BA (Hons)

English Literature & Film

QP33

If you are a big fan of the sort of books and films that have stood the test of time and how the two relate, then this course is made for you. In our English Literature and Film degree you consider the disciplinary differences of literature and film as well as their interdependence, as many films begin as screenplays and many novels have been adapted for the big screen.

Filming equiptment

Course overview

The programme draws on the research interests and expertise of staff with subject-specific and strong interdisciplinary backgrounds. You develop sophisticated skills in analysis, expression, argumentation and presentation, all of which are preparatory to success in future employment, whether you want to be a screenwriter, novelist or director.

You are made familiar with the theoretical concepts and methodological skills needed to analyse film and literary texts in historical, cultural, political and social contexts. The three-year programme aims to encourage a critical and questioning attitude towards the material studied and the methods of study adopted.

Talented and committed staff guide an interactive learning experience based in an exciting cultural city. While lectures are an important part of teaching, so too is film viewing, reading, independent research and a range of other learning practices.

In Year 1, you develop critical approaches and key skills through core modules including Introduction to English Studies, Film Criticism and Understanding Horror Film.

In Year 2, you learn about literary adaptations and approaches to film. In addition you take optional modules such as Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama, Classical Hollywood Cinema and Gangster and Crime Film.

In Year 3, you choose three film and three English-based optional modules in subjects such as Gothic Film, Biography and the Body, and Renaissance Poetry. You also research and compose a dissertation. 

A degree in English Literature and Film opens many doors. You acquire a range of highly transferable qualities that are valued by employers, including analytical thinking, evaluative and research skills, self-discipline, and effective written and spoken communication, as well as an ability to apply knowledge of a wide range of theoretical concepts to practical scenarios.

 

What you need to know

Course start date

September 2024

Location

On Campus

Course length

  • 3 years full-time
  • 6 years part-time

Apply

QP33

Typical offer

96-112 points

Fees

From £9,250*

Course features

  • Learn from an experienced and enthusiastic team of tutors with a wide range of expertise
  • Tailor a programme to your interests from a diverse range of writers and movements
  • Explore the richness of English literature alongside global cinema, gaining the critical skills and cultural awareness valued by employers
  • Take part in field trips and gain work experience through volunteering modules

Course details

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.

While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 276 hours
  • Independent learning: 924 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 228 hours
  • Independent learning: 960 hours
  • Placement: 12 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 276 hours
  • Independent learning: 924 hours
  • Placement hours: 0 hours

*Please note these are indicative hours for the course. 

Location

Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.

Teaching hours

All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:

Year 1 (Level 4)*:
  • 92% coursework
  • 0% written exams
  • 8% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
  • 86% coursework
  • 4% written exams
  • 10% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
  • 92% coursework
  • 0% written exams
  • 8% practical exams

*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.

Feedback

We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.

Further information

For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Camera and Lighting

This module offers students the opportunity to gain core competencies in professional camera and lighting equipment operation for both drama and documentary production work. Undertaking intensive hands-on workshops, students’ skills and creativity are honed and tested thorough weekly formative exercises designed to foster knowledge and practical application across both drama and documentary disciplines.

Editing and Sound

This module offers students the opportunity to gain core competences in professional sound-recording equipment and a chosen piece of editing software for use in both drama and documentary production work. Through intensive hands-on workshops, students’ creative and aesthetic skills are tested and honed through weekly exercises designed to test knowledge and practical application across drama and documentary forms. 

Creative Storytelling

In this module, students have the opportunity to develop basic storytelling and scriptwriting skills by focusing specifically on the study and writing of short screenplays. The focus will be on analysis and implementation of narrative devices (including narrative shortcuts and use of sound), development of story and character (and the inter-relationship between the two), and on skills in writing visually and succinctly. The particular character of the ‘short’ screenplay will be examined, analysed, and practiced. Scripts will be written with a view that they be made as a short film in Semester 2 for the ‘Producing Drama’ module.

Professional Skills Development

This module offers students the opportunity to gain a core understanding of the professional skills needed to develop a short film. Particular focus on the development of ‘soft skills’ will feature within the module in order for students to develop their understanding of the commitment and practice needed by film crews to successfully produce a short film. This will be complimented with developing a student’s theoretical understanding of film genres and their application to filmmaking and to creating meaning within the frame. Students will explore how genre is created through semiology (the use of signs and symbols) within the frame to express a range of meanings and how they support narrative.

A group film project is designed to advance student understanding and development of filmmaking creative and professional practices. Students undertake an individual online blog in order to continuously reflect on their own professional development and understanding, throughout the module.

