University course · real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni · part of Careermash
University degree

Creative Writing

Birmingham City University · Birmingham
Qualification
Degree
Length
3 yrs
UK fees / yr
£9,535
Study
full-time
Worth knowing: about 20% of students don't make it past first year here - ask the uni what support they offer.
Robin · your guide
Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.
About this course

Creative writing is both a craft and a discipline, and studying it at degree level means taking seriously both dimensions: the technical skill of working with language, form, and structure, and the intellectual engagement with what literature does and why it matters. Modern creative writing programmes have moved well beyond the traditional novel and poem to encompass screenwriting, audio drama, podcasting, creative non-fiction, and digital media, reflecting the reality that today's writers work across multiple forms and platforms.

At Birmingham City University, this three-year full-time BA develops contemporary creative writers across a wide variety of forms and genres. You will write prose fiction and poetry, experiment with creative non-fiction and screenwriting, engage with audio drama and podcasting, and explore the possibilities of digital media, developing a confident and versatile voice across multiple platforms. The programme provides the time, space, and support to explore ideas, take creative risks, and produce original, impactful work, guided by staff who are themselves practising writers.

A sandwich year and work placement opportunities are built into the degree, giving you structured professional experience alongside your creative development and a chance to see how writing skills translate into professional contexts. The typical entry tariff is 120 points.

Creative writing graduates pursue careers in publishing, journalism, content creation, copywriting, screenwriting, education, broadcasting, and the cultural sector. Many work as writers alongside other professional roles, while others find that the communication, analytical, and creative skills the degree develops open doors across marketing, public relations, and digital media. Postgraduate study in creative writing, journalism, publishing, or media is a natural continuation for those who want to deepen their practice or develop specialist professional expertise.

Could you get in?
The grades students arrived with
64-79 pts5%
96-111 pts30%
112-127 pts40%
128-143 pts5%
144-159 pts5%
160-175 pts10%
How they qualified
90% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:
A-levels90%
an Access course5%
the IB5%
Could I get in? Try your grades
120 UCAS pts
Pay & prospects
85%
In work or further study after
80%
Continue past first year
91%
Student satisfaction
What graduates earn over time
£21,000
3 years on
£25,000
5 years on
What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers
Teaching ProfessionalsHighly skilled35%
Elementary occupations10%
Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation5%
Artistic, literary and media occupationsHighly skilled10%
Managers, directors and senior officialsHighly skilled10%
Sales occupations5%
Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsHighly skilled5%
Welfare and housing associate professionalsHighly skilled5%
What students say National Student Survey
91%
of students are satisfied with the course overall
Teaching97%
Assessment & feedback86%
Academic support89%
Well organised90%
Learning resources96%
Student community91%
More courses like this
Where this degree can lead
Like the look of it?
When you're ready, the full entry requirements and application are on Birmingham City University's own site.
Apply on uni site
Careermash · real course data from HESA / Discover Uni, in plain English.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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