Historians and literary critics often read the same documents, but they bring to them different approaches and employ different methods of analysis. This programme gives you the opportunity to learn and experiment with both ways of reading. In learning the skills of close textual analysis and engaging with narrative form, you will become a historian with a marked sensitivity to sources and a lively and engaging writing style.

As you encounter arguments about historical causality and assess conflicting accounts of historical events, you will become a literary critic with a complex grasp of the social, political and cultural contexts in which literature is produced. The two disciplines enrich each other, and the diverse range of experts here combine to deliver you a course that is both flexible and distinctive. It’s up to you to set the precise balance between literature and history as your degree progresses – you might take an equal number of modules in both, or gradually specialise in one or the other discipline.  

You’ll be taught by specialists from two world-leading UEA departments – the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing and the School of History. Studying in Norwich gives you access to a city rich in historical and cultural artefacts, and vivid literary and dramatic life. This unique degree programme also offers you many opportunities to extend your studies beyond the classroom, into archives of literary and historical manuscripts, and out to sites of historical and cultural importance.  

PLACEMENT YEAR AND STUDY ABROAD

You have the option to apply to study abroad for one semester of your second year. Studying abroad is a wonderfully enriching life experience – you will develop confidence and adaptability, and will have the chance to deepen your understanding of Literature and history while learning about another culture. At UEA, you will also be surrounded throughout your degree by the many students we welcome from around the world.  

AFTER THE COURSE

You could go on to work in the arts, media, publishing, politics, charities and NGOs, teaching or the commercial sector. You will be equipped with skills of critical reading, independence, time management, team work and more, which are highly valued by employers. You’ll also be well placed to study for a postgraduate degree.  

Our Careers Service is here to support you in launching your career by advising with CV writing, internships, and much more. Every year we run an event, Working with Words, where you’ll have the chance to meet and hear from successful UEA alumni from across the creative industries.  

UEA also has its own in-house publishing project, Egg Box, along with many other exciting initiatives that give you opportunities to turn your love of literature into a foundation for your future career

CAREER DESTINATIONS

Examples of careers you could enter include:  

• Media  

• Marketing  

• Finance  

• Publishing  

• Events Management  

• Journalism