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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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Our LiFTS courses are now in Clearing

Find out which courses we're accepting Clearing applications for, browse the modules you can learn during your degree, and apply online with our quick, easy form!

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Research

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Careers

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Meet our staff

Literature academic staff Film studies academic staff Creative writing academic staff Journalism academic staff Drama academic staff

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Film studies expert is BBC New Generation Thinker Creative writing is helping to improve family mental health Graduate filmmaker shortlisted for two awards See all our news Explore our events
Our subjects:
Literature Film Studies Creative Writing 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.
Dr Rajashree Warrier performing a dance on stage.
Performing Embodiment, Embodying Performance

Join us at Loughton Campus on 9 July 2025 for a workshop-demonstration in which Dr Rajashree Warrier will perform and share how movement, expression and narrative interweave in Bharatanatyam practice, followed by an interdisciplinary discussion panel and Q&A.

Learn more about this event
Latest news
Class of 2025: Kraken Theatre takes centre stage
15 Jul 2025
Class of 2025: Natasha Richards-Crisp
09 Jul 2025
ResearchPlus launches to help boost UK research and innovation
26 Jun 2025
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Get in touch
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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