Overview

Screen storytelling and written literature both shape how we understand culture, and studying them side by side reveals how narrative techniques carry across different forms of expression. The BA Film and English at the University of Bristol is a joint honours degree pairing the study of film and television with English literature spanning the medieval period to the present day. Students learn from leading scholars and practitioners, moving between close textual analysis of poetry, fiction and drama and hands-on creative filmmaking projects, while building critical and theoretical grounding in both subjects. The course suits those drawn to narrative and storytelling across page and screen, and who want to combine academic depth with practical creative experience.

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What You'll Learn

• The history and theory of film and television, taught by scholars and practitioners

• Practical filmmaking, including hands-on creative projects

• Literature written in English from the medieval period to the present day

• Close, analytical study of poetry, fiction and drama

• Critical and theoretical approaches to studying literature

• Specialist options and research-led subjects in the second and third years, including creative writing

• Insight from working film and television professionals throughout the course

• A final-year dissertation on a self-chosen topic, along with the option of a creative-industries placement

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyse both screen media and literary texts, applying historical, theoretical and close-reading approaches across film, poetry, fiction and drama. They will be equipped to move between creative and critical modes of work, combining hands-on filmmaking experience with rigorous literary analysis. Through specialist options, research-led study and a self-directed dissertation, students will develop the ability to formulate original arguments and pursue independent research across both disciplines. Graduates will leave with strong analytical, creative and communication skills, along with practical experience relevant to further study or a range of careers in the creative industries.