MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing with Placement Year
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
Loughborough University, located in the United Kingdom, is a renowned institution known for its academic excellence and innovative approach to education. The BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing with Placement Year program offers a unique combination of literary study and creative writing, with the added benefit of a professional placement year. This program is designed for students who have a passion for both English literature and creative writing, and wish to develop their writing craft while gaining hands-on industry experience. The program is ideal for those who aspire to pursue careers in publishing, writing, media, and the creative industries, offering a comprehensive curriculum that blends critical analysis with creative expression. By integrating a placement year into the degree, Loughborough University ensures that students are well-prepared for the professional world, equipped with the skills and experience needed to succeed in competitive fields.
Curriculum: The BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing with Placement Year program at Loughborough University offers a rigorous and diverse curriculum designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of English literature while developing their creative writing abilities. Students will engage with a range of modules that cover both literary theory and creative writing practice. The literature component explores historical and contemporary texts, literary movements, and critical theory, giving students a deep understanding of the evolution of literature and its relevance in today’s world. In the creative writing modules, students are encouraged to experiment with various genres, including fiction, poetry, drama, and creative non-fiction, while refining their writing style through workshops, peer feedback, and one-on-one support from experienced faculty. The placement year, an essential component of the program, allows students to apply their skills in real-world settings, gaining invaluable industry experience that helps enhance their employability upon graduation. Throughout the program, students will have opportunities to develop professional-level writing, editing, and communication skills, preparing them for successful careers in writing, publishing, and the creative arts.
Research Focus: Loughborough University is committed to fostering a strong research culture, and the BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing with Placement Year program benefits from the university’s focus on innovation in both creative writing and literary studies. The university has a vibrant community of scholars and writers who conduct cutting-edge research in various fields, including contemporary literature, postcolonial studies, creative non-fiction, and the intersection of literature and digital media. Students are encouraged to explore their own research interests through critical analysis of texts, creative writing projects, and independent study. Faculty members who are active researchers in creative writing and literature provide expert guidance, allowing students to engage with contemporary debates in literary theory and writing practices. The research component of the program ensures that students gain a thorough understanding of the academic and creative processes that shape the world of literature, as well as develop their own creative voice.
Industry Engagement: A key feature of the BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing with Placement Year program is its strong emphasis on industry engagement. Loughborough University has established partnerships with a wide range of organizations within the creative industries, including publishing houses, media outlets, arts organizations, and literary agencies. The placement year provides students with the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in these sectors, which is invaluable in building a professional portfolio and enhancing employability. The university’s Careers and Employability Centre offers tailored support to help students secure placement opportunities, prepare for interviews, and develop job-ready skills. Additionally, students have access to workshops, guest lectures, and networking events that allow them to connect with industry professionals and gain insights into the latest trends and opportunities in publishing, media, and the arts. By integrating professional development into the program, Loughborough University ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce with the experience and knowledge needed to thrive in their chosen career paths.
Global Perspective: Loughborough University’s BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing with Placement Year program offers students a global perspective on literature and creative writing. The program is designed to engage students with a diverse range of literary traditions and cultural contexts, allowing them to develop a broad understanding of global writing practices. Students are encouraged to explore literature from different parts of the world, considering the ways in which cultural, historical, and social factors influence writing and storytelling. The international dimension of the program is further enhanced by the opportunity to study abroad, allowing students to experience different cultural environments and broaden their horizons. With a diverse community of students and faculty, Loughborough University provides a rich, cross-cultural learning experience that prepares students to engage with global literary trends and pursue careers in the international creative industries. This global outlook ensures that graduates are equipped to understand and navigate the interconnected world of literature and writing, both locally and internationally.
Location
Loughborough
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 23000
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 75% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.
International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.
Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.
Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing with Placement Year program are equipped with a versatile skill set, making them highly adaptable and well-suited for numerous career options across various industries.
Creative Writing and Authoring: A natural career for graduates of the program is becoming a professional writer. Many students go on to publish fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction. With the opportunity to refine their writing style during their degree and the support of workshops and expert feedback, graduates are well-prepared to pursue a career as a novelist, poet, short story writer, or essayist. The placement year also offers exposure to the publishing industry, allowing students to build a portfolio and gain insight into the practical aspects of the writing profession.
