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Film, Theatre & Television at ReadingExploring and redefining the practice and theory of film, theatre and television

Undergraduate

School of Arts and Communication Design

Subject area at Reading

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Film, Theatre & Television at ReadingFilm, theatre and television are crucial to shaping the way we understand our place in the world. Our programmes chart the development of these three major cultural forms through the twentieth century into the digital age, equipping you with key analytical and interpretative skills, practical expertise in film, theatre and television production, and a wide range of transferable skills.

Delivered in state-of-the-art facilities, our courses are innovative and flexible with plenty of opportunity for you to specialise. •Ourflexibledegreestructurewillenableyoutospecialiseintheatre,televisionorfilm,ortopursueyourinterestinallthree.

•Youcandirectyourownpracticalprojectsinbothyoursecondandthirdyear,receivingone-to-onesupervisionfromacademicmembersofstaff.

•Ourprogrammesareparticularlygoodatintegratingpracticalworkwithcriticalandtheoreticalstudy,enhancingboth.

•Youwillbetaughtbyleadersintheirfields,withstronglinkstoindus-tryandpractitioners.

•Wehaveoneofthebestsubjectlibrariesinthecountry.

•WeorganiseregulartheatretripstoLondon(25minutesbytrain).

•Youwillbejoiningafriendlyandsupportivecommunitywithalivelyartisticculture.

•Careerslearning,anemphasisonprofessionalskills,andwork-basedmoduleshelpprepareyouforthejobmarket.

•Our£11.4million,purpose-built,state-of-the-artfacilitiesopenedin2011andincludeacinema,threetheatres,asuiteofcuttingrooms,specialistsoundeditingandrecordingfacilities,andafullyequippedstudioforfilmandtelevisionproduction.

‘The fantastic thing about Film & Theatre is that you become part of a close-knit group, not just your own year but with the other years in the department and also the tutors as well. There is never a dull moment on the course and there are several opportunities to enhance and further your skills. The knowledge you acquire on the critical part of the course can often feed directly into your practical work, and vice versa, and therefore you are constantly drawing from different areas of the course to make your own work the best it can possibly be. In the last two years, I have learnt more than I thought possible and am still constantly learning new skills and information. I honestly cannot think of a better course to be on.’

Elliott HollingsSecond-year student, BA Film & Theatre, 2011

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Our state-of-the-art facilitiesThebuildinghousesthreetheatrespaces,alllicensedforpublicper-formance.Oneseatsupto200,andanotherupto130butbothcanbesetupfor‘promenade’performances.Thethirdtheatreisasmaller,experimentalstudiospacedesignedsolelyforalterna-tivestaging.Allareequippedwithstate-of-the-artmultimediaequip-mentandlighting.

Thecinemaisahigh-techdigitalspacewithrakedseating,high-def-initionprojectionand7.1surroundsound.Studentsconstructtheirsoundtracksinadedicatedrecord-ingstudioandmixingsuite,andedittheirfilmsusingindustry-standardsoftwarewithsupportfromadedicatedfilmtechnician.

Thefilmandtelevisionstudiofeaturesaflexiblelightingsystem,multi-camerafacilities,a‘talk-back’systemandchromakey.Thestudio’sgalleryisalsolinkedtothetheatres,meaningthatlargerscaleworkcanbefilmedinatheatreandmixedlive.

TheUniversityrunsopendays,generallyattheendofJuneandinOctober(checktheUniversitywebsitefordetails),whereyoucanvisitourdepartmentandtourourfacilities.Studentschosenforinterviewwillalsoreceiveatourofthebuilding.

The £11.4 million Minghella building was completed in 2011. Staff were involved at every stage of the design process and the finished building reflects the way we think about and teach television, film and theatre. Each subject area has its own specialised production space but all spaces are multifunctional, reimagining the boundaries between media and enabling cross-disciplinary work.

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Subject area at Reading

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BA Film & TheatreFilm, Theatre & Television is a dynamic and creative department that has been leading its field for over four decades. We pioneered the teaching of film studies in British Higher Education and have established a world-leading reputation in theatre, television and film research. If you are looking for a degree that innovatively combines critical understanding with practical skills, the single honours degree in Film & Theatre is for you.

