Taught by published, working writers (including acclaimed poets, novelists, journalists and screenwriters), our BA Creative and professional Writing degree introduces writing practice to you in four main forms: fiction, nonfiction, poetry and screenwriting.
As you explore the technical craft and process of writing on this BA in Creative and professional writing, you'll develop your skills as a writer, as well as other key abilities such as research and critical analysis.
This is one of the longest-established Creative Writing degree courses in London and one of only a few courses in the UK to offer innovative fiction and poetry and a strong non-fiction strand. Recent examples of the exciting modules we offer have included travel writing (with an opportunity to study abroad), screenwriting, publishing from book to internet and the history, theory and performance of stand-up comedy. We are also focussed on equipping you with the skills you’ll need to succeed in your career with modules on how to write to industry representatives and we provide excellent career resources.
We have thriving partnerships with Wimbledon Bookfest, Barnes Children's Literature Festival and with local schools in London and the south-east, providing you with the chance to volunteer or undertake paid work experience during your time at Roehampton. We also have our in-house publishing imprint, Fincham Press, meaning you could see your work published or be involved in publishing other people’s work.
Roehampton has a vibrant research culture and a rolling programme of fellowships – the current holder is the award-winning author Adam Foulds. Special workshops and seminars are organised every year with industry professionals such as editors, screenwriters, graphic novelists, and published authors. The year is rounded off with our annual Creative Writing Day Soiree, a student-organised evening of readings from current students, alumni and industry guests – who will also be sharing their insights and top tips with you.
The quality of this course is reflected in official surveys, with the most recent figures showing 97% of our students are satisfied with the quality of teaching we provide (National Student Survey 2015).
Course Details - Modules
In the first year, you’ll start to think like a writer, improving your writing skills, trying out different forms of writing and exploring your own creative processes. You’ll engage with ideas of voice and style and explore the history of creative writing, through studying a wide range of interesting and challenging texts. Modules you may study include Writing London, where you will explore ways in which our city can act as source, setting and inspiration for creative writing. The module also includes visits to some of London’s cultural landmarks, which have included the South Bank, the Poetry Library, Dickens House, the Museum of London, the Imperial War Museum, Hogarth’s London and places mentioned in seminal London novels.
In the second year, you’ll look more closely at the techniques, craft and processes of writing. There are opportunities to study specialist writing genres (examples might include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, writing for children, graphic narratives and writing songs and lyrics) and modules that allow you to practice, analyse and criticise specific forms of writing. You also have access to modules in other degree courses and the opportunity to spend the spring term abroad at one of our partner institutions.
In your third year, you’ll be introduced to the wider context in which writers work: the world of publishers and agents, as well as marketers, sellers and critics, who all act as gatekeepers to the reading or viewing public. There will also be an opportunity for you to specialise in a particular area that interests you and single-honours students will choose a creative dissertation pathway which may include novel writing, innovative form (poetry/fiction), poetry, screenwriting and publishing.
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:
W801
Institution code:
R48
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
A Level: C in a humanities subject
Humanities subject required
Please see https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/applying/undergraduate-entry-requirements/
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
IELTS (Academic)
6.0
with a minimum of 5.5 in each band
TOEFL (iBT)
80.0
with the following minimum scores:
Reading: 18
Writing: 17
Listening: 17
Speaking: 20
PTE Academic
51.0
with no less than 51 in any band
Cambridge English Advanced
grade C in tests prior to 2015 with no less than 'weak' in any band
We may accept other high school English qualifications if you are applying for an undergraduate degree. Please contact us at admissions@roehampton.ac.uk to clarify.
