English and Film Studies

Explore the craft of storytelling across page and screen on our English and Film Studies BA. Discover stories about people’s lives, gain new perspectives on the world and express your creativity through writing, literary analysis and the art of film and filmmaking. With professional placements and study abroad opportunities this programme will prepare you for careers in the literary, film or media industries, and related fields such as education, publishing, and beyond.

Why choose this course?

• Film Studies and Media at Keele is ranked Top 10 in England for student positivity* NSS 2023 (BROAD-BASED UNIVERSITIES) *based on overall student satisfaction, which is an average score across 27 questions asked in the NSS

• Top 15 in England for English (Guardian University Guide, 2025)

• Become a skilled analyst of literature and film of all kinds, from poetry to graphic novels and from Hollywood to world cinemas

• Work placement opportunities to gain key transferable skills to enhance your career prospects

• Discover diverse cultures through an International Year at a partner university across the globe

Spark your creativity with our English and Film Studies programme. This is an exciting combination that engages your imagination, allowing you to explore both subjects deeply and expand your creative horizons. You will discover diverse texts from around the world, spanning genres and historical periods, hone your creative writing skills, master film analysis techniques, and gain hands-on filmmaking experience.

You will examine how the books, films, and media you study reflect and challenge the cultures and ideas of their time, develop critical interpretation skills and gain the confidence to communicate complex ideas and present well-reasoned opinions.

Enhance your appreciation of literature by studying literary works from the Medieval period through to the present day, including English and American literature, children’s and young adult fiction, and literature on film and in graphic novels. You’ll encounter different literary styles and genres, such as realism, modernism, postmodernism and postcolonial.

Film is studied within a global context, examining its cultural, political and economic aspects. You will examine the different techniques employed by filmmakers, both historically and in today’s film and TV industries, consider the ethics around artificial intelligence, and gain practical experience with digital camera work and post-production.

Align your studies with your interests through optional modules, including analysing film as an art form, scriptwriting, and documentary films, as well as writing for children, science fiction, and fantasy. You can also explore southern U.S. culture on location during a four-week summer school.

Boost your employability through engaging with placements, projects and activities outside of the classroom. These opportunities offer valuable professional experience, and through our connections with external partners in the screen industries, you'll learn directly from industry professionals and gain hands-on experience in screen media.