BA (Hons) Creative Writing

Why study this course with LJMU?

• Opportunities to meet practising writers, publishers, agents, producers and directors
• Professional guidance and peer support to help you develop your writing to publishable standard
• Access to regular literary events, readings, screenings and open mic nights to showcase your work
• LJMU ranked 7th university in the UK for Creative Writing (The Times UK University Rankings 2025)
• 96% of students surveyed said teaching staff on this course were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024)

About your course

At LJMU, which developed the UK's first Single Honours Creative Writing course, we put an emphasis on a writer's career and take special care to instil not just the craft, but also the practical approaches needed to become a professional writer.

Our teaching team are all published authors who have written and contributed to textbooks about the craft and theory of writing, which are used in universities and colleges worldwide.

As a student on the BA (Hons) Creative Writing at Liverpool John Moores University you will hear from and work with prestigious visiting writers who regularly deliver readings and workshops on modules during our ‘Professional Practice Weeks’. Recent guests have included Rishi Dastidar, Ramsay Campbell, Andrew McMillan, Rebecca Goss, James Rice, Jennifer Delaney, and Okechukwu Nzelu.

During this degree, you will study prose, creative non-fiction, scriptwriting and poetry in your first year and go on to specialise in the disciplines that challenge you the most to produce your best work. Our acclaimed Writer at Work module engages specialists in digital publishing, arts-in-health, literature development and other areas giving you an in-depth understanding as well as experience of the writers professional world.

The degree is taught at the University's Mount Pleasant Campus, with academic offices in Redmonds Building located in the heart of Liverpool, a vibrant student city, renowned for its cultural events, readings, music events and art galleries. Liverpool is a city full of storytellers and we hope you will be adding to this richly creative environment.

Course modules

What you will study on this degree

• Observation and Discovery (20 credits)
  • The module encompasses intercultural and boundary spanning skills, professional written and spoken communication and collaboration between students as they are introduced to workshopping techniques.
• Writers are Readers (20 credits)
  • This module helps students become better writers by reading and understanding different kinds of writing. They'll explore what they like to write about, become more confident in sharing their ideas, and learn how research can make their writing better. This course mixes reading, writing, and research to make students well-rounded writers who can create great stories and essays.
• Character and Story (20 credits)
  • The module explores the building blocks of character development and character driven story lines through various forms of writing and requires the student to evidence a variety of research skills and evidence professional written and communication skills, and collaboration between students as they are introduced to workshopping techniques.
• Story Origins (20 credits)
  • We will focus on the influence of Myth, Folk Tale and Metaphor and how these story structures and character archetypes have informed and continue to inform storytelling and creative writing. It will foster the students' ability to conduct independent research and then to use this to inform their creative and critical writing.
• Language and Craft (20 credits)
  • As with other Level 4 modules, this module is designed to encourage consistent engagement, with smaller assessment items that build on each other in terms of attention to language and form, providing both summative and formative feedback. This module aims to develop student skills in textual analysis and academic writing skills.
• Professional Practice: The Writer in the World (20 credits)
  • The module widens the student's experience of cultural activities, developing cultural capital, and helps embed a sense of a learning community/cohort through shared experiences.

Optional modules

• Script Development (20 credits)
  • Students will workshop their writing in tutor-led and peer-led sessions, offering and receiving constructive criticism, reading and performing key scenes from their scripts and re-drafting and developing their work. They will also share insights into their ongoing research process with peers. Industry guest speakers will also share their knowledge and experience in seminars and masterclasses.
• Short Fiction (20 credits)
  • This module expands students' understanding of short fiction and fosters independent reading. It supports their short story writing skills, enhancing their creative confidence and critical insights. Students learn to think creatively about the possibilities of short story writing and develop their ability to evaluate both published authors and peers constructively. Through workshops and essays, students gain a strong foundation in narrative craft, preparing them for more advanced prose modules at Level 6.
• Poetry (20 credits)
  • This module has creativity embedded throughout, with a heightened awareness of written and spoken communication and the power of language. Poems are designed to be heard as well as read. Students will be reading their own draft poetry aloud in class, thus developing self-confidence in their own voices and work.
• Creative Non-fiction (20 credits)
  • The module will include a diverse range of texts that promote intercultural understanding. Boundary spanning skills will be developed across the many forms of creative non-fiction and an exploration of the writerly techniques they value.
• Screenwriting (20 credits)
  • Students will workshop their writing in tutor-led and peer-led sessions, offering and receiving constructive criticism, reading and performing key scenes from their scripts and re-drafting and developing their work. Industry guest speakers will also share their knowledge and experience in seminars and masterclasses.
• Writing for Stage & Radio (20 credits)
  • In this module, students will learn scriptwriting for radio and stage, focusing on modern techniques. They'll explore these forms through reading and listening, and develop their work collaboratively in a writers' room. Students will also improve their communication skills, refining their scripts through workshops and industry expert input in seminars and masterclasses.
• Writing in Production (20 credits)
  • The module embeds key employability skills: leadership and motivational skills, analysis and problem-solving, creativity and enterprise, professional written and spoken communication, financial literacy, planning and organisation, digital capability and teamworking and collaboration.
• The Fantastic (20 credits)
  • The module will engage students in the study of fantasy, horror and science fiction literature and related arts. This has proven the most popular genre amongst undergraduate students and the module provides an opportunity for experimentation with a range of writing styles leading to specialisation in one genre area. Students will produce original, creative work informed by their studies, and present it to their classmates and tutors for formative feedback and further development.
• Approaching Your Novel (20 credits)
  • In this module, students will learn how to propose novels effectively, understand their target market, and master the art of crafting compelling opening chapters. They'll also explore various novel genres and develop essential narrative skills. Through peer workshops and hands-on practice, students will prepare work suitable for the publishing industry, all while gaining valuable insights into genre, market, and narrative craft.
• Student Semester Abroad - Creative Writing (60 credits)
  • This is an opportunity to spend one semester of your second year at one of LJMU's partner universities around the world.
• Study Year Abroad - Creative Writing (120 credits)
  • This module aims to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their studies in Liverpool.
• AI and the Humanities (20 credits)
  • This module speaks to the developing relevance and significance to the Humanities and society more generally of AI tools. It addresses both cultural, critical and creative aspects of AI alongside developing students’ AI skills.

