<p>When you apply to the UK through UCAS you select a program, which could be English Literature and Drama (they have a lot of joint-honours programs). Usually in the first year the program is a little general, but still in that area (e.g. if you're doing International Relations you won't get any math), and then in the second and third years you are free to choose a specialisation and choose your subjects accordingly, which is also probably the one you'll talk about in your dissertation (at the end of your third year you are required to submit a 15.000 word dissertation). In Scottish universities, since the programs are 4 years-long, the "general" part of the program is two years-long.</p>