Undergraduate Course

BA Creative Producing

(Theatre and Short Film)

How to apply

Overview

The details

Course: Creative Producing (Theatre and Short Film)

UCAS code: W900

Start date: October 2025

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 3 years

Location: Southend Campus

Based in: East 15 Acting School

East 15 Acting School's BA Creative Producing (Theatre and Short Film) course is a full-time, industry-focused training aimed at entrepreneurial artists with an interest in creating, producing, administrating and promoting theatre and film.

This three-year practical course draws together the broad disciplines of theatre and film (such as writing for performance, lighting & sound, theatre directing & directing for camera, screenwriting, film editing, location management, dramaturgy, and digital set design) with business-focused aspects of the creative arts and associated industries (including marketing, web-design, social media, fundraising, and arts management). It prepares you for a career in the creative industries working as producers and facilitators, and develops transferable skills in communication, presentation, administration, leadership and critical analysis.

Based at our vibrant and modern Southend Campus, you will have direct access to our state-of-the-art Clifftown Theatre and the opportunity to work alongside further East 15 students studying on our actor training programs.

View more undergraduate courses from East 15 Acting School, including our Stage & Production Management behind-the-scenes training.

Why we're great.

Development of business and entrepreneurial skills in a creative environment.
Understanding of how to develop artistic projects into viable ventures.
Introduction to stage, screen and live event production processes.

Our expert staff

Our training is by professionals and for professionals, allowing our graduates to work successfully across the globe.

Our international, outstanding teaching faculty is made up of professionals from all areas of live and recorded performance.

Learn more about our staff here.

Specialist facilities

Our Southend Campus is based in the heart of Southend-on-Sea. A vibrant and modern British seaside town with excellent transport links.

Famous for its beach resort and pier, Southend-on-Sea stretches along seven miles of award-winning coastline. There are also over 650 acres of parks and gardens, a fun park, leisure centres, pubs, clubs, cafés and restaurants.

Southend Central railway station is opposite our Campus and the journey to central London takes less than an hour. Southend Airport, with flights to many European and UK destinations is just three miles away. We are also just one hour away from London's Stansted Airport.

Our Gateway Building houses a purpose-built suite specifically for East 15 students. This includes fully equipped, state-of-the art rehearsal studios with panoramic views across Southend-on-Sea, plus seminar rooms, computer labs and media production resources including an Apple Mac edit suite for our BA Creative Producing (Theatre & Short Film) students.

A magnificent Victorian former church in the heart of Southend's conservation area was converted into East 15's Clifftown Theatre. It also houses a variety of unique spaces for rehearsals, technical and practical work and performances. The church nave, with its original organ and stained glass windows now provides an inspirational and atmospheric environment, re-designed to accommodate the needs of a twenty-first century performance space.

In ‘The Forum' building, students have round the clock, secure access to the Learning Hub, which provides innovative IT and study spaces. The Forum also houses an integrated public and academic library, carrying books and other support materials. Students in Southend also have access to the East 15 Loughton Campus library and the University's Colchester Campus library.

Outside of learning, the Students' Union at our Southend Campus provides a dedicated space for students to meet, have a coffee, relax and watch films or sport. It runs a wide variety of entertainment throughout the term, such as international nights and open mic nights.

Your future

The UK's creative industries are now worth over £84 billion to the UK economy. The BA Creative Producing course develops your capacity to instigate projects across the digital, stage and screen sectors. Industry specialists and professional experts work with you throughout the degree to develop your employability. Students have opportunities for workplace learning, and are encouraged to develop their professional profile in preparation for careers as freelance producers working as part of a creative team, and for roles across theatre, media and film such as researchers, producers, editors, writers, and managers.

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

Successful interview, plus one of the following qualifications

A-levels: DD/EEE, or 48 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
BTEC: MP, or 48 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 48 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
T-levels: Pass with E in core
IB: two Higher Level certificates with 33
IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications.

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Undergraduate Admissions team at ugquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.

English language requirements

If you do not require a student visa to study in the UK then we will assess your English language proficiency/ability at your interview or audition.

