BA (Hons) English and Screenwriting (Full Time)

Part of the English programme, this course takes a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary approach towards the study of English. You are encouraged to think in new and imaginative ways about fiction, drama, poetry and language, in combination with the study of screenwriting.The course features innovative approaches towards the study of literature and is taught by cutting-edge researchers and industry professionals, combining real-world practical training with intellectually stimulating academic study.

This exciting combination has been designed in collaboration with practising film and television screenwriters. The English element of this degree allows students to discover the links between contemporary screenwriting and more traditional literary forms. The Screenwriting element is from one of the only UK undergraduate degrees specialising in writing for all major screen formats, including drama documentary, soap opera, comedy and feature film.

This is a practical degree with a strong emphasis on competitions, work experience and knowledge of the shifting market for creative ideas. Teaching is informed by practice, allowing students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to contemporary, everyday examples.

There are many opportunities for you to explore your own practical and creative writing interests and take part in study trips nationally and internationally. This course is also available as a four-year variant, which includes studying abroad in one of our partnership European universities for an academic year. Such experiences increase your intercultural understanding as well as your employability.

Industrial focus

You will receive strong encouragement and guidance in seeking work experience, making industry contacts and preparing work for submission to producers/agents and competitions.

Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

• Cultural Fragments: An Introduction to Literary Studies
• Adapting the Novel
• Making and Reading Poetry
• Introduction to Story
• Introduction to Screenwriting Craft
• Reading Screen Texts.

Year 2

Seven core units:

• Gender Agendas 1
• Gender Agendas 2
• Playtexts in Context
• Shakespeare
• Writing Fact-based Script
• Adapting for the Screen
• Scripts into Production.

Year 3

Four core units and two option units:

• Final-Year Project
• Shock Value
• Media Markets and Context 1
• Media Markets and Context 2.

Options:

• Comedy
• Radical Re-readings
• Work Experience: English
• Storytelling
• Writing Feature Film
• Writing about Writing
• Shakespeare and the Performer
• Freelance Copywriting
• Writing Comedy and Sit Com
• Politics and Film
• Documentary Film
• Writing for Comic Strip and Animation
• Cinefantastic.

Why choose Solent

Solent’s joint honours English programme offers a unique and innovative blend of the academic with the practical. Our team of respected academics and industry professionals brings these subjects to life and ensures that you gain the best possible preparation for an exciting career. Students have the option of studying abroad for an academic year in one of our partnership European universities, thus increasing their intercultural understanding and employability.

• Innovative approaches towards the study of literature, taught by cutting-edge researchers and industry professionals
• Specialises in writing for all major screen genres
• Combines real-world practical training with intellectually stimulating academic study
• Crosses boundaries between academic subjects.
• Optional opportunity to study abroad for an academic year on our European placement scheme.

Assessment

In addition to traditional essays, examinations, research projects and presentations, you will have opportunities to submit creative writing, journalism, workbooks and portfolios.
Screenwriting units are assessed by pitching sessions, storylining, treatments and step-outlines, script reader/editor reports, performed readings and group television production, as well as via scripts, essays and presentations.

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Projects/work experience

Industry-specific work placements and briefs are available on the Screenwriting side of the course, while the English side offers a work experience option in which you may explore your own career development plans.

Key career skills

Creative thinking, effective writing, research, presentation, project management, visual communication, evaluation and problem solving.

Student quote

Rory Daniels

"The course this year has been absolutely brilliant. I've picked up a great amount of useful information already and am amazingly looking forward to the beginning of next year as well! I haven't once found myself bored by the things we're learning, and have managed to quite comfortably fit an enjoyable social life around my lectures. All the teaching staff are brilliant people who are always available to talk through anything you need to and never fail to entertain in lectures. I cannot recommend this course enough."

Delon Jessop

"I do acting, and so English and Screenwriting seemed an obvious choice. With the English Lit side, you learn about the texts you might be performing at one point. Screenwriting seemed like a natural one, because if I’m going to be reading scripts, I might as well learn how to recognise and write a good one."

"The tutors are always there for you – they drop you emails and let you know about opportunities that come up. Their presence is definitely there – you just need to reach out to them. It’s not just an English and Screenwriting degree, you’re developing your cultural awareness, so it’s building you as a person."

Graduate quote

Katey Lomax

"I have really loved my final year and through the process of writing my FYP and revising for the exam, I have experienced enormous personal growth and focus. Thank you for encouraging me to see it all through."

Key info from UNISTATS