Professional accreditation

Liverpool has a strong cultural and literary tradition and LJMU is proud to have connections with many local arts institutions such as Tate Liverpool, FACT, the Everyman and the Bluecoat.

Our connections go much wider than Liverpool however: staff and students have had novels, short stories and poetry published by leading UK and international houses, and radio plays, short films and features broadcast and screened in the UK, Europe and America.

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching
• Support
• Assessment

Where you will study

The School is based in the John Foster Building, with teaching taking place in the John Foster and the Redmonds Building, in the heart of the bustling Mount Pleasant Campus and Liverpool's growing Knowledge Quarter. The Redmonds Building is home to high quality lecture theatres and seminar rooms, TV studios, radio suites, green screen, editing rooms and newsrooms, social spaces, and a café. It is only a short walk from LJMUs Aldham Robarts Library, which contains all the resources you will require for your studies, and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Career paths

Our graduates go on to work in a wide variety of careers including:

• broadcasting
• business
• copywriting (in advertising and social media)
• journalism
• marketing
• proofreading and editing
• publishing
• teaching
• website authoring

Some have also become professional writers and had their work filmed, staged, published and performed.

This degree also offers direct progression routes onto our MA Writing and MA Screenwriting courses, where you can further develop your writing.

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.

Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: £9,535
• International: £17,750

Entry requirements

• Grades/points required from qualifications: BCC (104 )
• GCSEs and equivalents: Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification
• A levels: Minimum number of A Levels required: 2, Is general studies acceptable?: Yes, Average A Level offer: BCC, Are AS level awards acceptable?: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications, Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20
• BTECs: Extended Diploma: DMM
• Access awards: Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications, Further information: At least 9 Distinctions and 36 Merits, or any other combination that equates to 104 UCAS Tariff points
• International Baccalaureate: International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications, Additional information: 104 UCAS Tariff points from IB Composite parts, or in combination with other Level 3 qualifications
• Irish awards: Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications, Grades / subjects required: 104 UCAS Tariff points with a maximum 20 UCAS Tariff points from Ordinary Level
• Welsh awards: Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• T levels: 104 UCAS Tariff points

International requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.

How to apply

• UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here
• Applications are welcomed from mature and non-standard applicants who will be considered on an individual basis. These applicants should demonstrate potential and motivation and/or have relevant experience and may be required to submit an essay and/or attend an interview.
• International Applicants: We welcome overseas applicants who will be considered in line with UK entry requirements.

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Overview:

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a public university located in Liverpool, England. It is a large and diverse institution with a strong focus on providing high-quality education and research opportunities.

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Services Offered:

LJMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available for students.

Student Support:

The university provides comprehensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and mental health resources.

Library:

LJMU has a well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.

Student Futures:

This service helps students with career planning, job searching, and employability skills development.

International Student Support:

Dedicated support is available for international students, including visa guidance and cultural adjustment programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

LJMU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Key aspects include:

Sports, Societies, and Lifestyle:

Students can participate in a wide range of sports clubs, societies, and social events.

Campus:

The university has multiple campuses located in Liverpool, providing a diverse and stimulating environment.

Go Abroad:

LJMU offers opportunities for students to study abroad and gain international experience.

Volunteering:

Students can engage in volunteering activities and contribute to the local community.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

LJMU is known for its high-quality teaching and research.

Diverse Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Location:

Liverpool is a vibrant and culturally rich city, providing students with a stimulating and enjoyable living experience.

Student Support:

LJMU provides comprehensive support services to ensure student success.

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Academic Programs:

LJMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Bachelor's degrees in various fields, including business, law, health sciences, engineering, and the arts.

Postgraduate:

Master's degrees, PhD programs, and other postgraduate qualifications.

Degree Apprenticeships:

Programs that combine work experience with academic study.

Continuing Professional Development:

Short courses and programs for professionals seeking to enhance their skills.