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Structure

Course structure

We offer dynamic and unique courses for actors, directors, producers, technical theatre specialists and students of theatre practice. Training at East 15 draws upon 50 years of tradition combined with a keen sense of the world of stage and screen today.

Our carefully selected modules will give you the chance to explore and develop your specialist training.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: CORE

Playwriting

(15 CREDITS)

This module looks at the conventional art of developing character dialogue and story, while taking into consideration the working practices of the playwriting profession. Students will create short scenes and finish the module with a one-act play. Throughout the process students should organise to work with East 15 actors to read and workshop their scripts outside of normal teaching hours. Students will gain a broad understanding of different theatrical genres and develop the ability to work independently.

View Playwriting on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: CORE

Producing Skills

(15 CREDITS)

This module will introduce the fundamentals of the creative and business practices of the creative producer in the theatre and film industries. The unit will introduce current critical debates, concepts and discourses in producing. This unit will equip you with practical skills and knowledge to develop, record and present business and strategic thinking. Students will also hone their communication and presentational skills.

View Producing Skills on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: CORE

Filmmaking and Editing

(15 CREDITS)

This module introduces skills in camera use and editing. The module emphasises an understanding of the technical processes underlying the students' own practical work. Students will be taught how best to capture performance on camera, which may include live performance, rehearsal footage, marketing material, documentary footage, and short films. Introduction to offline editing of video will lead to students editing their own work.

View Filmmaking and Editing on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: CORE

Context

(30 CREDITS)

This module provides students with a grounding in the development of the Western Theatre and approaches to studying and analysing theatre movements and events in their specific cultural contexts. It includes a survey of Western Theatre practice from Ancient Greece to the present day, and an introduction to key concepts in the development of theatre. Students will examine the progress of theatre history and the effects of key European influences on the development of theatre and drama in the UK. They will continue to conduct background research and will be pushed to think laterally, by exploring theatre from a point of view that they may not have previously encountered. They will be challenged to question their preconceptions about forms of theatre, and will develop an understanding of how the various elements of theatre systematically interact to communicate with an audience. Throughout the unit students will be developing critical, analytical and reflective abilities, both in oral and written communication.

View Context on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: CORE

(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 06: CORE

(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 07: CORE

(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 01: CORE

Creating Film

(30 CREDITS)

This module, which builds on and expands the work from the first year, adds a further aspect to the students' progression in filmmaking as well as introducing students to writing for television. As a complement to learning on other modules in directing for the camera and the practical aspects of filmmaking, in this module students will now be taught how to frame a narrative, generate dialogue, and create characters for a variety of purposes. The will see their writing realized via actors and experience the process of directing actors to perform a small script they have written.

View Creating Film on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: CORE

Producing and Managing 2

(30 CREDITS)

Students will look at more specific details around producing both live events and filmed projects. They will be exploring some of the legal issues surrounding touring a theatre production, employment contracts and copyright law, as well developing strategies for Human Resources Management. Their practical skills will be furthered by sessions on how to make pitches and write proposals.

View Producing and Managing 2 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: CORE

Digital Media 2

(30 CREDITS)

Film Making / Distribution: This unit will further develop the students’ film making skill set. As it sits alongside screen writing, there will be more of a focus on narrative and the creation of short films. They will explore more advanced editing tools and begin to look into the world of film distribution Digital Set Design: This unit will introduce students to the software and skills that will enable them to design a theatre set through digital means. It will cover the basic principles around design for theatre performance, the principles of dramatic space and how these relate to performance narrative. They will gain experience of working with CAD to experiment with design concepts. Marketing: This unit will cover the basic principles of marketing and how this applies to Arts institutions and projects. Students will develop the necessary skills to be able to research, plan and implement a marketing strategy for a variety of arts related ventures. They will be encouraged to critically analyse existing strategies and engage in dialogue around the ethics and responsibilities connected to marketing.

