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University of Essex homepage Departments Literature Film and Theatre Studies Masters
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies

Masters study

BA Acting & Community Theatre

Mastering the art of story and performance

Become a driving force in redefining the boundaries of artistic expression, and help shape the future of literature, creative writing, journalism, and the performing arts. 

Our film specialists, award-winning dramatists, published writers, and editors offer a unique blend of insights and real-life, industry experience, and are committed to cultivating your intellectual curiosity. With a focus on delivering small-group teaching, you'll experience a fast-paced, dynamic, and engaging learning environment where you can expect to forge new conversations, deepen your knowledge, build a strong foundation for research, and feel empowered to become a future trailblazer in your field.


Explore our Masters courses
Our ranking highlights
  • 100% of our research impact in English Language and Literature is world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
  • 75% of our research impact in drama, performing arts, and film is internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
  • We’re 8th in the UK for Drama in the Guardian University Guide 2025

Masters Degrees

Literature Film studies Creative writing Journalism Drama

How to apply

How to apply for your Masters degree
Clare Mcvicar
Class of 2025: Clare Mcvicar

For single mum-of-two Clare Mcvicar, who is graduating with an MA Creative Writing, returning to university was a challenge but encouragement from her family and inspirational lecturers helped her succeed.

Read more about Clare's MA experience
Find your degree
MA International Journalism MA Literature MA Film and Literature MA Creative Writing MA Audiovisual and Literary Translation MA Western Marxism and Translation MA Literature and Creative Writing MA Modern and Contemporary Literature MA American Literatures MA Wild Writing: Literature, Landscape and the Environment MA Film Studies MA Theatre Practice MA Scriptwriting
MA International Journalism

Fees and funding

Postgraduate fee information Save up to 33% on tuition fees with our Alumni Discount Explore scholarships and bursaries

Your future

Find out about careers support Read the Essex Alumni blog

Enhance your studies

Complete the Masters Preparation Programme Amplify your research skills with workshops and events Expand your data and language skills

Meet our Course Directors

Dr Christopher Bundock

Dr Christopher Bundock

Literature

Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies , University of Essex

Dr James Canton

Dr James Canton

Creative Writing and Wild Writing

Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies, University of Essex

Dr Idrees Ahmad

Dr Idrees Ahmad

Journalism

Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies, University of Essex

Professor Elizabeth Kuti

Professor Elizabeth Kuti

Drama

Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies, University of Essex

wild flowers in a field
60 Stories: Writing the natural world

There is a climate emergency and humankind’s relationship with the natural world is in crisis.  By combining literature with new ways of exploring landscape and the environment, we are revealing how art can play a vital role in healing the rift between people and our planet.

Read the story
Recent articles and podcasts from the department
Alumni Blog: Ioanna Zafeiriou
Alumni team
17 June 2025
Tribute to Professor Angela Livingstone
04 April 2025
Neurodiversity in the workplace
Alumni team
04 April 2025
View all articles
We’re 4th in the UK for Drama and Dance (Guardian University Guide 2024)
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