Creative Writing and English Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

The Creative Writing and English BA (Hons) at Birkbeck, University of London provides a unique environment for students to develop their artistic voice alongside rigorous academic study. This programme encourages you to complement your creative output with critical reflection, exploring how culture and history influence the written word. You will learn to challenge readers and ask vital questions through various literary forms.

Teaching is delivered by a faculty of esteemed researchers and published authors, ensuring that your education is informed by current industry experience. The curriculum balances practical workshops with theoretical seminars, allowing you to experiment with different genres before specialising. This approach ensures you build a versatile portfolio while mastering the tools of literary analysis.

Why Creative Writing and English at Birkbeck, University of London?

Birkbeck is situated in Bloomsbury, the historic heart of literary London, offering an inspiring setting for your studies. The university was ranked second in the UK for its English Language and Literature research in the Research Excellence Framework. Students benefit from a dedicated creative hub featuring a cinema, theatre, and the Peltz Gallery.

You will have the opportunity to learn from award-winning novelists, playwrights, and poets who bring valuable professional connections to the classroom. Furthermore, students are eligible to submit their original work to the annual creative writing journal, The Mechanics’ Institute Review, providing a platform for publication during their degree.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 18500 per year
• National fee: GBP 9535 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Doing English
• Playwriting and Poetry
• Storytelling: Narrative Archetypes, Forms and Techniques
• Writing for Film and TV
• Writing London
• Narrative Methods
• The Novel: Writing the Modern World
• The Creative Critical Seam
• Contemporary British Fiction

Careers with Creative Writing and English

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for diverse professional paths within the creative and cultural sectors. The degree develops sophisticated communication skills and analytical precision, which are highly valued in the modern workplace. Many alumni successfully transition into roles that require high-level storytelling and critical thinking.

Common career destinations for graduates include:

• Creative Writing
• Publishing and Editorial
• Journalism
• Media and Broadcasting
• Academic Research
• Professional Writing

The university also provides dedicated careers and employability support, including workshops and resources specifically tailored to the creative arts and cultural industries.