View Digital Media 2 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: CORE

Skills 2

(30 CREDITS)

This module will introduce students to the working practices in the theatre and film, allowing them a better understanding ofthe various roles in a production and at the same time developing further skills that willfuel their creative work. In year two students look at a different role in each term: the dramaturg, the theatre director and the film director. Much of the sessions will be through seminar, but students will get the opportunity to test their theoretical knowledge through practical workshops. In the directing units students will gain experience of working from a text, communicating with actors, and plotting action for a given space. Students will also explore the role of the dramaturg as a facilitator between different aspects of rehearsals and planning, as mediator between the script and the actors/director, as 'outside eye' and 'critical friend', and as representative of the audience during the rehearsal process

View Skills 2 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: CORE WITH OPTIONS

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 02: CORE WITH OPTIONS

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 03: CORE WITH OPTIONS

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 04: CORE

Dissertation

(30 CREDITS)

n this module students will devise and plan a performance project (national / international tour; a festival; a feature film) in the media of your choice. As this is a theoretical project, students will not be required to realise the plan in practical terms, and as such provide the widest possible scope for their creative ambitions. Nonetheless, artistic concepts (script, design, wardrobe, etc.) and the practicalities of running the project (costing, venues, staging, casting and production schedules, etc.)need to be researched and presented in detail. This will require students to utilise the core skills and knowledge that were developed during the first and second year, use various forms of research, and demonstrate both oral and written expression of ideas.

View Dissertation on our Module Directory

Teaching

Year 1

The first year of this course focuses on the fundamental elements of producing theatre and film to build the foundations of knowledge and skills that you will need to progress to more creative modules in years 2 and 3. Throughout the year you will:

Gain an understanding of lighting and sound for performance
Discover how to turn an artistic endeavour into a feasible, marketable product
Work behind the camera to make short videos that can exist on their own as a narrative or support larger work as marketing material

Although this is a largely practical course, you will also develop requisite research skills required for the working world and understand the historical and cultural context to arts practice

Year 2

Throughout this year, you will further develop your new skills and learn new facets of the producing role by focusing on more specific tasks across media, theatre and film production. You will also:

Develop your understanding of the skills required to write for film
Develop your understanding of location management, fundraising, preparing grant proposals, touring a production, and filming live events
Explore the role and practice of the director and dramaturg in theatre and film

Year 3

Your final year consists of one core unit, a written proposal, in which you plan a project that you could feasibly achieve in the future.

Alongside this, there are opportunities to practically engage with vocational pathways, for example, film production, theatre producing, writing for screen or performance, etc.

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£9,250 per year

Additional costs for materials and field trips of up to approximately £650 per academic year. Equipment lists are reviewed annually.

International fee

£21,525 per year

Additional costs for materials and field trips of up to approximately £650 per academic year. Equipment lists are reviewed annually.

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Home/UK fees and funding information

International fees and funding information

What's next

Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.

You can apply to our full-time undergraduate courses through either the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) or the University of Essex Direct Application Form.

If you choose to apply through UCAS, you can find step-by-step guidance on how to fill your UCAS undergraduate application. UK students (as well as some EU and international students) who are still in school or college may apply through their institution. Your school will help you complete and submit your UCAS application. The option to apply through UCAS is also available to independent UK and international applicants.

The UCAS code for the University of Essex is ESSEX E70. The individual campus codes for our Loughton and Southend Campuses are ‘L' and ‘S' respectively.

For full details on how to apply, please visit the Applying for an Undergraduate Course page on the East 15 website.

Apply now

Interviews

Applicants to this course will need to participate in an interview, either online or in person. Once you have submitted your UCAS or University of Essex application, you will receive an email from us with instructions on how to book your interview. There is no fee to attend the interview.

The interview is an opportunity for you to share your passion and enthusiasm for the creative industries, be it theatre, film, TV, radio, or events.

If you live in the UK, you’ll have the chance to visit our campus and meet some of our staff in person during your interview.

Offers for this course are made only after a successful interview.

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If you're joining our School of Health and Social Care, East 15 Acting School, or Essex Business School, you may well be studying at our Southend Campus.

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At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

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