study the ba in english literature and film & theatre degree and explore the creative dynamics between writing and performance on the page, on the stage, and on the screen.

students will be studying in two departments (english literature; and film, theatre & television) who collaborate with each other extensively. both have been leaders in their fields for a long time. english literature was one of the first university departments in the uk to study american and canadian authors like margaret atwood, and this tradition is continued with a curriculum that includes the best of contemporary writing in english from around the globe. the department of film, theatre & television pioneered the study of film in uk higher education, and we continue to lead in the range and breadth of the modules we offer.

students will learn about film from its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day, and will be able to learn more about everything from contemporary hollywood to avant-garde cinema, together with new forms of digital entertainment and video art. theatre modules present you with the opportunity to study the work of playwrights such as caryl churchill, sarah kane, and samuel beckett. students will investigate a range of contemporary practices from popular forms of theatre to the latest performance art.

reading's innovative placement scheme gives students the chance to undertake an academic placement in commerce, industry or the arts. students can also take a placement module on languages and literature in heritage, in education, and in the media. students in reading's communications at work module also undertake a short placement to explore the ways in which the skills and knowledge gained in their studies have direct application to the workplace.