About the course

Welcome to the BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing programme — an inspiring and dynamic degree that combines the critical study of literature with the practice of creative writing across poetry, fiction, and drama and much more besides. This unique course allows you to explore how great writing works and to develop your own distinctive creative voice, guided by tutors with professional experience in publishing and academia.

Your study of literature will deepen your understanding of style, form, and context, while your creative practice will enhance your appreciation of how writers shape meaning and emotion. Together, these disciplines feed both the intellect and the imagination, helping you grow as an analytical thinker and as a writer.

Our aim is to produce graduates who are confident, articulate, and imaginative — readers and writers who understand the power of language, are aware of literary traditions and innovations, and are ready to contribute to the creative and cultural industries of the future. Throughout the degree, you’ll be supported to build practical skills, professional confidence, and a strong creative and critical portfolio that enhances your employability.

Why Choose This Course?

• Study with published authors, critics, and dramatists.
• Combine creativity with academic rigour.
• Gain hands-on experience through professional practice and placements.
• Engage with writers, publishers, producers, and editors through guest sessions and events.
• Develop a strong portfolio of creative and critical work to launch your future career.

Graduates go on to careers in publishing, journalism, education, arts administration, copywriting, and media — as well as to further study or professional creative practice. You’ll leave the course with the confidence, creativity, and communication skills to thrive in a range of industries and artistic fields.

Cost Information

Years 1, 2 and 3 (delivered at Burnley College): The standard full time tuition fee rate per year for this course in 2023/24 for UK students is £9000

Entry Requirements

96 UCAS points BA (Hons)

BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM

BTEC Diploma: D*D-D*D*

International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 104-112 points from Higher Level subjects 

T Level: M

IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5

GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent 

You will also be required to attend a face to face interview. 

Modules

In Year One, you’ll build strong foundations in reading, writing and research through modules such as Language and Style, Writing the North, and Narrating the Self. You’ll learn how language shapes meaning and identity, and how your own experience can inspire creative work.

In Year Two, you’ll deepen your knowledge of literature and culture while gaining professional experience through Professional Practice 1, which includes a work-based placement or creative industry project. You’ll explore literary communities, experiment with speculative and fantastic writing, and consider how writing can engage with social and political change.

In Year Three, you’ll complete a major independent project – either a dissertation or an extended piece of creative work such as a novel extract, poetry collection or script. Advanced modules like Articulating the Body; Histories, Anxieties and Utopias, and Back to the Future explore how writers respond to the challenges of identity, history and modernity. Professional Practice 2 supports you in preparing for publication or postgraduate study.

Assessment

Assessment tasks are linked to the learning outcomes of each module and are completed before the end of the module. Module assessments typically involve written coursework, oral presentations, and portfolios. Formative assessment, which does not contribute to the final mark, is given to help the student improve their work in future. Feedback may be given to the student verbally/written/online. Feedback for summative assessment is normally given in writing to the student, with the opportunity for the student to receive a more detailed verbal explanation.