University of Reading United Kingdom

BA Creative Writing and Film & Theatre

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA Creative Writing and Film & Theatre at the University of Reading invites you to explore the dynamic interplay between storytelling, performance, and visual media. This undergraduate degree is designed for aspiring writers and theatre-makers who are passionate about crafting compelling narratives and understanding their impact across different artistic platforms. You will delve into the foundational elements of creative writing, analyse theatrical texts and performances, and critically interpret the art of filmmaking. This course provides a robust grounding in literary and dramatic arts, preparing you to contribute to contemporary cultural conversations.

You will study this programme full-time on campus over three years, engaging with a curriculum that balances theoretical exploration with practical application. Your learning journey will involve analysing theatre and film, composing original creative writing across various genres like poetry and prose, and potentially undertaking a significant dissertation or creative research project in your final year. Through workshops and critical analysis, you will develop your distinctive voice and refine your craft. Graduates from this BA are well-prepared for careers in publishing, screenwriting, theatre production, arts administration, and further postgraduate study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program offers a comprehensive exploration of creative writing and the dynamic fields of film and theatre. Across three years, students will engage with foundational concepts in writing, performance, and cinematic studies, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as poetry, prose, documentary, and various theatrical forms. The curriculum encourages critical analysis and practical application, culminating in a dissertation or creative research project.

1 YEAR 1

Introduction to Creative Writing Compulsory
Poetry in English Compulsory
Analysing Theatre and Performance Compulsory
Approaches to Film Compulsory
Introduction to Drama Optional
Shelf Life Optional
Modern American Culture and Counterculture Optional
Comedy on Stage and Screen Optional
Radical Forms in Theatre and Performance Optional
Thinking Translation: History and Theory Optional
What is Comparative Literature? Optional
Optional Language Modules

2 YEAR 2

Film Forms and Cultures Optional
Creative Writing: Creative Non-fiction Optional
Myth, Legend and Romance: Medieval Storytelling Optional
Creative Writing: The Short Story Optional
Victorian Literature Optional
Contemporary Fiction Optional
Placement and Employment Skills Optional
Documentary Optional
Reworking Shakespeare in Performance Optional
Television and Contemporary Culture Optional
Identity, Performance and Culture Optional
Creative Writing: Poetry Optional
Writing in the Public Sphere Optional
Modernism in Poetry and Fiction Optional
Enlightenment Revolution and Romanticism Optional
The Business of Books Optional
Early Modern Literature Optional
Writing America: Perspectives on the Nation Optional
Critical Thinking Optional
Optional Language Modules

3 YEAR 3

Creative Writing Dissertation Optional
Film and/or Theatre Dissertation Optional
Creative Research Project Optional
British Black and Asian Voices: 1948 to the Present Optional
Lyric Voices, 1340-1650 Optional
Creative Writing Masterclass: Poetry Optional
Performance and Design Optional
Literature and Mental Health Optional
Creative Writing Masterclass: Prose Optional
Writing Women: Nineteenth-century Poetry Optional
Adaptions across Stage and Screen Optional
Musical Theatre Optional
Advanced Scriptwriting Optional
From Romance to Fantasy Optional
Children's Literature Optional
The Bloody Stage: Revenge and Death in Renaissance Drama Optional
Modern and Contemporary British Poetry Optional
Decadence and Degeneration: Literature of the 1890s Optional
Placing Jane Austen Optional
Screen Bodies Optional
Film Festivals and Programming Optional
Optional Language Modules

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 104,824.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 467.00 - USD 1,787.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 8,200.00
Transport USD 903.00 - USD 935.00
Utilities & Bills USD 2,093.00 - USD 2,616.00
Estimated Total USD 6,218.00 - USD 11,228.00

Living cost estimates are based on London Road Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising TechnologyAgrochemical & Seed IndustryAmusement & Recreation ServicesClient Services & Account ManagementCrop Production & FarmingGaming & Interactive MediaMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementMedia Planning & BuyingMusic & Performing ArtsPublic Relations

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Royal Academy of Dance

Sky Group

Universal Music Group

Why Study BA Creative Writing and Film & Theatre at University of Reading

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Reading in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA Creative Writing and Film & Theatre at University of Reading

Can I work while studying?

International students enrolled in degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Full-time work is allowed during breaks without the need for a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To apply, you must meet specific English language requirements depending on your test. For example, a TOEFL overall score of 100 is required, or an IELTS overall score of 7.0.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as screenwriters, playwrights, film directors, or creative producers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course focuses on developing creative writing skills and understanding the connections between film and theatre. You'll engage with various literary, dramatic, and film texts while receiving both practical and theoretical training.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Creative Writing and Film & Theatre course starts in September. Make sure to apply before the deadline to secure your spot.
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