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The home of creative talent

Our department is home to five exciting subject areas; literature, film, creative writing, journalism, and drama. Whether you aspire to become a writer, reporter, entrepreneur, or performer, or dream of pursuing a career in a creative industry, you're in the right place.

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Literary elite nominate professor to join English Association Oscar-winning director to discuss film that depicts journalist and lecturer Reporter who inspired Hollywood thriller to lead journalism degree See all our news Explore our events
Our subjects:
Literature Film Studies Creative Writing Philosophy Journalism Drama
Literature
Join our ranks
  • We’re 4th in the UK for Drama and Dance (Guardian University Guide 2024)
  • We're 8th in the UK for Creative Writing (Guardian University Guide 2025)
  • 90.4% of our research impact is world-leading or internationally excellent (Grade Point Average, REF2021)

Head of Department

Matthew De Abaitua

Matthew De Abaitua

Head of Department

Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies, University of Essex

In our department, students mix critical understanding with creative practice, developing intellectual and artistic skills vital for engaging with the world.
A large yellow circle with "Up Lift Comedy Film Festival" in pink and black text. The circle is on a multi-coloured background.
Uplift Film Festival

UpLift is an international film festival, organised by students at the Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies (LiFTS). The festival screens film work and hosts additional activities that focus on particular themes or filmmaking modes. This year we will be screening 24 short comedy films on 21 March 2025.

Learn more about this event
Latest news
Drama students take centre stage at Edinburgh Fringe inspired festival
09 May 2025
Poet and novelist Sir Ben Okri to launch Essex Book Festival
08 May 2025
Film experts selected for BBC training workshop
23 Apr 2025
View of Silberrad Student Centre across the lake with man walking at the front
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Literature, Film and Theatre Studies Taught Team 5NW.6.16
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ
Telephone: +44 (0)1206 872626
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  • +44 (0) 1206 873333
  • University of Essex
  • Wivenhoe Park
  • Colchester CO4 3SQ

 

 

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