DEGREE GUIDE

Creative Writing

What do Creative Writing degrees involve?

Creative Writing degrees teach you how to craft compelling stories, develop original ideas, and refine your writing style across different genres. You will explore key areas such as fiction, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, and non-fiction, while also learning about editing, publishing, and storytelling techniques. These courses help you build strong communication, critical thinking, and creative skills while experimenting with different forms of writing. You will also receive feedback from tutors and peers, helping you refine your work and develop your voice. Through workshops, live projects, and opportunities to collaborate with industry professionals, you’ll gain the experience needed to succeed in writing, publishing, media, and the creative industries.

Example
Modules

Foundation Workshop: Explore writing across genres, including fiction, poetry and script, developing original work while building confidence with structure and style.

Creative Writing Workshop: Develop your voice through drafting, feedback and revision, gaining skills in shaping narrative, character, and tone.

Project Development: Create a substantial piece of writing with support from tutors and peers, refining your work through workshops and one-to-one feedback.

Common Degree Names

💼 Some universities offer a placement year in publishing, media or community arts settings.
🌍 Study abroad is available at a number of institutions.

BA (Hons) Creative Writing
BA (Hons) Creative Writing and English Literature
BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Journalism
BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing
BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Film

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Creative Writing degrees help you develop your voice as a writer across fiction, poetry, scriptwriting, or creative non-fiction. You don't need to have studied Creative Writing before, but you'll need to show that you can write well and have genuine enthusiasm for language and storytelling.

Universities usually expect:

English Literature and/or English Language – usually required or strongly preferred
Creative Writing – ideal if your school or college offers it
Media Studies or Film Studies – helpful for scriptwriting pathways
History, Philosophy or Drama – useful for building analytical and essay-writing skills

✨ English Literature and/or Language, is the key subject and keeps the widest range of options open for you.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Creative Media, Performing Arts (Writing pathway), or Art & Design—often accepted for more creative-focused degrees
T-levels in Digital Production, Design and Development or Media, Broadcast and Production may be accepted for writing-for-screen courses—check individual course details

✨ Some Creative Writing degrees are offered as joint courses (e.g. with English Literature, Drama, or Media), so subject requirements may vary—always check the course page carefully.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

Most courses require:

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent such as National 5s or MYP

📘 A strong grade in English is essential.

If you’ve taken Creative Writing or written stories, poems, or blogs in your own time, this can help you stand out.

📝 Portfolio
Some universities may ask you to submit a portfolio of original writing. This could include:

Short stories, poems, scripts, or personal essays
Creative coursework from school
Extracts from longer works (like a novel in progress)

💬 Interviews or Workshops
These are not always required, but some courses include a short interview or a writing workshop as part of the admissions process—especially at creative arts universities or smaller programmes.

🔍 Work Experience
Not required, but if you’ve contributed to a school magazine, blog, zine, or local writing group, highlight it in your personal statement—it shows commitment and creativity.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Creative Writing, English or Humanities
A foundation year is a great option if you didn’t take an English A-level or want to build your confidence before starting the full degree.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Creative Writing, English or Humanities)
Access courses in English Literature, Creative Arts, or Media are widely accepted. Look for units that include essay writing or original creative work, and aim for Merits and Distinctions.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
While there aren’t apprenticeships directly in Creative Writing, roles in Publishing, Marketing, or Digital Content Creation may support future study—especially when paired with a foundation year or strong portfolio.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Creative Writing degree

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

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Interests that would make a Creative Writing degree a good match for you

Careers a Creative Writing degree could lead you to