BA (Hons) English Literature and Philosophy
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- VQ53
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
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Why you should choose us
84%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
What does it mean to be human? How can we tell right from wrong? How can we change the world for the better? For centuries, philosophers and writers have explored these questions together, each enriching the other's search for answers. Literary texts bring philosophical questions to life, while philosophy reveals deeper meanings in literature. If reading and thinking go hand in hand for you, and if you love to explore ideas using your imagination, then our BA in English Literature and Philosophy degree is the perfect fit for you. Join us and discover how asking the right questions can help you write the successful story of your life.
You'll get the chance to engage in depth with both literary and philosophical texts. Imagine exploring the meaning of life through Shakespeare's plays, environmental ethics through contemporary poetry, or consciousness through modernist literature. Between our innovative Literature and Philosophy departments, you'll engage with ideas through interactive discussions and debates.
Beyond the classroom, UEA's Literature and Philosophy Societies and our Philosophy Public Lecture Series offer extra opportunities to explore your interests. You'll study in Norwich - England's first UNESCO City of Literature - known for its vibrant literary scene.
You'll develop essential skills in analyzing complex ideas and communicating them clearly to different audiences. Through employability workshops and events like Working with Words, you'll build practical experience alongside academic knowledge.
Our graduates succeed in diverse fields - from journalism and publishing to teaching and the arts - using their unique combination of analytical and creative skills to make their mark on the world.
Study Abroad
Want to take your studies global? You can spend the spring semester of your second year at one of UEA's partner universities worldwide. After completing your autumn modules at UEA, you'll set off to experience philosophy and literature from an exciting new perspective.
Studying abroad isn't just about academics - it's about discovering new cultures, making international friendships, and developing valuable life skills. Employers particularly value the independence, adaptability, and global awareness that come from international study experience.
Visit the study abroad section of our website to explore our partner universities and learn more about this exciting opportunity.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your first year lays the foundation by blending literature and philosophy in fascinating ways. You'll develop essential skills like close reading and critical analysis that will serve you across both subjects.
Starting with literature, you'll journey from the Middle Ages to the present day, discovering how writers have captured human experience across the centuries. In philosophy, you'll explore questions about human nature through both Western and Eastern traditions, discovering how different cultures have approached life's biggest questions.
Our passionate teaching team will help you strengthen your critical reading and writing skills. You'll learn to spot philosophical ideas in literary works and appreciate the literary craft in philosophical texts. This unique combination will spark your creativity and help you develop your own perspectives on how these two disciplines enrich each other.
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
Your first year combines interactive lectures, small-group seminars, practical workshops, and one-to-one support to help you explore ideas in different ways. You'll learn in an environment that values everyone's voice and encourages thoughtful discussion.
Working together is at the heart of our approach. In both large lectures and small seminars, you'll have the chance to share ideas, listen to different perspectives, and develop the art of constructive discussion. You'll explore great texts from across history to the present day, guided by feedback from your teachers to build confidence in expressing your ideas.
Your lecturers are there to support you with regular drop-in office hours where you can discuss your work and ideas. You'll also have a dedicated academic adviser throughout your degree who'll help with your studies, career planning, and overall wellbeing.
Time commitment in your first year:
- Teaching: 35%
- Independent learning: 65%
This balance gives you the structure you need while developing your skills as an independent thinker.
Assessment
Your first year introduces you to university-level assessment through a variety of methods: written assignments, creative projects, oral presentations, and quizzes. While these assessments don't count toward your final degree classification, they're crucial in building your academic skills.
What makes our assessment approach special is the emphasis on development. Before each final assessment, you'll have the chance to submit preliminary work and receive detailed feedback from your lecturers. This 'formative assessment' helps you understand exactly how to improve your work and build confidence in your abilities.
You'll receive constructive feedback throughout the year, helping you develop the analytical and creative skills you'll need for the rest of your degree.
Structure
In the second year of your English Literature and Philosophy degree, you'll explore questions about the relationship between the human and the divine, discovering the differences between how philosophical and literary texts approach them. A unique integrated module, taught by experts from both philosophy and literature, will help you uncover fascinating connections between the disciplines - from Plato's literary style to the novel of ideas.
Your studies become more flexible this year, with options to pursue your specific interests. In philosophy, you might discover existentialism, aesthetics, or philosophy of religion. In literature, you can study anything from medieval writing to critical theory and contemporary fiction.
You'll engage with critical theory and philosophical questions about art and creativity. Many students find studying influential thinkers like Nietzsche and Simone de Beauvoir particularly inspiring. You can also choose to explore political and social issues that connect with themes from your main subjects.
