BA (Hons) CREATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL WRITING

One of the key concepts in creative writing is ‘show, don’t tell’. That applies to both our teaching philosophy as well as our approach to writing. So at UEL we will show you how to become the writer you want to be.

How? By providing you during your three-year course with a programme that offers stimulating readings, group discussions, lectures and creative assignments. You’ll learn all about fiction writing, poetry, screenwriting and creative non-fiction in a dynamic progression.

“It's about getting your feet wet in year one, experimenting in year two and, in your final year, working to professional standards,” says lecturer and internationally published author Tessa McWatt.

The core modules examine different contexts of writing and analyse literary forms and structures. You’ll learn how to write effectively in a host of different genres.

It’s a course that allows for specialisation, too. Optional workshops include hybrid genres and screenwriting. In your final year, for your dissertation, you can develop an extended piece of creative writing which particularly interests you.

We’re proud of the success stories which keep blossoming from our course. We even have a couple of graduates now going toe-to-toe in the battle of the soaps!

Danielle Jawando, who studied here for both her BA and MA, has recently been writing for major TV soap operas, while talented young playwright Jonny O’Neill had his first EastEnders episode screened in September 2014.

Jawando attributes much of her success to the support she received from her tutors here. “I developed the confidence to try new things and most importantly, to send my work out,” she recalls.

As a result, she was shortlisted to write for Emmerdale and had a short story published while still studying at UEL. O’Neill, meanwhile, has seen his debut play, The Royal Duchess Superstore, open on the professional stage in London.

Our course can open all sorts of other workplace doors, too, because it hones and enhances so many transferable skills suitable for different professions.

Employers want applicants with the sort of communication and writing skills you’ll learn here. Our students have gone on to work in areas such as screenwriting, copywriting, teaching and journalism.

FROM
A LEVEL
including passes at A2 in at least two subjects, must include at least one subject in Creative Writing, English Language or English Literature
FROM
BTEC
Extended Diploma or Diploma
FROM
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
Diploma with 25 points including a minimum of 15 points at Higher Level.