Documentary Portraiture

This module serves as an introduction to documentary filmmaking. Through the exploration and experience of producing a 'cinematic documentary portrait', students will develop fundamental skills including that of conducting filmed interviews and creating meaning through the combination of words, images, and music in the edit. Through the study of documentary film references and by means of their own practice, this module also allows students to appreciate the social impact of documentary films and problematise them from an ethical perspective..

Producing Drama

This module offers students an opportunity to be involved in the production of a moving-image project from the creation of an original screenplay (as developed in Semester 1, Creative Storytelling) to delivery of the final film. Students are able to participate in both the basic creative dimensions of fiction filmmaking including directing performance, cinematography and editing and the organizational dimensions of producing and production management. Working in key roles throughout the pre- production, production and post-production stages of the film making process, students will develop the ability to work creatively and organizationally in groups of 4. The aim of this module is the recognition of filmmaking as a collaborative art form.

Film Enterprise

This module offers students the opportunity to gain an understanding of opportunities available to them within the film and media industries during their time studying at university. The module will consider a variety of strategies and techniques used by early career filmmakers to gain experience within the film and media industry such as a development of CV writing skills, a development of a social media presence and the processes of finding potential work opportunities. Additional approaches such as freelancing and starting a business will also be covered. The aim of the module is to develop a student’s understanding of how to approach finding work within these industries during their time at university. This module will feed into employability focused modules at later levels, as well as identifying any current challenges a student will need to address in their own professional development.

Modules

Editing

Following on from key editing techniques learned at Level 4, students develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical and historical practices and aspects of cinematic editing both as a technical skill and as narrative convention. The module will focus on the development of aesthetic and practical skills applicable to the filmmaking process and how image construction and structure contribute to creating mise-en-scene.  After a historical overview, students will examine specific areas of editing through lectures and workshops focusing on areas such as: montage, editing of moving image for film and media industries, cutting sound, colour grading and delivery. Students will produce an individual portfolio that demonstrates a range of editing techniques, including narrative and experimental image juxtaposition. Students will research and write a case-study analysing a particular editorial practice or industry practitioner. 

Film Sound

Students will develop their understanding of the effect that well recorded, edited, and mixed Foley and ADR has on a film, and its contribution to the creative process. Students will focus on the development of practical skills in this area; its place in the filmmaking process and how it contributes to meaning in film. After an introductory overview, students will study the specifics of sound production in the filmmaking process through technical workshops focusing on recording, sound design, sound mixing, playback, monitoring, and sound effects. Students will work as a team to record a range of sound elements and environments then put into practice editorial skills, knowledge and creative perspectives that the module provides in relation to sound production. Throughout the module the emphasis is placed on self-evaluation and working to realistic goals. 

Cinematography

This module develops cinematographic skills, acquired from Lv4 study, to inform creative authorship and technical camera operation. Students will understand that the conceptual development of visual narrative in film is a vital compliment to cinematographic technical ability. Utilising examples from contemporary cinematographers, students will critically analyse how practice informs the filmmaking process, this will be realised to produce a short film exercise. Studies and experimentation with genre and semiotics will take place during workshops that explore cinematographic methodologies. These workshops are designed to advance students’ key core skills in lighting, camera, direction, and mise-en-scene, inclusive of a written critical analysis. A formative task to present a developed pre-production plan affords project progress tutor feedback.

Directing Drama

This module offers students the opportunity to develop their understanding of the role and attributes of a film’s Director and their relationship with other heads of departments during a film’s production. During both taught sessions and workshops with active industry professionals, students will learn the craft and skills needed to become and work with a director during the production of a film. Working in specific roles based on students’ industry interests, crews will utilise this gained knowledge in combination with skills learned at level 4 to develop a pre-written script into a filmed project for final delivery at the conclusion of the module. The module aims to introduce students to the role of a director, how they work with actors and how their creative vision impacts across multiple departments during the production of a film. 

Telling Real Stories

In this module students will examine how real-life events can be shaped into screen stories of the factual genre. A toolbox of storytelling skills will be practiced, with particular emphasis on techniques for writing narration such as delivering backstory, eliciting the audience's curiosity, and devising emotional cues. Guidance is also given on the early stages of project development including the identification of stories with potential, researching them, and organising a film production as a team of specialised crew roles.  

Project Development

Bringing together skills and knowledge gained so far at level 4 and 5, this module aims to prepare students for work on a major filmed project with an underlying focus on the student’s project plans at level 6. Students will begin the pre-production process of a major filmed project, to be with an aim to complete at level 6. Students will also be introduced to a number of key processes they will go through when working on a major project such as concept development, crew formation and responsibilities during pre-production, funding sources, off set management as well as a consideration of future distribution avenues and funding of a larger scale version of the project. The module will culminate with students developing a clear strategy for future stages of their final major project.

