English Literature and Creative Writing

Study options

Award

BA (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS code:
QW41
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Full-time, Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Part-time, Stoke-on-Trent campus
Duration:
3 Years
Duration:
6 Years
Start date:
23 September 2024

3rd for student satisfaction

in English in the Complete University Guide 2024

Pursue your passion

Our flexible course enables you to focus on creative writing or literary criticism

Contemporary debates

Our modules are relevant to modern lives, covering climate change and literature in a globalised world

Join our supportive community of writers and readers where we’ll nurture your talents and help new voices emerge in the literary world.

Our BA (Hons) in English Literature and Creative Writing combines literary criticism with the craft of writing. You’ll have some flexibility to tailor your learning to the type of writing you feel most passionate about, with a choice of critical or creative assignments appearing on most modules.

In workshops, you’ll critique a range of literary styles, genres and movements – from Shakespeare and Dickens to Gothic, modernism and magical realism. You’ll look at how writers have transformed the portrayal of the world and reshaped the ways we think about literature and about the human condition.

You will also delve into contemporary issues, such as cultural identities, the climate emergency and Anthropocene. There are modules on children’s literature and post-colonial fiction too.

If you’re thinking of a career in English teaching, you will be curriculum-ready. And if your dream is to be a writer or to go into the creative industries, we’ll provide opportunities that will help you to build a portfolio and professional networks.

You’ll gain insight into the world of publishing through our practice-led module, Writing for Publication, which walks you through the editorial process from first draft to getting published.

The teaching is delivered through workshops, where lecturers will introduce you to techniques before you apply them. A creative writing session might focus on drafting or editing, producing a quick treatment of a story, or creating a character or setting. A literary-critical session typically delivers small segments of interactive lecture information, directly followed by the practical application of concepts to the analysis of text.

Whether critical or creative in content, all workshops are structured to create a community of writers among our students. There will also be lots of support from staff, who will work closely with each student to help guide their individual journey.

All our academics are published authors and critics, with some achieving national acclaim for their books.

Our BA (Hons) in English Literature and Creative Writing combines literary criticism with the craft of writing. You’ll have some flexibility to tailor your learning to the type of writing you feel most passionate about, with a choice of critical or creative assignments appearing on most modules.

In workshops, you’ll critique a range of literary styles, genres and movements – from Shakespeare and Dickens to Gothic, modernism and magical realism. You’ll look at how writers have transformed the portrayal of the world and reshaped the ways we think about literature and about the human condition.

You will also delve into contemporary issues, such as cultural identities, the climate emergency and Anthropocene. There are modules on children’s literature and post-colonial fiction too.

If you’re thinking of a career in English teaching, you will be curriculum-ready. And if your dream is to be a writer or to go into the creative industries, we’ll provide opportunities that will help you to build a portfolio and professional networks.

You’ll gain insight into the world of publishing through our practice-led module, Writing for Publication, which walks you through the editorial process from first draft to getting published.

The teaching is delivered through workshops, where lecturers will introduce you to techniques before you apply them. A creative writing session might focus on drafting or editing, producing a quick treatment of a story, or creating a character or setting. A literary-critical session typically delivers small segments of interactive lecture information, directly followed by the practical application of concepts to the analysis of text.

Whether critical or creative in content, all workshops are structured to create a community of writers among our students. There will also be lots of support from staff, who will work closely with each student to help guide their individual journey.

All our academics are published authors and critics, with some achieving national acclaim for their books.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) English Literature and Creative Writing

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) English Literature and Creative Writing

Work placements

Our English in the Workplace modules allows you to put your skills and learning in to practice in a professional setting, beginning the work of building a CV, a portfolio, and a professional network for your career ahead.

Course content

Explore great literature from Shakespeare to contemporary classics, develop your own voice and literary style as a writer, and acquire professional skills for the creative industry workplace.

Our team of published writers and critics will work with you in small groups, getting to know you as an individual and guiding you through each module as you develop your knowledge and skills. You will encounter literature and styles of writing already familiar to you, and be introduced to new worlds of representation and expression that you haven’t even imagined yet.

In addition to visiting writers and publishing professionals who can advise you on the literary world and opportunities within the creative industries, you will be encouraged and supported to engage in opportunities provided through our professional partnerships. We have an active writerly community, and regular open mic nights and collaborative events to help you build confidence and networks.

Explore great literature from Shakespeare to contemporary classics, develop your own voice and literary style as a writer, and acquire professional skills for the creative industry workplace.

Our team of published writers and critics will work with you in small groups, getting to know you as an individual and guiding you through each module as you develop your knowledge and skills. You will encounter literature and styles of writing already familiar to you, and be introduced to new worlds of representation and expression that you haven’t even imagined yet.

In addition to visiting writers and publishing professionals who can advise you on the literary world and opportunities within the creative industries, you will be encouraged and supported to engage in opportunities provided through our professional partnerships. We have an active writerly community, and regular open mic nights and collaborative events to help you build confidence and networks.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. There is a mix of 20 and 40 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.  The full-time course has one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. There is a mix of 20 and 40 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.  The full-time course has one start point in September.

