BA (Hons) History of Art and Literature
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- VQ32
- Typical Offer
- AAB (subject specific requirements apply)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (subject specific requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Do you want to study words and images in unison? Our course explores the intertwined histories of art and literature across different eras. You’ll examine the most significant European, British and American literature, and encounter thought-provoking artworks from around the world.
UEA’s world-leading department of Art History and World Art Studies, together with our prestigious School of Literature, Drama, and Creative Writing, are two of the most famous and highly regarded academic departments in the UK. You’ll study in the world-famous Sainsbury Centre, which was designed by Norman Foster. We’re the only Art History Department in the UK located within a world-renowned art museum.
On this History of Art and Literature degree you’ll work across disciplines. You’ll explore the relationship between artistic movements, literature and the visual culture, and word and image. You’ll study the medieval period, the modernist era, and postmodernity. You’ll examine texts and artworks, including significant aspects of European art history. You’ll also explore the work of artists and material culture from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
You’ll study in Norwich, a UNESCO City of Literature with a vibrant contemporary writing scene. Great literature has been produced here since the 14th century when Julian of Norwich became the first woman to write a book in English. In more recent times, UEA graduates include Nobel Laureate Sir Kazuo Ishiguro, Booker Prize winner Ian McEwan, and Costa Award winner Emma Healey.
We’re part of an international network for the study and display of art. This includes the Sainsbury Centre, Sainsbury Research Unit for the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures. One of the many advantages of the network is the opportunity it provides to connect you with local and national museums. Our graduates have gone on to rewarding and exciting careers in the cultural, creative, and heritage sectors. We look forward to you joining our community.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll have the opportunity to apply to spend the second semester of your second year studying abroad. Previous students have studied in Japan, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, and the United States. Your time abroad will be an invaluable academic and cultural experience, one that most students consider to be a highlight of their time at university.
Current opportunities are listed on the University’s Study Abroad pages.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll begin with studies of art, artists, and the processes of creating. Here you’ll engage directly with artworks first-hand in order to explore different techniques and visual effects, deepening your appreciation of their different functions and meanings. At the same time, you’ll be introduced to the role that literature has played in shaping history.
In the second semester, you’ll engage with some of the most significant topics in art history, beginning with an exploration of the role of portraiture in shaping our identities. You’ll also be introduced to the global history of English and English literature itself, from its origins in multilingual medieval society to the extraordinary literatures which are still being forged today from the legacies of colonialism and its resistance.
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 be taught by leading scholars in the fields of art history and literature and will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and field trips.
Throughout this degree your learning activities will involve a combination of lectures, small group seminars and tutorials combined with independent learning. A representative week will consist of 15-20% class time, 40% work on assessments and 40% on independent learning.
Your seminar groups will very rarely have more than 18 students. This allows for plenty of dialogue between tutors and students. Teaching methods vary but most sessions are organised around investigation of particular topics supported by close analysis of artworks and texts. Your lectures will be delivered by members of staff from literature and art history, plus specialist guest speakers.
In your first year, you’ll be guided to prepare material for classes, which you’ll often later use as a starting point for an assessment. You’ll also be given the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of relevant presentation styles such as catalogue entries and exhibition reviews. On the literature side of your degree, you’ll read extraordinary books, with a framework of guided tasks provided by your lecturers to help you get the most out of them.
Assessment
You won’t sit any formal examinations. Instead, you’ll be assessed on written coursework, usually in the form of essays, presentations, critiques, posters, and exhibition catalogues to name only a few. Our assessment methods have been developed to measure your skills, but also to aid your learning.
In your first year, assessment will be aimed at cultivating the skills of close analysis and critical thinking you’ll need throughout the degree.
To prepare for coursework, you'll receive feedback on pieces of 'formative' work from your tutors, e.g. in one-to-one tutorials. Detailed written feedback on assessed work will be provided on your assessed work, after it has been carefully marked and moderated. As your first year does not count toward your overall degree result, it's the perfect opportunity to experiment and take risks.
