English and Creative Writing

Our BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing balances the practical craft of creative writing with the analytical and historical study of literature and/or language, allowing you to explore how texts are written, interpreted, and transformed across different forms and periods.

Equipped with a rich knowledge and understanding of English studies, you will grow as an informed and critical reader of texts to produce your own original creative work.

In workshops with expert practitioners, you will refine your skills in creative writing, focusing on elements such as narrative structure, setting, character development, and style. You will learn how to conduct research, to examine writing deeply, and to express yourself persuasively, logically, and imaginatively.

Professional Placement Year This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies. 

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

Alongside the development of your creative writing practice you will study modules in English, gaining vital skills in research, critical analysis and argument.

£1,000 scholarships for 2025/26

If you apply to BCU by 30 June 2025, you could be eligible for one of our £1,000 scholarships:

Accelerate – if you are from a lower income family or household

High Achievers’ – if you achieve 144 UCAS points or more from your main three qualifications

For full details and terms, visit www.bcu.ac.uk/scholarships