Creative Writing & English Literature (BA Hons)

Creative Writing is one of the fastest growing disciplines in UK universities and for good reason: it is an opportunity to explore the multi-faceted world of literature while enjoying the creative freedom of one’s own imagination, and improving writing, communication and research skills.Creative Writing & English Literature work in dialogue with one another; creative writing’s practice-based focus complements and supports English Literature’s critical and analytical approach and vice-versa. Good writing comes from attentive and sophisticated reading, and writers develop these skills in their English Literature modules whilst Creative writing is beneficial as a mode of engagement and inquiry in relation to literary texts.

English Literature is a rich and vibrant area of study. At YSJU, we are a dynamic, engaged, and research-active team who are committed to providing our students with a cutting-edge education. By studying English Literature, you will have the opportunity to learn about a range of different genres, historical periods, and literary forms. In English Literature, our philosophy is simple: words matter. Words shape the world we live in (books can and have changed the world) and the connections between the written page and the concerns of the ‘real’ world are a crucial part of the programme. Overall, the degree will enable you to develop your expertise as a reader and critic of a range of literary materials, whilst also supporting you in the development of a portfolio of professional skills which will aid you in the wider job market. As you become adept at independent learning, you will become a more sophisticated reader of texts, and you will find that your confidence as a writer and as a critic will increase as your degree progresses.   

The Creative Writing side of your degree will enable you to develop work in a variety of forms and genres, from penning your own poetry, fiction and scripts, to exploring creative non-fiction and other experimental modes of writing. You will be taught by our team of award-winning, published writers and academics, and you’ll have the opportunity to attend workshops and readings from a range of internationally-acclaimed visiting writers. You’ll learn to read and analyse texts in order to help you develop your own work, and you’ll also have the chance to get involved in events, performances and publications. This is a dynamic, challenging and creative course, which will provide you with a range of transferable skills.

Program Available At (Campus) - York campus