Ninetypercentofourresearchwasrankedasworld-leadingorinterna-tionallyexcellentinthelastRAE(ResearchAssessmentExercise)andteachingstaffhavepublishedwellover100books,chaptersandarti-clesontelevision,filmandtheatre.Thereputationofourteachingisoutstanding:weachievedtheperfectscoreof24outof24intheprevioussystemofTeachingQualityAssessment;recentreviewshavepraisedtheworkoftheDepart-

mentanditsactivitiesas‘excitingandinnovative’;andourteachingisregularlyapplaudedbyrespondentsintheNationalStudentSurvey.Thestudentexperiencehasbeenfurtherenhancedbyournew,tailor-made£11.4millionbuildingattheheartoftheWhiteknightscampus.

Incontrasttootherdegreeswherethestudyoffilms,playsandtelevi-sionprogrammesareanalysedinamoreliteraryway,weexamine

thesemediaintheirpropercontext.Youwillwatchfilmsinthedepart-ment’sstate-of-the-artcinemaandanalyseplaysasperformed.Youwilllearnthe‘language’ofscreenmedia,fromearlycinemaandclas-sicalHollywoodtocontemporaryfilmandtelevision,andexplorenewformsofdigitalscreenedentertain-mentandscreenedartpractice.YouwillexperiencetheatreatthedynamicintersectionsbetweenEastAsianandWesterncultures,and

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betweentraditionalandexperi-mentalforms.YouwillseestagedproductionsrangingfromWestEndshowstoChineseandJapaneseNohtheatre(wehaveoneofonlytwoNohstagesintheUK),andperfor-mancesfromthelatestexponentsof‘intermedial’theatreandperfor-manceart.

Theoreticalstudyandpracticalworkgohandinhandateachstageofyourdegreeandmanytheo-reticalmodules,whicharetaughtgenerallybygroupseminarandlecture,mayusepracticalexercisestoexplorecriticalortheoreticalquestions.Therearealsopracticalmodulesineachyear.Youwilldogrouppracticalworkthroughoutyourfirstyearandthenhavethe

opportunitytodirectyourownfilm,performanceorTVproduc-tioninbothyoursecondandthirdyears.Studentfilm,theatreortelevisionmakersaresupervisedbyacademicmembersofstaffandsupportedbydedicatedtechnicianswhospecialiseinlighting,editing,soundrecordingandmixing,costumeandsetdesign.

Weareproudofourreputationforinvolvingourstudentsinextra-curricularpracticalwork.Aswellaswritingabouttheatre,staffstageresearchproductionsandofteninvolvestudentsasactorsortechnicians–manystudentshaveparticipatedinproductionsthathavetravelledtotheatresinLondon,EuropeandChina.TheDepartmentregularlyundertakesvideoproductionworkforcom-paniesinthesoutheast,oftenemployingstudentsascreativeandproductioncrew.TheStudentArtsFundwelcomesapplicationsfromallmembersofthedepartmentforfundingandaccesstofacilitiestosupportextra-curricularprojects.

Thecourseisflexible.Youmaychoosetospecialiseintelevision,filmortheatrepracticeor,ifyoufeelthatpracticalworkisnotforyou,youcanchooseadissertationprojectinstead.Youcanchoosetomaketelevisionalargerorsmallerpartofyourstudies.Corefirst-andsecond-yearmodulesinthehistoryandaestheticsofthethreemedialeadtoafinalyearwhereyoumaychoosefromawiderangeofoptions.

‘Before coming to Reading, I was much more interested in film than in theatre. However, by the end of my first year, as a result of the choice of texts, engaging seminars and the enthusiasm of the lecturers, I discovered a new appreciation for the theatre side of the course that now matches my interest in film. Due to the seminars, practical group work and the type of people that the course attracts, Film & Theatre at Reading also promotes a real, rare sense of community with students across the three years and lecturers across the department, making it an amazing and enjoyable place to study.’

Billy LangsworthySecond-year student, BA Film & Theatre, 2011

Subject area at Reading

BA Art and Film & Theatre and BA English Literature and Film & Theatre Our combined honours students find their studies in art or English literature an ideal complement to work on theatre, film and television. Central to the teaching on both single and combined honours programmes is the close analysis of films, television texts and theatrical performances.

Thiskindofclosereadingcrossesdisciplinesandiscentraltothestudyofartandliterature.Youwillregularlyattendtheatrepro-ductionsinLondonandexaminetheatretextsasstagedandwillworkalongsidesinglehonoursstudentsthroughcarefullycraftedcoremodulesandthenchoosefromawiderangeofthird-yearoptions(coremodulesandoptionsforbothsingleandcombinedhonourspro-grammesarelistedoverleaf).

