COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA in Art History and English Literature at UEA offers an intellectually rich, interdisciplinary journey across four years, combining critical engagement with visual and literary cultures. In Year 1, students are introduced to core themes in both disciplines, developing foundational skills in visual analysis and textual interpretation. Modules like Learning on Site at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts and Introduction to Art History encourage hands-on learning with artworks, while Reading Literature in History and Writing Across Borders provide a deep understanding of literature’s evolution, especially through the lenses of colonialism, translation, and identity. Portraiture, artistic purpose, and the cross-cultural movement of English are explored through visual and written forms, creating links between identity, culture, and expression. Year 2 allows for greater academic flexibility, with students selecting modules based on their developing interests. Here, they explore key debates around art’s contemporary relevance in Art in the Contemporary World, and have opportunities to study English literature globally and across time, with creative writing and professional pathways also available. Year 3 is dedicated to an immersive placement year, where students gain real-world experience in industries such as heritage, publishing, or the creative arts, bridging the gap between academic theory and professional practice. This year builds crucial employability skills and allows students to apply their learning in dynamic work environments. In the final year, students choose advanced optional modules and complete a dissertation—an extended independent research project supervised by a faculty member—on a topic that reflects their unique interests and academic growth. Throughout the course, students develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills, preparing them for a wide range of careers or further study. The degree’s blend of art and literature provides a rich, critical lens on how culture is made, shared, and interpreted.