American and English Literature

American and English Literature B.A. (Hons)

The University of East Anglia offers a comprehensive and engaging programme in American and English Literature, designed to develop your critical understanding and appreciation of literary traditions from two vibrant and influential cultures. This degree provides an in-depth exploration of texts from medieval England to contemporary American literature, allowing students to analyze literary themes, historical contexts, and linguistic developments. Throughout the course, students will engage with a diverse range of authors, genres, and styles, fostering a deep appreciation for the richness and complexity of both literary traditions.

The programme emphasizes critical thinking, close reading, and effective communication skills, preparing graduates for diverse careers in education, writing, publishing, media, and cultural sectors. The curriculum includes core modules on literary history, theory, and analysis, alongside options that allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests such as modern American fiction, British literary history, poetry, drama, and cultural studies. Students will benefit from access to the university’s extensive library collections, expert faculty members with research expertise in both American and English literature, and collaborative learning environments.

Field trips, guest lectures, and opportunities for independent research and creative writing form an integral part of the student experience. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, and examinations, designed to develop both analytical skills and expressive capabilities. The programme aims to produce graduates equipped with a nuanced understanding of Western literary traditions and the ability to critically interpret texts within their cultural and historical contexts. Graduates of this programme will be well-positioned to pursue further academic research or enter a wide range of careers that require critical analysis, cultural awareness, and strong communication skills.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10560 Year (EEA)
• EUR 14430 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU £9,000; International £12,300

• English

Course Content

The course begins at UEA with introductory modules that provide a firm foundation in many aspects of American life and culture, and a variety of modules in literature, film studies and drama.

In the first year you pursue a foundation course in American History, Literature and Culture. This includes modules on: 19th Century American Literature; 20th Century American Literature; American History from the colonies to the Civil War (including Native American history); American history from the Civil War to the present; Introduction to American Studies; and an introductory module that will equip you with the general intellectual and analytical skills necessary for this course.

Years 2 and 4 offer a wide range of choices, with students enrolling in seminars for intensive work on topics such as: Contemporary American Fiction; Reading the Virgin Land; American Drama; Native American Writing and Film; Looking at Pictures -photography and visual culture in the USA; The Beats and the Limits of Writing; The American West; American Gothic; and American Music. Students will also choose from an impressive range of English literature seminars from Modernism to Fantasy and Utopia. This programme also offers students the opportunity to take free choice units in film studies or creative writing.

Your third year is spent abroad.

In Year 4 you will write a research based dissertation, and also have the option of taking advanced seminars in literature and interdisciplinary subjects, for example: American Autobiography;Multi-ethnic American Writing; American Gothic; American Image and Text; or The Golden Year –American Films of 1939.

Assessment

Key skills, issues and ideas are introduced in lectures given by all members of faculty. These are accompanied by more specialist study, undertaken in small seminar groups. You will also spend time studying and researching in the library. You will be assessed at the end of each semester on the basis of coursework, and at the end of each year by examination. In your final year, you will write a dissertation on a topic of your choice and with the advice of tutors. There is no final examination. Your final degree result is determined by the marks you receive in years two and four.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 88

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• Qualification: BA (Hons)
• A Level: AAB including B in English Literature
• International Baccalaureate: 33 points including 5 in Higher Level English Literature
• Scottish Highers: At least one Advanced Higher preferred in addition to Highers
• Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB including Grade B in English Literature
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAABB
• Access Course: Please contact the university for further information
• HND: Please contact the university for further information
• European Baccalaureate: 80%

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in Reading and Writing with no less than 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 20 in Reading and Speaking components, 19 in Writing component and 17 in Listening components.
• PTE: 62 overall (minimum 55 in Reading and Writing components with no less than 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Students will have the opportunity to meet with an academic on a Visit Day in order to gain a deeper insight into the course(s) you have applied for.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.
Deferred Entry

We also welcome applications for deferred entry, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above then please contact university directly for further information.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics and English at Grade C or above at GCSE Level.

Assessment

For the majority of candidates the most important factors in assessing the application will be past and future achievement in examinations, academic interest in the subject being applied for, personal interest and extra-curricular activities and the confidential reference. We consider applicants as individuals and accept students from a very wide range of educational backgrounds and spend time considering your application in order to reach an informed decision relating to your application. Typical offers are indicated above. Please note, there may be additional subject entry requirements specific to individual degree courses.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of East Anglia.

The University of East Anglia offers a comprehensive and engaging degree programme in English Literature, which provides students with a deep understanding of both American and English literary traditions. This programme is designed to develop students' analytical skills, critical thinking, and appreciation for literary artistry across different historical periods and cultural contexts. Throughout the course, students will explore a wide range of texts, from classic novels and poetry to contemporary essays and digital literature, gaining insights into the social, political, and philosophical issues that have shaped both American and English cultures.

The curriculum includes modules on major authors such as William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and modern American writers like Toni Morrison and Don DeLillo. Students will examine themes such as identity, race, gender, and postcolonialism, fostering a nuanced understanding of the texts within their historical and cultural backgrounds. The programme emphasizes close reading, literary theory, and contextual analysis, equipping graduates with valuable skills applicable to careers in education, publishing, media, arts, and cultural sectors.

Student life is enriched by access to the university’s excellent resources, including a specialized library collection, literary journals, and close ties with local literary communities. The programme also offers opportunities for study abroad and internships, providing practical experience and international perspective. By the end of their studies, students will have produced a substantial portfolio of essays and projects demonstrating their research, writing, and interpretative skills, preparing them for further academic pursuits or diverse professional pathways. The programme underscores a passionate engagement with literature as a vital part of understanding human experience, fostering lifelong skills in communication, analysis, and cultural awareness.