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Our four-year BA in Film and Creative Writing (including foundation year) is designed for students whose current qualifications don't meet the entry requirements for the standard three-year program. This pathway helps build both subject expertise and academic skills to enhance your learning experience.
The program begins with a foundation year (Year Zero), followed by three years of specialized study. In Year Zero, you'll explore three subjects related to your chosen degree alongside core academic skills training, with additional English language support available for international students.
From day one, you'll join Essex's vibrant global community at one of the UK's most internationally diverse campus universities.
After successfully completing Year Zero through Essex Pathways, you'll advance to the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies for the remainder of your degree.
This unique program blends practical film production, creative writing workshops, and theoretical studies. You'll learn to connect theory with practice, using your growing understanding of film history and literary traditions to inform your creative decisions.
Essex takes an innovative approach to writing instruction, mixing contemporary and traditional techniques to sharpen your skills while broadening your experience across various styles and formats. Our Creative Writing Center fosters experimentation and collaboration, helping you become part of a supportive writers' community.
Filmmaking and screenwriting modules are taught by industry professionals, offering hands-on training in all production aspects - from camera operation to script development. You'll work on both group projects (developing teamwork skills) and individual pieces, graduating with a professional portfolio to impress future employers. The second-year screenwriting module serves as a program cornerstone, while your final year includes opportunities for scriptwriting as part of your independent research project.