Choosing what university to attend is a herculean task, but it’s not impossible. Creative Writing courses are becoming more and more popular, with degrees offering a diverse range of Literature and Creative Writing modules. A Creative Writing degree allows you to become proficient in critical and analytical thinking, while also honing your craft and broadening your imagination. But with so many courses now available in the UK, how do you narrow down your options? There are many factors to consider, but first have a look at some of the universities at the top of their game when it comes to Creative Writing.
Creative Writing Courses available in the UK
University of East Anglia
American Literature with Creative Writing BA (Hons)
Drama and Creative Writing BA (Hons)
English Literature with Creative Writing BA (Hons)
Creative Writing and English Literature BA
Entry Requirements:
A level – Ranges from ABB to AAA (course dependent)
BTEC Extended– Ranges from DDM to DDD (subject to individual course conditions)
The University of East Anglia is well-known for its range of Creative Writing courses and its Creative Writing Master’s is commonly viewed as one of the most prestigious in the country, with novelists such as the masterful Kazuo Ishiguro completing the course.
University of Warwick
English Literature with Creative Writing BA (Hons)
Entry Requirements:
A level – AAA or A*AB including an A in English Literature, Language, or Combined.
There is also a contextual offer that you could be eligible for in which case you would only need to achieve A level grades of ABB as long as the A is in English Literature, Language, or Combined.
IB – 38 with grade 6 in higher level English Literature or Combined.
Contextual – 34 with grade 6 in higher level English Literature or Combined.
BTECs are welcome alongside A level English Literature, Language, or Combined.
A combination of Creative Writing and English Literature, modules at Warwick cover a range of topics, from more traditional modules on the seventeenth century literature and Victorian poetry to niche subjects like the study of video game narratives. You’ll also want to check out Warwick’s recently refurbished arts centre which has a cinema, art gallery, a theatre, and hosts live music all on campus.
Royal Holloway, University of London
American Literature and Creative Writing BA (Hons)
Drama and Creative Writing BA (Hons)
English and Creative Writing BA (Hons)
Entry Requirements:
A level – ABB to AAB
BTEC – DD
As well as all the amazing modules Royal Holloway has to offer, there is also a compulsory study skills course. It is designed to enhance you’re writing skills, so you are likely to be more successful in your degree, and you need to pass it to move on to your second year.
University of Birmingham
English and Creative Writing BA (Hons)
Entry Requirements:
A level – AAB must include English Literature, Language or Combined.
BTEC Extended – DDM with a B at A level in English Literature, Language or Combined.
Birmingham’s BA course offers a range of literary courses from medieval literature to contemporary digital literary culture and covers the main genres of creative writing, including poetry, prose, drama, and media writing. Birmingham is also in possession of a world-leading Shakespeare Institute, offering comprehensive resources for your studies of Shakespeare.
University of Leeds
English Literature and Creative Writing BA (Hons)
Entry Requirements:
A level – AAA must include English Literature, Language or Combined.
BTEC Extended will be considered in combination with other qualifications
Resources at Leeds include the Brotherton Library, the Special Collections of which contain an assortment of early printed material and manuscripts. This includes vast archives of contemporary poets, such as alumnus Simon Armitage. The library is an invaluable asset when conducting independent research.
This is just a little snippet of all the universities you can attend to study Creative Writing, it’s just enough to give you an idea of what you’re in for as you start preparing to take the next step towards completing your education.
