A new soap opera is set to become Preston’s answer to Coronation Street.

From September, students on the Continuing Drama Production course at the University of Central Lancashire will be creating their own drama for local TV channel, That’s Lancashire.

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The new BA (Hons) course is designed to tackle the skills gap in television production by teaching students everything they need to know about creating a successful TV drama.

The course will provide hands-on experience in areas like multi-camera operation, editing, scriptwriting, managing production budgets, and working with actors. Students from courses such as music, acting and scriptwriting will collaborate on the drama to develop their practical skills.

Dr Andrew Ireland, executive dean of the faculty of culture and the creative industries, said: “We have shaped this course specifically with the needs of both prospective students and their future employers in mind. It’s essentially about training students with the practical skills they can transfer to industry, not just mimicking it.”

The former Lamb and Packet pub has been bought for filming interiors, and will be adapted to serve as different locations including a café, houses, and shops. An outside lot has also been created, which will provide a shooting space for the drama.

Read more: Lamb and Packet pub has been sold

Actor and UCLan Honorary Fellow, John Thomson, said: “This is an exciting and innovative course that 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.”

Oliver Kent, head of continuing drama series at BBC Studios, said: “It’s brilliant to see the higher education sector directly addressing the skills gap in the media industry. From my own experience of working on dramas including Holby City and Casualty, it’s clear that providing those entering the industry with practical skills and experience is vital. This course is an innovative response to this problem.”

What do you think of the Continuing Drama Production course? Will you be tuning in to the new soap opera? Let us know in the comments below.