BA (Hons) Creative Writing and English Literature

Newton Park

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Creative Writing and English Literature program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a vibrant and supportive learning community for aspiring writers and literary scholars. It is structured to progressively build foundational writing skills and literary knowledge in the first year, explore diverse genres and literary periods in the second, and culminate in specialized creative writing workshops, advanced literary study, and a substantial independent project in the final year. Students benefit from intensive writing workshops, engaging seminars and lectures on literature, individual tutorials with experienced writers and literary critics, and opportunities for performance, publication, and critical debate. A key element involves fostering a deep appreciation for the power of language, the craft of storytelling, and the rich tapestry of literary expression across time and cultures. The program fosters a collaborative and intellectually rigorous atmosphere, encouraging students to develop their creative potential and critical acumen in equal measure.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Creative Writing and English Literature program is designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated exploration of both creative writing and literary studies. Core modules typically cover fiction writing, poetry writing, and the study of key periods and genres of English literature, such as Shakespeare, Romanticism, and contemporary literature. As students progress, they have the opportunity to specialize in particular creative genres through advanced writing workshops and to delve deeper into specific literary areas through elective modules, which may include postcolonial literature, feminist literary theory, creative non-fiction, and screenwriting. The program emphasizes the development of essential writing skills (narrative, character, dialogue, form) alongside critical reading and analytical skills (close reading, theoretical application, contextual understanding). Students will engage in intensive writing workshops where they create and critique original work, participate in lively discussions and debates about literary texts, and produce critical essays and presentations. The final year often includes a major creative writing project (e.g., a novella, a poetry collection) and a substantial piece of literary criticism or research.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Creative Writing and English Literature program at Bath Spa University benefits from a research-informed learning environment within the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries. The faculty comprises experienced writers and literary scholars who are actively engaged in their own creative practice and academic research across a wide range of literary periods, genres, and critical theories. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current literary trends, innovative writing practices, and cutting-edge critical perspectives. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests through critical essays, presentations, and their final year independent project, fostering intellectual curiosity and analytical skills relevant to both their creative and critical pursuits.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BA (Hons) Creative Writing and English Literature program actively fosters connections with the literary and creative industries. The program may facilitate guest lectures by published authors, poets, playwrights, editors, literary agents, and professionals working in publishing and related fields. Students may have opportunities to participate in writing festivals, literary events, and publishing workshops. The university often has its own literary journal or publishing initiatives where student work may be showcased. The curriculum often includes modules focused on professional development, such as publishing, editing, and writing for performance, equipping students with practical skills for navigating the writing and literary professions.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Creative Writing and English Literature program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by exploring diverse literary traditions beyond the Western canon, examining postcolonial literature, world literature in translation, and the impact of globalization on contemporary writing and literary studies. The curriculum may include the study of works by writers from various cultural backgrounds and the exploration of different approaches to storytelling, poetic form, and literary analysis across the world. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on writing and literature. Furthermore, the program may touch upon topics such as translation studies, international publishing markets, and the role of literature in shaping global understanding, preparing graduates to engage with a diverse and interconnected literary and creative landscape.

Pollster Education

Location

Newton Park

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS 6

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

£ 17670

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.

Graduates from the rich and intellectually stimulating BA (Hons) Creative Writing and English Literature program at Bath Spa University develop a highly versatile and nuanced skillset, positioning them for a wide range of fulfilling careers that leverage their creative writing abilities, critical thinking skills, and deep understanding of literature. The program's unique combination of creative practice and literary analysis equips graduates to excel in diverse fields that value strong communication, storytelling, and analytical prowess. 

Author/Novelist/Poet: Developing and publishing original works of fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction, informed by a strong understanding of literary tradition and craft.

Editor (Publishing/Literary Journals): Utilizing their critical and creative skills to review, refine, and prepare written works for publication.

Content Writer/Strategist: Creating engaging and informative written content for websites, blogs, marketing materials, and digital platforms, often drawing on narrative and analytical skills.

Journalist/Arts Critic: Reporting, writing articles, and providing critical analysis of literature, arts, and culture for various media outlets.

Teacher/Lecturer (English/Creative Writing): Sharing their passion for literature and writing by teaching at secondary or higher education levels.

Copywriter/Advertising Professional: Crafting persuasive and creative written content for advertising and marketing campaigns, understanding audience and rhetoric.

Arts Administrator: Working in arts organizations, managing communication, marketing, and programming, often requiring strong writing and analytical skills.

Public Relations (PR) Officer: Developing and executing communication strategies, crafting press releases and other written materials, informed by an understanding of narrative and audience.

Librarian/Archivist: Utilizing their knowledge of literature and research skills to manage and preserve literary collections and assist researchers.

Script Reader/Literary Scout: Analyzing and evaluating manuscripts for literary agencies, publishing houses, or film production companies, applying their critical judgment.


Similar Courses
WhatsApp Enquiry Call Enquiry