Youwillstudyfilmasfilm,theatreasstaged,andtelevisionasadistinctvisualmedia–ourstate-of-the-artstudioreplicatestelevisionindustryworkingpractices.Youwillwatchfilmsinourhigh-techcinemaandmakeregulartripstoLondontheatrestowitnesscutting-edgeper-formancesaswellaslong-runningWestEndproductions.Youwillstudycinemafromitsbirthinthelatenineteenthcenturytothecon-temporaryperiod,wherefilmandtelevisionarebeingtransformed

bynewdigitaltechnologies.Youwillencounteravant-gardeandexperimentalfilmmakingaswellasthecinemaofclassicalandcontem-poraryHollywood(musicals,actionfilms,theworkofAlfredHitchcock,forexample)intheDepartmentthatpioneeredtheirstudyinUKhighereducation.YourstudyoftheatrewillencompasstheworkofclassicEuropeanplaywrights,‘in-yer-face’andverbatimtheatreandyouwillgetdirectexperienceofoneoftheworld’slongest-runningtheatricalformswiththedepart-ment’sJapaneseNohstage.Youwillhavemanyopportunitiestogetinvolvedinpracticalwork,

althoughthiscombineddegreeprogramme

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Subject area at Reading

doesnotinvolvedirectingyourownplay,filmortelevisionpro-ductionasapartofyourdegreeassessment,distinguishingitfromtheBAFilm&Theatre.Manymodulesincludepracticalelements,someofwhichareassessed.Wellover100plays,filmsandtelevisionworksaremadeintheDepartmenteachyear,meaningthattechniciansandactorsarealwaysindemand.TheReadingUniversityDramaSociety(RUDS),theUniversityradiostationandTVchannelalsoofferReadingstudentsopportunitiesforhands-on,practicalexperience.Thedepartment’sStudentArtsFundisopentoallstudyingwithusandhasseencombined-honoursstudentsundertakefilmmakingprojectsandtaketheatreproduc-tionstotheEdinburghFestivalFringe.

‘Studying English & Film and Theatre at Reading has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Because of the course’s interdisciplinary nature, you are given the rare opportunity to combine incisive academic study with the ability to work creatively within groups of actors, directors and technicians. While the English Department offers a vast array of module choices and subject areas from which to specialise, you also have the opportunity to develop your skills as an actor or technician in a variety of plays and productions. There is also much to enjoy from regular theatre trips to London and of course you will make an incredible group of friends in which you can collaborate artistically.’

Lee Anderson Third-year student, BA English and Film & Theatre, 2011

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Subject area at Reading

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Optional modules

First year option Introduction to television studies

Second and third year options Work-based learning in film theatre & television.

Final year options Students choose from a range of options, which vary in response to student demand and developments in theatre, film and television research.

Recent examples

Popular film genres (sci-fi and action cinema)

Chinese theatre

Contemporary television drama

Polish film & theatre

Contemporary documentary

The director and the theatre

Storytelling in film

Theatre, performance and modernism

Independent American cinema

For more information, visit www.reading.ac.uk/ftt

Combined courses at Reading

Reading offers a rich diversity of subjects and the flexibility to combine courses or transfer from one course to another.If you want to know more about how different subjects fit together, why not get in touch with the admissions tutor for the combination that suits you best.BA Art and Film & Theatre (WW41)

Department of Fine ArtTel: 0118 378 8050 fineart@reading.ac.uk

BA English Literature and Film & Theatre (QW34)

Department of English Language and LiteratureTel: 0118 378 8363

english@reading.ac.uk

Modules

Core modules

BA Film & TheatreIntroductiontoFilmandTheatre,Criticalpractice,Performanceandnation,Hollywoodandbeyond,Alternativeforms,Practicaloption/Year2independentproject,Year3independentproject/Dissertation.

BA Art and Film & Theatre CoremodulestakeninFilm,Theatre&Television:Introductiontofilmandtheatre.Inthesecondyear,youchoosetwofromthefollowingthreecoremodules:Performanceandnation,HollywoodandBeyond,Alternativeforms.Studentsalsotakeadissertationmoduleintheirfinalyear.

BA English Literature and Film & Theatre CoremodulestakeninFilm,Theatre&Television:Introductiontofilmandtheatre,Performanceandnation,Hollywoodandbeyond.StudentsalsotakeadissertationmoduleandcanchoosewhethertobesupervisedwithinFilm,Theatre&Televisionorinthepartnerdepartment.

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‘I have had a fantastic time studying in the Film, Theatre & Television Department; all the tutors are passionate about their subjects and I have had a lot of fun learning from them.

