Course summary

Our BA English and Film undergraduate degree is characterised by a wide study of literature in the English language and by a rigorous study of film and television in their critical, theoretical, industrial and creative contexts. The programme introduces you to a broad range of types and periods of literature, with a huge variety of different areas to pursue, from medieval literature to twenty-first-century digital literary culture. These include unparalleled resources for the study of Shakespeare, through our world-leading Shakespeare Institute. You will gain a comprehensive range of knowledge and understanding of film; competence in practical filmmaking and detailed awareness of and interaction with the industry. Studying BA English and Film at the University of Birmingham has a vocational focus, offering you the opportunity to apply for a work placement through our ‘Professional Skills Placement’ module in your second year of study. Why study this course? Work placement option – You have the option to apply for a work placement through our ‘Professional Skills Placement’ module in the second year of your degree. Outstanding employability - We are the 4th most targeted UK University by Graduate Employers (High Fliers Report 2022). Shakespeare Institute and Stratford residential – We have a unique provision for the study of Shakespeare called the Shakespeare Institute. This is based in Stratford-upon-Avon and acts as a world leading centre for international Shakespeare scholarship. You will also have the opportunity to apply for our very popular undergraduate Stratford residential trip, which includes lectures, creative workshops, theatre trips, cultural activities and offers academic and creative inspiration. To learn more about the city of Birmingham and the surrounding area, visit our Discover Birmingham page. Location - The quality, creativity and originality of the UK’s film, television and digital production industries is highly respected across the globe – hence its position as the biggest exporter of TV programmes after the US. British programming leads the way in factual entertainment, documentaries and light entertainment, and the US now looks to the UK as a source of inspiration. Excellent extra-curricular options – You will be able to enjoy regular guest lectures and readings from visiting writers. Past guests have included poet Simon Armitage, playwright Simon Stephens, theatre director Gregory Doran and Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy. There is also a variety of student societies which you may wish to join, including BEDSoc (Birmingham English Department Society), Writer’s Bloc (who produce a regular journal), Redbrick (our student-run newspaper), Burn FM (our student-run radio station) and Guild TV (our student-run TV station). Top 20 for Cinematics in the Complete University Guide 2023 95% of students are in work and / or study within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022) 30th in the world for English Language and Literature (QS World Subject Rankings 2022)