BA English and Film & Television Studies

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA English and Film & Television Studies at the University of Exeter combines the study of literature with the exploration of film and television, helping students understand how stories, ideas, and cultures are represented across different forms of media. This interdisciplinary course is ideal for students passionate about storytelling, screen media, and literary analysis, allowing you to develop creative, critical, and research skills for careers in the creative industries, media, publishing, communications, and beyond.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

Your first year introduces you to the key concepts and approaches used in English literature, film theory, and television studies. You will study modules such as Major Debates in Film Theory, Interrogating Screens, and Beginnings: English Literature before 1800, while optional modules including Digital Cultures: Narrative, Creativity, Industry, The Novel, The Poem, Academic English, and Rethinking Shakespeare help you build skills in critical analysis, screen interpretation, digital storytelling, and academic writing.

Year 2

In your second year, you will explore more specialised areas of literature, film, and cultural studies while developing a deeper understanding of storytelling across different media. Modules such as Desire and Power: English Literature 1570-1640, Theatrical Cultures in Early Modern England, Modernism and Modernity: Literature 1900-1960, Romanticism, Adaptations: Text, Image, Culture, Creative Writing: Building a Story, and Creative Writing: Making a Poem allow you to examine the relationship between literature, screen culture, adaptation, and creative expression.

Year 3 (Optional Study Abroad or Employment Experience)

If you choose the four-year pathway, your third year can be spent studying abroad at one of Exeter’s international partner universities or gaining professional experience through an Employment Experience placement. These opportunities allow you to develop a global perspective, gain workplace experience, and apply your knowledge of English, film, and television in different cultural and professional environments.

Final Year

In your final year, you will complete an independent project through options such as Dissertation, Creative Writing Dissertation, Film Studies Dissertation, or Creative Film Dissertation. You can also specialise through advanced modules including Queering British Screens, Writing the Short Film, Heroes and Exiles: English Poetry of the Age of Beowulf, Life and Death in Early Modern Literature, and Writing for Children and Young Adults, allowing you to explore your specific interests in literature, film, and media.

Focus areas

English literature, film studies, television studies, film theory, screen cultures, storytelling, digital media, creative writing, adaptation studies, visual culture, literary criticism, media analysis, contemporary cinema, research skills, communication.

Learning outcomes

Develop advanced skills in analysing literature, film, and television while strengthening your research, communication, creative thinking, and critical analysis abilities. You will learn how to interpret cultural texts, understand different storytelling techniques, conduct independent research, communicate ideas effectively, and apply your skills across creative industries, media, publishing, education, and cultural sectors.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The BA English and Film & Television Studies develops transferable skills in creativity, communication, research, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving that are highly valued by employers. Although the programme does not have a specific professional accreditation, it provides excellent preparation for careers in film and television, journalism, publishing, marketing, communications, education, and other creative fields.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Exeter supports students in developing career-ready skills through research-led teaching, practical learning opportunities, and access to specialist resources. Students benefit from facilities such as the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, Special Collections, and the Digital Humanities Lab, along with opportunities to engage with creative professionals and explore connections between academic study and the wider media industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This dual-honours degree is crafted to immerse you in both the literary and cinematic worlds, giving you the chance to engage with your subjects far beyond traditional lectures. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, you'll explore English and Film & Television in a hands-on, dynamic way. Whether analyzing classic literature, diving into film theory, or working on creative projects, this program offers a rich and well-rounded learning experience.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum: A one-of-a-kind resource dedicated to the history of film and popular culture, offering a treasure trove of materials for study and research.
Digital Humanities Lab: A cutting-edge facility supporting digital research methods, allowing you to explore how technology intersects with the humanities.
Special Collections Archive: Access rare and valuable materials that deepen your understanding of literary and cinematic history.
Optional Placement Year: Through the 'Employment Experience' pathway, you can spend a year working in the industry, gaining practical skills and boosting your employability.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Broaden your academic and cultural horizons with the option to study abroad and experience different perspectives.
Engagement with Industry Professionals: Attend events featuring internationally acclaimed authors, actors, and filmmakers, giving you direct exposure to leading experts in your fields.
Collaborative Projects: Work alongside fellow students on group projects that simulate real-world scenarios in literature and film studies.
Access to Libraries and Research Institutes: Benefit from extensive library resources and research centers that support your academic work and creative exploration.

These experiences are designed to give you a well-rounded education, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience. By taking full advantage of these resources, you’ll be well-prepared for a wide range of careers in the creative industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA English and Film & Television Studies at the University of Exeter prepares graduates with a blend of creative, analytical, research, and communication skills that are highly valued across the media, creative, and professional sectors. By studying literature alongside film and television, students develop the ability to understand storytelling, analyse visual culture, and communicate ideas effectively, opening pathways into careers such as Film Producer, Journalist, Marketing Executive, Editor, Digital Media Specialist, and Communications Professional.

The programme supports your career development by helping you gain practical experience, strengthen your professional skills, and connect your studies with real-world opportunities:

Access dedicated support from Exeter’s Career Zone, which provides career guidance, one-to-one advice, CV and application support, employer events, skills workshops, internships, volunteering opportunities, and resources to help students prepare for employment.
Develop highly valued skills in communication, critical analysis, creative thinking, research, teamwork, independent working, time management, and problem-solving, which are transferable across many industries.
Gain practical experience through creative projects, research activities, and opportunities to develop a portfolio of work that demonstrates your abilities to future employers.
Explore career opportunities across industries including film and television production, publishing, journalism, marketing, communications, education, events management, and creative organisations.
Progress into a variety of roles such as Actor, Assistant Brand Manager, Assistant Director, Copywriter, Data Analyst, Journalist, Policy Adviser, Product Manager, Radio Producer, and Youth Worker.
Build your understanding of the creative industries through opportunities to engage with writers, filmmakers, actors, and other creative professionals, helping you connect academic learning with industry practice.
Benefit from Exeter’s strong employer reputation and graduate network, with alumni progressing into organisations such as European Parliament, Rolls-Royce, Oxford University Press, Warp Films, Oxfam, and Estée Lauder.
Gain long-term career value from a degree that develops adaptable skills in storytelling, media analysis, research, creativity, and communication, which remain relevant across changing industries.
Benefit from the University of Exeter’s strong focus on employability, with graduates equipped to work across creative industries as well as wider professional fields that require excellent communication and analytical abilities.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA English and Film & Television Studies, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes that allow them to specialise in areas such as English literature, film studies, creative writing, journalism, cultural studies, and media. Further study options may include MA English Literary Studies, MA Film Studies, MA Creative Writing, MA International Film Business, MA Arts and Cultural Management, or research-focused postgraduate degrees, helping graduates develop advanced expertise for careers in research, education, media, and the creative industries.