Studying English Literature with Creative Writing: Is this the right degree for me? 

Is an undergraduate degree in English Literature with Creative Writing the right degree for you? 

In this article, we explore the benefits of studying a degree in English Literature with Creative Writing in order for you to decide if this is the right degree for you. 

What will I learn? 

In an English Literature with Creative Writing degree, you will have the opportunity to study both literature and creative writing. 

Course content is likely to include an exploration of English Literature throughout history, from early Renaissance Literature to the modern era, from postmodern to 21st-century texts. 

The creative writing component of the course will allow you to explore writing for different purposes and audiences in fiction, non-fiction and writing for the screen and stage.

How will I learn?

In an English Literature with Creative Writing degree, there will be a heavy focus on reading. You will likely have a large reading list and may be expected to read up to 10 books a week in order to form a strong understanding of your modules quickly. Going beyond your reading list and exploring other literary works relevant to your modules will also deepen your understanding and allow you to get more out of your course. 

You will attend both lectures and seminars relevant to your modules. In seminars, you will most likely discuss the historical context of the texts, and the narrative techniques the writers have used, through a literary critiques lense. You will likely draw on contemporary criticism which may include gender theory, Marxist theory and psychoanalytic theory. 

With the creative writing element of your course, you will likely also participate in writing workshops which usually include sharing your own writing and gaining feedback from your tutors and peers to improve your work.

How will I be assessed?

The literature element of this degree will challenge your ability to read and comprehend texts from different genres and time periods and assessments will usually include critiquing literary works in written exams and essays. 

The creative writing component of the course will target the development of your own writer’s craft and you will usually be assessed on your own written work. Creative submissions will usually be around the 3,000-word mark and may be prose or poetry, depending on your chosen module. 

What career paths will this degree lead me to?

A degree in English Literature with Creative Writing is a great choice for those who want to keep their options open careerwise and who might not be sure on the career path they might take. Jobs for graduates with this kind of degree include: 

• Secondary English teacher (with a PGCE completed thereafter)
• A professional writer
• Copywriting
• A TEFL teacher
• Marketing
• Editor