BA (Hons) Film Studies and English Literature with a Year Abroad
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- QW3A
- 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
Discover the secrets of storytelling on page and on screen by making literature and film the joint focus of your studies. UEA is world famous for being a pioneering centre for both film and literary studies. Our film, television, and media academics are celebrated in their field, and of course the university is home to the renowned School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing. Your degree in Film Studies and English Literature with a Year Abroad will combine classes from both of these vibrant and welcoming centres of learning, and it offers flexibility to study across form and genre, also giving you opportunities to practice creative writing if you choose.
Your degree covers the history of film and television from its earliest days to the present, and explores literature from the Middle Ages to modern times, from England to Europe and the wider world. From Shakespeare to the Marvel film adaptations, this is a degree that truly expands your storytelling horizons, and inspires your learning. Along the way, you'll sharpen your critical powers, and gain the graduate skills you’ll need for future career success.
Make use of our outstanding facilities, valuable partnerships, and local opportunities. We’re home to the sector-leading East Anglian Film Archive – a unique resource that you might use in shaping your own Final Year dissertation, for example. We’ve close links with the British Film Institute in London and the Norwich Film Festival. Meanwhile, you’ll be studying in a region that is a dynamic centre of the media industries, and home to local production companies.
And of course, your base will be here in the beautiful and historic city of Norwich, famous as the 'City of Stories'. Norwich has been home to ground-breaking writers and readers for centuries, from Julian of Norwich (the first woman to write a book in English) to award-winning UEA alumni like Sir Ian McEwan. As a Film Studies and English Literature student, you'll immerse yourself in this thriving literary scene. You'll have access to unique resources like UEA's British Archive for Contemporary Writing. You'll be able to go to literary events or publishing fairs at the world-renowned National Centre for Writing. It's no wonder Norwich became England's first UNESCO City of Literature!
You’ll develop many transferable skills on this degree course, including high-level research and communication skills, team working, leadership, and self-management. These desirable transferable skills will open doors to a wide variety of careers, whether you want to become a writer, producer, or director in the film industry, or explore other occupations in marketing, advertising, the charity sector, and more besides. In the past, our graduates have gone on to achieve success as film industry executives, producers, media managers, creative directors, or found work in film heritage, for example.
On this version of the course, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to spend your third year studying at one of our partner institutions across the globe.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
This four-year version of the course gives you the opportunity to spend the third year of your degree studying with one of UEA's many partner institutions across the globe, which offers teaching in your subject and in English. Destinations range from Japan to Hong Kong, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and Canada and the USA.
Studying Abroad gives you the opportunity to broaden your academic and social horizons, giving you opportunities to develop your confidence and communication skills, while bringing a unique element to your CV that will help you stand out to prospective employers. Availability at our partner institutions does vary from year to year and we always recommend you bring an open mind about your destination preference. You'll also need to meet certain academic progression requirements (scoring an aggregate of 55% in your first- and second-year assessments). If for this or for any other reason you were to decide you were unable to spend your third year abroad, you can transfer to a three-year version of your degree at any time.
For further details, visit our Study Abroad section of our website
Study and Modules
Structure
In the first year, you’ll be introduced to the major debates in film studies and English literature. At the same time, you’ll develop the key skills needed to analyse a range of media and literary texts using contemporary and historical examples. These analytical skills will be invaluable in distinguishing the nuances of the separate media and allow you to develop a way of critically reading material, and to train your critical eye.
The first year encourages the use of your critical voice and provides opportunities for you to apply it as a researcher and writer. You’ll be introduced to a range of influential thinkers who have shaped today's literary media world, and this will form the foundation of your studies as you progress through the degree.
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
Our world-leading academics employ a range of teaching styles. Alongside lectures and seminars, you’ll learn through critically viewing film and television. You’ll also have access to UEA’s Television Studio and Media Suite, containing editing suites, cameras and sound equipment, and sound studios. You’ll have the opportunity to be trained to use all of these.