Optional modules

Students must choose one option:

  • Digital Distribution - 15 Credits
  • Festivals - 15 Credits

Students must choose one option:

  • Work placement - 15 Credits
  • Professional Practice - 15 Credits

Students opting to complete the Study Abroad sheme must complete the following module: 

  •  Study Abroad Reflection - 15 Credits 

Modules

Large Scale Production

The module provides the opportunity to work as part of a large film group to make a 10 – 20 minute film. Roles will include, director, producer, AD, DP, camera operator, 1st AC, production designer, sound mixer, boom operator, editor, colourist, and sound designer. Starting with the ‘pitching’ and ‘greenlit’ process, you will be expected to work collaboratively and reliably throughout preproduction, production and post-production in your chosen role. The module will mirror, as closely as possible, industry protocols and practise. Being able to work to deadlines, in the form of assignments given in class and throughout the production, will also be an integral part of the process. An Individual Production log will provide the opportunity to chronicle your creative and technical contribution to the film, and to reflect upon what you have learnt throughout the production.

The Evolution of Filmmaking

While hardly more than one hundred years old, Film as a medium of mass communication, an industry and as an art has had undeniably strong impact on society, as has it's even younger sibling, television. While media convergence, social media and globalisation are pushing their evolution, it is important to be able to understand where these fundamentally social technologies come from. This module will provide students with a historical overview of the main technological, social and institutional changes in the fields of film and TV and will challenge them to relate the legacy of these developments to contemporary practices.

Showreel and Entrepreneurship

Following on from level 4 studies in Film Enterprise and level 5 studies on Digital Distribution, Work Placement and Volunteering: Community Filmmaking, this module prepares students for post-study employment opportunities. The module aims to provide students with a realistic knowledge of the current employment possibilities within the film industry and develops the important aspects and understanding of industry requirements needed for graduate entry into the film industry. Professional and current practitioners will advise and tutor students on seeking and securing work within a particular sector, ones that compliment skills acquired on the Film Production degree. To hone interpersonal skills, each student will present their completed website and showreel, inclusive of a reflexive accounting of their creative choices.

Advanced Post-Production

This module develops understanding of how advance post-production techniques are deployed in the modern film production process. Using a wide range of Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Premiere, Photoshop, After Effects etc.) you will create a short film sequence utilising and demonstrating post- production techniques. Seminars and workshops will explore examples of post-production techniques in current use and provide historical context to improve understanding. This module will equip students with advanced skills in post- production appropriate to entry into the film and media production industries. A formative task affords project progression tutor feedback.

Optional modules

Students must choose one option:

  • Advanced Cinematography - 15 Credits
  • Advanced Post-Production - 15 Credits
  • Advanced Screenwriting: Adaptations - 15 Credits
  • Creative Industry Collaboration - 15 Credits
  • Value Studies Module - 15 Credits

Students must choose one option:

  • Creative Documentary Practices - 30 Credits
  • Professional Creative Practice - 30 Credits

Students must choose one option:

  • International Collaboration - 15 Credits
  • Television Studio Production - 15 Credits
  • Emerging Practices - 15 Credits
  • Value Studies Module - 15 Credits

Entry requirements

96-112 points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

A-Levels: CCC-BBC from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. CCC is comparable to BCD in terms of tariff points)

BTEC/CTEC: MMM-DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications

International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4

T Level: Pass (C or above on the core) in a T Level

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:

GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.

 

International Entry Requirements

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  •  IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.

2024 Course Tuition Fees

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland 

International

Year 1 £9,250 £16,700
Year 2 £9,250 £16,700
Year 3 £9,250 £16,700
Total £27,750 £50,100
Optional Sandwich Year* £1,850 £3,340
Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2024, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.

Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights optional costs for this course:

Disclosure and Barring Service

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check may be required if you undertake a placement, volunteering, research or other course related activity where you will have contact with children or vulnerable adults. The requirement for a DBS check will be confirmed by staff as part of the process to approve your placement, research or other activity. The indicative cost is £40.

Mandatory

Printing and Binding 
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.

CAREER PROSPECTS

A degree in English Literature and Film opens many doors. You acquire a range of highly transferable qualities that are valued by employers, including analytical thinking, evaluative and research skills, self-discipline, and effective written and spoken communication, as well as an ability to apply knowledge of a wide range of theoretical concepts to practical scenarios.

Graduates may pursue careers in film- and television-related industries, creative industries, advertising, media and journalism, teaching, education and library services, and publishing.

The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, HESA.

Pre-approved for a masters

If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.

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