BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Media & Film Studies

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Media & Film Studies program provides a balanced and integrated study of the craft of writing for various platforms and the academic discipline of screen media analysis. It emphasizes a hands-on approach to creative writing, encouraging students to develop their unique voice and explore different genres, including those suited for screen. Simultaneously, it offers a rigorous academic exploration of film and media, their historical and cultural contexts, and their impact on audiences. The program encourages students to understand how media theory can inform and enrich their creative writing for screen, and how the practice of writing can deepen their appreciation of cinematic and televisual storytelling. Through a combination of workshops, seminars, lectures, and independent study, students develop both their creative and analytical skills.

Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a progressive learning experience, starting with foundational modules that introduce key concepts in both creative writing and media & film studies. In creative writing, students explore narrative techniques, character development, setting, and style across different genres, with an introduction to screenwriting. In media & film studies, they study film history, key theoretical approaches, and the analysis of media texts. As students advance, they engage with more specialized modules, such as advanced fiction writing, poetry workshop, screenwriting, genre studies in film and television, media industries, narrative theory, and audience studies. The program encourages students to explore the intersections between creative writing for the screen and the critical analysis of screen media, understanding how narrative structures and cinematic techniques shape meaning and impact audiences. A significant component involves practical writing exercises, workshops for peer feedback, and the development of a writing portfolio, alongside critical essays and textual analyses of films and media.

Research Focus: The University of Worcester fosters a research-informed teaching environment within its School of Arts and Creative Industries, which directly benefits the BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Media & Film Studies program. Faculty members are actively engaged in research across various areas of creative writing and media & film studies, including contemporary literature, poetry, screenwriting, genre theory, media representation, audience reception, and the impact of digital media. Students benefit from being taught by academics who are actively contributing to their fields and may have opportunities to engage with research through their studies and final-year dissertations. The program aims to cultivate a research-oriented mindset, encouraging students to critically analyze screen media and contribute their own creative and analytical insights to the ongoing scholarly conversation about storytelling across platforms.

Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Media & Film Studies program recognizes the importance of preparing students for successful careers in the creative and media industries. The curriculum often incorporates guest lectures from writers, filmmakers, television professionals, and media practitioners, providing students with insights into the professional world. The University of Worcester actively seeks to build and maintain links with literary organizations, publishing houses, film and television production companies, and media agencies. This engagement may include opportunities for workshops, script development sessions, internships, and networking events, providing students with valuable practical experience and industry connections. The aim is to ensure that graduates possess the skills and knowledge that are highly valued by employers in fields that require strong writing, analytical, communication, and media literacy skills.

Global Perspective: The University of Worcester welcomes a diverse international student body, enriching the learning experience within the BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Media & Film Studies program. Storytelling and screen media are global phenomena, reflecting diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives. The program encourages students to explore a wide range of films, television programs, and written narratives from different cultural backgrounds and to consider the global reach and impact of media. Discussions and analyses often incorporate international examples, and students have opportunities to interact with peers from various cultural backgrounds, fostering a global perspective essential for understanding the power and diversity of storytelling and media in the world today.