English Literature and Creative Writing

This degree combines the best of both worlds: the chance to study literature in depth and the space to create your own writing. From Shakespeare to contemporary fiction, you’ll explore how writers have shaped culture – and how your own voice can join that conversation.

You’ll study all three strands of creative writing – prose, drama and poetry – alongside English Literature modules that take you from the classics to cutting-edge theory. Together, they’ll give you a broad knowledge of literary traditions and the skills to craft your own work with confidence.

Workshops and seminars are at the heart of the course. You’ll debate, analyse, experiment and take risks, developing your critical thinking and your creative voice with regular feedback from published writers and active academics.

Learning goes beyond the classroom, such as our partnership with Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre, which gives you the chance to see your own scripts performed by professional actors.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have a strong portfolio, and the confidence to move into a range of careers – from publishing and teaching to writing, journalism, and the wider creative industries.

This course is taught through seminars, workshops and one-to-one tutorials. Seminars encourage lively debate and close reading of texts, while workshops give you regular opportunities to share your writing, receive feedback, and refine your craft.

You’ll study the craft of prose, drama and poetry alongside literature modules such as Contemporary Fiction, Writing Nature, Crime Fiction From Sherlock Holmes to True Crime, and Victorian Dreams – Victorian Nightmares. The balance of contact time and self-directed study means you’ll be guided closely while also developing independence as both a reader and a writer.

Assessment is 100% coursework. You’ll write essays, reviews, creative portfolios and critical reflections – gradually building a body of work that demonstrates your knowledge and creativity.

You’ll be taught by published writers, researchers and theatre-makers, and hear from visiting authors, editors and academics who bring real-world perspectives into the classroom.

Collaboration is encouraged. You might work with students in other disciplines, or see your play staged at the Everyman Theatre by professional actors. We also explore how technology shapes reading and writing today, preparing you for a changing creative landscape.

An English Literature and Creative Writing degree gives you highly transferable skills that employers value: critical thinking, research, creativity, clear communication and the ability to shape complex ideas into compelling arguments or narratives.

Our graduates have gone on to careers in publishing, journalism, teaching, the arts, copywriting and communications. Others have built their own creative projects – from novels and poetry collections to theatre productions and digital content – or moved into fields such as PR, heritage and marketing. Many also continue their studies at postgraduate level, including teacher training and Master’s degrees.

We make career preparation part of the course. Modules in professional practice develop your portfolio, CV and industry knowledge. You’ll hear directly from guest writers, editors, journalists and academics, and benefit from our strong links with organisations such as the Everyman Theatre, local publishers, and the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

Whatever path you choose, you’ll leave with both a degree and the confidence, contacts and professional skills to shape a future that fits your ambitions – whether in the creative industries, education, research or beyond.