BA English Literature and Film

From your very first day, you’ll move beyond textbooks and lectures to dive into the creative and technical side of film and literature. You’ll gain practical experience using the same tools, environments, and methods that professionals use in the industry.

The University of Reading has invested in a dedicated £11.4 million facility designed for immersive, hands-on learning. It features three theatre spaces, a digital cinema, a recording studio, a mixing suite, and a fully equipped studio with flexible lighting, multi-camera setups, chroma-key (green screen) capability, and professional talk-back systems. Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by expert technicians and work with industry-standard software for editing, sound mixing, and visual effects—giving you the confidence to create high-quality media work.

Adding to this, Reading has a unique connection with Shinfield Studios, part of the Screen Berkshire partnership, located on university-owned land. This partnership opens doors to production bootcamps, technical workshops, and real-life simulated film shoots using top-tier equipment like Arri Alexa cameras—offering experiences that go far beyond traditional classroom learning.

On the literature side, your learning is equally dynamic. You’ll engage in small-group seminars, close reading workshops, and discussion-led sessions that help you think critically and creatively. You’ll also benefit from access to the university’s extensive library, archives, and digital collections—perfect for discovering new perspectives and research material.

Bridging theory and practice is a central part of this degree. You’ll have the chance to apply your learning through real-world projects, placements, and even study abroad opportunities:

• Film studio access & production facilities: Use state-of-the-art studios equipped with professional lighting systems, multi-camera rigs, green screen setups, and control rooms to produce your own creative work.

• Industry software & technical support: Work with professional-grade editing, mixing, and VFX tools, with one-on-one guidance from dedicated technical staff.

• Collaborative project modules: Many modules involve group-based projects, where you’ll create short films, video essays, or multimedia research presentations.

• Professional Placement Year: Opt for a year-long industry placement between your second and third years to gain real professional experience and build your network.

• Study abroad semester: Spend a semester studying in the USA, Europe, or Asia, exploring new cultural and media environments.

• Dissertation or Creative Research Project: In your final year, lead your own major project—either a written dissertation or a creative media production that blends theory and practice.

• Department collaboration & industry partnerships: Learn from both the Department of English Literature and the Department of Film, Theatre & Television. You’ll also benefit from partnerships with organisations like Albert Education, Arri Certified Film School, Rabble Theatre, and Reading Rep Theatre, offering workshops and project-based opportunities.

• Library, archives & digital collections: The Whiteknights campus library houses nearly a million books and thousands of periodicals, with special collections that enrich your literary and film studies.

• Real-world assessment formats: Assessment methods mirror professional practice—ranging from essays and research portfolios to presentations, blogs, learning journals, and creative media projects.

At Reading, experiential learning isn’t an extra—it’s at the heart of your degree. You’ll graduate with both intellectual depth and hands-on experience, ready to step into creative industries or advanced study with confidence.

Graduates from this programme often go on to careers that blend their passion for storytelling, media, and critical analysis. Many find themselves thriving in sectors such as publishing, film and television, journalism, or education — where strong communication and creative insight are key.

Possible Career Paths

With the skills and experience you’ll gain at Reading, you’ll be well prepared for roles such as:

• Film or TV Producer / Assistant Producer

• Content Editor or Publisher

• Journalist or Media & Communications Officer

• Secondary School English Teacher or Academic Support Professional

How Reading Helps You Get There

University Services to Support Employment

• The Placements Team within Careers & Employability supports you with credit-bearing placements, summer internships, and the Professional Placement Year (PPY). You’ll have access to workshops, 1:1 career coaching, and CV/interview preparation.

• The central Careers Service provides ongoing support through individual appointments, employability events, recruitment fairs, and alumni networking — available for up to two years after graduation.

• Within the English Department, the Academic Placement Scheme offers short, module-linked placements in industry (typically two weeks), giving you practical experience while you study.

Employment Outlook

• Around 95% of Reading English Literature graduates are in work or further study within 15 months after graduating.

• Although average salary figures vary by career path, early-career roles in media, publishing, or teaching typically offer salaries ranging from £22,000–£30,000, often rising with experience and location.

Industry Connections and Hands-On Experience

• Reading is part of the Screen Berkshire partnership, giving students access to film production bootcamps, Arri Alexa camera training, and on-set shoot simulations.

• The university’s partnerships include Albert Education, Arri Certified Film School, FEST, Rabble Theatre, Reading Rep Theatre, and South Street Arts Centre, ensuring you gain authentic industry exposure.

• The campus’s proximity to Shinfield Studios — home to major productions like Bridgerton, Star Wars: The Acolyte, and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire — means you’ll be studying near one of the UK’s fastest-growing film hubs.

Academic Excellence and Long-Term Value

• The Department of English Literature at Reading is research-active, with 100% of its submitted research rated of international standing in the REF 2021.

• This degree’s cross-disciplinary approach — blending literature and film — builds a versatile skill set that employers in creative industries, media, and education highly value.

• You’ll also benefit from ongoing alumni and careers support through the Careers Centre and Graduate Hotline for up to two years after graduation.

Graduate Destinations and Success Stories

• Reading alumni from English & Film programmes have gone on to work in media and the arts, journalism, public relations, teaching, law, and business.

• Others have followed unique career paths, joining organisations like Bill Kenwright Productions, the Civil Service, Derby Museum, Prompt Marketing, and Anglian Water.

• Thanks to training in communication, critical thinking, and project management, graduates also move into areas such as web design, advertising, marketing, or hybrid creative-technology roles.

Further Academic Progression

After completing your BA, you can deepen your expertise or pivot toward a new direction through postgraduate study:

• Master’s degrees in Film Studies, English Literature, Media & Communication, or Cultural Studies to build specialist theoretical or production-based knowledge.

• MA in Creative Writing or Scriptwriting, ideal for those wanting to craft stories for screen, stage, or print.

• MRes, MPhil, or PhD pathways in English or Film Studies for those interested in research or academic careers.

• Professional qualifications such as the PGCE (for teaching English or Film) or postgraduate diplomas in publishing, screenwriting, or film production to bridge into industry.