University offers fast-track BA degree in soap operas complete with its own Corrie-style filming set with pub and newsagent

  • University of Central Lancashire launches Continuing Drama Production course
  • The degree is a two-year programme as opposed to the traditional three-years
  • Work placements at EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale for students
  • Degree taught by industry professionals and comes with purpose built set 

Fans of EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale can get a degree which could see them parachuted into the soap opera industry thanks to a new university course.

The University of Central Lancashire is set to launch a BA (Hons) in Continuing Drama Production in September this year. The degree is only a two-year programme as opposed to the traditional three years, meaning students could end up saving money.

Fans will given the chance to study how their favourite shows are made on the course, which comes with its own fully-functioning soap set. 

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Former Coronation Street star John Thomson has given his support to the new course, claiming it has identified a 'hole in the market' which could help those wanting to get into the industry

Former Coronation Street star John Thomson has given his support to the new course, claiming it has identified a 'hole in the market' which could help those wanting to get into the industry

The University has spared no expenses and built its set, equip with pub and newsagent, similar to that of EastEnders' Walford Square or Coronation Street's Rovers Return.

Former Coronation Street star John Thomson has given his support to the new course, claiming it has identified a 'hole in the market' which could help those wanting to get into the industry.

Thomson, who played Jesse Chadwick on Coronation Street for two years, said in a promotional video for the course: 'As well as a purpose built set, there's a fully functioning TV studio helping to create producers, directors, camera operators, sound engineers, lightning technicians, writers, storyliners, scripters, and much more.

There is a purpose built course, which is taught by industry professionals

There is a purpose built course, which is taught by industry professionals

'You will be taught by practice industry professionals and given work placements on mainstream TV dramas.'   

He told The Sun: 'This is an exciting and innovative course that will give students a real-world experience.

'It will focus on creating the next generation of producers, directors, sounds engineers, editors, writers and camera operators, giving them the practical skills and training they need to stand out in a very competitive industry.'

Jennie McAlpine, who is best known for her role as Fiz Brown on Coronation Street, helped launch the course with a Q&A for prospective students.

Dr Andrew Ireland, executive dean of the faculty of culture and the creative industries at the Preston-based university, said: 'We have shaped this course specifically with the needs of prospective students and future employers.

'It's essentially about training students with the practical skills they can transfer to industry.

'We have worked closely with contacts in the industry to shape the content and we are proud to be offering a course which is both flexible and tailored to the skills required.' 

The full-time undergraduate degree, which costs £9,250 a year, will launch in September at the University's Preston campus.

The full-time undergraduate degree, which costs £9,250 a year, will launch in September at the University's Preston campus

The full-time undergraduate degree, which costs £9,250 a year, will launch in September at the University's Preston campus

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