Daisy Egerton - English Literature

Daisy Egerton - English Literature

Video

English Literature graduate, Daisy talks about her work with Synectics Solutions as an Internal Communications and Engagement Coordinator.

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Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Children's Literature 20 credits
Co-Create: Collaborative Project 20 credits
The Craft Of Writing 40 credits
The Story Of English Literature 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Global Voices 40 credits
Gothic Fiction 20 credits
The Writing Profession 40 credits
Writing Society: Social Realism, Crime And Narrative 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Co-Create: Collaborative Project 20 credits
The Story Of English Literature 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Children's Literature 20 credits
The Craft Of Writing 40 credits
Year 5 compulsory modules
Year 5 compulsory modules
Global Voices 40 credits
Gothic Fiction 20 credits
Magical Realism: From Flying Carpets To Urban Angels 15 credits
The Classics: Shakespeare To Modernism 40 credits
Wild Words: Anthropocene Literatures 20 credits
Writing Society: Social Realism, Crime And Narrative 20 credits
Year 6 compulsory modules
Year 6 compulsory modules
Gothic Fiction 20 credits
Magical Realism: From Flying Carpets To Urban Angels 15 credits
Negotiated Project - English & Creative Writing 40 credits
Wild Words: Anthropocene Literatures 20 credits
Writing Society: Social Realism, Crime And Narrative 20 credits

Entry requirements

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

What is Eco-Criticism?

What is Eco-Criticism?

Video

English and Creative Writing student, Lorelei talks about the emerging genre of Eco-criticism which is helps us to process the environmental challenges faced.

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For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO

Facilities

Libraries

We have Libraries and service desks at both sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. Our experienced and friendly staff can answer your IT queries, help you to access resources, show you how to research for your assignments and help with referencing.

Cafe Cadman

A contemporary “lounge style” café located in the entrance to the library serving COSTA coffee; with a range of fantastic impulse cakes and home baked snacks.

Careers

Through this degree, you will develop lots of skills, including the ability to think critically, be an effective communicator and show creative flair. This gives you access to a wide range of professions, such as communications, marketing, content creation, journalism and the media.

It is also a solid foundation if you want to pursue an academic or writing career.

If you are considering becoming a teacher, our Institute of Education can support your application, whether you apply to Staffordshire University or elsewhere for your teacher training. Application, interview and presentation days will help you to prepare for the selection process.

Krishan Coupland - Writer/Publisher

Krishan Coupland - Writer/Publisher

Video

Creative Writing graduate Krishan talks about the success and challenges of being a freelance writer and publisher.

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Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will experience a wide variety of approaches to teaching on your course, including lectures, seminars, and one-to-one tutorials. We use a 3-hour workshop format which includes short lectures, individual and group tasks, and immediate and personally responsive feedback on the learning taking place. This means you as an individual receives ongoing support with your unique learning journey – you will never be an invisible ‘number’ in our classrooms! You will also have the opportunity to undertake independent research assignments, whole group and small group exercises, and the guided development of presentations to help you work towards assignments. Any special interests you develop during your time with us will be nurtured, ensuing you can take your voice forward into the world and make a difference.

We focus on ensuring that you progress through your degree in a cumulative way, gaining both subject knowledge and analytical, critical and communicative skills. In our thematic and skills-based modules you will learn to reflect upon the literature and culture of English; our project modules help you to understand how your subject knowledge and skills can be used in a range of different workplace settings.

You will have regular meetings with your academic mentor to discuss your progress and help you to achieve your aims.

You will experience a wide variety of approaches to teaching on your course, including lectures, seminars, and one-to-one tutorials. We use a 3-hour workshop format which includes short lectures, individual and group tasks, and immediate and personally responsive feedback on the learning taking place. This means you as an individual receives ongoing support with your unique learning journey – you will never be an invisible ‘number’ in our classrooms! You will also have the opportunity to undertake independent research assignments, whole group and small group exercises, and the guided development of presentations to help you work towards assignments. Any special interests you develop during your time with us will be nurtured, ensuing you can take your voice forward into the world and make a difference.

We focus on ensuring that you progress through your degree in a cumulative way, gaining both subject knowledge and analytical, critical and communicative skills. In our thematic and skills-based modules you will learn to reflect upon the literature and culture of English; our project modules help you to understand how your subject knowledge and skills can be used in a range of different workplace settings.

You will have regular meetings with your academic mentor to discuss your progress and help you to achieve your aims.

Assessment

English and Creative Writing employs an innovative range of assessments which may include essays, creative writing portfolios, e-learning exercises, reviews, reports, critical reflections, podcasts, scripts, collaborative work, and oral presentations.

Some of these will be ‘Authentic Assessments’, designed to mimic industry standard practice, and so provide you with the perfect range of skills to move confidently into the professional world beyond your degree. 

English and Creative Writing employs an innovative range of assessments which may include essays, creative writing portfolios, e-learning exercises, reviews, reports, critical reflections, podcasts, scripts, collaborative work, and oral presentations.

