ll be equipped with sought-after skills such as independent and critical thinking, time management, teamwork, organisational and research skills, public speaking and more. Your experience of studying in a world-famous art museum will give you an edge in the sector. You will also be well placed to study for a postgraduate degree either here at UEA or at another university. Our Careers Service is here to support you by advising with writing CVs and internships. In the department we work closely with the Careers Service to provide workshops and put on seminars by successful alumni.
Career destinations
Recent graduates have entered a number of fields, including:
- Museums and art galleries
- Commercial art galleries
- Event management
- Publishing
- Journalism
- Teaching/lecturing

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Assessment for Year 2
You won’t sit any formal examinations. Instead, you’ll be assessed on written coursework, usually in the form of essays. Our assessment methods have been developed to measure your skills, but also to aid your learning. For example, when you submit an essay you’ll receive feedback on a piece of related ‘formative’ work first. You’ll then have a chance to make revisions and improvements before handing in a ‘summative’ essay for assessment. This helps you identify and focus on areas for improvement.
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.Assessment for Year 2
You won’t sit any formal examinations. Instead, you’ll be assessed on written coursework, usually in the form of essays. Our assessment methods have been developed to measure your skills, but also to aid your learning. For example, when you submit an essay you’ll receive feedback on a piece of related ‘formative’ work first. You’ll then have a chance to make revisions and improvements before handing in a ‘summative’ essay for assessment. This helps you identify and focus on areas for improvement.
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.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.Entry Requirements
A Levels
ABB including an English Literature related subject or BBB including an English Literature related subject with an A in the Extended Project.BTEC
DDM alongside grade B in an English Literature related subject A-level (or equivalent qualification). Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business Administration.Scottish highers
AAABB including an English Literature related subject.Scottish highers advanced
BCC including an English Literature related subject.Irish leaving certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including an English Literature related subject.Access course
Humanities & Social Sciences pathway preferred. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 including an English Literature module, and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3.European Baccalaureate
75% including 70% in an English Literature related subject.International Baccalaureate
32 points including HL 5 EnglishGCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes.
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:
Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA
English for University Study at INTO UEA
Alternative Qualifications
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Students for whom english is a 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 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
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:
Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA
English for University Study at INTO UEA
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.
Gap year
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, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Information on tuition fees can be found here.
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.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
There are some additional costs incurred by field trips, which are subsidised by the department. There are also additional costs for the optional trip to Venice in the second year.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.

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How to apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is E14.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Please complete our Online Enquiry Form to request a prospectus and to be kept up to date with news and events at the University.

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