BA (Hons) American Literature with Creative Writing
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- T7W8
- Entry Requirements
- AAA
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
Why you should choose us
In the UK for American Studies & Creative Writing
Complete University Guide 2024 & The Guardian University Guide 2023
UEA is ranked 5th overall for research quality in Area Studies
Of graduates on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Course Overview
Explore the rich American literary tradition that gave us Herman Melville, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Gertrude Stein, William Faulkner and Toni Morrison while also developing your own distinctive voice.
You’ll develop your creative practice, knowledge of American literature, and your industry links in the department of American Studies while taking additional modules in the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing, whose internationally esteemed alumni include Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro. You’ll also have the chance to see award-winning American authors, such as Michael Chabon and Jesmyn Ward, in conversation with staff at UEA’s lively and long-established writers’ festival.
You’ll be studying in Norwich, an ideal location for this course, with its vibrant contemporary writing scene and status as a UNESCO City of Literature. You’ll also have the advantage of spending a year studying abroad, deepening your understanding of American literature, and immersing yourself in the culture of another country.
All of this experience will enrich your final year, during which you’ll take a series of advanced classes and write a dissertation on a topic of your choice, guided by a supervisor. You also have the option of writing a creative dissertation, combining research and creative practice.
Our BA American Literature with Creative Writing is ranked 6th for Creative Writing by 'The Guardian 2023'.
You’ll be introduced to the demands and challenges of literary creative practice. Studying creative writing and the creative industries alongside American literature will enable you to develop both your creative and your critical abilities.
You’ll have access to UEA’s close and active links with the world of contemporary writing and publishing — a legacy of the university’s long running and highly respected courses in the writing of fiction, poetry and drama. You’ll also learn about writing for the creative industries through practice-based modules and workshops covering topics such as the history and practice of American journalism and scriptwriting for the American stage and screen.
Whatever path you choose through your studies, this degree will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how American literature has shaped the world around us. You will learn about the relationship between culture and politics, while gaining an in-depth knowledge of the forces that transform societies and forge nations. The specialised focus of American Literature with Creative Writing will give you the critical tools to better understand how culture is produced while you hone your own creative practice.
Your year abroad will give your degree further cosmopolitan flavour, enhancing your understanding of your subject and presenting you with invaluable opportunities for enriching your creative writing skills from an international perspective. You’ll take modules at your host university, whilst experiencing the culture of another country first-hand. Your year abroad will increase your confidence, broaden your horizons, build your contacts and demonstrate your resilience to future employers.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll acquire a comprehensive cultural and literary overview of the United States. You’ll analyse a series of topical issues and political events to think through central issues shaping the American national consciousness. Through lectures and seminars, you’ll also cover the often fiercely contested development of a national literature in the United States. You’ll trace the ways in which a multitude of voices – including Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Pauline Hopkins and William Faulkner – have interpreted the nation.
You’ll participate in creative writing tutorials that will help you develop your creative practice and workshop your writing. Specifically, the Creative Writing and Identity module will enable you to master and employ different creative writing techniques, read and give constructive feedback on other people’s work, use a writer’s notebook, and develop and revise your own creative work.
Throughout the year you’ll cultivate and hone the key academic and practical skills needed to study at university level.
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
In first year seminars, you’ll learn how to listen to and critique the ideas of others, as well as how to present and defend your own arguments effectively. You’ll be introduced to the specific study skills needed for success on the course, including dedicated sessions 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 crucial research skills of uncovering resources and critically assessing sources.
In addition to timetabled lecture and seminar slots, each member of UEA staff holds dedicated office hours where you can come and seek additional advice on a one-to-one basis. You’ll also be assigned an adviser who will support you through your studies by providing academic and career guidance.
Assessment
In your first year, your assessment will focus on ensuring you have the skills of research and analysis you will need to pursue more independent learning as you progress through the degree.
Structure
At this stage of your degree, you’ll choose from a range of module options, allowing you to embark on academic specialization in a particular area.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 20)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
Assessment
Structure
You’ll spend your third year abroad. Most students consider this unique academic and cultural experience to be the highlight of their time at university.
For further details, visit our Study Abroad section of our website.
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
This year will be spent abroad, enrolling on modules related to the study of America at one of our partner institutions.
Assessment
You’ll spend this year studying abroad in one of our partner institutions. Although you’ll need to ensure you pass the modules you take this year, the marks you achieve on your year abroad don’t count toward your final degree classification.
Structure
In the second semester of your final year – guided by an academic supervisor – you’ll have the option to complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice. Indeed, as a creative writing student in the department of American Studies you will have the option to write an extended dissertation consisting of your own creative work.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 30)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
Assessment
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- AAA 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, Psychology, 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, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Not accepted
- BTEC
- DDD (Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business Administration) alongside grade A 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, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA alongside Advanced Higher 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, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- 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, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 6 subjects at H2, 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, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law
- Access to HE Diploma
- Access to Humanities and Social Sciences accepted. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3.
- International Baccalaureate
- 34 points, including 6 in HL 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, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or 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):
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 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:
-
- 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.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes
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 any 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.
Candidates who are shortlisted will be asked to provide a sample of their creative writing: we ask for around 5 pages of work, which can be on any subject and in any genre of the candidate's choice. Most choose to send poetry, prose, or a mixture of the two.
Important note
Once enroled 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 enroled.
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
You are eligible for reduced fees during the year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee website.
There will be extra costs related to items such as your travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location.
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
As an American Literature with Creative Writing graduate, you’ll be well placed to enter a wide range of professions. Completing your degree with a substantial creative writing portfolio will equip you to pursue a career in writing and publishing. Working across disciplines, studying abroad, and undertaking in-depth research will give you key skills that are highly regarded by employers. You’ll also graduate as an expert researcher and communicator, skilled in analysing data, and good at working in a team. You will develop an understanding of the cultural forces shaping creative content, and the processes by which audiences can access it, giving you an advantage over your peers as you begin your 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:
-
Professional writing and publishing
-
Law
-
Journalism
-
Marketing and advertising
-
Cultural and creative industries
-
Teaching