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
In your second year, the core modules explore how philosophy and literature tackle key questions about human experience. Through lectures and seminars in your chosen topics, you'll develop both your academic understanding and practical skills valuable for your future career.
As you take on more independent work, you'll learn to manage your time effectively and develop leadership skills. Your lecturers and academic adviser continue to offer one-to-one support, while giving you more space to grow as a researcher and creative thinker. Individual feedback helps you build on your strengths and explore your interests with confidence.
Time commitment in your second year:
- Teaching: 25%
- Independent learning: 75%
This shift in balance reflects your growing confidence as an independent and reflective individual, while maintaining the support you need to succeed.
Assessment
Second-year assessments contribute to your final degree classification and challenge you to apply your developing skills in more sophisticated ways. You'll tackle complex essays, deliver short presentations, and create original projects that demonstrate your growing expertise in both philosophy and literature.
Each module continues our focus on developmental feedback, but now with higher expectations that reflect your academic growth. The diverse assessment methods help you build a portfolio of professional skills - from analytical writing to confident public speaking - valuable for your future career.
Structure
Your final year offers you the freedom to shape your studies around your interests. You'll choose two advanced modules from literature and two from philosophy, with the option to focus more heavily on one subject or maintain an equal balance. You can also select a complementary module from outside your main subjects if you wish.
This year emphasises independent study, allowing you to explore topics in greater depth. Whether you want to build on areas you discovered in your second year or venture into a new territory, you'll have the flexibility to create your own academic path.
A highlight of the final year is the optional dissertation. Working one-to-one with a supervisor, you can focus on philosophy, literature, or combine both disciplines in an original way. It's your chance to develop your own research project and contribute new insights to a topic you're passionate about.
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
Your final year combines academic study with preparation for your future career. In your lectures and seminars, you'll explore in depth topics you’re passionate about while learning to translate your academic skills into professional strengths.
If you choose the dissertation option, you'll work one-to-one with an academic from either Philosophy or English Literature to develop your own research project. This experience builds both academic expertise and transferable skills like time management and project management and creative problem solving.
As an independent learner, you'll focus on the areas that most inspire you, developing mastery in your chosen fields while building the confidence to tackle complex questions and projects on your own.
Time commitment in your final year:
- Teaching: 20%
- Independent learning: 80%
This balance captures your development into a confident, independent individual ready for your next steps after graduation.
Assessment
Your final year assessments reflect your development into an independent learner. While the format remains similar to year two - with written assignments, presentations, and creative projects - you'll have more freedom to choose topics and develop your own writing style.
The optional dissertation represents the pinnacle of your academic journey. Working one-to-one with a supervisor, you'll design and complete an original research project that brings together your philosophical and literary interests.
Your degree classification is calculated from your second and final year marks, weighted 40:60 to emphasise your most mature work. Throughout this crucial year, you'll continue to receive detailed feedback to help you achieve your best possible results.
Employability
After the Course
Our BA in English Literature and Philosophy opens doors to diverse and exciting career paths. Our graduates succeed across many fields because they combine sharp analytical skills with creative thinking and clear communication. You'll graduate ready to make your mark with abilities that employers value highly:
- Clear and persuasive communication across different media and audiences
- Expert analysis of complex information and arguments
- Active listening skills with attention to detail and nuance
- Creative problem-solving backed by logical reasoning
- Critical thinking that combines imagination with analytical rigor
These skills are sought after in fields like publishing, journalism, teaching, marketing, civil service, law, and business consulting. Many of our graduates also pursue further study or research, while others create their own innovative career paths combining their philosophical and literary interests.
Recent graduates have become editors, teachers, policy analysts, writers, consultants, and entrepreneurs. Whatever path you choose, you'll have the intellectual tools to succeed and make meaningful contributions in your chosen field.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Law
- Journalism
- Civil service
- Cultural industries
- Teaching or lecturing
- Charity and environmental work
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
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 C or grade 4
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 subjects listed below:
Contextual: BBC 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, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
BTEC
Extended Diploma: DDM plus B at A level in English Literature or one of the subjects listed above
Contextual: DMM plus B at A level in English Literature or one of the subjects listed above
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
Contextual offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 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 BA (Hons) English Literature (with a Foundation Year)
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 including 5 in HL English, History, Global Politics or Psychology.
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 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.
Scottish Highers
AAABB 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
BCC including English Literature or one of the subjects listed above
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- 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 C or grade 4
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
A levels
ABB 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, Sociology, Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Psychology or Law.
International Baccalaureate
32 including 5 in HL English, History, Global Politics or Psychology.
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre 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, UEA International Study Centre 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
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: