From poetry and playwriting to short stories and novels, you’ll focus on your existing creative passions and experiment with a wide range of styles, modes, and genres. You’ll be mentored by professional authors who can help you find your creative voice. You can see your work performed by actors in a staged reading, and get published in our student-led magazine – Show Don’t Tell – as well as our annual paperback anthology, the New Writing Series.
We’re a close-knit creative writing community and our students benefit from a high level of support from each other and staff. You’ll learn from award-winning lecturers who specialise in a variety of genres, including transgressive writing, confessional poetry, sci-fi, horror, and speculative fiction. These include Professor Nigel McLoughlin – twice shortlisted for the Hennessey Award, and whose work has appeared in The Guardian, the Independent on Sunday and The Irish Times.
The course includes a mix of lectures, seminars and one-to-one tutorials – all taught by professional authors. In lectures, you’ll learn the fundamentals of good writing by studying the greats, both classic and contemporary. In workshops, you’ll develop your own stories, plays, novels and poems. Regular writing workshops mean you can share your work with peers and get their feedback.
In your first year you’ll explore the fundamentals of prose, poetry and dramatic writing, before pursuing your chosen strand, (or multiple strands if you’re keen to combine a mix of creative areas). Your final year will have a professional focus to prepare you for your career in the creative industries. You’ll meet with established authors, agents, and editors – understanding the publishing industry, composing your writer’s biography and learning how to submit your work to relevant magazines and markets.
96 – 112 UCAS tariff points, CCC – BBC at A levels, MMM – DMM at BTEC or a Merit in your T-Level.
If you are unsure whether we could make you an offer or you have any questions, just get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.
English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.
This course is available with an integrated foundation year to help you prepare. A degree with an integrated foundation year starts your studies with a year spent learning the skills required to progress onto a full honours degree. You will develop valuable study skills, communication, team work and problem-solving techniques which help to build your confidence and prepare you for the rest of your course.
Typical offers
48 UCAS tariff points, DD at A levels, PPP at BTEC or a Pass in your T Level.
GCSEs
Grade C/4 in English Language/Literature and Mathematics, or equivalent (e.g. Level 2 Functional Skills).
We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.
Please read the entry requirements for your country – and you’re welcome to contact our admissions team if you have questions.
| Start date | Location | UCAS code |
Fee (UK) per year |
Fee (international) per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2023 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | W801 | £9,250 | £15,450 |
| Sep 2024 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | W801 | TBC | TBC |
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International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
Find out more | |||
Graduates from this course can go on to work as:
You’ll have chances to work with the Parabola Arts Centre, the Everyman Theatre and London-based literary agency Johnson & Alcock – which judges our annual novel writing contest. Cheltenham is also home to The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, which welcomes writers, journalists, philosophers and historians from around the globe. You can also join our Creative Writing society, take part in literature-themed social events, and showcase your work at friendly and vibrant open mic nights.
There are plenty of opportunities to showcase your work. You can read your work at open mic nights, submit to our novel writing contest and see your plays performed by professional actors.
On our dramatic writing modules you can work with Cheltenham’s renowned Everyman Theatre. You’ll develop your play with the artistic director, a playwright and resident actors – leading to a staged reading open to your peers, tutors and the public.
The course offers a range of publishing opportunities such as our annual student paperwork anthology, The New Writing Series.
Work with experienced practitioners, engage with active researchers and be inspired by published authors to become well-rounded and innovative individuals.
Our creative writing courses are ranked 11th in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2023.
Our creative writing courses are ranked 7th in the UK for career prospects by the Guardian University Guide 2023.
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