Bachelor of Arts (Literature, Theatre and Film)

Introduction to Literary Studies

Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

Foundational concepts in literary studies including genres, literary terminology, approaches to text analysis, and introduction to literary theory and criticism.

Introduction to Theatre Studies

Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

Foundational concepts in theatre including dramatic structure, theatrical conventions, theatre history, and introduction to acting, directing, and stage production.

Introduction to Film Studies

Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

Foundational concepts in film studies including film language, cinematography, editing, narrative structure, film genres, and introduction to film analysis and production.

African Literature and Oral Traditions

Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

Survey of African literature and oral traditions including prose, poetry, drama, folktales, myths, and oral poetry — examining their cultural significance and literary value.

Acting and Performance

Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

Practical training in acting techniques including voice, movement, character development, improvisation, and performance — with scene study and monologue work.

Literary Theory and Criticism

Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

Major literary theories including formalism, structuralism, post-colonialism, feminism, and reader-response theory — applying critical frameworks to literary and dramatic texts.

Theatre Production and Directing

Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

Practical training in theatre production including directing, stage management, set design, lighting, sound, and production planning — with a full production project.

Scriptwriting and Screenwriting

Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

Craft of writing scripts for stage and screen including story structure, character development, dialogue, formatting, and adaptation — with practical writing exercises.

Film Production and Cinematography

Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

Practical training in film production including camera operation, lighting, shot composition, cinematography techniques, and on-set production management.

Video Editing and Post-Production

Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

Practical training in video editing including editing software, cutting techniques, sound design, colour grading, and post-production workflows.

Research Methods in Arts and Culture

Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

Research methodology for arts and cultural studies including qualitative methods, performance analysis, audience research, and research ethics.

Final Year Creative or Research Project

Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore

Final-year project — either a creative production (film, play, screenplay) or academic research dissertation — with presentation, documentation, and oral defence.

Theatre and Performance

Focus on acting, directing, stage production, and dramatic theory for careers in theatre companies, performing arts, and live entertainment.

Film Production and Cinematography

Focus on film production, camera work, lighting, editing, and post-production for careers in film production companies and television.

Screenwriting and Creative Writing

Focus on scriptwriting, screenwriting, narrative structure, and creative writing for careers in film, television, and publishing.

Literary Criticism and African Literature

Focus on literary theory, African literature, and critical analysis for careers in publishing, criticism, and academic research.

Oral Literature and Cultural Performance

Focus on oral traditions, folklore, and cultural performance for careers in cultural preservation, community arts, and education.

Arts Education

Focus on drama and literature pedagogy for careers as literature and theatre teachers in secondary schools and educational institutions.

HELB Undergraduate Loan

County Government Bursaries

University Scholarships and Bursaries

University Internal Bursaries

BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan

Needy students enrolled at the respective university, applied through the financial aid office.

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

Needy Kenyan students placed through KUCCPS in public universities.

Higher Education Fund (HEF)

BursaryKenyan

Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities

Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund

Scholarship

East African students admitted to film and TV disciplines at partner Kenyan institutions

Goethe-Institut Scholarship Programmes

Scholarship

Students and artists in cultural and performing arts

Continuous Assessment Tests

Coursework20% of the mark

Written tests covering literary theory, dramatic criticism, film studies, and theatre history, assessed through mid-semester and end-of-semester examinations.

Creative and Production Practical Assignments

Coursework35% of the mark

Acting performances, directing projects, film production exercises, editing assignments, scriptwriting submissions, and theatre production work assessed through practical demonstrations.

Critical Essays and Research Papers

Coursework15% of the mark

Literary criticism essays, film analysis papers, dramatic text analysis, and research assignments assessed throughout each semester.

Final Examinations and Creative Project

Examination30% of the mark

End-of-semester written examinations and a final-year creative project (film, play, or screenplay) or research dissertation, with presentation and oral defence.

Commission for University Education (CUE)

Academic accreditationRequired

Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities offering degree programmes.

Film and TV Production Assistant

Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 60,000

Works on film and television productions handling camera, lighting, editing, and production support roles — building experience for advancement to producer or director.

Theatre Practitioner / Actor

Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 50,000

Performs in theatre productions, develops original works, and participates in theatre festivals — combining acting, directing, and production skills.

Literature Teacher (TSC Grade C2)

High demandKsh 41,400 to Ksh 57,200

Teaches Literature in English in secondary schools under TSC employment, applying literary analysis and dramatic skills to curriculum delivery and school productions.

Screenwriter and Content Creator

High demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 65,000

Writes scripts for film, television, and digital platforms, creates creative content for media houses and production companies — combining literary and screenwriting skills.

Civil Service Officer (CSG 10)

High demandKsh 42,970 to Ksh 59,120

Entry-level government position in ministries handling cultural affairs, arts administration, communications, and creative industry policy implementation.

Adobe Premiere Pro

SoftwarePrimary

Professional video editing software for film and TV post-production including cutting, transitions, effects, colour grading, and audio mixing — essential for film production.

Adobe After Effects

SoftwarePrimary

Motion graphics and visual effects software for film and video production including compositing, animation, and special effects — essential for post-production work.

Final Draft

Software

Professional screenwriting software for formatting scripts, managing revisions, and structuring screenplays — industry standard for film and television writing.

Microsoft Office Suite

Software

Productivity tools including Word, Excel, PowerPoint for scriptwriting, production planning, budget management, and professional communication.

DaVinci Resolve

Software

Professional video editing and colour grading software — free version available, providing an accessible alternative to Adobe Premiere for student projects.

This degree is just about reading books and watching films.

The programme combines rigorous literary criticism with practical theatre production and filmmaking — students write, direct, perform, shoot, and edit creative works, not just analyse them.

There are no real jobs in theatre and film in Kenya.

Kenya has a growing creative industry including Riverwood films, local TV production, theatre festivals, advertising, and digital content — all requiring trained practitioners in acting, directing, writing, and production.

This degree only leads to becoming an actor.

Graduates work as directors, screenwriters, producers, editors, teachers, editors, content creators, and arts administrators — the skills extend far beyond acting.

Studying literature is not practical for film careers.

Literary analysis develops storytelling, character development, narrative structure, and critical thinking — all essential for screenwriting, directing, and film criticism.

The creative arts don't pay well in Kenya.

While entry-level positions can be modest, established filmmakers, screenwriters, and theatre directors earn competitive incomes. The creative economy is growing with opportunities in film, TV, advertising, and digital content.