Creative Writing

Creative Writing at the University of Essex offers an engaging and dynamic programme designed to develop your skills as a writer and to nurture your unique voice. Through a combination of practical workshops, critical analysis, and opportunities for publication, students explore various genres including fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and creative nonfiction. The programme emphasizes both the art and craft of writing, encouraging students to experiment with different styles while also understanding the theoretical foundations of literature and storytelling. Our experienced faculty members are actively involved in the literary community, providing students with valuable insights and mentorship. The course fosters a collaborative environment where ideas are exchanged freely, helping students to refine their work and build confidence in their writing abilities. Students will have access to dedicated writing spaces, literary events, and guest lectures from industry professionals. The programme also offers opportunities for internships in publishing, broadcasting, and other media related to writing and storytelling. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to engage critically with their own work and that of their peers, developing skills in editing, revising, and presenting their work professionally. By the end of the programme, graduates will have a polished portfolio of original work ready for publication or further creative pursuits. Whether aiming for a career in publishing, editing, teaching, or simply aspiring to become a better writer, students will find a supportive environment to hone their craft and explore the rich landscape of creative expression. The course prepares students to think critically and write compellingly, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in a broad range of creative and professional contexts.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

The Enlightenment;
Literature: Origins and Transformations;
Creative Writing Skills;
Introduction to Rhetoric;
Writing for the Radio; and
Creative Writing: Tradition and Innovation

Year 2

Creative Writing;
Approaches to Text;
Creative Writing Non-fiction;
one literature option; and
one option or one Literature option

Year 3

Four literature options with at least three in creative writing

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB, including at least one A-level in a humanities subject (or equivalent)
GCSE English: C
IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

Creative Writing at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive and dynamic program designed to nurture the talents of aspiring writers and storytellers. The program emphasizes both the craft of writing and the critical appreciation of literature, providing students with the skills necessary to succeed in various writing careers, including fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and more. Students will engage with a broad spectrum of genres and styles, participating in workshops, seminars, and individual tutorials that foster creativity and critical thinking.

The curriculum includes modules that cover foundational aspects of storytelling, character development, narrative techniques, and the use of language. Students are encouraged to experiment with different forms and voices, guided by experienced faculty members who are active writers and scholars in the field. The university's vibrant creative community offers a stimulating environment where students can collaborate, share feedback, and inspire each other.

Throughout the program, students are given opportunities to present their work at readings and events, gaining confidence and exposure. The program also emphasizes the importance of understanding the commercial and promotional aspects of writing, preparing students for careers in publishing, media, or freelance writing. Additionally, the university's strong connections with industry professionals and literary organizations can facilitate internships, networking, and publication opportunities.

The degree can be pursued as an undergraduate BA program, with options for joint honours combining Creative Writing with other disciplines such as Literature or Media Studies. Study modes include full-time, part-time, and blended learning, accommodating diverse student needs. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers as published authors, editors, journalists, and content creators.

Facilities at the University of Essex include dedicated writing spaces, access to extensive libraries, and online resources for research and inspiration. The campus is located within a vibrant academic community, offering a rich environment for personal and professional growth. Support services include academic mentoring, career guidance, and writing development programs, all designed to help students realize their creative potential and build a sustainable career in writing.

Overall, the Creative Writing program at the University of Essex provides a supportive, inspiring, and rigorous education for anyone passionate about storytelling and the written word. It prepares students not just to write creatively, but also to think critically about their work and its place in the contemporary literary landscape, fostering skills that are valuable across numerous industries and pursuits.