BA (Hons) English and American Literature with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- TQ7P
- Typical Offer
- ABB (subject specific requirements apply)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (subject specific requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
The writers of Britain and America are deeply connected. They share common language, readers, and reference points. And they’re also very different. Our English and American Literature with a Placement Year degree explores the commonalities and differences.
You’ll study in Norwich, a UNESCO City of Literature with a vibrant contemporary writing scene. American Studies and Creative Writing are two of the most famous and highly regarded departments in the UK. You’ll learn with authors and experts doing world-leading research on Anglo-American literature. You’ll delve into works from Chaucer and Shakespeare to Whitman and Dickinson. You’ll read contemporary poets and novelists such as Leslie Marmon Silko, Colson Whitehead and Terrance Hayes.
Our Four-Year English and American Literature with a Placement Year course allows you to tailor your studies around your interests. You’ll choose from a range of specialist modules. And you can also develop your own bespoke research project. On this version of the course, you’ll also have the opportunity to spend your third year in a work placement, gaining invaluable real-world experience.
Our English and American Literature degree provides tools to comprehend the past and present. UEA is home to UEA Live, which hosts an acclaimed annual literary festival. Previous speakers include UEA alumni like Ian McEwan and Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro. Other speakers have included Toni Morrison, Susan Sontag, Zadie Smith, and Salman Rushdie.
On this course you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of Anglo-American literary cultures. It prepares you for a range of career options. Our graduates have moved into research, teaching, journalism, and the Civil Service. Publishing, NGOs, PR, and marketing are among other destinations. Are you ready to start your literary adventure?
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Want to graduate with professional experience? On this course, you’ll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year* in a placement, gaining invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement and will be supported in doing so by UEA’s Career Central Service and your School. Support for you to find your placement will start early in the first year and will be tailored to the particular needs you'll have at various stages of the process.
The field in which you'll do your placement will depend on your own interests, and some of the preparatory workshops will help you have a clearer idea of what these are, what your values are, and which career they may lead to. English and American Literature graduates go into a wide range of sectors, and so placements can be done in fields such as heritage, business, the public sector, creative industries and many more. We'll, however, require that the tasks you’ll conduct as part of your placement meet the required learning outcomes and are complex enough to help you develop a range of skills that you’ll be able to translate and use during the final year of your degree and your post-graduation career.
*Placements may be shorter on some occasions, or take place during different years of the degree, but this has to be agreed by the Placement Director and Learning and Teaching Services.
Have a business idea? If you have an idea, you think would make a great business, you may be able to turn your Placement Year into a ‘Year in Enterprise’*. Your idea (business plan, budget etc.), motivation and academic record would have to be assessed by our team. Should you be given the go-ahead, you could use the year to start your businesses in a structured and supportive environment, accessing numerous training courses and extensive mentoring.
*Note that if you’re studying with us on a Student Visa, you can’t currently undertake a Year in Enterprise due to Visa rules.
This version of the degree gives you the opportunity and support to greatly enhance your employability by securing and undertaking a year-long placement in the third year of your degree. Find out more about this exciting opportunity on our 'Placement Years in Arts and Humanities' page.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll begin your degree by developing and consolidating your existing knowledge, before going on to develop your specialism in advanced subjects. Building on a solid foundation, you’ll gradually tailor your studies around your interests.
In your first year, you’ll gain a clear sense of both English and American literary traditions. In your American Literature modules, you’ll discover major authors and themes in literature from the United States while connecting these literary movements to contemporary United States culture. You’ll also explore the history of English as a global language, and the literatures it has inspired around the world. As well as this, you’ll work on the intensive development of your reading skills, in small, tutor-led discussion groups.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Throughout your degree, you’ll be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. We pride ourselves on our small group seminar teaching, which allows a greater level of discussion between academic staff and students.
