Home Courses English and Creative Writing BA (Hons) Creative Writing

BA (Hons) Creative Writing

Find your voice as a creative writer

Find your voice as a creative writer

UCAS Logo
W801
3 years full-time
Bishop Otter Campus (Chichester)
  • Learn from practising and published writers
  • Discover a community of supportive writers and tutors
  • Learn to write novels, poetry, screenplays, non-fiction and more
  • Smaller class sizes for better learning
Student writing in a classroom

2nd

in the UK for English and Creative Writing courses

Guardian University Guide 2023

Top 10

for teaching quality in Creative Writing

Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

6th

in the UK for learning opportunities

National Student Survey 2023

Join us at one of our Open Days!

Saturday 22 June  |  Saturday 12 October  |  Friday 1 November  |  Saturday 23 November

Saturday 22 June

Saturday 12 October

Friday 1 November

Saturday 23 November

Our next Open Day is in:

Day
Hour
Minute
Second

Overview

Learn the craft of creative writing from practising and published writers

Develop your voice as a writer as you learn from one of the most established and experienced Creative Writing teams in the UK.

This course will allow you to explore the creative pleasures and exciting challenges of developing your work from first idea, to early drafts, through to the final finished piece of work.

Learn from our team of practising and published poets, short story writers, novelists, dramatists and screenwriters, all of whom have extensive experience of the industry.

You will have the opportunity to learn, and then specialise in, a wide range of creative writing disciplines including: fiction, poetry, screenplays, creative non-fiction and digital writing.

On this course you will:

  • Study the craft of writing short fiction, poetry, novels, screenplays, creative non-fiction and digital writing.
  • Learn from our team of practising and published writers.
  • Build your degree around your interests.
  • Engage with contemporary issues in your writing such as climate change, race and sexuality.
  • Experience regular readings from guest writers.
  • Meet and talk with agents and editors at our annual publishing panel.

The Course

Build your degree around genres, styles and audiences that interest you

Year One

In your first year, you will be introduced to the writing process through modules that help you develop a notebook, tap into your own experience to inform your creative thinking, and use the wider world as inspiration for your writing.

You will also begin to learn the craft of poetry, prose and life writing, as well as take English modules designed to widen your knowledge of critical analysis.

Year Two

In your second year, you will explore poetry, short fiction, life writing, screenwriting, fiction for children, fairy tales, and reading and writing myth.

You will also engage in further exploration of critical theory to complement your work. There will also be the opportunity to take a work placement module.

Year Three

The creative modules in your final year allow you to explore your discipline and genre of choice. You will also discover more specific genres such as YA fiction, flash fiction, digital writing, fantasy, and science fiction. You will study the art of the novel, short stories and poetry.

You will have the opportunity to take modules that help you develop your skills in your area of choice even further, culminating in the final creative writing dissertation project.

This can take the form of a fiction project, a poetry project, a play or screenwriting project, a creative non-fiction project or, subject to a supervisor’s agreement, an imaginative writing project that is hybrid in form and/or content.

This list is indicative and subject to change.

Select a year

Creating Characters

This module introduces you to the basics of creating credible characters.

The module will prompt you to make artistic decisions about the history of your characters, the setting and time of your characters’ lives, character motivation, and perspective.

Creative Non-Fiction: Starting From The Self

This module introduces you to the versatile genre of creative non-fiction, in which writers employ skills transported from fiction to lend dramatic complexity to factual narratives.

Using autobiographical material as a base, you will generate dramatic scenes on a variety of topics and themes.

From Manga to Witch-Maidens: Storytelling in Visual Culture

This module explores the history and forms of visual storytelling and integrates the study of visual writing theory and practice, as you consider the narrative techniques and structures of miniseries, anime and manga.

Introduction to Writing Poetry

This module introduces you to the practice of writing poetry. You will focus on working in a variety of forms and voices, which explore imaginative territories and poetic processes.

Introduction to Writing Short Fiction

This module will build on skills and techniques acquired throughout your first semester, such as:

  • concrete imagery
  • writerly research
  • notebook gatherings
  • reflections on developing creative work.

You will encounter a variety of forms and voices in a range of examples from traditional and contemporary sources in both British and international short fiction.

Literature Now: Reading and Writing the Present Moment

This module introduces you to the contemporary cultural landscape by exploring recent literary texts and transformations of the literary (film, graphic novels, digital texts, gamification, etc.). Tracing multiple forms of ‘writing’ and ‘reading’, you will gain the capacity to engage creatively with the present and to develop your own critical responses. Students can submit a critical or creative response to this module.

Source and Exploration

The module will train your observation skills. You will learn to apply the world around you to inform your creative processes. You will also learn the value of the ‘concrete’ as opposed to the ‘abstract’ and discover how the ordinary can become extraordinary.

The Writer’s Notebook

This module introduces you to keeping a writer’s notebook and how to use this as a storehouse of ideas, images, research and drafts. You will also learn about the journey from rough idea to finished piece as you examine a selection of case studies of notebook entries, drafts, and published work.

Agents of Change: Women’s Writing in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries

This module explores the challenges made by women’s writing, both critical and creative, to established authority over the past two centuries.

Creative Non-Fiction: Writing Lives

This module introduces you to the versatile genre of creative non-fiction, in which writers employ skills transported from fiction to lend dramatic complexity to factual narratives.

Using autobiographical material as a base, you will generate dramatic scenes on a variety of topics and themes.

Creative Writing: Poetry, Form and Freedom

This module will enable you to develop a variety of sophisticated traditional poetic forms and to develop experimental free verse poems within a reflective contemporary poetic practice.

Experiments in Fiction: Magic, Detection, Sci Fi and Beyond

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of, and ability to recognise, a range of genres in prose fiction.

You will gain an understanding of genre as a means of classification and understand that the way a text employs genre shapes its meaning.

Fiction for Children

This module introduces you to writing fiction for children.

The module will extend and deepen your key writing skills as you learn to pay particular attention to such things as suitable and age-specific subject matter, appropriate language, a more active narration, faster pacing and the demands of greater immediacy.

Poetry: 1300 to the Present

The module aims to develop your understanding of rhythm, rhyme, free verse, diction, particular verbal effects, timbre, tone, and voice. It will encourage awareness of the centrality of genre to a wide range of poetic practice from the Renaissance to the present day.

Prose Fiction: the Dynamic of Change

This module will explore the dynamics of change in the contemporary short story.

You will examine model short stories and how they invariably dramatise a significant change in character, and/or situation.

In doing so, you will understand how to analyse the devices writers use to shape narrative, and to create tension and conflict.

Work Placement

The work placement module allows you to develop your skills in a work environment and gain vital experience to put you ahead in your future career. This allows you to gain experience in, for example, a workplace such as a local newspaper or as a writer-in-residence. You will then use the skills you have learnt on your course in order to reflect critically on the world.

Writing for the Screen

This module introduces you to the craft of writing a short cinematic screenplay.

The module focuses on the building blocks of screenwriting, with a focus on:

  • visual storytelling
  • plot (using Treatments and Step Outlines)
  • scene-building
  • research skills
  • characterisation
  • setting
  • sound
  • struggle
  • movement
  • layout

You will experience the collaborative nature of screenwriting, and explore the role of the screenwriter within the broader institutional framework of the industry.

Romantics, Rebels and Reactionaries

The module will also assess how far second-generation Romantic poets developed the key Romantic theme of reform, as you consider the influence of the French Revolution on the work of British writers during the 18th century.

You will study the work of renowned and revered Romantic poets including Blake, Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Wollstonecraft, alongside the work of Mary Shelley and Jane Austen.

World Literature: Roots and Routes From Conrad to Afrofuturism

This module explores the role of literature in making the modern world. Using texts from around the world, you will consider a new sense of the globe, colonial relations, and the new post-colonial world.

You will consider our sense of having roots in the world, especially national roots.

Charting a path through texts from the late nineteenth to the twenty-first century, the module does not aim to ‘represent’ the totality of world literature. Instead, you will study a selection of texts that engage with crucial issues. Within these, you encounter a variety of themes: from the violent imposition of imperial power, to the ecological challenge of global climate change.

Reenchanting ‘the West’: Learning from Myth and Sacred Texts

This hybrid English and creative writing module presents wisdom and wonder tales from around the globe, and explores their influence on contemporary literature, including as inspiration for your own poetry and/or fiction.

