English Literature and Drama

British literature and drama have a rich history that has profoundly influenced the cultural and literary landscape worldwide. The University of East Anglia's English Literature and Drama program offers students an in-depth exploration of this vibrant field, combining the study of classic and contemporary texts with practical experience in theatrical production and performance. This comprehensive programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and creative expression, enabling students to engage with literature and drama from multiple perspectives. Through a diverse array of modules, students will examine significant periods, movements, and genres, from early modern drama to contemporary theatre, while also exploring literary theory, cultural contexts, and performance studies. The programme encourages active participation in workshops, productions, and research projects, providing hands-on experience that complements academic study. Students will have access to world-class facilities, including theatre spaces and resources for scriptwriting, dramaturgy, and performance analysis. The curriculum is tailored to foster independent research, teamwork, and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in theatre, publishing, education, journalism, and other creative industries. Additionally, the programme offers opportunities for international collaboration and engagement with industry professionals, enhancing students' global outlook and employability. With expert faculty dedicated to innovative teaching and research, the University of East Anglia's English Literature and Drama programme ensures that students graduate with a thorough understanding of both historical and contemporary literary and theatrical landscapes, equipped to contribute meaningfully to the dynamic world of arts and culture.

Detailed Course Facts

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

UK/EU £9,000; International £12,300

• English

Course Content

Year 1

The first year is largely mapped out for you, to provide you with a good foundation for your studies in years 2 and 3. In the first semester you take Applied Drama and Technical Skills, along with the first year Drama students, and Reading Texts tutorials with the Literature students. Reading Texts is a small-group tutorial which encourages you to explore and reflect on your responses to literature. In the second semester you take Reading Texts II and Postwar British Drama. You will also choose whether to take a lecture module on Literature and History or one on World Dramatic Literature. You will also participate in an assessed production and learn how to use the Drama Studio facilities including lighting and sound.

Year 2

In your second year you have a wide choice of modules covering drama and literature from all periods, and creative writing, including scriptwriting. There is also the option to broaden your studies and take modules in American Drama and Shakespeare's England. You may (though this is entirely optional) decide to spend the first semester on placement at a theatre, drama school, or with a theatre, film or television company at home of abroad. Some students choose to take The Actor and the Text module which focuses on performance skills while others choose the Drama Outreach Project whereby Drama is taken out into the community (recent projects include working in schools, hospitals and with young people). There is a range of literature-based modules to choose from.

Year 3

In the final year you take a module which has been specially designed to combine your two subjects, dealing with the theory of genre and with the practicalities of adapting literary material for the stage. You choose between a personal project in which you perform, write and design, and the third year production of a full-scale play. This still leaves you with many optional units in literature, drama or dramatic literature. Further information can be found on the 'What will I study?' page.

Teaching and Assessment:

Key skills, issues and ideas are introduced in lectures given by all members of faculty, including literary critics, literary historians, writers and specialists in Drama. Further study is undertaken in small group seminars. These are chosen from a range offered within the School and across the University. You will also spend time studying and researching in the library or carrying out practical work or projects. For this course some modules are taught by practical workshop and can also be assessed by production. In most subject areas, you are assessed at the end of each year on the basis of coursework and, in some cases, project and examination results. 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 three.

Year Abroad

During your second year, you may opt to transfer your studies to another European university for one or both semesters, choosing from universities in countries such as Greece, France, Germany and Switzerland. Alternatively, and depending on the availability of places, you may spend a second-year semester at an Australian university, such as Macquarie, Sydney.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 88

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

Requirements

• A Level: AAB including English Literature
• International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with 5 in HL English
• Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB including 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% overall, with 80% in English Literature

All applicants must have a minimum of grade B in A-Level English Literature (or the combined English Language & Literature) and must offer an additional Arts or Humanities subject at A-Level. Students studying the IB programme must offer a second Arts or Humanities subject at Higher Level.

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 all components)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 18 in the Listening and Writing components; 19 in the Reading component; and 21 in the Speaking component)
• PTE: 62 overall with minimum 55 in all components

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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 Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Drama at the University of East Anglia offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of literary and dramatic texts from different periods and traditions. This undergraduate degree program is designed to develop critical analysis, creative thinking, and effective communication skills, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in media, education, publishing, and arts sectors. The programme combines rigorous academic coursework with opportunities for practical engagement in theatre and performance practices, encouraging students to critically examine the relationship between literature and drama, and their cultural and historical contexts.

Students enrolled in this program benefit from UEA’s strong reputation for literary studies, with access to a wide array of resources, including extensive library holdings, dedicated theatre spaces, and active partnerships with local arts organizations. The curriculum covers core topics such as Shakespearean drama, contemporary theatre, literary theory, world literature, and writing craft. Through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, students hone their analytical and interpretative skills, learn to write effectively, and develop their own voices as writers and performers.

Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary connections between literature and drama, encouraging students to explore adaptations, performance texts, and the role of performance in shaping cultural narratives. Opportunities for practical production work, including participation in theatrical performances and collaborations with professional theaters, are often available, providing valuable hands-on experience. The university’s vibrant arts scene, combined with its location near Norwich and the wider East Anglian arts community, enriches students' learning experiences.

Graduates of the English Literature and Drama program at UEA have gone on to successful careers in writing, journalism, publishing, acting, directing, arts administration, and academia. The university’s strong focus on employability and professional development ensures students are well-prepared for the competitive job market, with opportunities for placements, internships, and networking events. Overall, the program offers a dynamic and supportive environment for students passionate about exploring the rich worlds of English literature and theatrical performance.