In first-year seminars, you’ll learn how to listen to and critique the ideas of others, as well as how to present and defend your own arguments effectively. You’ll be introduced to the specific study skills needed for success on the course, including dedicated sessions to help you make the most of UEA’s state-of-the-art library facilities. Through these sessions and your academic modules, you’ll gain the crucial research skills of uncovering resources and critically assessing sources.
In addition to timetabled lecture and seminar slots, each member of UEA staff holds dedicated office hours where you can come and seek additional advice on a one-to-one basis. You’ll also be assigned an adviser who will support you through your studies by providing academic and career guidance.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods in modules, with the majority forms of coursework. You’ll receive constructive feedback on every piece of assessment that you submit. These comments and reflections will help you identify the methods and strategies to improve your work and get the most out of your studies. In your first year, your assessment will focus on ensuring you have the skills of research and analysis you’ll need to pursue more independent learning as you progress through the degree.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll study Transatlantic literature, from the colonial era and the slave trade, right up to modern postcolonial writers. You'll encounter modules on all periods of English literature from the medieval to the contemporary. You can study contemporary American fiction and multi-ethnic American literatures, or perhaps you’ll choose specialist options such as creative writing, European literature, environmental writing, American music, film and many more.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll consolidate your skills of independent learning. As you progress into the second year of your degree, you’ll develop as a self-motivated researcher and independent thinker. You’ll choose from optional modules that allow you to plot a path through the course in line with your specific interests.
Assessment
In your second year, you’ll have more autonomy over your assessment. For example, you may devise your own research questions or opt for a creative response to the module organiser’s prompts. You’ll continue to hone your ability to present your knowledge to others and to collaborate with peers.
Structure
Your third year will be spent on your placement, providing you with the opportunity to experience the world of work while applying some of the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during your first two years of study.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll spend your third year on a placement. You’ll be responsible for securing the placement, supported by UEA’s well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond. During your placement, you’ll be supported by a placement mentor, who will regularly monitor and review your progress with you, and you’ll have access to remote support from UEA, too, to make sure everything is going smoothly and that you’re getting the most out of your experience.
Assessment
You’ll be asked to reflect on your placement by, for instance, offering a self-appraisal of what you’ve learnt and demonstrating your broader commercial awareness of your placement’s sector.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll choose from a huge array of specialist options. You might study Native American fiction or children’s literature, focus on a particular genre of writing such as lyric or tragedy, or home in on a singular topic from the very contemporary — the fiction of climate-change and environmental crisis, comics and graphic novels, queer culture — back through time to Romanticism, the Renaissance, or Medieval literary cultures. You can also opt to write a dissertation, benefiting from one-to-one expert supervision, and – if you wish – bringing together English and American literature in a comparative study.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 90)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 90)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Throughout your time at UEA, you’ll be taught by academics working at the forefront of their fields. Our academics have been published widely on key issues that have shaped the development of English and American literature. In your final year, you’ll develop your expertise in areas that align with the specialisms of these staff. You’ll also have the opportunity to delve into your own research interest by writing a dissertation.
Assessment
In your final year, you’ll be assessed on the depth of your knowledge of specialised subjects. You’ll also have the option to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice with the support of expert staff. Your final degree result is determined by the marks you receive in your second and final years of study.
Entry Requirements
- 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.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including English Literature or one of the below subjects:
Contextual offer: BBC 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:
Contextual offer: DMM 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:
Contextual: DMM plus C 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:
Contextual: DD plus C 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 English Literature or one of the below subjects:
Contextual: D plus BC at A level 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 in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3
T levels
Not accepted
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - American Studies with a Foundation Year or English Literature with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including Higher Level 5 in English.
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 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.
Scottish Highers
AAABB 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.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including English Literature or one of the below subjects. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
After graduation you could go on to work in the arts, media, publishing, politics, charities and NGOs, teaching and the commercial sector. You’ll be equipped with sought-after skills of critical reading, independence, time management, team work, 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 about 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 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.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Media
- Marketing
- Finance
- Publishing
- Events management
- Journalism
Discover more on our Careers webpages.