BA (Hons) Film Studies and English Literature with a Year Abroad

When you join this programme, you’ll do much more than just read about theories — you’ll get hands-on experience with real film archives, attend literary events, and work directly with texts and media. You’ll have access to UEA’s East Anglian Film Archive, a unique resource you can use for your own film research or for your final dissertation.

You’ll also build connections with industry organisations like the British Film Institute, the Norwich Film Festival, and local media companies, giving you a front-row view of how theory meets practice.

And because the programme includes a year abroad, you’ll immerse yourself in a different cultural and academic environment — a powerful opportunity when exploring literature or film in a new language or tradition.

So in practice, your experiential learning will involve:

• Studying abroad in your third year, engaging with local film, media, and literary culture in another country.

• Using the East Anglian Film Archive for viewing, analysing, and even curating materials as part of your coursework or dissertation.

• Collaborating with the British Film Institute and participating in the Norwich Film Festival, where you might attend industry screenings, panels, or networking events.

• Working with local media and production companies in Norwich and the East Anglia region, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how film, television, and media arts are created and shared locally.

• Accessing UEA’s British Archive for Contemporary Writing and the National Centre for Writing, for workshops, readings, and author events that will deepen your literary insight.

• Taking courses that combine film/television history, criticism, genre studies, narrative techniques, and creative writing options, so your skills cover analysis, theory, and creativity.

• Completing projects and assignments that often involve collaboration, like film-analysis teams or peer editing. While UEA doesn’t specify exact software, you can expect to use standard tools like video editing programs, media platforms, or collaborative software in workshops.

• Benefiting from strong library and archival support, including UEA’s literary and media collections, which you can draw on for research, dissertations, or seminar papers.

Graduate Outcomes & Typical Roles

Graduates from the BA (Hons) Film Studies and English Literature with a Year Abroad at UEA go on to careers that make the most of their analytical, creative, and communication skills. Many find opportunities in media, publishing, and cultural sectors, while others pursue postgraduate study or creative practice.

Typical career roles include:

• Film/TV Producer or Development Executive

• Scriptwriter / Screenwriter

• Literary Editor / Publishing Assistant

• Media Planner / Content Strategist

By combining film and literary studies, you graduate with a flexible skill set that is highly valued by employers in creative and cultural industries.

How UEA Supports Your Career Path

University Career Services & Placement Support
UEA’s Career Central works closely with the School to help you find, apply for, and secure placements and internships. In your third year, you’ll typically spend 9–12 months on a placement relevant to your interests.

You’ll also have access to workshops, CV guidance, employer networking events, and one-on-one support to help you take the next step after graduation.

Employment Stats & Outcomes
UEA graduates are highly employable: nearly four out of five are in graduate-level employment or further study within 15 months of finishing. For example, 84% of the 2020/21 cohort were in professional or managerial roles or continuing their studies.

University–Industry Connections
UEA offers unique opportunities to connect with the industry:

• Access the East Anglian Film Archive for research or dissertation work

• Benefit from close ties with the British Film Institute and the Norwich Film Festival

• Take advantage of the Norwich region, a hub for media production, to explore internships and local employment

Accreditation & Long-Term Value
This degree combines two strong academic traditions—film/media and English literature—under UEA’s renowned School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing. Its reputation provides credibility across the UK and internationally, supporting careers in publishing, cultural institutions, and the film industry.

Graduation Outcomes

UEA alumni from similar programs have gone on to roles such as film industry executives, creative directors, media managers, producers, and professionals working in film heritage. Many also branch into related fields like marketing, advertising, cultural policy, non-profits, or academia.

Further Academic Progression

After completing this BA, you could continue your studies through:

• Master’s degrees in Film Studies, Media Studies, or Cinema & Cultural Theory

• Master’s in Creative Writing or specialized English Literature programs

• Research-based pathways (MPhil or PhD) in film studies, literary studies, or interdisciplinary cultural studies

• Professional training or postgraduate diplomas in screenwriting, filmmaking, publishing, or arts management