Structure
In year two, you’ll be able to choose from a very wide range of topics in art history and literature, and you’ll begin to tailor your studies to your own developing interests. These modules will allow you to develop more specialist knowledge of particular problems and periods. In the autumn semester, you’ll be invited to consider how historical writing relates to contemporary debates about art and to explore the role and status of art, criticism and creativity. In the spring semester, you’ll be able to focus on case studies that enable you to develop your own interests to a deeper level. In your study of literature, you’ll choose from a range of modules which together cover the sweep of English literature – and others which invite you to explore literatures from across the globe. You can try your hand at creative writing, or get a taste of the ways you might use your literary training after your degree with modules dedicated to exploring the career of the professional writer in creative industries (e.g. in publishing).
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)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
As you progress through your course you’ll expand your knowledge, skills and understanding as you become familiar with different art practices and techniques, different literary texts and traditions, and diverse methodologies that can be used for interpretation.
As the course progresses, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore more specialised topics that reflect the current research of those teaching the modules. Each year, as your knowledge and study skills become more advanced, you’ll be introduced to material that will encourage your own independent research on topics that interest you. As well as continuing to draw on the extraordinarily rich resources of the Sainsbury Centre, you might find yourself using our state-of-the-art Media Suite in a module on publishing, or sharing your work in one of our world-famous creative writing workshops.
Assessment
In your second year, you’ll have more autonomy over the way you respond to your assessment prompts, devising your own essay topics and further developing your perspective as an art historian and literary critic. On the literature side, while essay writing remains the cornerstone of your degree work, you might also submit podcasts, videos, exhibition plans, or a book design.
Structure
In year two, you’ll be able to choose from a very wide range of topics in art history and literature, and you’ll begin to tailor your studies to your own developing interests. These modules will allow you to develop more specialist knowledge of particular problems and periods. In the autumn semester, you’ll be invited to consider how historical writing relates to contemporary debates about art and to explore the role and status of art, criticism and creativity. In the spring semester, you’ll be able to focus on case studies that enable you to develop your own interests to a deeper level. In your study of literature, you’ll choose from a range of modules which together cover the sweep of English literature – and others which invite you to explore literatures from across the globe. You can try your hand at creative writing, or get a taste of the ways you might use your literary training after your degree with modules dedicated to exploring the career of the professional writer in creative industries (e.g. in publishing).
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 30)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 30)Optional C 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
As you develop specialist knowledge in your final year, you’ll also begin work on a dissertation. This is the culmination of your degree journey, often bringing together your studies in art history and literature in one interdisciplinary project. In addition, you’ll continue to pursue specialist topics in literature and art history in lively seminars, while working with increasing confidence and independence.
Assessment
In your third year, you’ll have the chance to delve deeply into specialist topics taught by our world-class researchers and your own learning will be more independent as a result. Your final assessment is your dissertation, a piece of independent research that you’ll carry out in the third year while working closely with an academic supervisor.
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
AAB 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.
Contextual offer: BBB 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: DDD 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.
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
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 AB at A level including English Literature or one of the below subjects:
Contextual: D plus BB 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 36 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 - History of Art with a Foundation Year or English Literature with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including Higher Level 5 in English.
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 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
AAAAA 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
BBC 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
AAB 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: DDD 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: DDD 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 AB 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
33 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
You may need to pay some additional costs for optional field trips, which are subsidised by the department. You’ll also need to pay some costs for the field trip to Venice in the second year if you choose that option.
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
As a History of Art and Literature graduate, you’ll be ready for a wide range of careers in the art world, art publishing, the heritage industry, academia, teaching, and business. You’ll be equipped with sought-after skills such as independent and critical thinking, time management, teamwork, organisation and research skills, public speaking and more. Your experience of studying in a world-famous art museum will give you an edge in the sector. You’ll also be well placed to study for a postgraduate degree either here at UEA or at another university. Our Careers Service is here to support you with advice on writing CVs and internships. In the department, we work closely with the Careers Service to provide workshops and put on seminars with successful alumni.
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
Recent graduates have entered a number of fields, including:
- Museums and art galleries
- Commercial art galleries
- The heritage sector
- Publishing
- Journalism
- Teaching/lecturing
Discover more on our Careers webpages.