Creative Writing and English Literature

This course combines the study of literary and non-literary texts in English with the development of your own creative writing skills. The study of texts and their background in the history of ideas informs your progress as a writer, while your experience of writing in a variety of genres (the novel, the short story, poetry and drama) enhances your appreciation of literature. The course takes full advantage of our central London location through visits and the opportunity for internships as part of your study. This course will be of particular interest to those who wish to write or develop their reading with the experience that comes from writing literary texts. You will gain the knowledge and understanding necessary to go on to a career in freelance writing, publishing, theatre, or teaching literature and creative writing. The course will also equip you with the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development. At each credit level you will focus on both writing in particular genres and forms, and studying literature of different periods, authors or genres, alongside an examination of the tools of literary enquiry in your study of literary theories and the history of ideas. Your work in creative writing will move in tandem with your study in English literature, particularly in Year 3, when you will produce either a single substantial work (novel, play) or a portfolio of shorter work (short fiction, poetry) while studying related literature modules. There is a strong focus on future career opportunities, with creative writing being taught largely by freelance writers who have expertise in the particular genre being taught. The course will enable you to develop a deep understanding of British society and literature’s place within it by investigating the codes and conventions that have emerged in a variety of social and historical contexts, and the ways in which these have guided both literary and non-literary