English and Creative Writing

English and creative writing is a degree for students who want to read literature deeply and write seriously. The two dimensions are more closely connected than they might first appear: the most effective writers are those who have read widely and thought carefully about how literary effects are achieved, and the study of literature is enriched by the experience of trying to create it yourself. Together, literary analysis and creative practice develop an unusually precise and versatile relationship with language.

At the University of Portsmouth, you will take your love of literature to a higher level and refine your writing skills with academic rigour. The programme runs for three years full time and includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and integrated work placement opportunities, giving you a generous set of professional and international experiences alongside the academic content. The placement elements are valuable for demonstrating that your writing and communication skills work in real professional contexts, and the year abroad opens your work to different literary traditions and creative cultures.

The typical entry tariff is 120 points.

You will study fiction, poetry, drama and non-fiction across different periods and genres, developing the close reading and analytical writing skills that literary study demands. The creative writing strand gives you sustained practice in your own writing, workshop feedback from peers and tutors, and the opportunity to develop a distinctive voice and portfolio of work. The combination equips you to read like a writer and write like a reader, which is a valuable discipline in both literary and professional contexts.

Graduates from English and creative writing programmes work in publishing, journalism, copywriting, content creation, scriptwriting, education, arts administration, public relations, communications and the creative industries more broadly. The analytical and communication skills the degree develops are transferable across many sectors. Further study at postgraduate level in creative writing, English, or publishing is a natural option for those who want to pursue writing or academic careers.