In addition to lectures and seminars, our academics hold dedicated office hours where you can come and seek advice and guidance on a one-to-one basis. You’ll also be assigned an adviser who can support you through your studies by providing academic and career guidance
You’ll acquire vital skills needed for independent learning and will develop the analytical skills which you’ll need throughout your course. You’ll have access to dedicated sessions designed 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 vital research skills, such as uncovering resources and critically assessing sources. You’ll be given opportunities to practice essay writing and presentations skills both in person and online. You’ll also get the opportunity to work in groups and develop the skills necessary for effective collaboration.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed primarily by coursework across all three years. You'll be assessed in individual and group assessment modes. Group work may be in the form of research presentations, practical work or discussions. Individual assessments may be in the form of essays, critical reflections or individual presentations. You may be asked to deliver in-person presentations or produce online video-essays or video presentations. Your progress in some theoretical modules may be assessed through creative practice.
Structure
You’ll deepen your knowledge of film theory and begin to specialise your interests through your choice of optional modules. Past modules have covered topics such as queer literature and film and American literature on screen, for example.
On the literature side of your degree, you might choose from modules which cover the historical and global sweep of English literature, or you might immerse yourself in a module which gives you a taste of a career using your literary skills in the creative industries, such as journalism or scriptwriting, for example. You might even try your hand at creative writing in one of our world-famous creative writing workshops.
You’ll also have the chance to take a placement. Previous students have undertaken placements with organisations including local radio stations, television production companies and the East Anglian Film Archive.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 60)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, you’ll develop as a self-motivated researcher and independent creative thinker. The second year offers a wider range of learning and teaching methods from teacher-led surveys to student-centred practice or scaffolded independent study.
Assessment
While in the first year, assessment largely focusses on ensuring you’ve the key critical and analytical skills needed to work more independently in your second year, by the end of your second year your assessment will have prepared you for independent research as well as continuing to develop your critical and analytical skills.
Structure
On this course, you'll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our many partner institutions across the globe. This is a brilliant opportunity to experience living in another country, see how your subject and others are studied there, develop greater confidence and enhanced communication skills, and gain experiences that will help your CV stand out to employers.
Check out our Study Abroad pages to learn more.
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
While on your Year Abroad, you'll usually have to study about 50% of your modules in your main area of academic specialism(s) at UEA, and you'll then have opportunities to explore other subjects if you wish (depending on exact topics and modules offered by your host university).
Assessment
On your year abroad you'll undertake assessments in modules in your host university. You'll need to pass the Year Abroad, but your marks do not count towards your final degree classification. In the unlikely event you did not pass the year abroad, reassessment options are available at UEA.
Structure
You’ll continue to specialise your interests in your final year, drawing on the expertise of our world-leading academics in studies that could range in topic from Shakespeare to science fiction, feminism, or race and identity, to digital media, or celebrity to crime. You’ll also develop your research skills in our dissertation module which includes a period of supervised independent study.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 30)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 60)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 final year, the focus is on you becoming a researcher and independent scholar. You’ll have the opportunity to write a dissertation which is a significant piece of scholarly research, alongside a range of topics led by experts in the field. This year, the emphasis is on taking the skills you’ve learned and applying them to topics you’re interested in.
Assessment
In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with an expert supervisor in completing a dissertation on a topic of your own choice.
All our assessments are designed to strengthen your critical thinking, prepare you for the next level of study and give you skills that are attractive to future employers.
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 B at A Level English Literature or one of the below subjects. 100486329100486329100486329
Diploma: DD plus B at A level in English Literature or one of the below subjects.
Contextual: DD plus C at A Level English Literature or one of the below subjects.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level including English Literature or one of the below subjects.
Contextual: D plus BC 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.
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 - Film and Television 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 other 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
Your BA Film Studies and English Literature with a Year Abroad degree will prepare you for work in a wide array of fields. You’ll have the skills to work in the film and other creative industries. Or you could choose to enter the museum and heritage sector, both in the UK and elsewhere in the world. Alternatively, you might decide to continue your academic passion with postgraduate study at UEA.
As well as your subject-specific knowledge and skills, you’ll graduate with many transferable skills including high-level communication skills, teamwork, and self-management, all of which open doors to a wide variety of careers.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Film and TV production
- Publicity officers
- Cultural heritage and archives
- Arts festivals
- Social media
- Publishing (books, magazines, newspapers)
Discover more on our Careers webpages.