BA (Hons) English Literature

Course Overview

Do you feel excited when you see the words ‘Chapter One’? Do you want to discover how storytelling has shaped the world from ancient times to the modern day? Do you want to develop confidence in expressing your ideas in bold and inventive ways? Then come and join our English Literature degree at UEA: the place where literature lives.

Our English Literature course is based in UEA’s vibrant School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing (you can follow our activities on Instagram!). This degree is highly flexible, letting you follow your own literary interests. You'll also gain a firm grounding in writing from across time, countries, and genres. Our tutors have a rich range of literary specialisms, from the medieval to the present day. They will help you to deepen your understanding of authors and books you already know and love. They'll also inspire you to explore exciting new texts and writers you've never heard of before.

Our BA English Literature modules are assessed through 100% coursework. Our passionate and expert lecturers will help you cultivate your critical writing and analysis. In seminars, you'll take part in friendly group discussions. Outside the classroom, guided learning exercises will support your studies. You'll build up a new understanding of how to work with words: both other people's and your own.

Your base will be the beautiful and historic city of Norwich, famous as the 'City of Stories'. Norwich has been home to ground-breaking writers and readers for centuries. From Julian of Norwich – the first woman to write a book in English – to award-winning UEA alumni like Ian McEwan. As an English Literature student, you'll immerse yourself in this thriving literary scene. You'll have access to unique resources like UEA's British Archive for Contemporary Writing. You'll be able to go to literary events or publishing fairs at the world-renowned National Centre for Writing. It's no wonder Norwich became England's first UNESCO City of Literature!

Our English Literature degree will make you a skilful reader. It'll make you a persuasive and compelling communicator. You'll have countless opportunities to develop your career aspirations alongside your degree. You might join UEA's award-winning student newspaper, Concrete. Or get involved with the student-led publishing imprint, Eggbox. You can attend our annual careers event, 'Working With Words'. You'll graduate ready to take the skills you've learned into a whole range of fulfilling careers. Recent graduates have succeeded in industries including publishing, journalism, teaching, heritage and marketing.

This course is open to

UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.

We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.

You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.

English and Mathematics

All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.

In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.

We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.

Typical International Entry Requirements

A levels

AAB 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, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.

International Baccalaureate

33 points overall including 5 in HL English, History, Global Politics or Psychology.

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.

INTO UEA

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.

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) 

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.

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.

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Employability

On graduating from your English Literature degree, you’ll be uniquely poised as a nimble thinker, a skilled reader and an excellent communicator. You might go on to work in the arts, media, publishing, politics, charities and NGOs, teaching or the commercial sector. Or you could go into marketing, like our former student Rebecca. You’ll be equipped with sought-after skills of critical reading, independence, time management, teamwork, and many more. 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, which gives current students the chance to meet and hear from successful UEA alumni from across the creative industries. UEA has its own in-house student publishing project, Egg Box, along with many other exciting initiatives that give you opportunities to turn your love of literature into a foundation for your future career. 

Examples of careers you could enter include:

• Journalism 
• Publishing
• Media 
• Marketing 
• Heritage and Museums 
• Teaching 

Discover more on our Careers webpages.