English and Creative Writing

English and creative writing brings together two practices that naturally reinforce each other. The close reading and critical analysis of literature makes you a more attentive and sophisticated writer, while the experience of creating your own work gives you an inside perspective on what other writers are doing and why. English provides the historical sweep and critical frameworks to situate literary texts across periods and traditions, from the mediaeval to the contemporary.

Creative writing develops your craft across a range of forms, with attention to voice, structure, character, and the particular demands of each genre.

At Keele University, this three-year full-time programme develops your critical skills alongside your creative voice, through exploration of literature and sustained engagement in creative practice across several genres. You will study English literature analytically while also producing original work in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, scriptwriting, and other forms. A sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities are all built into the programme, giving you structured professional experience and international exposure before you graduate.

The typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects the accessible character of a programme designed to attract students with genuine creative and intellectual curiosity.

You will develop both as a critical reader and as a practising writer, acquiring the research skills, analytical rigour, and creative confidence that the combined programme builds across its full range.

Graduates pursue careers in writing, publishing, journalism, editing, content creation, communications, education, the cultural sector, and the broader creative industries. The analytical skills of the English component also open paths into law, the civil service, and any role demanding close reading and clear argument. Postgraduate study in creative writing, English literature, or publishing is a natural continuation.