A particularly great aspect of the seminars is the amount we were encouraged to contribute – who doesn’t like talking about film?! The depth of analysis that is expected from both the English and Film, Theatre & Television departments has helped me enormously as the film critic for Radio 1, as has the range of books, films and directors we have covered.

The structured but relaxed nature of discussions in class is a good balance to use on the radio and I have taken elements of the conversations we had in seminars to use on air. I really will miss studying at Reading but am grateful that my degree has directed me towards a tailor-made job and I feel far more confident in my knowledge of film as a result of studying it alongside theatre and television.’Rhianna DhillonFilm Critic, BBC Radio 1 BA English and Film & Theatre 2008–2011.

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Entry requirements

BA Film & Theatre WW480

3 years full-time

BA Art and Film & Theatre WW41

4 years full-timeEnglish Literature and Film & Theatre QW34

3 years full-time

Standard offers

BA Film & Theatre Our typical offer is BBB at A Level. A Levels would normally include at least one of the following: English literature, theatre studies, history, dance, sociology, media studies, film studies, philosophy, classics, psychology. Please see the website for further details about entry requirements.

International Baccalaureate Pass overall and 6,5,5 in three higher-level subjects including one from the specified list.

For this single honours course we require all UK and EU candidates to attend an interview day before any offer is made. Alternative arrangements can be made for overseas candidates.

BA Art and Film & Theatre Our typical offer for this degree combination is BBB at A Level. All suitable applicants will be interviewed. Please see the website for further details about entry requirements.

English Literature and Film & Theatre Our typical offer for this degree combination is ABB at A Level. A Levels should include either English literature or English language and literature. Please see the website for further details about entry requirements.

We consider applications from students studying for a range of other equivalent and international qualifications.

Open days

We hold open days every June, September and October for prospective undergraduate students, their friends and families. For the latest dates, visit:www.reading.ac.uk/opendays

‘My time at Reading completely prepared, inspired and kitted me out for my career. The fascinating and challenging works which we studied influenced me as a performer and creator of new work, as well as embedding in me the vital skills of analysing and critiquing artistic work.

Being part of lecturer-directed research projects allowed me to develop myself as a thinking actor whilst performing in other student’s productions clarified the importance of collaboration, professionalism and sharing of skills as a necessity to creating new work.

The depth and intensity of the course is unrivalled from what I hear from others who have studied on similar paths. I was given the opportunity to learn about every aspect of theatre creation, and was supported thoroughly as I began to make work with my own voice.’

Terry O’DonovanActor, Theatre Facilitator, Arts Journalist and founder of dANTE OR dIE Theatre; BA Film & Theatre 2000-2003

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‘Studying Television does not only provide an understanding of the medium through analytical work, but also allows students to gain their own hands-on experience in practical aspects of the industry.

‘It is particularly beneficial that every student is given the opportunity to explore the many roles of a television crew, which helps to develop individual areas of interest and strength. In addition to the vocational skills taught, studying television brings out students’ interpersonal skills, which are applicable to any prospective career. I have found that group work helps to build confidence and creativity, whilst individual tasks are fundamental in encouraging independent thinking. The close relationship between students and lecturers ensures that each student receives personal guidance, creating a supportive and friendly working environment.

‘I have particularly valued the approachable nature of staff in the department and the welcoming sense of community among students and teachers. The staff have an outstanding ability to bring out the best in each student, having taken the time to get to know everyone individually.

Olivia WittSecond-year BA student specialising in Television, 2011

Subject area at Reading

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Film, Theatre & Television at Reading

For more information, please contact:

Department of Film, Theatre & Television Minghella Building University of Reading Shinfield Road Whiteknights Reading, RG6 6BT

ftt@reading.ac.uk Tel (0118) 378 4090 Fax (0118) 378 4089

www.reading.ac.uk/fttFind our page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FTTReadingDepartment Twitter feed: twitter.com/ftt_readingDepartment blog: fttreading.wordpress.comDepartment YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/FTTReading

The University of Reading is committed to equal opportunities and diversity.

Whilst the University of Reading makes every effort to ensure that the contents and statements made in this publication are fair and accurate, it can accept no liability for omissions, errors or subsequent changes.

The statements made and information provided are a general guide and there may be changes following publication which affect the contents. Programmes or modules may be altered or withdrawn without notice and assessment arrangements may be changed. For details of any changes made since publication, please refer to the University web pages.

This document is © University of Reading 2011. It was designed and printed in September 2011.