English and Creative Writing

On this course you can study the history of English literature from the medieval period right up to the present day, and combine this with studies in creative writing.

A range of modules give you the option to study anything from Shakespeare to science fiction, Romantic to contemporary poetry, or Victorian novels to Hollywood films.

Our creative writing modules help you explore and extend your own potential as a writer and engage you in a range of literary activities. Our students write novels, stories, poetry, monologues, as well as exploring creativity in non-fiction, essays, journalism, reviewing, and writing for the theatre.

For English literature we start by covering topics such as how to analyse a poem and how to read a novel as a literary critic, introducing you to key skills in critical-creative ways of reading and writing.

We then move on to historical surveys of literature, before exploring in more detail many of the periods, movements, and topics previously covered.

English and creative writing are adaptable subjects which open up a flexible range of career options. A wide-ranging knowledge of the arts, literature, and culture produces well-rounded individuals with a broad frame of reference.

Many of our graduates enter roles in:

• teaching
• publishing
• journalism
• book festivals
• arts administration
• library and information services
• writer-in-residence positions
• management
• consultancy
• the civil service
• the creative industries

Some of our creative writing graduates also go on to publish novels, short stories and poetry with a range of publishing houses and magazines.