BA (Hons) English and Screenwriting (Full Time)
This challenging and stimulating degree combines creative writing for all screen genres with the advanced study of English.
UCAS codes
2013 Entry
- Three years Standard EntryQW3V
2012 Entry
- Three years Standard EntryQW3V
Career opportunities
In addition to creative work in the film industry there are opportunities in distribution, financing, archiving and reviewing while jobs requiring high level communication skills such as journalism are also an option. The film industry is very competitive and it is common to access opportunities via an entry level job such as runner or assistant to build both experience and contacts.
Teaching is an option requiring further training. The most common route is a one year post graduate teaching qualification, but there are also work based opportunities linked to accredited schools.
Students will leave the course with not only the craft to pursue a career as a writer, but with the knowledge and skills needed to work in other script-related roles such as script researcher, script editor, storyliner and producer.
Other career paths include:
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teaching
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PR, marketing and advertising
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publishing
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work in the theatre or radio
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writing and publishing
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management and administration
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legal, financial, and sales work
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postgraduate study.
For facts, figures and further details of graduate employability, view the career destinations PDF| for this course.
Course overview
Part of the English programme, this course takes a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary approach towards the study of English. You are encouraged to think in new and imaginative ways about fiction, drama, poetry and language, in combination with the study of screenwriting.
This exciting combination has been designed in collaboration with practising film and television screenwriters. The English element of this degree allows students to discover the links between contemporary screenwriting and more traditional literary forms. The screenwriting element is the only UK undergraduate degree specialising in writing for all major screen formats, including drama documentary, soap opera, comedy and feature film.
This is a practical degree with a strong emphasis on competitions, work experience, and a knowledge of the shifting market for creative ideas. Teaching is informed by practice, allowing students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to contemporary, everyday examples.
The course features innovative approaches towards the study of literature and is taught by cutting-edge researchers and industry professionals, combining “real world” vocational training with intellectually stimulating academic study.
There are many opportunities for you to explore your own practical and creative writing interests and take part in study trips nationally and internationally.
Industrial focus
You will receive strong encouragement and guidance in seeking work experience, making industry contacts, and preparing work for submission to producers/agents and competitions.
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Course content
Year 1
Six core units:
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Cultural Fragments: An Introduction to Literary Studies
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Adapting the Novel
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Making and Reading Poetry
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Introduction to Story
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Introduction to Screenwriting Craft
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Reading Screen Texts.
Year 2
Six core units:
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Gender Agendas 1 and 2
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Playtexts in Context
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Shakespeare: Script, Stage and Screen
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Writing Fact-Based Script
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Scripts into Production
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Adapting for the Screen.
Year 3
Three core units and two option units:
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Dissertation/Major Project
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Shock Value: Rejecting Realism in 20th Century Literature
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Media Markets and Context 1 and 2
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English Option
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Screenwriting Option.
Why choose this course?
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Specialises in writing for all major screen genres.
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Heavily weighted towards practical writing.
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Combines real world vocational training with intellectually stimulating academic study.
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Crosses boundaries between academic subjects.
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Innovative approaches towards the study of literature, taught by cutting-edge researchers and industry professionals.
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Multiple opportunities for study trips nationally and internationally.
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Plenty of opportunity to explore your own practical and creative writing interests.
Assessment
As well as scripts, essays and presentations, Screenwriting units are assessed by: pitching sessions, storylining, treatments and step-outlines, script reader/editor reports, performed readings and group television production. For English you will complete traditional essays, examinations, research projects and presentations, and have opportunities to submit creative writing, journalism, workbooks and portfolios.
Key career skills
Creative thinking, presentation, project management, visual communication, evaluation and problem solving.
Projects/work experience
Industry-specific work placements and briefs are available on the Screenwriting side of the course, while the English side offers a work experience option in which you may explore your own career development plans.