BA Creative Writing and Film & Theatre

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Reading

Program Overview

The BA Creative Writing and Film & Theatre degree at the University of Reading offers a rich, hands-on exploration of storytelling across multiple mediums. Combining the art of writing with the vibrant worlds of film and theatre, this program is perfect for students who love crafting narratives, analyzing diverse texts, and bringing stories to life through performance.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students start with foundational modules that introduce the study of film and theatre. Courses such as Introduction to Film Studies and Theatre and Performance provide essential terminology, critical thinking skills, and an overview of creative practices. These modules lay the groundwork for deeper, more specialized study in the later years.

Year 2:
In the second year, students explore the cultural and historical contexts of film and theatre more deeply. Modules like Film Analysis and Modern Theatre encourage critical engagement with different genres and forms, helping students refine their analytical skills and broaden their understanding of storytelling.

Year 3:
The final year focuses on independent research and creative practice. Students complete a dissertation or major project, with the chance to specialize in areas such as Screenwriting or Theatre Direction. This stage allows students to combine theoretical insight with practical application, preparing them for professional work or further study.


Focus Areas
Creative Writing, Film Studies, Theatre Studies, Screenwriting, Performance Analysis


Learning Outcomes

  • Develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills

  • Enhance writing and performance abilities

  • Understand the cultural contexts of media and storytelling

  • Produce original creative work

  • Engage in interdisciplinary analysis across writing, film, and theatre


Professional Alignment
This program is designed with industry standards in mind, giving graduates the skills and experience needed to pursue careers in writing, film, and theatre.


Reputation and Employability
The University of Reading is recognized for its strong graduate outcomes, with 95% of graduates securing employment or further study within six months of finishing their degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying BA Creative Writing and Film & Theatre at the University of Reading offers a vibrant mix of hands-on experience and creative exploration. This program is designed to immerse you not only in the art of storytelling but also in the technical aspects of performance and film production. You'll collaborate on projects, make use of modern facilities, and learn directly from industry professionals—all within a supportive and dynamic academic community.

Being close to London, a central hub for the UK's film and theatre industries, adds a unique dimension to your learning. This location gives you access to a wide range of cultural events, performances, and networking opportunities, enriching both your studies and your career prospects.

In this program, experiential learning is at the heart of your education through:

Minghella Studios: A cutting-edge facility where you can take part in group projects, developing your storytelling and creative skills in a professional setting.

Collaborative Projects: Opportunities to work on team-based assignments that sharpen your abilities in writing, performance, and film production.

Industry Exposure: With London nearby, you can visit theatres and attend performances, gaining valuable real-world insights into the creative industries.

Access to Professional Equipment: Work with state-of-the-art film and theatre equipment, ensuring you gain practical, hands-on experience with industry-standard tools.

This blend of practical learning, modern facilities, and industry insight ensures that graduates are well-equipped for careers in the creative industries. If you’re passionate about storytelling and performance, this program offers an ideal platform to develop your talents and take the first steps toward a successful career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA Creative Writing and Film & Theatre program at the University of Reading are exceptionally well-prepared to explore a wide range of careers within the creative industries. The program combines critical, practical, and historical understanding of modern theatre and film with hands-on acting skills and creative competencies.

This well-rounded approach equips students for roles such as:

  • Film and Theatre Director

  • Screenwriter

  • Theatre Practitioner

  • Creative Producer

University Support & Industry Connections:

Career Development: The program includes modules dedicated to career planning, helping students gain the skills and confidence needed to navigate the professional world.

Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from collaborations with professional theatre companies, such as Rabble Theatre and Reading Rep, offering invaluable real-world experience and networking opportunities.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Department of Film, Theatre and Television features purpose-built £11 million facilities, including multi-camera film and TV studios, a digital cinema, and dedicated recording studios, allowing students to gain practical, hands-on experience in a professional environment.

Graduate Employability: The University of Reading is ranked 7th in the UK for graduate salary in Creative Arts, reflecting strong career prospects for its graduates based on national data on earnings five years after graduation.

Accreditation: The program aligns with QAA Subject Benchmarking Groups in Communication, Media, Film, and Cultural Studies, as well as Dance, Drama, and Performance, ensuring a high-quality and widely recognized education in the field.

Further Academic Progression:

Postgraduate Opportunities:

Graduates of the BA Creative Writing and Film & Theatre program can continue their studies through a variety of postgraduate options. The University of Reading offers master's courses in theatre and film that focus on developing both practical and entrepreneurial skills, helping students take the next step in their creative careers.

Students may also pursue further professional training, academic research, or specialized study, depending on their interests and career goals. This progression allows graduates to refine their expertise and enhance their employability in the competitive creative industries.

Program Key Stats

£25,850
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


No
No

Eligibility Criteria

BBB
3.0
30
70

N/A
N/A
7.0
100

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Screenwriter
  • Playwright
  • Novelist
  • Script Editor
  • Film/TV Producer
  • Theatre Director
  • Content Writer
  • Copywriter
  • Journalist
  • Editor
  • Literary Agent
  • Storyboard Artist
  • Creative Consultant
  • Production Assistant
  • Marketing/PR Specialist

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