East Africa

Hello! I’m Alyaa and I’m the International Ambassador for East Africa. 

I first heard about UEA from The UK universities league tables as I was looking for top UK universities to study International Development in. I chose to study International Development with Economics in UEA as the university has one of the best schools for International Development. I found the application was very smooth and clear. I applied through UCAS and UEA was actually the quickest university to respond to me. Being informed of my conditional offer will always be memorable for me as I was the happiest when I got my first university offer a couple of days after applying.     

Norwich felt so homely and easy to navigate as soon as I arrived and honestly, I am thankful for choosing this city as I feel like I would have been so overwhelmed should I have gone to a larger city. Pre-COVID-19, I always used to enjoy night outs in cocktail bars or clubs in Prince of Wales Road. Although COVID-19 has affected the whole of the UK and limited the amount of services, there is still a lot to do in Norwich. Taking walks to scenic locations has been my favourite activity since the lockdown has started. I also just enjoy walking through Norwich city centre and exploring little roads that have gems of places in there and just going to little cafes and taking away coffee or tea has been so therapeutic for me. Conclusively, there is always something new to do in Norwich.  

My first impression of UEA was that it reminded me so much of Kenya - the country that I arrived from and lived in for the last 4 years prior to starting university. There was greenery everywhere and a lot of nature including seeing birds and rabbits on sight. It reminded me so much of the places I was familiar with. I was also so happy to see the diversity of the people on campus. 

If there is one decision I am proud of in my life it would be choosing to study International Development at an institution liked UEA. I am someone who values the variety of courses and module and this was very possible at UEA! Although my degree is with a focus on Economics, I was able to take a lot of interdisciplinary modules within International Development (i.e. media and politics) and also outside of the school (i.e. I took a module from the school of History). This diverse spectrum of choices is definitely a reason why the teaching at UEA is so strong and it impresses me that UEA is working hard on making schools and faculties as interdisciplinary as possible.  

UEA is such a homely place and a good destination to arrive in especially if you are coming from East Africa.  If you have any questions about studying at the University of East Anglia, why not chat to me directly through the Ask a Student, join our Facebook page or platform or email me at eastafricanstudents@uea.ac.uk.

Chat with Alyaa

Accepted qualifications

Entry requirements
For direct entry to undergraduate programmes

Please refer to each course page for specific A Level and IB requirements.

Other qualifications, gained after 13 years of education, can be considered for direct entry onto Undergraduate courses.

For direct entry to Masters programmes

Those completing an Undergraduate degree will usually be considered for entry onto Masters programmes. For most courses we require equivalent to a UK 2.1.

For direct entry to Research degrees (MPhil, PhD)

Those completing a Masters degree or with substantial research experience in their degree can be considered for Research degrees (MPhil, PhD).

INTO Pathway Programmes

If you are not eligible for direct entry you are encouraged to look at our pathway programmes on campus at INTO UEA:
- the INTO Foundation is the perfect preparation for progression onto a range of UEA undergraduate degrees
- International Year One course leads onto the 2nd year of degrees in several subject areas
- the INTO UEA Graduate Diploma prepares students for several of UEA’s Masters programmes.
Find out more about INTO UEA

English Language requirements

All applicants to the University of East Anglia must be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of English language before they can be admitted onto any course or programme.

The below are guidelines only.  Please be sure to check requirements for your specific course.

Undergraduate:

Test	Score
IELTS*	6.0 overall with minimum of 5.5 in each component
PEARSON ACADEMIC (all components)*	50 overall with minimum of 42 in each component

Postgraduate:

Test	Score
IELTS*	6.0 overall with minimum of 5.5 in only two components and 6.0 in the others
PEARSON ACADEMIC (all components)*	50 overall with minimum of 42 in only two components and 48 in the others

*We also accept a wide range of other English language qualifications

*Those not meeting the above English language requirements are encouraged to consider and English Language programme at INTO UEA in preparation for our degree courses.