Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per 20-credit module
Course summary
Our Creative Writing and English Literature BA 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.
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’ll gain the knowledge and understanding necessary to begin 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.
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.
Our 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 representation. You’ll also be able to relate the study of English literature and your own writing to the broader context of Western history and thought.
Our course takes full advantage of our central London location through visits to a variety of venues and areas connected to topics covered on the course.
Top reasons to study with us
- Fantastic location for the creative industries – London has unrivalled access to publishing houses, film production companies, theatre and poetry networks, and other literary opportunities
- Writer-led workshops – all of our creative writing tutors are either practising poets, dramatists or novelists
- Subject-leading researchers – our English Literature staff are leading experts in their fields, producing internationally recognised research that they bring straight back into the classroom
- Gain valuable industry contacts – you’ll have the opportunity to make writing contacts through our talented creative writing tutors, our expert guest speakers and our industry links
- Get experience before graduating – you’ll have the option to do a work placement as part of this course
- Opportunities to gain international experience – our students enjoy regular field trips and amazing opportunities to travel, work and study abroad
Course structure
At each Credit Level you’ll 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.
The main modes of teaching are seminars, workshops, lectures and field trips, but much of your learning is independent, conducted beyond the classroom (individually and in groups) in the library, at home, and via online learning.
Assessment methods include essays, creative exercises, critical analyses, reviews, exams, presentations, journals, blogs and portfolios.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- Genre, Style and Form
- Reflective Writing
- What is Literature?
- Shakespeare and Performance
- Poetry and Politics
- Keywords for Literary Studies
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- The Novel
- Writing the City
- Romanticisms
- The Victorian World
- Reflective Writing
- Forms of Writing
- Writing Revolutions
- Making Memory: Culture History and Representation
- Monsters
- Screenwriting
Credit Level 5
Between Levels 5 and 6 you’ll have the option to undertake either a study or work placement at a partner institution abroad. The optional year abroad helps you develop cultural and intercultural awareness of the country you visit and gives you an opportunity to gain experience in a different setting.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- Individual Writing Project
- English Literature Dissertation
- Writing Life
- Special Topic: Genres in Writing
- Reading the Present
- The Modernist World
- Tragedy: Ancient to Modern
- Fiction after 1950
- Issues in Culture
- Special Topic
- Work Placement for Humanities
Credit Level 6
Hear from our students
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
On our course, there is a strong focus on future career opportunities, with creative writing being taught by writers who have expertise in the particular genre being taught.
With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
Guest speakers
Guest novelists, poets, filmmakers, editors and agents join us from across the industry to provide valuable careers advice.
Connect with industry
Forge early connections with industry in London, one of the world's most creative media hubs.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Industry links
Our course has excellent links with business, including:
- LiveCanon
- The Small Publisher Fair
- The Tate
- The V&A
- West Lexham Writing Retreat
We invite guest speakers to join us from across the industry to provide valuable careers advice to students. Previous guest speakers have included playwrights, poets and novelists including:
- Eley Williams
- Inua Ellams
- Gwendoline Riley
- Goolnoosh Nour
- Toby Litt
Work experience
You’ll have the option to complete a work placement as part of this course. Our students gain valuable skills and knowledge through this experience, and previous destinations include:
- Arts Catalyst
- English Pen
- October Gallery
- The Soho Theatre
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles and sectors such as:
- Advertising
- Online content provider
- PR
- Professional writer
- Publishing assistant
- Script editor for TV/film production companies
Graduate employment
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- BBC
- Red Apple Creative
- Springer Publishing
- Theatre Delicatessen
- The V&A
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Matthew Morrison
Senior Lecturer, Course Leader
Matt leads BA degrees in Creative Writing and English Literature, Creative and Professional Writing, and Creative Writing and English Language. He is a playwright, whose work has been produced at theatres including the Riverside Studios, the Finborough, the Arcola, Wilton’s Music Hall, HighTide, the Gate, and the Old Vic Tunnels.
He has written short stories and radio comedy for the BBC and has worked in a number of theatres as a literary manager and literary associate. He has a First Class degree from the University of York and a PhD in Theatre History. His academic publications include introductions to philosophy and creative writing.
I’ve never met a student who doesn’t have a compelling story to tell. At Westminster, every voice is important.
Course Team
In addition to the core teaching team at the University, we are pleased to invite a wide range of practising writers to teach modules and deliver guest workshops.
- Dr Hannah Copley - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Michael Nath - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Monica Germana - Reader
- Dr Lucy Bond - Principal Lecturer
- Professor Alexandra Warwick - Head of School - Humanities
- Dr John Baker - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Simon Avery - Reader in Nineteenth-Century Literature and Culture
- Dr Kate M. Graham - Senior Lecturer in English Literature (Theatre)
- Dr Gwilym Jones - Lecturer in English
Why study this course?
Fantastic central London location
Based in our Regent Campus in central London, you’ll enjoy the benefits of studying in a major global city.
Expert-led workshops
All of our creative writing tutors are practising poets, dramatists or novelists.
Gain valuable industry contacts
You’ll have the opportunity to make writing contacts through our talented creative writing tutors, our expert guest speakers and our industry links.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D
- Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
A portfolio of creative writing may be required in addition to these academic qualifications.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score.
- A portfolio of creative writing may be required in addition to these academic qualifications.
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Studying English, linguistics and cultural studies
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £1,540 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
You should budget between £50–£100 for additional materials at Level 4, £50–£100 at Level 5 and £50–£100 at Level 6.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £2,830 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
You should budget between £50–£100 for additional materials at Level 4, £50–£100 at Level 5 and £50–£100 at Level 6.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.
For more details, visit our locations page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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