MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BA (Hons) English Literature and Creative Writing
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
This undergraduate degree is designed to immerse students in the world of literature across various periods and genres while simultaneously nurturing their creative writing talents. The program emphasizes a close-knit community feel with significant one-to-one support from experienced academics and published authors who teach on the course. It is available as a three-year full-time program or a four-year sandwich course, which may include a placement or study abroad year, offering valuable real-world or international experience. An integrated foundation year is also an option for those who require it. The course is entirely coursework-based, assessed through essays, a final-year dissertation, and creative assignments, providing a diverse range of assessment methods.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) English Literature and Creative Writing is structured to provide a strong foundation in both literary analysis and creative writing techniques, progressing to more specialized and advanced study. Early modules typically cover foundational aspects of prose, poetry, and drama, alongside an introduction to reading and studying English at university level. As students progress, they can explore a diverse range of optional modules mirroring the varied interests of the faculty, such as Victorian Literature, Children's Literature, American Literature, Crime Fiction, and the exploration of themes like gender and sexuality in literature. On the creative writing side, students develop their craft in practical workshops, learning about elements like characterization, plot development, and dialogue. Later modules delve into more advanced prose and dramatic writing, with opportunities to specialize in areas like short stories, contemporary dramatic writing, or even explore 'transgressive' or 'nature' writing. A significant component of the final year is the English Literature Dissertation, an extended independent research project of 9,000 words, allowing for in-depth exploration of a chosen literary topic. Some modules also introduce the practicalities of the writing industry.
Research Focus: The program's teaching is underpinned by the research and professional writing of the academic staff. Students are taught by published authors and research-active academics. This means that the curriculum is informed by current scholarship and creative practices in the field. While the program structure emphasizes both critical analysis and creative production, the final year dissertation allows students to engage in a substantial piece of independent literary research, demonstrating their ability to conduct in-depth academic inquiry. Many of the optional modules also reflect the specific research interests of the lecturers, exposing students to a wide range of literary and theoretical approaches.
Industry Engagement: The University of Gloucestershire places a strong emphasis on providing students with valuable industry links and professional experiences. For students on the four-year sandwich route, a placement year offers a significant opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a relevant industry. Beyond the formal placement, the program actively fosters connections with the literary and creative industries. Students benefit from the expertise of lecturers who are professional writers with industry experience. The university has established links with organizations such as the Parabola Arts Centre, the Everyman Theatre, and the London-based literary agency Johnson & Alcock, which even judges the program's annual novel writing contest. Students have opportunities to meet and learn from established authors, agents, and editors, gaining valuable insights into the publishing world and other related careers. The proximity to The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival provides a unique opportunity for students to volunteer, attend events, and engage with the broader literary community. The course also includes modules that specifically address the practical aspects of the writing business and the professional writing landscape.
Global Perspective: While the core of the program is rooted in English Literature and Creative Writing, the curriculum often incorporates a global perspective through the texts studied. Modules may explore literature from various countries and cultures, examining how different societies and historical contexts have shaped literary expression. Examples might include the study of American Literature or the exploration of travel writing and its cultural implications. For students on the four-year sandwich program, a "study abroad year" option provides a direct and immersive international experience, broadening their academic and personal horizons by studying at a partner institution overseas. The university also welcomes international students, contributing to a diverse and globally-aware learning environment.
Location
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% 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 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
Graduates of the University of Gloucestershire's BA (Hons) English Literature and Creative Writing program are equipped with a versatile skillset highly sought after in a variety of professional fields. The program cultivates strong analytical, communication, and creative abilities, opening doors to numerous career paths.
Writer (Freelance or Employed): The most direct path, leveraging the creative writing aspect of the degree. Graduates can pursue careers as novelists, poets, playwrights, screenwriters, or freelance writers for various publications, websites, or businesses.
Journalist: With their strong writing and research skills, graduates can enter the field of journalism, working for newspapers, magazines, online news platforms, or in broadcast media.
Editor/Proofreader: The meticulous reading and analytical skills developed through the English Literature component make graduates well-suited for editing and proofreading roles in publishing houses, media organizations, or as freelancers.
Publisher: Graduates can work within the publishing industry in various capacities, including editorial assistants, rights assistants, or in marketing and publicity roles for books, magazines, or online content.
Marketing and Communications Professional: The ability to craft compelling narratives and communicate effectively makes graduates valuable in marketing, advertising, public relations, and corporate communications roles.
Teacher (Further Education or Secondary, with further qualification): Graduates with a passion for education can pursue a career in teaching English Literature and/or Creative Writing at the secondary school level (requiring a PGCE) or in further education colleges.
Arts Administrator: Combining their love of literature and the arts with organizational skills, graduates can work in arts administration roles for literary festivals, theatres, museums, or arts organizations.
Information Officer/Content Creator: Many organizations, from businesses to non-profits, require individuals with excellent writing skills to create website content, reports, press releases, and other informative materials.
Librarian (with further qualification): A postgraduate qualification in library science can lead to a career as a librarian, where a deep knowledge of literature and information management is essential.
Researcher: The research skills honed during the degree, particularly in preparation for the dissertation, can be a springboard for further academic study (Master's, PhD) and a career in literary research or academia.