You will have a choice of English or creative writing submissions.

Fairy Tales: Early Modern to Postmodern

Gain an informed historical and critical perspective on a powerful literary and cultural tradition beginning with the fairy tales written in early modern Italy, continuing through Perrault, D’Aulnoy, Grimm, Andersen to the work of more contemporary authors such as Angela Carter and Margaret Atwood. It also asks where we can turn to for modern fairy tales, through a focus on the use of fairy tale tropes in the work of J.K Rowling and Philip Pullman.

On this module, you may submit a critical essay or creative work.

Contemporary Short Fiction: Writing the Here and Now

This module will enable you to explore, as active writers and readers, the strategies, innovations and preoccupations of contemporary writers of the short story. You will read and analyse the craft, technique and rigour of three to four highly regarded short story collections from the last fifteen years.

Digital Writing: Writing for the Community of Strangers

On this module, you will harness the skills developed in non-fiction modules in year one and year two to engage with new possibilities in digital writing, including:

  • blogs
  • games
  • websites
  • online journalism
  • Twitter/Tumblr/Facebook
  • texts
  • podcasts
  • comments forums
  • campaigns
  • hypertext

and the non-linear; e-books; apps; fan fiction; reviews, etc.

Dissertation

The Dissertation in Creative Writing gives students the opportunity to work independently on an imaginative writing project of their own choosing. This may take the form of a fiction project, a poetry project, a play or screenwriting project, or a creative non-fiction project. It will include a related essay in which you investigate a particular artistic, aesthetic or cultural issue of relevance to you as a contemporary writer OR the work of a particular writer who will be influential as you develop your own body of work for the Dissertation project.

Making It Strange: Writing the Science Fiction, Fantasy and Modern Gothic Novel

This module offers you the opportunity to develop your creative skills within genres that focus on worlds that lie beyond the tradition realm of ‘realism’. These forms of ‘Beyond Realist’ texts have a distinguished pedigree stretching back to humanity’s earliest myths, epic narratives, folklore and fairy tales. You will explore how to write within genres such as science fiction, fantasy and contemporary Gothic as you learn their specific complexities and intricacies.

Unforgettable Corpses: Literature, Cultural Memory and the First World War

This module will examine literary products of the First World War, the methods by which the authors reproduced, described and fictionalised their experiences.

The second half of the module will also consider the use of First World War tropes in literature produced in the latter half of the 20th century, compare the application of those narrative devices, and critically assess the later use of those devices.

 

Writing Flash Fiction

‘Flash Fiction’ is an exciting new way of telling stories. By composing their own portfolio of very short fiction, you will be challenged to see the form from the inside, and to focus upon the creative challenges that are unique to ‘flash fiction’. These challenges will be brought into additional focus by workshops that require critical reflection upon the evolving work.

Writing the Novel

On this module, you will write the first chapter of a contemporary novel, deepening skills gained on short fiction modules in Years 1 and 2. Having acquired skills in narrative, imagery, characterisation, and theme, you will now be encouraged to develop these skills in greater depth while engaging with the demands and challenges of a longer form.

Writing, Environment and Ecocriticism

This module will offer you the opportunity to explore the ways in which contemporary writers and critics engage with images, issues and concepts of the environment in novels, poetry and non-fiction. You will choose whether you wish to engage with the themes of the module as a critic or a creative writer.

Fairy Tales: Early Modern to Postmodern

Gain an informed historical and critical perspective on a powerful literary and cultural tradition beginning with the fairy tales written in early modern Italy, continuing through Perrault, D’Aulnoy, Grimm, Andersen to the work of more contemporary authors such as Angela Carter and Margaret Atwood. It also asks where we can turn to for modern fairy tales, through a focus on the use of fairy tale tropes in the work of J.K Rowling and Philip Pullman.

