English Literature and Film

English literature and film together address two of the most important narrative forms in modern culture: the novel, the poem, and the play on one hand, and the moving image on the other. Literature and film share concerns with storytelling, character, time, and representation, but they do so through entirely different formal means, and understanding both enriches your ability to analyse either. The combination also reflects the practical reality that many graduates work in industries where both literary and visual culture are professionally relevant.

At the University of Reading this three-year full-time programme develops your skills as a reader and analyst of both literary texts and films, drawing on the scholarly traditions of each discipline. You will study English literature across periods from medieval to contemporary, developing close reading skills, historical contextualisation, and critical writing. The film component covers the history and theory of cinema, the analysis of genre, narrative, and visual style, and the cultural contexts in which films are produced and received.

The two strands are taught in dialogue, and you will find the critical tools developed in each proving useful in the other.

The programme includes a sandwich year with a work placement and a year abroad, giving you professional experience and an international perspective alongside your academic study. Reading's strong research culture in both literature and film studies means you will be taught by academics with current scholarly interests in the subjects you study.

Graduates go on to careers in publishing, journalism, broadcasting, film and media, education, arts administration, content creation, and communications. Many also continue to postgraduate study in English, film studies, creative writing, journalism, or media.