Publishing: The publishing industry is one of the most common career destinations for graduates of the BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing with Placement Year program. With strong foundations in both creative writing and literary analysis, graduates are well-equipped to work in roles such as editor, proofreader, literary agent, or publishing assistant. The placement year provides valuable on-the-job experience in the publishing sector, allowing graduates to network with industry professionals and gain firsthand knowledge of the editorial process, production, and marketing of books. Loughborough’s links to the publishing industry provide graduates with the necessary skills and connections to launch a career in this dynamic field.
Journalism and Media: Graduates with a passion for storytelling often pursue careers in journalism and media. With a strong foundation in writing and critical thinking, students are equipped to work in a variety of media-related roles, such as reporters, content writers, editors, or multimedia journalists. The ability to craft compelling narratives makes graduates attractive candidates for roles in both traditional journalism (newspapers, magazines) and digital media (blogs, social media, online publications). The placement year also provides the opportunity to gain practical experience in media outlets, helping students to develop a professional portfolio that showcases their ability to produce high-quality content.
Public Relations and Communications: The ability to communicate effectively and craft persuasive, clear, and engaging narratives makes BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing with Placement Year graduates ideal candidates for careers in public relations and corporate communications. Graduates may work as PR consultants, communications officers, copywriters, or social media managers. These roles involve creating written content for press releases, speeches, marketing materials, and social media platforms. The strong writing skills developed during the program, combined with a deep understanding of language and communication, prepare graduates to thrive in the competitive PR and communications industry.
Advertising and Marketing: Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in advertising and marketing, where creativity and strong writing skills are essential. As copywriters, content strategists, or brand managers, graduates can work for advertising agencies, marketing firms, or in-house marketing teams. The creative writing modules give students the skills to create engaging, persuasive content that resonates with audiences, making them valuable assets in the fields of digital marketing, brand storytelling, and advertising campaigns. The placement year helps students gain insight into the commercial side of creative writing, preparing them for real-world marketing roles.
Teaching and Education: A teaching career is another viable option for graduates of the BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing with Placement Year program, particularly for those passionate about sharing their love of literature and writing. Graduates can pursue teaching positions in secondary schools or further education colleges, teaching English, creative writing, or literature. Additionally, graduates who wish to specialize in creative writing can become writing instructors or tutors. The placement year may also include teaching or educational placements, which allow graduates to gain relevant experience and decide whether they wish to pursue a career in academia or further study, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Content Creation and Digital Media: With the rise of digital content, many graduates explore careers in content creation, including blog writing, scriptwriting for YouTube or podcasts, and social media content creation. Graduates can work as freelance writers, content creators, or social media influencers. The skills developed through the program—such as narrative development, writing for different platforms, and editing—are essential for success in the fast-paced digital world. The placement year provides students with a chance to work with digital media companies or content agencies, helping them gain experience in content creation for various digital platforms.
Arts Management and Cultural Institutions: Graduates with a passion for literature and the arts may choose to pursue careers in arts management. These roles include working with cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, literary festivals, and theatre companies. Graduates can take on positions such as events coordinator, arts administrator, or project manager for cultural initiatives. The program’s focus on both creative writing and literature provides a solid foundation for managing artistic projects, promoting cultural events, or working in literary and arts organizations. The placement year can also offer valuable experience in arts management, helping graduates develop the skills needed to oversee the logistics and organization of arts-related events and projects.
Freelancing and Entrepreneurship: Freelancing offers flexibility and creative freedom, making it an ideal career path for many graduates. Freelance writing, editing, copywriting, and content creation are popular freelance careers for BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing with Placement Year graduates. These individuals may work independently or start their own creative businesses, such as writing agencies, publishing houses, or editing services. The program’s emphasis on independent creative work and self-promotion, coupled with the placement year experience, prepares graduates to build their own brands and work on multiple projects across various industries.
Further Study and Specialization: For graduates who want to continue developing their expertise, further study is an option. Graduates may pursue a Master’s degree in creative writing, literature, publishing, or other related fields. Postgraduate studies provide an opportunity to specialize further, conduct independent research, or gain new skills, which can open the door to advanced roles in academia, publishing, or other sectors. Further study can also lead to teaching positions in higher education or research-focused careers in the humanities.
