Course Overview

Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and literary exploration with our English Literature and Creative Writing course. Whether you've harbored a lifelong passion for storytelling or are eager to unravel the intricacies of the written word, this program is designed to help you find your unique voice as a poet, playwright, novelist, or literature scholar. This dynamic joint course seamlessly integrates the study of literature with the practice of creative writing, providing a comprehensive understanding of how literary texts work and empowering you to translate this knowledge into your own creative endeavors. Our supportive learning environment encourages you to explore your ideas, refine your craft, and comprehend literary texts under the guidance of award-winning practitioners, such as Wayne Holloway-Smith, our esteemed poetry lecturer. Throughout the three years, you can tailor your learning experience by choosing specialized creative writing modules in poetry, creative non-fiction, drama, short story writing, and prose fiction. Complementing these, our English Literature modules span diverse genres, including children's and young adult literature, film adaptations, and English works from around the globe. In your first year, foundational core modules like "Becoming a Writer" introduce you to various genres and forms, exploring the universal elements of dialogue, plot, and language. "Identity and Contemporary Writing," another core module, exposes you to cutting-edge writing, serving as a model for your creative endeavors. An optional module allows you to delve into the art of writing for the screen. Between your second and final year, choose to embark on a study abroad experience or a year-long work placement, enriching your personal and professional growth. The practical aspects of getting published or working in literary publishing are addressed in a second-year creative writing module, led by a former Granta editor. As you approach your final year, channel your creative interests into a substantial piece of writing – whether poetry, prose, or drama – guided by experienced mentors. The culmination of your journey will be a polished work with the potential for publication. Our students have celebrated success with short stories and poetry published in prestigious magazines like Bandit, AnotherLenz, Rising, and Poetry London. Join us in this exciting endeavor where literature and creative writing converge, and where your literary aspirations can take root, flourish, and potentially make an impact on the wider literary landscape. Your literary journey awaits, and your story is waiting to be written.