BA (Hons) History of Art and Literature with a Placement Year

Course Overview

Do you want to study words and images in unison? Our course explores the intertwined histories of art and literature across different eras. You’ll examine the most significant European, British and American literature, and encounter thought-provoking artworks from around the world.

UEA’s world-leading School of History and Art History, together with our prestigious School of Literature, Drama, and Creative Writing, are two of the most famous and highly regarded academic departments in the UK. You’ll study in the world-famous Sainsbury Centre, which was designed by Norman Foster. We’re the only Art History Department in the UK located within a world-renowned art museum.

On this History of Art and Literature with a Placement Year degree you’ll work across disciplines. You’ll explore the relationship between artistic movements, literature and the visual culture, and word and image. You’ll study the medieval period, the modernist era, and postmodernity. You’ll examine texts and artworks, including significant aspects of European art history. You’ll also explore the work of artists and material culture from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

You’ll study in Norwich, a UNESCO City of Literature with a vibrant contemporary writing scene. Great literature has been produced here since the 14th century when Julian of Norwich became the first woman to write a book in English. In more recent times, UEA graduates include Nobel Laureate Sir Kazuo Ishiguro, Booker Prize winner Ian McEwan, and Costa Award winner Emma Healey.

We’re part of an international network for the study and display of art. This includes the Sainsbury Centre, Sainsbury Research Unit for the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures. One of the many advantages of the network is the opportunity it provides to connect you with local and national museums. Our graduates have gone on to rewarding and exciting careers in the cultural, creative, and heritage sectors. We look forward to you joining our community.

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 4 or grade C.

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

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

A levels

ABB including English Literature or one of the below subjects:

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.

BTEC

Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM plus B at A level English Literature or one of the below subjects:

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.

Combinations of BTEC and A levels

Extended Diploma: DDM plus B at A level English Literature or one of the below subjects:

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.

Diploma: DD plus B at A level in English Literature or one of the below subjects:

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.

Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level including A Level English Literature or one of the below subjects:

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.

BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall including Higher Level 5 in English

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:  6.0  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

As a History of Art and Literature graduate, you’ll be ready for a wide range of careers in the art world, art publishing, the heritage industry, academia, teaching, and business. You’ll be equipped with sought-after skills such as independent and critical thinking, time management, teamwork, organisation 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’ll 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 with advice on writing CVs and internships. In the department, we work closely with the Careers Service to provide workshops and put on seminars with successful alumni.

UEA also harbours the UEA Publishing Project which, as well as publishing internationally excellent books, co-ordinates a range of internships, curriculum support, and other publishing related activities, including its own in-house student publishing project, Egg Box, to add to a multitude of other exciting activities to turn your love of literature into a foundation for your future career.

Recent graduates have entered a number of fields, including:

• Museums and art galleries
• Commercial art galleries
• The heritage sector
• Publishing
• Journalism
• Teaching/lecturing

Discover more on our Careers webpages.