Explore literature from all angles with our BA English Literature with Creative Writing course.
English literature and creative writing are a perfect combination at degree level:
- In your literature modules, you will be introduced to important, exciting, diverse writers from across the centuries and the globe.
- In creative writing, you will explore literary creativity from the inside: creating characters, shaping poems, and drawing on your imagination.
The two sides of the degree complement and challenge each other. The great writers from the past and present who you study will inspire and influence your writing. Meanwhile, creating your own work will help you understand technique and form in ways that will sharpen your analysis of literary texts.
You will learn from active, prize-winning authors from our Department of English Literature. These academics have years of experience with the nuts-and bolts of writing, and they will closely read and advise you on your work.
Our academics have also published research on everything from medieval poetry to contemporary Caribbean and American fiction, and they will help you to develop your own literary enthusiasms.
**English literature**
On your English literature modules, you will examine well-known authors and genres, such as tragedy and gothic literature, Shakespeare and Plath. You’ll also be introduced to aspects of literary studies that may be less familiar to you, such as:
- children’s literature
- publishing studies
- the history of the book
During your first year, you will develop the advanced skills in literary analysis necessary for undergraduate work. For example, you will:
- explore the different ways that literary texts respond to their cultural context.
- trace the development of English-language poetry over time and across the globe.
- examine how literary texts accrue new meanings in the process of interpretation.
In your second year, you can choose modules that range from Renaissance lyric poetry to contemporary fiction.
In your third year, your module choices are more diverse and specialised. For example, you can do archive work or look at the politics of literature.
**Creative writing**
On your creative writing modules, you will be introduced to all the major forms, including:
- fiction
- drama
- poetry
- creative-non-fiction.
In your second year you can specialise in the areas you feel most excited by. In your third year, you’ll participate in our masterclasses. These are advanced modules in your chosen literary form, where you will read and discuss very recently published texts, identify and write about the themes that are currently popular and fresh, and be encouraged to pursue publication yourself as part of the module assessment. You can also write at a greater length by choosing to do a creative writing dissertation.
We are committed to teaching through the workshop model. These small group sessions are the heart of Reading’s writing community: guided by one of our lecturers, you and your fellow students will gain confidence as your share your writing and help each other improve.
You will also have the opportunity to publish your work – and gain experience in editing and publishing – by participating in our annual Creative Writing Anthology.
**Careers**
You will know how to access reliable information on any topic and present your findings in clear and persuasive language. These are valuable skills in today’s economy, where information and communication skills are vital. You will also have the critical and cultural awareness necessary for working in the public sector and the media.
Some of our students decide to continue their studies at postgraduate level; others have successful careers in fields as diverse as law, business administration, web design, teaching, and journalism.
Course Details - Modules
Sample modules may include:
• The Short Story: Reading, Writing, Editing
• Creative Writing Masterclass: Poetry
• Creative Non-fiction and Long-form Journalism
Check our website for more details of the course structure.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
Q3W8
Institution code:
R12
Campus Name:
Main Site
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
Contextual offers for this programme are typically two grades beneath our standard entry requirement, e.g. BCC including A level English Literature or a related subject at grade B.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
Full list of acceptable English Language Tests
http://www.reading.ac.uk/ad-EnglishTests.aspx
Unistats information
Student satisfaction :
89%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs):
90%
Go onto work and study:
95%
Fees and funding
England
9250.0
Year 1
Northern Ireland
9250.0
Year 1
Scotland
9250.0
Year 1
Wales
9250.0
Year 1
Channel Islands
9250.0
Year 1
Republic of Ireland
9250.0
Year 1
EU
19500.0
Year 1
International
19500.0
Year 1
Additional Fee Information
Additional Fee Information are not listed for this Course.
Provider information
Whiteknights House
PO Box 217
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Reading
RG6 6AH
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