English Literature

The Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at the University of East Anglia offers students an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of English literary heritage, spanning from medieval times to contemporary works. This programme is designed to develop students’ analytical, critical, and research skills, enabling them to appreciate and interpret a wide range of literary texts across different periods, genres, and cultural contexts. Students will engage with classical literature, modernist writings, postcolonial narratives, and innovative contemporary works, gaining a broad understanding of the evolution of English literature and its relevance to understanding human experience.

Throughout the course, students will study notable authors such as Shakespeare, Dickens, Woolf, and Salman Rushdie, among many others, providing a balanced mix of canonical and diverse voices. The curriculum encourages original thinking and close reading, fostering an ability to analyze themes, characterizations, narrative structures, and stylistic devices. The programme also emphasizes the importance of historical and cultural contexts, equipping students to interpret texts within their social and political environments.

In addition to literary analysis, students will develop essential skills including academic writing, oral communication, and research methodologies, preparing them for a variety of career paths or further postgraduate study. The programme offers a range of modules, allowing students to specialize in areas such as narrative theory, postcolonial literature, gender studies, or digital humanities.

Students benefit from the university's modern facilities, experienced faculty, and vibrant academic community, all supporting their personal and intellectual growth. The course includes opportunities for original research, internships, and study abroad programs, enriching the educational experience. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped for careers in teaching, publishing, media, arts administration, and beyond, or for further postgraduate research. The University of East Anglia’s English Literature programme aims to inspire a lifelong love for literature and to cultivate critical thinkers who can analyze and contribute meaningfully to the cultural and intellectual discourse of the modern world.

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 provides a foundation for the study of literature at degree level, introducing important theoretical concepts, offering strategies for both reading and writing texts, and opening up problematic questions of literature’s historical and contemporary relation to the society which produces and receives it. All students take the module Literature in History, which runs throughout the year and introduces the sustained study of texts in their historical and cultural milieu, and teaches you how to interpret plays, poems and narratives in their historical contexts. You will also take the tutorial module Reading Texts, a small-group tutorial module which helps you to become a more resourceful and independent reader and again, is a year-long module. The third module to be taken in the first semester will be chosen from a range of complementary subjects: American Studies, Drama, Cultural Studies, Philosophy, Film Studies, and History. In the second semester, alongside Literature in History, and Reading Texts, most students will choose to study the module Writing Texts, which allows you to focus upon skills of critical and creative writing in addition to exploring the nature of the writing process itself. During the first year you have the opportunity to begin to pursue distinct ‘pathways’ in your studies relating to areas of individual interest.

Year 2

In the second and third years, you choose from an extensive range of options to assemble a course that reflects your interests. There are no compulsory modules, but we do constrain your choices so that you encounter a good historical range of different kinds of writing. In the second year, you choose five modules from the wide range on offer and available modules change regularly in order to stay fresh and relevant. The main "menu" is made up of lecture-and-seminar modules devoted to quite large topics in literature - for example Shakespeare, 19th Century Writing, or Modernism. Alongside these there are smaller modules that encourage you to venture outside the literary mainstream: modules for instance about critical theory, dramatic literature, postcolonialism, or journalism. It is at this point too, that many Literature students choose to take at least one module in Creative Writing: there are regular workshops in prose fiction, poetry, scriptwriting and literary translation. Even if you would not see yourself as "a writer", you can enrich your study of literature by trying to produce some. Your final module in the second year is "free choice" which opens up other directions of study to you.

Year 3

Third-year modules are more intensive: you take only four in the course of the year and this will be more specialised seminar-based work. These modules often reflect the research interests of the staff who teach them, and they demand more initiative from you. There are no lectures: each group works as a seminar and everyone is expected to contribute on the basis of their own reading. The range of topics is wide - about thirty such seminars run each year - and is constantly changing a little. Examples of current seminar topics include Regency Women Writers, Trauma, Psyche and Modern Literature, Henry James: Questions of Art, Life and Theory, Medieval Arthurian Traditions, Revenge Tragedy: Ancient and Modern, Biography, The Gothic. At this level there is an emphasis on independent projects and individually tailored dissertations, and you could choose to undertake an 8,000-word dissertation. This means that instead of joining a taught module, you undertake an individual study with a member of staff as your supervisor. You can also take courses in other disciplines such as film, dramatic literature, creative writing, philosophy, or history.

This programme can also be taken as a part-time course of study (lasting 5-7 years).

Teaching and Assessment:

Key skills, issues and ideas are introduced in lectures given by all members of faculty, including literary critics, literary historians and writers. More specialist 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. 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.

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: AAA-AAB including English Literature
• International Baccalaureate: 34-33 points overall with 6 in HL English
• Scottish Advanced Highers: AAA-AAB including English Literature
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAA-AAAABB
• Access Course: Please contact the university for further information.
• HND: Please contact the university for further information.
• European Baccalaureate: 85-80% overall, with 80% in English Literature

The combined English Language and Literature A-level is acceptable instead of English Literature. A second Arts or Humanities subject at A-Level is encouraged, alongside English Literature. Students studying the IB programme should 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

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.

Gap Year

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

English Literature A-Level is required.

Intakes

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

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us 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.

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 BA English Literature program at the University of East Anglia offers students a comprehensive and in-depth study of English literary texts from the medieval period to the present day. Designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for the diversity and richness of English literature, the course combines historical, cultural, and literary perspectives. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of genres, including poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction, as well as various critical theories and methodologies. The program emphasizes the importance of context in understanding texts and encourages students to engage in close reading and original research.

Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and independent projects that foster a collaborative learning environment. In addition to core modules, students can choose elective modules that cover specific areas such as Victorian literature, postcolonial studies, contemporary fiction, and gender studies. The program also offers opportunities for students to develop their writing skills, critical analysis, and research techniques, preparing them for careers in publishing, education, media, and other fields that value strong communication and interpretive skills.

The university's strong links with cultural institutions and publishing industries provide students with practical experiences such as internships, work placements, and attendance at literary festivals. The department's experienced faculty members are dedicated to mentoring and supporting students throughout their academic journey. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in writing, journalism, teaching, and numerous other sectors. The program typically lasts three years for full-time students, with options for part-time study. Facilities include dedicated libraries, digital resources, and research centers to support student learning. The University of East Anglia’s Department of Literature, Creative Writing, and Publishing maintains an active program of events, guest lectures, and community engagement, enriching the overall educational experience for its students.