BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Philosophy and Ethics

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Philosophy and Ethics program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a vibrant and intellectually enriching learning environment for aspiring writers and philosophical探究者. It is structured to progressively build foundational writing skills and philosophical knowledge in the first year, explore diverse genres and core ethical theories in the second, and culminate in specialized creative writing workshops, advanced philosophical study, and a substantial interdisciplinary project in the final year. Students benefit from intensive writing workshops, engaging philosophical seminars and discussions, individual tutorials with experienced writers and philosophers, and opportunities for performance, publication, and ethical debate. A key element involves fostering a deep appreciation for the power of language to explore complex ideas and the importance of ethical reasoning in navigating a complex world. The program fosters a collaborative and critically engaged atmosphere, encouraging students to develop their creative potential and intellectual rigor in tandem.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Philosophy and Ethics program is designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated exploration of both narrative creation and philosophical inquiry. Core modules typically cover fiction writing, poetry writing, and fundamental areas of philosophy such as metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. As students progress, they have the opportunity to specialize in particular creative writing genres through advanced workshops and to delve deeper into specific areas of philosophy and ethics through elective modules, which may include political philosophy, aesthetics, philosophy of mind, and applied ethics (e.g., bioethics, environmental ethics). The program emphasizes the development of essential writing skills (narrative, character, dialogue, form) alongside critical reading, analytical skills, and philosophical reasoning. Students will engage in intensive writing workshops where they create and critique original work, participate in lively discussions and debates about philosophical texts and ethical dilemmas, and produce philosophical essays and creative pieces that explore philosophical themes. The final year often includes a major creative writing project that grapples with philosophical or ethical issues and a substantial piece of philosophical analysis or an interdisciplinary project that bridges creative writing and philosophy.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Philosophy and Ethics 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 philosophers who are actively engaged in their own creative practice and scholarly research across a wide range of literary forms, philosophical traditions, and ethical theories. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current trends in both writing and philosophical inquiry, innovative narrative techniques for exploring ideas, and cutting-edge ethical debates. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests through critical essays, presentations, and their final year interdisciplinary project, fostering intellectual curiosity and analytical skills relevant to both their creative and philosophical pursuits.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Philosophy and Ethics program actively fosters connections with relevant fields that value both strong communication and ethical reasoning. The program may facilitate guest lectures by published authors who engage with philosophical themes, ethicists working in various sectors (e.g., healthcare, technology), writers for ethically focused publications, and professionals in fields like journalism and policy where clear communication and ethical awareness are crucial. Students may have opportunities to participate in writing workshops, philosophical debates, and events focused on ethical issues. The curriculum may include modules that explore writing for specific ethical contexts or the role of narrative in shaping ethical understanding.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Philosophy and Ethics program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by exploring diverse literary traditions that engage with philosophical and ethical questions, examining different philosophical traditions beyond the Western canon, and analyzing global ethical challenges. The curriculum may include the study of works by writers and philosophers from various cultural backgrounds and the exploration of different approaches to storytelling and ethical reasoning 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, philosophy, and ethics. Furthermore, the program may touch upon topics such as cross-cultural ethical dilemmas, the role of narrative in shaping ethical understanding across cultures, and the global impact of philosophical ideas, preparing graduates to engage with a diverse and interconnected intellectual and creative landscape.