University of Reading United Kingdom

BA English Literature and Film

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

Embark on the BA English Literature and Film at the University of Reading, a programme designed for those fascinated by the power of narrative across written word and cinematic form. You will delve into how literature and film critically engage with and shape our understanding of culture, exploring diverse texts from historical periods to contemporary global productions. This degree is ideal for students eager to develop sophisticated analytical skills, articulate complex ideas, and understand the profound impact of storytelling on society. You will gain a comprehensive grounding in literary theory and film studies, preparing you for a world increasingly influenced by visual and textual media.

This full-time, on-campus undergraduate degree is studied over three years, offering a rich curriculum that balances core modules with a wide array of optional specialisations. You will explore everything from Renaissance drama and modern American culture to film forms and television studies, with opportunities to develop practical skills in documentary filmmaking or creative research projects. In your final year, you can undertake a substantial dissertation or film dissertation, applying your accumulated knowledge to an independent research topic. You will graduate with highly transferable analytical, critical, and communication skills, ready for careers in publishing, media, arts organisations, education, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program in English Literature and Film offers a comprehensive study of literary and cinematic works across different periods and cultures. Students will engage with foundational theories of writing, poetry, television, and film, alongside exploring diverse optional modules ranging from drama and comedy to comparative literature and translation. The curriculum progresses to delve into specific film forms, literary movements like Victorian literature and modernism, and contemporary cultural analyses, culminating in opportunities for independent research through dissertations or creative projects.

1 YEAR 1

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

2 YEAR 2

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

3 YEAR 3

English Literature Dissertation Optional
Film Dissertation Optional
Creative Research Project Optional
Lyric Voices, 1340-1650 Optional
British Black and Asian Voices: 1948 to the Present Optional
Performance and Design Optional
Literature and Mental Health Optional
Children's Literature Optional
Enlightenment Revolution and Romanticism Optional
The Bloody Stage: Revenge and Death in Renaissance Drama Optional
Writing Women: Nineteenth-Century Poetry Optional
Virginia Woolf Optional
Adaptations across Stage and Screen Optional
Musical Theatre Optional
Film Festivals and Programming Optional
Decadence and Degeneration: Literature of the 1890s Optional
From Romance to Fantasy Optional
James Joyce Optional
Advanced Scriptwriting Optional
Screen Bodies Optional
Modern and Contemporary British Poetry Optional
Placing Jane Austen Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,130.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,130.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,130.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 102,391.00

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 & Media SalesAdvertising TechnologyClient Services & Account ManagementDigital Media & Online PublishingEvent Promotion & ManagementMedia Planning & BuyingMuseums & Cultural HeritageMusic & Performing ArtsPhotojournalism & Visual MediaTalent & Artist Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Sky Group

Why Study BA English Literature and Film 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 English Literature and Film at University of Reading

Can I work while studying?

As an international degree student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks without needing a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For admissions, you'll need to meet specific English test requirements. Acceptable tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, each with different score thresholds.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as film analysts, literary critics, screenwriters, content creators, and educators.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program explores the inter-connected realms of literature and film, examining how each has shaped modern culture. You'll study contemporary writing and the evolution of film, theatre, and television through a diverse curriculum.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA English Literature and Film program begins in September each year. Ensure you prepare your application in advance to secure your place.
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