Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per academic year
Course summary
Our Creative Writing and English Language BA combines the opportunity to improve your writing skills with the development of a thorough knowledge and understanding of the structure, history and usage of the English language.
In addition to studying how the language works in its spoken and written forms, and the different kinds of English that exist today, the course provides structured support and guidance in the development of writing skills in various genres (the novel, the short story, poetry, drama, and non-fictional writing). Your knowledge and understanding of English will be enhanced by focusing on its aesthetic possibilities.
This particular combination is suitable for those interested in pursuing a career in any field that involves the highly skilled use of language, such as publishing or journalism, professional writing, or teaching. You could also go on to a career that includes teaching related to language or creative writing.
You'll have the opportunity to study an optional module from a range of different topics across the University in each year of study. The course will also equip you with the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development.
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
- 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
- Personalised support - you’ll get individually focused academic support and career planning through our tutorials
- Opportunities to gain international experience - our students have been on regular field trips and have had amazing opportunities to travel, work and study abroad. Previous destinations have included Miami, Hong Kong, Cuba, Berlin, Morocco, Washington and Paris.
Course structure
In each year of study, our modules will deepen your knowledge of the English language and its use and develop your writing abilities. In your third year, you'll produce either a single substantial work (chapters from a novel or a play) or a portfolio of shorter work (short fiction or poetry).
Our main mode of teaching is through seminars and workshops, 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, exams, creative exercises, presentations, blogs and portfolios.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course
Subjects of study include:
- Introducing English Language
- Genre, Style and Form
- Reflective Writing
- Language and Text
- World Varieties of English
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Reflective Writing
- Writing the City
- Discourse across Time
- Forms of Writing
- Screenwriting
- Language and Literary Style
- Child Language Acquisition
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3 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
- Studies in Literary Language
- Special Topic: Genres in Writing
- Writing Life
- Language Contact and Change
- Language and Power
- Language Form
- Applied Language Studies
- Work Placement for Humanities
Credit Level 6
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
Our course has a strong focus on future career opportunities, with a programme of visiting speakers from relevant professional areas.
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 such as LiveCanon, the Small Publisher Fair and 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:
- Inua Ellams
- Toby Litt
- Eley Williams
- Gwendoline Riley
- Goolnoosh Nour
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:
- Amazon
- The Red Cross
- The Soho Theatre
- English Pen
- Arts Catalyst
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Copywriter
- Digital content producer
- Publishing assistant
- Professional writer
- Script editor for TV/film production companies
- Teacher
Graduate employment
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- BBC
- British Council
- McKinsey and Company
- The Foreign Office
- The V&A Museum
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 Sylvia Shaw - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
- Dr Sean Sutherland - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
- Dr Petros Karatsareas - Reader
- Professor Louise Sylvester - Professor of English Language
- Dr Andrew Caink - Principal Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
Studying English, Linguistics and Cultural Studies
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
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: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
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: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
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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