COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of the BA Art History and English Literature course, you are introduced to the rich intersection of visual and literary cultures, grounding your studies in both disciplines. The year begins with a direct engagement with artworks through the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, where you’ll explore global collections and learn to critically assess diverse forms of art. Parallel to this, you delve into literature’s historical context through modules like Reading Literature in History, learning how texts both shape and are shaped by their times. Art history is introduced not just as a record of visual culture, but as a dynamic academic field with its own methods and interpretive frameworks, giving you the analytical tools to navigate different artistic traditions and theories. In the second semester, Portraiture and Identity allows you to examine the representation of the self and others, bridging visual culture with social, political, and psychological dimensions. Literature modules such as Writing Across Borders broaden your understanding of English as a global language, exploring how it evolved through colonialism and resistance, and how writers have reshaped it to articulate unique cultural identities. Alongside these, modules like Environment, Art and Culture push you to consider the deeper meanings behind the creation and reception of art, particularly in the context of space and cultural contact. Across both disciplines, critical thinking, close analysis, and contextual awareness are continually developed, ensuring a well-rounded academic foundation. This year sets the tone for the rest of the course, encouraging an interdisciplinary mindset and fostering a deeper appreciation of how art and literature intersect, influence each other, and continue to shape human understanding across time and place.In your first year, the program establishes a strong foundation in both Drama and Creative Writing, fostering a continuous interplay between writing, action, and analysis. On the Drama side, you'll start by learning the technical aspects of theatre production, equipping you with essential skills in sound, lighting, costume, design, and stage management. These foundational skills will allow you to work independently in the Drama Studio throughout your degree. You’ll also begin actor training, exploring diverse techniques and performance practices from around the world. In Creative Writing, you'll be introduced to a variety of writing forms, such as prose, poetry, and scriptwriting, and then move on to experimenting with genres, collaboration, and innovative writing processes. Key modules like Working in the Theatre 1: Introduction to Technical Theatre, The Actor's Craft, and Creative Writing: Beginnings will immerse you in both the theoretical and practical aspects of writing and performance. Additionally, the module Global Theatres will expand your understanding of diverse performance traditions, while Collaborative Theatre-Making will allow you to engage in the creative process through collective performance creation.In your second year, the focus shifts towards deepening your expertise in both Creative Writing and Theatre. You will explore the Creative Industries, understanding how theatre is funded, marketed, and produced through the Applied Drama and Creative Industries module. Writing for different media—stage, radio, film, and television—becomes a central focus, as you further hone your creative skills. This is also the time to experiment with directing, devising, and developing your performance skills, preparing you for various career paths in the creative sector. Alongside practical training, you will gain insights into the broader cultural, social, and political contexts that shape theatre and creative industries.In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through the HUM Placement Year. This year-long placement allows you to apply the skills you've acquired during your first two years to a work environment, making valuable connections and enhancing your employability. You'll work in a field that aligns with your interests, gaining hands-on experience while contributing meaningfully to your chosen industry.Finally, in your fourth year, you will refine your creative practice, honing your skills in prose, poetry, or scriptwriting. You will also have the chance to work on a creative dissertation, developing a substantial project with personalized guidance from a tutor. The final year is an opportunity to fully express your artistic identity, selecting modules that further your growth as a writer and performer, and engaging with advanced topics in drama, identity, and performance practice.