Some of these will be ‘Authentic Assessments’, designed to mimic industry standard practice, and so provide you with the perfect range of skills to move confidently into the professional world beyond your degree. 

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

You will have the opportunity to receive informal feedback on your work within classroom activities to ensure you are guided along the way. You will receive formal feedback on all written work submitted for assessment. Other forms of feedback may be tailored for authentic assessments or in-line with the specific learning needs of the individual. 

You will have the opportunity to receive informal feedback on your work within classroom activities to ensure you are guided along the way. You will receive formal feedback on all written work submitted for assessment. Other forms of feedback may be tailored for authentic assessments or in-line with the specific learning needs of the individual. 

Cathryn Hurd - English

Cathryn Hurd - English

Video

Mum-of-two Cathryn took the leap to quit her job to study English. Now she has graduated and plans to train as a teacher!

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Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements.

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements.

Year 1

21% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
79% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 2

22% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
78% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 3

18% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
82% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

Year 1

3% practical assessments
97% coursework
0% written exams

Year 2

0% practical assessments
100% coursework
0% written exams

Year 3

0% practical assessments
100% coursework
0% written exams

Staff

You will be taught by an experienced and enthusiastic team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience – these are active researchers currently contributing to the development of their subject through published critical and creative works. Tutors hold professional teaching qualifications to complement their writerly and industry experience. This means you will benefit from expertise and experience presented in away that is accessible and engaging, empowering you in your journey.

Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teaching training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Dr Mark Brown

Course Director

As well as being Course Leader for English and Creative Writing, Mark teaches on First Year core modules and American literature modules on Crime Fiction, the Contemporary, Modernism and Beat Writing. He also supervises MA and PhD students.

Mark's profile

Dr Melanie Ebdon

Senior Lecturer

Melanie is a literary critic whose main expertise is in contemporary fiction, particularly British novels which focus on nature and climate change.

Melanie's profile

Steve Hollyman

Senior Lecturer

I am a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing (Fiction) with an interest in experimental ergodic literature – both print and digital.

Steve's profile

Dr Philippa Holloway

Senior Lecturer

Philippa is an author and active researcher in prose fiction (short stories and novels) and creative non-fiction. Her research interests include psychogeography, nuclear landscapes, creative processes and methodologies and creative pedagogy.

Philippa's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BA (Hons)-Full-time, Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BA (Hons) Part-time, Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option UK / Channel Islands
Part-time £4,620 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

International students: Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course, as long as you complete it in the normal time-frame (i.e. no repeat years or breaks in study).

Lorelei Line - Advice for Mature Students

Lorelei Line - Advice for Mature Students

Video

English and Creative Writing student, Lorelei talks about the mix of age ranges on her course and how this helps broaden horizons through diverse viewpoints and discussion.

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Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Our students

It is truly and definitely a shaping experience, and once again I am so happy to be on this course.

I have begun to see the world differently – and crucially have begun to see myself in a different light, especially having read so many racially orientated texts. I am not only on a process of learning to read literature, but of learning how to read myself and how to read the world, and to think critically about what I see. It is truly and definitely a shaping experience, and once again I am so happy to be on this course.

Tim Lucas

English Literature and Creative Writing

I wouldn't have been able to get this role and do my job if it wasn’t for my English degree!

I currently work as an Internal Communications Coordinator at Synectics Solutions, managing the communications to over 350 employees and looking after our intranet. I work alongside the Employee Engagement Coordinator to ensure everyone is happy, has what they need to do their jobs and that they benefit from all of the company's wellbeing offerings. I wouldn't have been able to get this role and do my job if it wasn’t for my English degree!

Daisy Egerton

English graduate

I made some great connections, and it really was the starting point of everything I've done since. 

[The course] was a solid starting point for me. It gave me time and space to experiment, find my voice, and work out what kind of difference I wanted to make in the world. I made some great connections, and it really was the starting point of everything I've done since. 

Since graduating I've started a started a small press and a residency series, and it's been extremely gratifying to see them grow and make a mark on the world.

Krishan Coupland

Writer/Publisher

The whole experience has been amazing, I've loved every single second of it.

It’s been a life changing experience. I've learned so much. Staffordshire University has completely changed me. It’s opened me up to so many new prospects. The whole experience has been amazing, I've loved every single second of it.

Umehra Javed

Graduate

I was offered so many opportunities while I was at Staffs.

I was offered so many opportunities while I was at Staffs that I left with experience in social media management, learning coaching, copy editing, blogging, as well as my degree. I also got two short stories published and wrote a novel!

Sian Davies

Graduate

Staffordshire University helped me get on that path by equipping me with the editing skills I needed.

After talking to Careers Advice, looking into different jobs, and hearing from people in the industry, I decided to pursue a career as a Content Writer. Staffordshire University helped me get on that path by equipping me with the editing skills I needed and the creative flair employers wanted. 

Kelsie Colclough

English & Creative Writing Graduate

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BA (Hons) Full-time, Stoke-on-Trent campus 23 September 2024 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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