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English lit and Theatre course?

Hi. I'm taking A levels in English lit, Drama and Politics and looking for a uni course that combines English lit with Theatre studies, ideally with a practical focus and a critical approach to political and social issues. I saw some courses online but looking for recommendations. I'm also open to other courses if anyone has other ideas. Thank you.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Goolash111
Hi. I'm taking A levels in English lit, Drama and Politics and looking for a uni course that combines English lit with Theatre studies, ideally with a practical focus and a critical approach to political and social issues. I saw some courses online but looking for recommendations. I'm also open to other courses if anyone has other ideas. Thank you.

Dear @Goolash111,

It's great to hear you are considering studying English literature and theatre studies; this sounds like a great course choice.

At the University of Reading, there is a BA English Literature and Film & Theatre course, BA Creative Writing and Theatre, and BA Creative Writing and Film & Theatre. These courses seem very similar to the one you wish to study, but they all offer something slightly different that might interest you.

This course is taught by the two great departments, the Department of English Literature and the Department of Film, Theatre and Television. The film department has access to the brand-new Shinfield Studios, which is close to the university.

The University of Reading looks at every application on individual merit, ensuring every student can receive an offer; this is the contextual offers scheme. However, this does not mean every student gains an offer to the university.

When I was applying to the university, I found it very helpful to attend an Open Day; however, for students who live far away or do not have access to an Open Day, there is a Virtual Tour, which prospective students can look at from their homes. I highly recommend you have a look at the Virtual Tour, it provides an insight tot the campus.

At the University of Reading, there is an ambassador scheme where you can speak to current students and ask them any questions about their course or life at university. The closest match for an ambassador to your desired course is the English literature ambassador. Emily is a second-year student who would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the English literature programme; you can speak to Emily here.

I hope this information provides an insight to some of the degree options you may like at the university of reading, if you have nay questions then please let us know and we will be happy to help.

All the best
Ella
BSc Ecology
These were the same as my a levels back in 2019 and I chose to go to The University of Warwick, they have a dedicated theatre and performance course, as well as Theatre and English lit. It’s a eclectic course, rooted in academic with the emotion of exploring other departments modules for credit! Which I loved! There is a second year module called politics in performance which is great.

Highly recommend!
Original post by lilybellabayliss
These were the same as my a levels back in 2019 and I chose to go to The University of Warwick, they have a dedicated theatre and performance course, as well as Theatre and English lit. It’s a eclectic course, rooted in academic with the emotion of exploring other departments modules for credit! Which I loved! There is a second year module called politics in performance which is great.
Highly recommend!


Option**
Original post by Goolash111
Hi. I'm taking A levels in English lit, Drama and Politics and looking for a uni course that combines English lit with Theatre studies, ideally with a practical focus and a critical approach to political and social issues. I saw some courses online but looking for recommendations. I'm also open to other courses if anyone has other ideas. Thank you.

Hi Goolash111,

The university of Chester has a really strong performing arts department that offers both undergraduate degrees in a number of theatre studies courses, but also, postgraduate degrees, so if you decide to study for a masters degree, you can continue at Chester too. Chester has its own creative campus, called Kingsway, which is purely for performance studies. It is located about 10 min from both the main campus, Exton Park, and the city centre, so near to everything you need! The degrees on offer at Chester include Drama which covers theatre making and performance, a more industry focused acting degree, which gets you ready for a career in acting, preparing you to work on the screen and the stage, a performing arts degree which covers acting, dance, voice, multimedia performance and is very interdisciplinary. There are also a musical theatre performance degree and a professional dance degree available too, which are very much specific to the fields.

The courses are delivered through practical and theoretical classes. The university has been voted in the top 5 categories in the National Student Survey in all aspects of performance studies, so it has a good reputation for this school. As part of the university is The Hammond, which is a unique performing arts space that includes music and performance studios, rehearsal spaces and a 420 seat theatre. It is considered to be one of the leading providers of performing arts in the north west and highly regarded globally.

The university itself is really great, with so much academic and pastoral student support. Outside of your course, academic skills advisors are on hand to assist with written work, time management, note taking, research skills etc and each subject has its own subject librarian to help with your research. There is a dedicated student services team who can help with everything from mental health issues, to finances, to accommodation.

The university is, as I said only a short walk from the city centre. Chester is a small city but really vibrant. It boasts loads of restaurants that cater to every global cuisine and dietary requirement. There are all the high street shops, and a brilliant theatre and cinema space, called Storyhouse, which contains a library, study spaces and great cafe! Storyhouse works closely with the university so ipthere may be opportunities for students to become involved.

Jess
PhD English
University of Chester

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