BA (Hons) English Literature and Philosophy with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- VQ5P
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
If you love engaging with literature from across the world and across time, and are also drawn to the big questions about the world around you, then our BA in English Literature and Philosophy might be the perfect fit for you. We offer an integrated program that will give you the opportunity to explore inspiring literary texts guided by the dedicated team in our world-famous School of Literature, Drama, and Creative Writing, and to uncover the philosophical questions which drive them within the active community of our Department of Philosophy.
In this degree course you'll have the chance to develop your knowledge and understanding across the two subjects and hone new critical thinking skills through the study of a variety of literary and philosophical texts. You'll start by exploring the intellectual links between the two areas, but as your interests deepen, you'll be given the opportunity to adjust the balance of the specialised modules towards either literature or philosophy. You'll be taught and guided by a dedicated teaching team whose research expertise covers a wide variety of topics spanning both historical and contemporary perspectives.
Philosophy offers a systematic quest for discovering the truth about human nature, its place in the wider world, while reflecting on how different systems of beliefs about the natural and the divine come into being. English Literature will immerse you in a parallel journey offering profound insights into the human experience and the questions it poses.
In this course you'll embark on a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition by following the interactions between these two disciplines. You'll discover how philosophers and writers have approached existential questions. You’ll examine the literary artistry of thinkers such as Plato and Nietzsche, who invite us into philosophy in exciting and unexpected ways. And you’ll discuss how novels, poems and other kinds of artwork help us understand the complex worlds that we inhabit.
Studying English Literature and philosophy together at university will be a challenging and satisfying experience. You'll be supported by a friendly community of students and staff. You'll reflect on the connections between the two disciplines and explore your own emerging perspectives through interactive classroom activities. Our active Philosophy Society, Philosophy Public Lecture Series and Research Seminar offer even more opportunities to discuss with peers and staff a series of contemporary issues to which the two disciplines contribute actively.
If you are interested to pursue a deeper grasp of the existential and intellectual issues raised in literary texts, our BA in English Literature and Philosophy is for you. The degree will give you a rich academic journey that will blend thought-provoking modules and opportunities for developing a set of versatile skills. On our BA English Literature and Philosophy with a Placement Year, you’ll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year in a placement, gaining invaluable working experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.
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 Literature and Philosophy 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 will, 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
Your first year of study will provide you with a well-balanced mix of literature and philosophy modules that introduce you to your subjects in engaging ways and help you develop key skills for study in these areas, such as close reading and critical analysis of both philosophical and literary texts.
To build a strong foundation in both disciplines, our modules will introduce you to the span of literary history from the Middle Ages onwards. You'll also encounter some of the most intriguing philosophical perspectives about human nature that have shaped Western and Eastern traditions.
Our enthusiastic teaching teams will guide and support you to strengthen your critical reading and writing skills. Reflecting on both the literary value of philosophical texts and on the philosophical contributions of literary works will stimulate your creativity and challenge you to start developing your own interdisciplinary perspectives.
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
Engaging lectures, small seminars, practical workshops, and one-to-one support from your lecturers, will foster your curiosity and expand your confidence to explore a wide range of topics and approaches. We place great emphasis on working ideas through together. We encourage everyone to contribute, listen and respond appropriately in both large and small group settings. We seek out positive criticism, and polite and fruitful exchanges of views.
As part of supported independent learning you'll engage with fascinating texts, including both historical and contemporary works. Using individual feedback and guidance from your teachers, you'll develop your confidence and ability to express your ideas clearly, both in writing and other formats.
Continuing throughout your degree, each of your lecturers holds drop-in office hours, through which you’ll be able to gain individual guidance on the matters that are key to your personal development.
You’ll have an academic adviser from the advising team throughout the course of your studies. The adviser is there to provide academic and career guidance, and to support your wellbeing.
How you’ll spend your time:
- 35% Teaching
- 65% Independent learning
Assessment
Our assessments are at the level of the module and consist of a mixture of written assignments, creative projects, oral presentations to your peers, exams, and quizzes. The assessments for Year 1 do not contribute to your final degree classification.
You'll receive constructive feedback on both your formative and summative assessments to help you develop your understanding and skills.
Structure
In the second year of your degree, you'll explore questions about the relationship between the human and the divine and discuss what distinguishes the ways in which philosophical and literary texts treat the same existential questions about human nature.
You’ll join the two sides of your degree in an integrated module taught by a dedicated team of lecturers and tutors in both philosophy and literature. This module will give you the chance to discover more about the literary style of Plato, historicism and folktale, and deconstruction in literature and philosophy.
