English and Creative Writing

Our creative writing courses are taught by world-renowned writers from The Manchester Writing School; one of the most successful of its kind in the UK, with more than 95 graduates and MA students who’ve gone on to become published writers. But skilled writers must also be well-developed readers and this course offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to combine Creative Writing and English as part of a joint degree.

While studying and practising creative writing, you’ll take a range of options from the English degree, including American literature, film, television and cultural studies. As you progress, you’ll have the chance to take part in creative writing workshops, focussing on two options from the selection of: prose, poetry, script and digital. Our placement route offers you the opportunity to spend your third year on an industry placement, allowing you to apply university-based knowledge, skills and understanding to the world of work, and giving you an advantage when you begin looking for your first job after graduation. Or you may have the chance to spend a year expanding your horizons, studying with one of our partner universities overseas.* In your final year, you’ll be ready to undertake an all-important independent creative project.

By the time you leave us, you’ll have an excellent understanding of the critical and cultural contexts in which you’re writing, together with the skills and experience to excel in the creative journey from original idea to finished work.

This course has a foundation year available.

*Placement and/or study abroad options may be available, potentially extending the duration of study up to 4 years. Study abroad will be subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability.

Features and Benefits

You’ll learn from the experience and expertise of a wide range of leading poets, novelists and scriptwriters based at The Manchester Writing School, one of the largest and most successful of its kind in the UK. Staff include award-winning poets and writers, including winners of the Costa First Novel Award and the Ted Hughes Award.

We are a world-class English department — 70% of our research impact is rated as world-leading (REF21).

Ranked in the top 10 universities in the UK for creative writing (Good University Guide 2022).

You’ll have access to the many conferences, readings, research programmes, festivals and competitions run by the department.

Engage with the Manchester Children’s Book Festival, a year-long programme of events and activities.

We’ll help you build your own network among our many partners within the creative and culturally rich city of Manchester, a UNESCO City of Literature.

You can take the four-year route, spending a year studying abroad, or boost your career prospects with a placement in industry.