Writing and Film

Why study Writing and Film at ARU?

• Join a course that scored 100% for “The Teaching on my course”, “Academic Support” and “Freedom of students to express ideas, opinions and beliefs”, 96% for “Learning Opportunities” and “Assessment and Feedback”, and 93% for “Communication of mental well-being support” in the National Student Survey 2024.
• Learn to tell stories which engage audiences, whether you want to write poetry, drama, short fiction, or make films and documentaries.
• Explore and develop specialist professional writing techniques related to film, including screenwriting and film journalism.
• Get invaluable feedback on all your written work from professional writers, including our teaching staff and Royal Literary Fund fellows, as well as your fellow students.
• Make your own short films in video, animation or 16mm format, with full training in camera operation, sound recording and editing from professional filmmakers.
• Specialise in filmmaking for the chance for your final project to be screened at the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse – and possibly the Cambridge Film Festival too!
• Become part of a community of professionals with expertise in drama and performance, film, games development, journalism, publishing, and digital media.
• Attend guest lectures by visiting authors, editors, agents, and other writing industry professionals, as well as events organised by our Cambridge Writing Centre, where you can showcase your writing and make new contacts.
• Prepare for your future career – our Careers in Writing module helps you develop skills wanted by industry and the professional environment, while The Business of Being a Writer will help you understand the path to getting published.

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.

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 learn more, develop a specialism or start an exciting career in research with our Masters degrees in English Literature or Creative Writing. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

You will need to dedicate time outside of your course to develop your employability, through placements, internships or volunteering or through our partner scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). You can evidence this experience on your CV and talk about it in interviews to give you that all important edge.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.