The second year also introduces more optionality to your degree. In philosophy the choice spans topics such as existential philosophy, aesthetics, philosophy of religion, among others, while the choice of literature modules will allow you to step beyond the fictional works that you have met before, or to approach the familiar with unfamiliar questions.
You’ll have the chance to explore the many rich and fascinating connections between philosophy and literary studies, covering topics such as critical theory or philosophical investigations into the value of art and creativity. You may also find the chance to study Nietzsche, or the existential philosophers such as Sartre, particularly stimulating. If you so wish, you can also select one module outside your main subjects – covering political and social issues which will also link to themes explored in philosophical and literary texts.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)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
Lectures and seminars will help you delve into your chosen areas of study. The teaching methods on individual modules are tailored to support your development in the wide variety of topics on offer. You’ll continue to benefit from one-to-one support.
In your independent study, you’ll immerse yourself in your chosen areas. Using individual feedback and one-to-one support, you'll build your skills further as you develop into a self-motivated researcher and independent creative thinker.
How you’ll spend your time:
- 25% Teaching
- 75% Independent learning
Assessment
Our assessments are always developed at the level of the module and comprise of essays and other written projects, class presentations, and creative projects based on the module topic. You'll receive feedback on the formative tasks assigned to you on each individual module. This constructive commentary on your work is meant to help you improve your performance in the summative tasks.
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 of your experience.
Assessment
You'll be asked to reflect on your placement by, for instance, offering a self-appraisal of what you have learnt and demonstrating your broader commercial awareness of your placement’s sector.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll typically choose two advanced modules from literature and two from philosophy. This still leaves you the freedom, for example, to shift the balance towards one of your main subjects, or to select a complementary module from outside your main subjects. Final year modules involve a higher degree of independent study, allowing you to take the subject to a greater depth. You can choose to further progress in areas that you explored in your second year, explore new areas and issues, or try out a mixture of the two.
In addition to the main modules, we offer across the spectrum of philosophy and literature, your final year will give you the option to undertake a dissertation with one-to-one supervision. If you opt for the dissertation route, your focus can be a philosophical or literary topic, or a question that combines the two, further honing your interdisciplinary skills of integrating knowledge from the two disciplines to articulate new insights on a theme of your choice.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 30)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 30)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
This is your chance to acquire an in-depth understanding of some of the subjects that have captured your interest in your journey with us so far. You'll continue to be taught by subject experts in lectures and seminars. If you choose, you may pursue a dissertation, working one-on-one with an advisor on a project of your own design.
In your independent study, you’ll flourish as a creative and independent thinker as you master the fields of study that matter the most to you.
How you’ll spend your time:
- 20% Teaching
- 80% Independent learning
Assessment
The final year is the same as Year 2 in terms of module assessments, comprising written and oral assignments, often with an important creative component. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to write a dissertation of 10000words on a topic of your choosing where you'll be under the supervision of a dedicated member of staff.
The constructive feedback will be substantial throughout the year so that you can deliver your best work as part of your summative assessment.
Your final degree result is based on the marks for all your modules in years 2 and 4, weighted 40:60 so that more importance is attached to the fully mature work of your final year.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- BBB including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below: English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Not accepted.
- BTEC
- DDM plus B at A-Level in English Literature or one of the following subjects: English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law. Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations
- Contextual Offer
BCC including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below:
English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
DMM plus B at A-Level in English Literature or one of the following subjects: English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law. Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business Administration.
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.
- Scottish Highers
- AABBB including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below: English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- CCC including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below: English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3 including English Literature or one of the subjects listed below: English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway accepted. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 31 including 5 in HL English, History, Global Politics or Psychology.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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) for year 1 entry
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
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:
-
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- 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.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM plus B at A-Level English Literature or English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
Diploma: DD plus B at A-Level English Literature or English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, 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, English Language and Literature, English Language, History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BA English Literature with a Foundation Year or BA Philosophy with a Foundation Year
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.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
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
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
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
BA English Literature and Philosophy graduates have gone on to do great things in a wide range of professions. The reasoning and critical thinking skills that you’ll develop will prepare you for all kinds of roles in the professional sphere. They include:
- Precise and effective communication skills
- The ability to analyse data and information, and to correct faulty reasoning
- The ability to listen carefully to others, with empathy and rigorous attention to detail
- The power to come up with innovative and original ideas supported by reason
- The ability to use your imagination, think creatively, and offer critical appraisal
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Law
- Journalism
- Civil service
- Cultural industries
- Teaching or lecturing
- Charity and environmental work