MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing program at the University of Sussex provides students with a comprehensive understanding of English literature and the craft of creative writing. The program is designed to foster both analytical and creative skills, encouraging students to explore the depths of literary history, theory, and contemporary writing. It blends the study of classic and modern texts with practical writing workshops, equipping students with the tools needed for careers in writing, publishing, media, and beyond. The course is rooted in the university’s commitment to offering an interdisciplinary education, combining theoretical knowledge with creative practice.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing program is structured to offer a balance between literary analysis and creative expression. The first year focuses on core modules in English literature, giving students an in-depth understanding of key literary movements, historical contexts, and the evolution of literature. In the second year, students begin to specialize by exploring different genres of creative writing, such as fiction, poetry, and scriptwriting. The final year provides students with opportunities for independent writing projects, alongside advanced literary studies. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, creativity, and professional writing skills, preparing students for a variety of careers in the arts and humanities.
Research Focus: Research in the English and Creative Writing department at Sussex is characterized by an innovative approach that combines traditional literary analysis with modern creative practices. The department encourages students to engage with contemporary literary criticism and to push boundaries in their creative endeavors. Sussex’s research strengths include areas such as modern and contemporary fiction, poetry, gender and sexuality in literature, and postcolonial studies. The university fosters a supportive environment where students can explore their own creative projects while benefiting from the expertise and mentorship of distinguished faculty members. The integration of research into the creative writing process allows students to develop a deep understanding of how literature both shapes and is shaped by societal contexts.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex is committed to preparing its students for the professional world by providing extensive opportunities for industry engagement. Through partnerships with publishers, literary agencies, and media organizations, the program ensures that students gain valuable industry experience. The university hosts regular workshops, guest lectures, and networking events with writers, editors, and other industry professionals. Additionally, students are encouraged to pursue internships and work placements in the creative industries, enhancing their employability and practical skills. This strong connection with the literary and creative sectors enables students to build a portfolio that showcases their writing abilities and industry knowledge.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing program at the University of Sussex has a global outlook, encouraging students to consider literature from diverse cultural and international perspectives. The curriculum includes comparative studies of English literature alongside works from different traditions and languages, broadening students’ understanding of the world. The program also highlights the importance of storytelling as a universal medium, with creative writing exercises that encourage students to draw from a wide range of cultural experiences. Sussex’s international network of alumni, faculty, and industry contacts further enriches students' global perspectives, providing them with a broad understanding of the global literary landscape and creative writing trends.
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) English and Creative Writing program at the University of Sussex prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in the creative industries, media, publishing, and beyond. The combination of literary knowledge and practical writing skills provides graduates with a versatile skill set that is highly valued by employers across various sectors.
Creative Writer: Graduates can pursue careers as authors, novelists, poets, or scriptwriters. With a focus on creative writing, students develop the skills to produce original literary work, whether in fiction, poetry, or other formats. Many graduates go on to publish books, short stories, and poetry collections, or work in television, film, or digital media writing.
Editor: Many English and Creative Writing graduates become editors for publishing houses, magazines, or digital platforms. They may work as copy editors, content editors, or commissioning editors, shaping written material for publication. Strong writing and communication skills, developed throughout the degree, are essential in ensuring the quality and accuracy of written content.
Publisher: Graduates with an interest in the publishing industry can pursue careers as publishing assistants, literary agents, or production coordinators. They may work for major publishing houses, literary agencies, or self-publishing companies, handling everything from manuscript evaluation to marketing and distribution.
Journalist: The program also equips graduates with the journalistic skills necessary to pursue careers in print, broadcast, or online journalism. Graduates may work as reporters, feature writers, or content creators for newspapers, magazines, news agencies, or blogs, producing written content across various topics, including arts, culture, politics, and more.
Content Creator: With the rise of digital media, many graduates work as content creators, producing blogs, videos, podcasts, and social media content. This career path allows for creativity in writing, as well as the opportunity to engage with global audiences via online platforms.
Teacher or Lecturer: Some graduates of the BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing program go on to pursue teaching careers. They may teach English, literature, or creative writing at secondary or further education levels. Graduates can also take advanced degrees to teach at the university level as lecturers or professors.
Public Relations (PR) Specialist: Public relations is another viable career option. Graduates can work as PR officers, creating compelling press releases, speeches, and other written content to promote individuals, organizations, or brands. PR roles require a keen understanding of storytelling, a skill that is central to creative writing.
Copywriter/Content Marketer: As copywriters or content marketers, graduates can create marketing content, advertising copy, and product descriptions for businesses in various industries. The ability to craft persuasive, engaging content is a key skill developed throughout the program.
Creative Director: Some graduates pursue careers as creative directors, particularly within the advertising, media, and fashion industries. This role involves overseeing the visual and narrative aspects of campaigns and projects, from concept to execution.
Scriptwriter for Film and TV: The skills learned in writing for different genres can be applied to scriptwriting for film, television, or video games. Graduates can develop screenplays, stage plays, or other narrative-driven media projects, working with production teams, directors, and producers.
Literary Critic or Reviewer: Graduates with a deep interest in literature may choose to work as literary critics or reviewers, writing for journals, newspapers, or online publications. These roles involve reviewing books, plays, films, or television shows, and providing critical analysis of contemporary literary works.
