BA (Hons) Literature and History
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- QV31
- Entry Requirements
- AAB
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
Course Overview
Literature and history are closely intertwined subjects, and this degree enables you to study them together, under the guidance of our leading historians, literary critics and creative writers. This genuinely interdisciplinary course gives you a grounding in the core knowledge and practices that are essential to each subject, bringing them together in unique bridge modules, and in a diverse and exciting range of optional modules from both disciplines.
Our BA Literature and History is ranked 10th for History by 'The Guardian University Guide 2023'.
Historians and literary critics often read the same documents, but they bring to them different approaches and employ different methods of analysis. This degree gives you the opportunity to learn and experiment with both ways of reading. In learning the skills of close textual analysis and engaging with narrative form, you will become a historian with a marked sensitivity to sources and a lively and engaging writing style. As you encounter arguments about historical causality and assess conflicting accounts of historical events, you’ll become a literary critic with a complex grasp of the social, political and cultural contexts in which literature is produced. The two disciplines enrich each other, and the diverse range of experts here combine to deliver you a course that is both flexible and distinctive. It’s up to you to set the precise balance between literature and history as your degree progresses – you might take an equal number of modules in both, or gradually specialise in one or the other discipline.
You’ll be taught by specialists from two world-leading UEA departments. Our 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. UEA is acknowledged to be at the forefront of History research in the UK, and in the Times Higher Education Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 Analysis, UEA was ranked 3rd overall in the UK for research quality in History.
Studying in Norwich gives you access to a city rich in historical and cultural artefacts, and vivid literary and dramatic life. This unique degree also offers you many opportunities to extend your studies beyond the classroom, into archives of literary and historical manuscripts, and out to sites of historical and cultural importance.
You can follow the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing on Instagram to keep up with our activities!
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You 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 have the chance to deepen your understanding of literature and history while learning about another culture. At UEA, you will also be surrounded throughout your degree by the many students we welcome from around the world.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- AAB including one of the following subjects: English Literature, 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, Law If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Not accepted
- BTEC
- DDD alongside grade B at A-level in one of the following subjects: English Literature, 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, Law. BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services or Business Administration are not accepted
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA including one of the following subjects: English Literature, 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, Law
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBC including one of the following subjects: English Literature, 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, Law
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3 including one of the following subjects: English Literature, 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, Law
- 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
- International Baccalaureate
- 33 including HL 5 in one of the following subjects: English Literature, 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, Law
- 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):
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
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.
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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- 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.
- 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
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, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
If you do not have an A-Level or equivalent qualification in one of the subjects listed above, once you have submitted your UCAS form we may then contact you to ask you to submit a short analysis of a passage of a literary text in support of your application.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your 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.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
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
View our information about Additional Course Fees.
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
You could go on to work in the arts, media, publishing, the heritage industry, politics, charities and NGOs, teaching or the commercial sector. You will be equipped with skills of critical reading, independence, time management, team work and more, which are highly valued by employers. 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, where you’ll have the chance to meet and hear from successful UEA alumni from across the creative industries.
UEA also has its own in-house publishing project, Egg Box, along with many other exciting initiatives that give you opportunities to turn your love of literature and history into a foundation for your future career.
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:
- Media
- Marketing
- Heritage and Museums
- Publishing
- Events Management
- Journalism