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Undergraduate

English Literature and Creative Writing BA (Hons)

What is English Literature and Creative Writing BA (Hons)?

Become a creative and critical writer, learning from award-winning staff on a course with 100% student satisfaction. Follow your interests in story, literature and creativity – immersing yourself in great literary works while developing your own creative writing skills.

The mixture of English Literature and Creative Writing will help you become both a critical and creative writer.

A £1,000 subject award bursary is available for this course for 2023 entry UK UCAS applicants.

Study style

You’ll develop skills in different writing strands – including prose, poetry and drama – both from a creative and critical perspective. As you progress you can explore specialisms like transgressive writing, crime fiction, sci-fi and American literature.

We’re a close-knit community and our students benefit from a high level of support. The course includes a mix of lectures, seminars and one-to-one tutorials – all taught by professional authors and critics. 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.

Get English Literature and Creative Writing BA (Hons) course updates and hear more about studying with us.

Entry requirements

    • 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.

    • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.

Fees and costs

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
per year
Fee (international)
per year
Sep 2023 Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham QW39 £9,250 £15,450
Sep 2024 Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham QW39 TBC TBC

Possible careers

Graduates from this course can go on to work as:

  • Writer/Author
  • Playwright
  • Journalist/Reporter
  • Editor
  • Marketer
  • Teacher/Lecturer
  • Publisher
  • Primary/Secondary Teacher (upon completion of teacher training).

Industry links

You’ll have opportunities to work with the Cheltenham Literature Festival and the Everyman Theatre. You can also join the Creative Writing society, take part in literature-themed social events and showcase your work at friendly and vibrant open mic nights.

In your final year, you’ll also learn about the publishing industry and how to submit your work to professional magazines and markets. As one of our writers, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with professionals from the Everyman Theatre, and see your work performed by actors in a staged reading.

Be taught by published writers

You’ll learn from published authors and critics, including Dr Paul Innes who wrote Shakespeare’s Roman Plays, Professor John Hughes who wrote Invisible Now: Bob Dylan in the 1960s.

Take part in an international literature festival

Cheltenham is home to The Times & The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival. You can get involved in a number of activities around the event – from interviewing contributors and reviewing events to volunteering and blogging.

See your work performed by professionals

On our dramatic writing modules, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with Cheltenham’s renowned Everyman Theatre. You’ll develop your play at the theatre with the artistic director, a playwright, and resident actors – leading to a staged reading open to your peers, tutors, and the public.

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Ranked in the top 20 in the UK

Our english courses are ranked in the top 20 in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

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Ranked 11th in the UK for student satisfaction

Our english courses are ranked 11th in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2023.

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Ranked in the top 20 in the UK for student and teaching satisfaction

Our english courses are ranked in the top 20 for student satisfaction and teaching satisfaction by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

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Ranked in the top 20 in the UK for teaching quality

Our english courses are ranked in the top 20 for teaching quality by The Times Good University Guide 2023.

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Ranked 11th in the UK for student satisfaction

Our creative writing courses are ranked 11th in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2023.

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Ranked 7th in the UK for career prospects

Our creative writing courses are ranked 7th in the UK for career prospects by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

Trips and experiences

Cheltenham is home to The Times & The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival. You can get involved in a number of activities during the festival – from interviewing contributors and reviewing events to volunteering and blogging.

Placements

You’ll be able to get published in our annual paperback anthology, the New Writing Series. Internships are also available for career preparation.

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