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This BA in English Literature and Theatre offers a comprehensive exploration of diverse topics spanning both disciplines, along with their intersecting areas.
You'll learn across two collaborative departments (English Literature, and Film, Theatre & Television). Our English Literature department pioneered the study of North American writers like Margaret Atwood in UK universities, maintaining this legacy through a curriculum featuring outstanding contemporary English-language works worldwide. The Film, Theatre & Television department led the introduction of film studies in British higher education and remains at the forefront with our extensive module offerings.
The theatre portion emphasizes performance, examining plays in multiple contexts. You'll attend regular performances in Reading and London while exploring modern practices like site-specific productions and digital innovations in live performance. The curriculum covers influential 20th and 21st century playwrights including Caryl Churchill, Sarah Kane, and Samuel Beckett. Our approach blends theory with practice, offering optional practical modules for students who prefer hands-on learning experiences.