MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
BA (Hons) Creative Writing
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Creative Writing at the University of Sussex is a dynamic and intellectually stimulating degree that nurtures students' talents in storytelling, poetry, scriptwriting, and literary analysis. Designed to develop both creative potential and critical thinking, this program blends practical writing skills with deep literary understanding. Located in the heart of a culturally vibrant campus near Brighton, Sussex offers an ideal environment for emerging writers to explore their voice across a wide range of genres and formats. The program encourages experimentation, originality, and self-expression, while also equipping students with the tools necessary to thrive in the creative industries and beyond.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Creative Writing is thoughtfully structured to balance creative practice with academic study. In the first year, students are introduced to key concepts in writing craft, including narrative technique, voice, and character development, alongside foundational studies in literature. As the course progresses, students engage with specialized modules such as poetry, short fiction, playwriting, screenwriting, and digital storytelling. The degree also includes workshops, peer critiques, and guided feedback sessions to refine creative output. In the final year, students undertake an independent creative project—often a substantial piece of original writing—allowing them to showcase their talent and vision. The course also includes optional modules from English literature, media, and cultural studies to enrich students’ creative and critical perspectives.
Research Focus: At Sussex, creative writing is closely linked to literary research, with faculty members who are not only experienced academics but also published authors, poets, and playwrights. This scholarly environment fosters an enriching blend of creativity and critical inquiry. Research themes within the department often intersect with contemporary issues such as identity, migration, climate change, and digital culture, offering students the opportunity to situate their writing within global conversations. Students are encouraged to engage in reflective research and literary analysis that informs and deepens their creative work, helping them develop as thoughtful, well-rounded writers.
Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Creative Writing program benefits from strong links to the publishing, media, and arts industries. Sussex regularly hosts guest lectures and masterclasses by professional writers, editors, publishers, and scriptwriters, offering students valuable insights into the creative sector. Students also have access to networking events, writing competitions, internships, and publishing opportunities through campus publications and external partnerships. The university’s proximity to Brighton—a hub for arts and culture—further enriches students’ exposure to live performances, literary festivals, and industry events. Additionally, the Careers and Employability Centre supports students in building strong portfolios, gaining work experience, and exploring career options within and beyond the creative industries.
Global Perspective: Creative writing at Sussex is enriched by an international outlook. The diverse faculty and student body bring global voices and narratives into the classroom, encouraging students to explore cultural perspectives and write for an international audience. The curriculum includes global literature and world writing, enabling students to engage with traditions from across continents. Study abroad opportunities allow students to expand their horizons further by experiencing different creative landscapes. This global emphasis helps graduates prepare for writing careers in a connected world, equipping them to craft stories that resonate across borders and cultures.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 19050
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% 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 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
The BA (Hons) Creative Writing program at the University of Sussex offers graduates a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the creative industries and beyond. By combining the development of literary skills with practical workshops, critical study, and real-world industry engagement, this degree equips students with the tools necessary to succeed in various professional fields.
Author/Novelist: Graduates of the BA (Hons) Creative Writing program are well-prepared to pursue a career as authors or novelists. With a solid understanding of storytelling, character development, and narrative structure, they are equipped to write fiction across genres, including literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary novels. Many graduates choose to self-publish or seek traditional publishing routes, working with literary agents and publishing houses to bring their books to a global audience.
Poet: For those with a passion for poetry, the program provides an excellent foundation for a career as a poet. Graduates can write and publish poetry collections, perform at literary events and festivals, or contribute to poetry journals and magazines. With a focus on developing a unique voice and experimenting with different poetic forms, graduates are prepared to make a significant impact in the literary world.
Playwright/Screenwriter: Graduates of the program can also pursue careers as playwrights or screenwriters, creating original plays, television scripts, and films. The program includes modules on scriptwriting and performance, providing students with the skills to develop compelling characters, dialogue, and dramatic structure. Many graduates go on to work in theatre, television, or film, collaborating with producers, directors, and actors to bring their scripts to life on stage or screen.
Editor: Editors play a crucial role in the writing and publishing process by refining manuscripts, ensuring clarity, coherence, and consistency. Graduates with strong editorial skills can pursue careers in book editing, magazine editing, or content editing for websites and digital publications. Editors may work for publishing houses, media outlets, or as freelance professionals, helping writers polish their work before publication.
Literary Agent: A literary agent represents writers and helps them secure publishing deals. They work with authors to refine their manuscripts, submit them to publishers, and negotiate contracts. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Creative Writing program, with their deep understanding of the writing and publishing process, are well-suited for careers as literary agents. They may work for established literary agencies or operate independently, representing authors in various genres.
Copywriter: Copywriters create persuasive content for advertisements, websites, social media, and other marketing materials. With a focus on clear, engaging writing, graduates of the Creative Writing program can work for advertising agencies, marketing firms, or as freelancers, crafting copy that communicates brands' messages effectively to target audiences. Copywriting requires creativity and precision, both of which are cultivated in the program’s writing workshops.
Content Writer: Content writing involves creating written material for digital platforms such as blogs, websites, and social media. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Creative Writing program can work as content writers, producing articles, blogs, and other written content for companies, publications, and online platforms. This role requires adaptability, research skills, and the ability to write in different tones and styles to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
Teacher/Lecturer: For those interested in education, a career in teaching or lecturing is a natural progression. Graduates of the program can teach English, creative writing, or literature at the primary, secondary, or higher education level. Some may choose to pursue postgraduate studies and become lecturers at universities, teaching the next generation of writers while also continuing to develop their own creative work.
Publishing Professional: The publishing industry offers a wide range of roles for graduates with an interest in books and literature. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Creative Writing program can work in publishing as editorial assistants, publicists, marketing professionals, or in rights management. These roles involve supporting the production and promotion of books and literary works, from editorial work to distribution and sales.
Journalist: Graduates of the Creative Writing program can also pursue careers in journalism, writing for newspapers, magazines, and online publications. Journalism requires strong writing skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to convey information in a clear and engaging manner. Creative Writing graduates are well-equipped to write feature articles, investigative pieces, reviews, and opinion columns across various media platforms.
Social Media Manager: Social media managers create and manage content for companies and organizations’ social media platforms. They craft engaging posts, develop strategies to grow online audiences, and manage online communities. Graduates with strong writing and storytelling abilities are highly sought after in this field, where they can use their creativity to promote brands, events, or causes effectively across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Public Relations Specialist: Public relations specialists manage the public image of individuals, companies, or organizations. They write press releases, speeches, and other promotional content while also handling media relations. Graduates with a strong background in creative writing and communication can succeed in PR, crafting compelling narratives that build brand reputation and engage the public.
Grant Writer: Grant writers research and write proposals to secure funding for non-profit organizations, research projects, or creative initiatives. They must be skilled in presenting ideas persuasively and demonstrating the impact of proposed projects. Graduates of the Creative Writing program, with their ability to write effectively and engage audiences, are well-suited to this type of role in the charitable, arts, or research sectors.
Creative Writing Coach/Workshop Leader: For those who enjoy helping others develop their writing skills, a career as a creative writing coach or workshop leader can be a rewarding option. Graduates can work independently or in collaboration with educational institutions, leading workshops and offering one-on-one coaching to aspiring writers. This career path allows them to share their expertise while inspiring others to develop their creative potential.
Freelance Writer/Consultant: Many Creative Writing graduates choose to work as freelance writers, taking on various projects such as articles, scripts, blogs, and more. This flexible career path allows graduates to manage their own schedules, work on diverse projects, and build a portfolio across different writing genres. Freelance writing can also be complemented by other services such as writing consultation, editing, and content strategy.