Experience

Find facilities and research centres that support your creative processes

Matthew

Matthew Appleton

BA (Hons) Creative Writing
"The Creative Writing degree course, above all else, inspired me and gave me the courage to write. The curriculum gives a wide range of books to read, genres to experiment and forms to try. The lecturers are passionate writers too, so knowing all around you people are writing and developing their craft, it is impossible not to feel encouraged and motivated. Even after graduating I am pursuing my writing with confidence and passion, knowing it has improved and matured during my time at Chichester."
Creative writing student

Anabelle

BA (Hons) Creative Writing
"If you'd have told me before my degree that I'd leave with a first, get an award for best English dissertation and then go on to write for Topps Europe for brands such as Star Wars and Top Gear, I wouldn't have believed you."

Teaching and Assessment

Feel the support of one of the most experienced teaching teams in the UK

Teaching

Much of our teaching takes place in small groups. Within these classes, you will typically discuss good writing practice and workshop your own writing.

Our commitment to smaller class sizes allows you to feel more confident to discuss your ideas in a supportive environment. It also allows your tutors to get to know you and how best to aid your development.

Assessment

Our creative writing courses are predominately assessed through portfolios of creative work. Critical modules are assessed through essays and presentations. The writing placement module will be assessed through a reflective report.

Guest Speakers

A unique insight into the creative writing industry

The University boasts a blossoming writing culture and community, with regular book launches and conferences.

We also run special events with renowned creative writers. You can use these as opportunities to learn more from those with critical insight into the industry.

Some renowned authors to have visited the University in recent years include:

  • Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy
  • Matthew Sweeney
  • Helen Dunmore
  • Jo Shapcott
  • Sarah Hall
  • Bernardine Evaristo
  • Vicki Feaver
  • Sarah Hall
  • Kate Mosse
  • Alison MacLeod
  • John McCullough

Work Placements

Gain vital experience within the workplace

The Work Placement module allows you to develop your skills in a work environment and gain vital experience to put you ahead in your future career.

This allows you to gain experience in, for example, a workplace such as a local newspaper or as a writer-in-residence.

You will then use the skills you have learnt on your course in order to reflect critically on the world of work.

Study Abroad

Explore the opportunity to study part of your course abroad

As a student at the University of Chichester, you can explore opportunities to study abroad during your studies as you enrich and broaden your educational experiences.

Students who have undertaken this in the past have found it to be an amazing experience to broaden their horizons, a great opportunity to meet new people, undertake further travelling and to immerse themselves within a new culture.

You will be fully supported throughout the process to help find the right destination institution for you and your course. We can take you through everything that you will need to consider, from visas to financial support, to help ensure that you can get the best out of your time studying abroad.

Graduate Success

Join our community of successful alumni

We have consistently seen a fabulous flowering of our Creative Writing students’ work. Many students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level have continued on to become published writers and win prizes.

In recent years, students have gone on to publish novels and poetry collections, and win prizes in major competitions such as the Bridport Prize. Some have also had poems and stories published in magazines such as The Paris Review and Staple.

Former Chichester Creative Writing student Bethan Roberts recently had her novel My Policeman adapted for the silver screen in a film starring Harry Styles and Emma Corrin, whilst others have also had work broadcast on BBC Radio 4.

Careers

Open up your future career options

Our Creative Writing graduates are highly valued by employers for their strong problem-solving and communication skills and often continue into a variety of careers.

Career paths include:

  • Novelist
  • Publishing
  • Teaching
  • Journalism
  • Copywriting
  • Marketing

Postgraduate pathways

University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.

  • MA Creative Writing
  • PGCEs
  • Postgraduate Research (MPhil/PhD)

Course Costs

Course Fees 2024/25

UK fee
£9,250
International fee
£15,840

For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fees page.

For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.

To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.

Entry Requirements

Typical Offer (individual offers may vary)

UCAS
96 - 120
tariff points.
A Levels
BBB - CCC
including English Literature, English Language, English Language and Literature, Creative Writing or Drama at grade B or C.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass
with 12 level 3 credits worth of English units at Merit.
IB
28 points
with English Higher at 4.
IELTS
6.0 overall
with no element lower than 5.5.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply?

Click the ‘Apply now’ button to go to relevant UCAS page.

What are UCAS tariff points?

Many qualifications have a UCAS Tariff value. The score depends on the qualification, and the grade you achieved.

How do I know what my UCAS tariff points are?

Head to the UCAS Tariff Points web page where you can find a tariff points calculator that can tell you how much your qualification and grades are worth.

Our address

For visits

I’m looking for