Introduction
Develop your writing and filmmaking skills while learning about the films, writers and directors that have shaped the medium by studying for our BA (Hons) Writing and Film degree in Cambridge.
You’ll learn to tell stories which engage audiences, whether you want to write poetry, drama, short fiction, or make films and documentaries. You’ll explore and develop professional writing techniques related to film including screenwriting and film journalism.
You’ll get invaluable feedback on all of your creative writing work from professional writers, including our teaching staff and Royal Literary Fund fellows, as well as your fellow students. This will offer you the unique opportunity to consider a range of responses to your work, as well as sharpening your own critical skills.
Investigating filmmaking practices from all over the world, and learning the language of film from the perspective of a filmmaker, you’ll make your own short films in video, animation or 16mm format, with full training in camera operation, sound recording and editing from professional filmmakers. If you specialise in filmmaking, you’ll put your well-practised skills to the test in a project that, once complete, will be screened at the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse. The best may also be selected for showing at the Cambridge Film Festival. You’ll learn to write knowledgeably and critically about film, giving you even more opportunities to get involved in Cambridge’s exciting arts scene.
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Our optional modules allow you to further explore your interests or specialise for a particular career. In Years 2 and 3, you can also learn a language on our Anglia Language Programme and what’s more, you can choose to study abroad as part of your course and expand your cultural horizons and apply for funding to cover the cost.
Our links with local and national organisations will help you make contacts and find work placements in the industry. Our recent students have found internships and placements with companies such as the BBC, Cambridge Festival of Ideas, Film & Video Umbrella, Cannes Film Festival, Cambridge Film Festival, Take One magazine, Watersprite Film Festival, CBBC, ITN Productions, London Studios, MTV, New York Film Academy, Pinewood Studios, StudioCanal UK (formerly Optimum Releasing) and Sight & Sound magazine. You can also take an optional placement year.
Industry-standard equipment
As a student at ARU you’ll have use of facilities including:
- a fully-equipped HD multi-camera TV studio includes multi-purpose scenic backdrops, suitable for current affairs, drama and magazine programmes
- a film studio featuring overhead lighting, tracks, dollies, green screens, and flats
- a full range of HD cameras, as well as Super 8mm, 16mm and 35mm film cameras, and sound-recording equipment for location filming
- for editing and post-production, the complete Adobe Creative Cloud software suite, including Premiere Pro, Photoshop and After Effects.
Outstanding student support
Join our student community and:
- benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
- make the most of our field trips, guest lectures, and connections with the local arts scene
- access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Careers
Our BA (Hons) Writing and Film Studies students go on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including film and video production, film criticism, cinema/film festival administration and management, film education, broadcasting, journalism and publishing.
You’ll develop literacy, creativity, problem-solving, analysis and communication skills, which are highly valued by employers. You can enhance your CV by taking advantage of our extensive local and national media contacts to gain experience on work placements. Previous students have undertaken work experience at Cambridge University Press, ITN, BBC, Pinewood Studios, the New York Film Academy, and many more.
You could also continue your studies, developing your specialisms or starting an exciting career in research with our Masters degrees in English Literature, Children's Literature, and Creative Writing and Publishing. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.