You'll be introduced to a variety of literary texts; poetry, prose, plays and film. You'll build a foundation in the critical and theoretical skills you need for your studies in stages 2 and 3.

You explore different ways of approaching creative writing. You will develop your creativity and gain experience in writing in different forms.

Pathways

Before you start your degree you'll choose between the following pathways:

• English Literature with Creative Writing - on this pathway you will spend a third of your time on creative writing and two thirds studying English literature.
• English Literature and Creative Writing - on this pathway you will split your time equally between creative writing and English Literature.

When you graduate, your degree transcript will show either 'English Literature with Creative Writing' or 'English Literature and Creative Writing', depending on which pathway you choose in stage 1. 

English Literature with Creative Writing pathway

English Literature and Creative Writing pathway

You will advance your understanding of literature through the ages, and take at least one pre-19th-century module alongside at least one focusing on modern or contemporary topics.

In Creative Writing, you will develop your craft and literary techniques in prose, theatre script, poetry or screenwriting.

English Literature with Creative Writing pathway

You will take one of the following modules:

You will take one and may take up to three of the following modules:

You will take one and may take up to three of the following modules:

You may take the module below:

English Literature and Creative Writing pathway

You will take two of the following modules:

You will take one and may take up to two of the following modules:

You will take one and may take up to two of the following modules:

You may take the module below:

You will be supported in the production of an original piece of literary work in an area of your interest, in either prose, theatre script, poetry or screenwriting.

Your portfolio will bring together everything you’ve learnt about creative writing and allow you to devise a project that demonstrates development as a writer.

You'll choose four specialist options in literature, taking modules that cover both pre-19th century and post-19th century topics.

Current options include The Victorian novel, British and international children’s literature, Romantic poetry, Caribbean literature and film, Medieval literature, American literature, and Contemporary Documentary. Or, you can also do a work placement in the cultural industries.

English Literature with Creative Writing Pathway

You will take one of the following modules:

You will take one, and may take up to three of the following modules:

You will take one, and may take up to three of the following modules:

You may choose the following optional module:

English Literature and Creative Writing Pathway

You will take one of the following modules:

You will take the following compulsory module:

You will take three of the following modules: