BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Drama

Bath Spa University offers a diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, characterized by innovative curricula and a commitment to practical learning. The university aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers and personal development in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Its programs often integrate theoretical understanding with hands-on experience, fostering critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities.

Curriculum: The curriculum at Bath Spa University is designed to be contemporary and relevant, frequently updated to reflect the latest industry trends and academic advancements. The university employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and project-based learning. Assessment is often coursework-based, allowing students to demonstrate their learning through practical application and in-depth analysis. For example, the BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Drama program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering prose fiction, poetry, scriptwriting for live performance and screen, and life writing. In the first year, students explore foundational writing crafts through modules like "The Writer's Workshop" and introductions to various genres. The subsequent years allow for specialization and the development of professional portfolios, with assessment based entirely on coursework.

Research Focus: Research at Bath Spa University is conducted through various research centers and groups, demonstrating strengths in interdisciplinary studies. Key research areas within the School of Sciences include Climate, Hazards and Environmental Change, Criminal Justice, Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation, Identities and Equalities, Social Justice, 1 and Wellbeing, Health and Cognition. The School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities hosts centers like the Bath Spa Creative Writing Research Centre and the History and Heritage Research Centre, indicating a strong emphasis on creative and cultural research. The university also encourages open access to its research through its repository, ResearchSPAce.  

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University actively fosters collaborations with a wide range of organizations to provide students with valuable industry experience and networking opportunities. These partnerships include offering internship programs, facilitating guest speaker sessions, and collaborating on projects. The university's Corporate Affairs Office works to build connections with corporations across various sectors, enhancing students' career prospects and contributing to corporate social responsibility initiatives. For the BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Drama program, industry engagement might involve opportunities to work on magazines, participate in local literary festivals, and collaborate with student-run societies focused on writing, publishing, and journalism.

Global Perspective: Bath Spa University demonstrates a strong global perspective through its numerous international partnerships and exchange programs. The university has collaborations with over 40 universities and institutions worldwide, offering students the opportunity to study abroad as part of their degree. These partnerships span across Europe, Australia, Canada, and Asia, among other regions. Additionally, Bath Spa University is involved in international projects focused on capacity building in higher education and promoting international credit mobility, fostering cross-cultural understanding and academic exchange. The BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Drama program may offer opportunities for students to engage with international literature, explore global dramatic traditions, and potentially participate in exchange programs with partner institutions.

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 72.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
• DET: A minimum overall score of 110.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Bath Spa University understands that financing higher education can be a challenge for international students, and to make studying in the UK more accessible, the university offers a range of scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support international students and recognize their academic achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses. 

International Scholarships: Bath Spa University offers a variety of international scholarships to help non-UK students cover part of their tuition fees. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. The scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s potential to contribute to the university community.

Undergraduate Scholarships: For undergraduate international students, Bath Spa University offers scholarships that range in value and are awarded to high-achieving students. These scholarships are intended to provide financial assistance to those who demonstrate excellent academic performance and commitment to their studies.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Bath Spa University also provides country-specific scholarships for international students from particular regions. These scholarships are designed to encourage students from specific countries to study at Bath Spa University and contribute to the diverse international student community. Students from certain countries may be eligible for specific funding opportunities based on their nationality. The university’s website provides up-to-date information on country-specific scholarship availability.

Merit-Based Scholarships: Many of Bath Spa University's scholarships are merit-based, meaning they are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement or outstanding potential in their chosen field of study. Merit scholarships are typically awarded during the application process, and students do not need to apply separately for these awards.

External Scholarship Opportunities: In addition to the university’s internal scholarships, international students at Bath Spa University can also apply for external scholarships offered by government agencies, private organizations, or charitable foundations. Bath Spa University regularly updates a list of external scholarship opportunities that are available to international students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.

A BA (Hons) in Creative Writing and Drama from Bath Spa University equips graduates with a versatile skillset applicable to a range of exciting career paths within the creative industries and beyond. The combination of strong writing abilities, understanding of narrative and performance, and collaborative skills opens doors to diverse opportunities. 

Playwright/Screenwriter: Develop and write original scripts for theatre, film, television, and radio, utilizing the storytelling and dramatic structure skills honed in the program.

Arts Administrator: Work behind the scenes in theatre companies, arts centers, or festivals, managing operations, fundraising, marketing, and artist liaison, drawing on organizational and communication skills.

Drama Therapist: Use creative and dramatic techniques to support individuals and groups in addressing emotional, mental health, and social challenges, requiring further specialized training.

Theatre Director: Interpret and stage theatrical productions, guiding actors and creative teams to bring scripts to life, utilizing leadership, communication, and artistic vision.

Literary Agent: Represent writers and their work to publishers, negotiating contracts and managing their careers, requiring strong communication, negotiation, and understanding of the publishing industry.

Content Writer/Copywriter: Create engaging written content for websites, marketing materials, and advertising campaigns, leveraging strong writing and persuasive communication skills.

Performer/Actor: Pursue a career on stage, in film, or on television, utilizing the acting and performance techniques developed in the drama component of the degree.

Education Roles (Teaching/Workshop Facilitator): Share a passion for writing and drama by teaching in schools, universities, or leading creative workshops in community settings.

Arts Journalist/Critic: Write reviews, articles, and features about theatre, literature, and the arts for newspapers, magazines, or online platforms, utilizing strong analytical and writing skills.

Digital Content Creator: Develop and produce creative content for online platforms, such as podcasts, web series, and interactive narratives, combining writing and performance skills for the digital age.