Creative Writing BA (Hons)

Keele University

Course overview

Creative Writing at Keele allows you to develop your writing skills in various literary forms while deepening your understanding of the historical, social, ethnic, gender, and geographical contexts of the texts studied in this programme. You will start by studying three core genres-fiction, poetry, and scriptwriting, as well as writing for children - and you'll explore the narratives, characteristics, and structures that will help you to refine your writing skills for various audiences and platforms (including digital formats), whilst also considering the research and practices of writers worldwide.

Graduate with not only a profound understanding of literature, but also a portfolio of work and the confidence to pursue your ambitions in the dynamic world of writing. Throughout the programme you will engage with texts from both the past and present, analysing how they function within their cultural contexts and how they reflect, generate, or challenge the ideas of their time. You will have the opportunity to apply your learning and tailor your individual practice through specialist modules and a final-year project, culminating in a 'Creative Writing Portfolio' or an 'Extended Screenwriting Project.'

At Keele, you can tailor your degree programme based on your future aspirations, with the opportunity to take a placement year, study abroad with a partner university, to learn a modern language, or to gain a recognised TESOL qualification, through our Global Challenges Pathway, which will help you to develop global perspectives and build your awareness and experience of other cultures and practices. This provides a head start in your employment journey, enabling you to develop your writing style and shape your identity with the collaboration of professionals in industry, and support from academic staff.

Foundation Year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Work Placements

Opportunities to enhance your employability are at the heart of our Creative Writing programme and you will have the chance to engage with work placements as part of your degree through modules or an additional work placement year (optional). This allows you to collaborate with professionals and demonstrate your creative expertise in the workplace, building key skills in communication, analytical thinking and problem-solving.

Study abroad

Enhance your career prospects with an International Year at one of our partner institutions in between years two and three of your degree programme. This exciting opportunity enables you to explore different cultural perspectives, establish international networks and gain new experiences whilst building your personal and professional attributes, supporting your career prospects.

Enhance your employability

Throughout your studies, you will be encouraged to reflect on the academic, creative and employability skills you are developing and, more importantly, how you can articulate these skills in the workplace environment, across industries.

Our programme enables you to communicate confidently, work as a team and independently, to demonstrate your creativity and expertise across relevant roles and responsibilities.

You may wish to explore a career in publishing, marketing, copywriting or culture and heritage. There are a wide range of careers that would value a creative writing graduate such as:

• Education/Teaching
• Communications/Public Relations
• Events Management