BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Publishing

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Publishing program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a dynamic and industry-relevant learning environment for aspiring writers and publishing professionals. It is structured to progressively build foundational writing skills and publishing knowledge in the first year, explore diverse genres and core publishing processes in the second, and culminate in specialized creative writing workshops, advanced publishing studies, and a substantial industry-focused project in the final year. Students benefit from intensive writing workshops, practical publishing modules, opportunities for internships and work experience, and engagement with industry professionals. A key element involves fostering a deep understanding of the journey of a book from manuscript to reader and the diverse roles involved in the publishing ecosystem. The program fosters a collaborative and entrepreneurial atmosphere, encouraging students to develop both their creative potential and their professional acumen within the publishing world.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Publishing program is designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated exploration of both narrative creation and the publishing industry. Core modules typically cover fiction writing, poetry writing, and foundational aspects of publishing such as editorial processes, book design and production, marketing and publicity, and sales and distribution. 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 publishing through elective modules, which may include digital publishing, children's literature, magazine publishing, and literary agency. The program emphasizes the development of essential writing skills (narrative, character, dialogue, form) alongside practical publishing skills (manuscript evaluation, editing, design software, marketing strategies). Students will engage in intensive writing workshops where they create and critique original work, participate in hands-on publishing projects such as designing book covers and developing marketing campaigns, and undertake industry-focused assignments. The final year often includes a major creative writing project and a substantial publishing project, such as creating a business plan for a publishing venture or developing a marketing strategy for a book.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Publishing program at Bath Spa University benefits from a research-informed learning environment within the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries and the School of Business and Management. The faculty comprises experienced writers, publishing professionals, and academics who are actively engaged in their own creative practice and research related to contemporary literature, publishing trends, digital media, and the book industry. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current literary trends, innovative publishing models, and critical perspectives on the book world. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests through critical essays, presentations, and their final year projects, fostering intellectual curiosity and analytical skills relevant to both their creative and professional pursuits.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Publishing program places a strong emphasis on direct engagement with the publishing industry. The program has strong links with local and national publishing houses, literary agents, and related organizations, facilitating guest lectures by industry professionals, workshops on specific publishing skills, and opportunities for internships and work placements. Students often have the chance to participate in real-world publishing projects, such as working on student-led imprints or literary magazines. The curriculum is designed to equip students with practical skills and industry knowledge, making them highly employable in the publishing sector.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Publishing program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by exploring diverse literary traditions, examining international publishing markets, and analyzing the impact of globalization and digital technologies on the book industry worldwide. The curriculum may include the study of works by writers from various cultural backgrounds and discussions on international publishing trends, translation, and the challenges and opportunities of reaching global readerships. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on writing and publishing. Furthermore, the program may touch upon topics such as international copyright law, global book fairs, and the role of digital platforms in international book distribution, preparing graduates to navigate a globalized publishing landscape.