COURSE CURRICULUM

The English Literature degree at UEA offers a dynamic and comprehensive four-year structure that encourages intellectual growth, creativity, and practical experience. In the first year, students explore a wide range of literary texts, from contemporary works by authors like Terrance Hayes to ancient epics such as Homer's The Odyssey. Compulsory modules help students develop essential skills in literary analysis, close reading, and historical understanding. The first-year curriculum also delves into the global history of English, examining its origins in multilingual medieval societies and its colonial expansions. Students are encouraged to experiment with creative-critical writing or explore other humanities disciplines, expanding their academic horizons.In the second year, students gain more autonomy, selecting from a wide range of modules covering English literary history, global literatures, and creative writing. The focus shifts to deeper specialization, and students are required to study literature before 1789, exploring genres such as medieval romance and Shakespearean plays. This is also the year where students can begin to shape their identity as writers, critics, and literary scholars.The third year offers a practical component, where students undertake a year-long placement, applying their academic skills in real-world settings such as creative industries, heritage, or business. This placement is supported by UEA’s strong connections and provides invaluable experience, making students more employable post-graduation.In the final year, students choose from specialized modules that reflect UEA’s research strengths, delving into topics like feminist writing or Renaissance drama. They also have the option of completing a dissertation, allowing them to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice. Overall, the course is designed to foster both intellectual and professional growth, preparing students for diverse career paths after graduation.