Film and Creative Writing

The Film and Creative Writing programme at the University of Essex offers students a unique opportunity to develop their skills in both filmmaking and storytelling through a multidisciplinary approach. This innovative course is designed to nurture creative talents and provide practical experience in the dynamic worlds of film production and creative writing. Students will explore a wide range of genres and styles, allowing them to craft compelling narratives across visual and literary forms. The programme combines lectures, workshops, filmmaking sessions, and writing seminars led by experienced industry professionals and academic experts, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on projects, including short films, screenplays, and literary pieces, enabling them to build a diverse portfolio of work. The curriculum covers essential topics such as script development, cinematography, editing, storytelling techniques, and literary analysis. Students will also have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, supporting their creative process from concept to final production. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, originality, and analytical skills, preparing graduates for careers in the film industry, publishing, broadcasting, or further academic research. The programme encourages experimentation and innovation, ensuring that students are well-equipped to contribute new perspectives to the arts and media sectors. Collaborations with industry partners and opportunities for internships provide practical insights and professional connections. Graduates of this programme will possess a versatile skill set, blending creative storytelling with technical proficiency, and will be well-positioned to succeed in various creative industries. The University of Essex’s vibrant campus environment, combined with its supportive academic community, makes this programme an ideal place for aspiring filmmakers and writers to grow and realize their artistic vision.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Introduction to Film;
Introduction to Film Production;
Literature: Origins and Transformations;
Writing for the Radio; and
Close Reading Skills

Year 2

Filmmaking;
Approaches to Text;
Introduction to Screenwriting; and
Creative Writing: Theory and Practice

Year 3

One creative writing option;
one literature option; and
two film options

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB, including one A-level in a humanities subject
• GCSE English: C
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM in Fine Art or Media
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Film and Creative Writing program at the University of Essex offers students an opportunity to develop their skills in both film production and creative writing, fostering a comprehensive understanding of storytelling across visual and textual mediums. The program is designed to combine practical filmmaking techniques with theoretical studies, enabling students to produce original films and written works that creatively engage audiences. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to explore various genres, styles, and formats, including narrative, documentary, experimental, and digital media. The curriculum incorporates modules on film history, theory, scriptwriting, directing, editing, and production management, ensuring a well-rounded education in filmmaking.

In addition to filmmaking skills, students focus heavily on developing their creative writing abilities. Modules cover poetry, prose, scriptwriting, and innovative writing practices, supported by the university's experienced faculty and industry professionals. Emphasis is placed on originality, critical analysis, and the development of a distinctive voice. Students are given opportunities to collaborate on projects, participate in film festivals, and showcase their work through screenings and exhibitions.

The program also benefits from the university’s strong links with the creative industries, providing networking opportunities, internships, and guest lectures from industry experts. Facilities include dedicated film studios, editing suites, and writing labs, along with access to extensive libraries and digital resources. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in film production, screenwriting, television, media, publishing, and related creative sectors. The course fosters an interdisciplinary approach that nurtures both technical proficiency and artistic expression, making it suitable for students passionate about storytelling in various formats.