Creative Writing and English Literature BA Honours

Course summary

Our Creative Writing and English Literature BA combines the study of literary and non-literary texts in English with the development of your own creative writing skills.

The study of texts and their background in the history of ideas informs your progress as a writer, while your experience of writing in a variety of genres (the novel, the short story, poetry and drama) enhances your appreciation of literature.

This course will be of particular interest to those who wish to write or develop their reading with the experience that comes from writing literary texts. You’ll gain the knowledge and understanding necessary to begin a career in freelance writing, publishing, theatre, or teaching literature and creative writing. The course will also equip you with the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development.

Your work in creative writing will move in tandem with your study in English literature, particularly in Year 3, when you will produce either a single substantial work (novel, play) or a portfolio of shorter work (short fiction, poetry) while studying related literature modules.

Our course will enable you to develop a deep understanding of British society and literature’s place within it by investigating the codes and conventions that have emerged in a variety of social and historical contexts, and the ways in which these have guided both literary and non-literary representation. You’ll also be able to relate the study of English literature and your own writing to the broader context of Western history and thought.

Our course takes full advantage of our central London location through visits to a variety of venues and areas connected to topics covered on the course.

Top reasons to study with us

• Fantastic location for the creative industries – London has unrivalled access to publishing houses, film production companies, theatre and poetry networks, and other literary opportunities
• Writer-led workshops – all of our creative writing tutors are either practising poets, dramatists or novelists
• Subject-leading researchers – our English Literature staff are leading experts in their fields, producing internationally recognised research that they bring straight back into the classroom
• Gain valuable industry contacts – you’ll have the opportunity to make writing contacts through our talented creative writing tutors, our expert guest speakers and our industry links
• Get experience before graduating – you’ll have the option to do a work placement as part of this course
• Opportunities to gain international experience – our students enjoy regular field trips and amazing opportunities to travel, work and study abroad

Course structure

At each Credit Level you’ll focus on both writing in particular genres and forms, and studying literature of different periods, authors or genres, alongside an examination of the tools of literary enquiry in your study of literary theories and the history of ideas.

The main modes of teaching are seminars, workshops, lectures and field trips, but much of your learning is independent, conducted beyond the classroom (individually and in groups) in the library, at home, and via online learning.

Assessment methods include essays, creative exercises, critical analyses, reviews, exams, presentations, journals, blogs and portfolios.

The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.