BA (Hons)

Creative Writing

W800

We take a holistic approach aiming towards you not only becoming the best writer you can be, but ensuring you understand how you can use your writing in a professional capacity. To help you achieve this, our department of passionate and supportive lecturers runs a practice-based programme with workshops designed to encourage your evolution as a writer.

Pen and paper

Course overview

As one of the most successful creative writing programmes of its kind in the UK, we encourage you to see all types of writing in relation to wider literary, cultural and professional contexts. Whether you are crafting novels, poems or non fiction, our widely published academics help you to demonstrate a high level of technical skill, an aptitude for self-expression, and a commitment to hard work and personal development.  

The course arms you with desirable transferable skills, such as confident and compelling storytelling, critical thinking and articulate expression. These abilities are valued in a variety of employment contexts including arts and entertainment as well as business and commerce. 

Find out more about the Department of English and Creative Writing

 

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

Winchester campus

Course length

  • 3 years full-time
  • 6 years part-time

Apply

W800

Typical offer

104-120 points

Fees

From £9,250 pa

Course features

  • Study the craft of writing through a multi-genre and professional approach 
  • Move progressively through a structured series of writing assignments and exercises, enhanced by a workshop environment 
  • Immerse yourself in an independent creative project in your final year 
  • Networking opportunities with authors, publishers and agents 

Course details

The course seeks to move you progressively through a structured series of writing assignments and exercises, working on all genres of writing in Year 1. Your work develops in a workshop environment bolstered by positive critical encouragement and direction throughout. Additional guidance is given on audience (for example, editor, agent or publisher) where appropriate.

In Year 2, you will study three compulsory modules: Being a Writer, Nonfiction - Making it Real (which includes creative non fiction and media writing) and Strange Fiction which looks at the genres of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, ghost stories, fairytales and myths. You can choose optional modules which include Writing for Young People, Writing for Comics and Graphic Novels, Writing Historical Fiction and Composing Song Lyrics.

In Year 3, you will produce an extended creative piece of work and study one compulsory module, Ideas in Action. You select from an exciting range of optional modules which include the Creative Industries module (which explores entrepreneurship and gives you the opportunity of setting up your own business or completing a placement), Writing for Games and Writing Crime Fiction.

Work placements

We offer the chance to conduct a work placement as part of the optional Year 3 module Creative Industries.

Study abroad

Our BA (Hons) Creative Writing course provides an opportunity for you to study abroad in the United States of America or Canada. For more information see our Study Abroad page.

Learning and teaching

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.

While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 300 hours
Independent learning: 900 hours

Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 300 hours
Independent learning: 900 hours

Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 240 hours
Independent learning: 960 hours

*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.

Key areas of the student experience include:

  • Opportunities to have work published in the student writing magazine
  • Networking opportunities with guest speakers and volunteering opportunities at local book and poetry festivals 

 

Location

Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.

Teaching hours

All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during . Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes.

Further details on assessment types used can be found by contacting our teaching staff.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.

The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:

Year 1 (Level 4)*:

100% coursework
0% written exams
0% practical assessment

Year 2 (Level 5)*:

100% coursework
0% written exams
0% practical assessment

Year 3 (Level 6)*:

99% coursework
0% written exams
1% practical assessment

*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Workshop 1 - The Writer's Toolkit 30 Credits

On this module you will begin to develop essential skills for writing creative prose (semester one) and poetry (semester two). Seminars introduce you to the idea of writing and storytelling with a focus on point of view, characterisation, setting, pace, themes, structure, dialogue, research, planning, revising and editing.

You will explore some of the key issues in the drafting of poetry including its oral, aural and visual performative aspects. You will engage with selected short stories and novels (along with authors and their processes) and develop techniques and tips to use throughout your degree. The module encourages experimentation and innovation, develops an understanding of a range of writing craft techniques and introduces the complex idea of the 'writer's voice.'

The Art of Nonfiction 30 Credits

On this module you will explore all aspects of nonfiction writing. The first semester focuses on persuasive writing, including the use of rhetoric. This involves reflecting on and experimenting with the ways in which writing can be used to influence an audience. It also focuses on the importance of short form writing for digital publishing, for example, social media and blogs, with a close look at how online platforms allow writers to publish work, establish a presence and appeal to different audiences.

In the second semester you will focus on creative nonfiction and what this means, while exploring a variety of creative/literary devices to engage a range of audiences. The emphasis in both semesters will be on clarity of expression, accurate presentation, and the use of story and description and other narrative and rhetorical techniques to create stylish, compelling prose.

Creativity, Criticality and Culture 30 Credits

What does it mean to be a writer? In this module you will engage with ideas and theories of criticality and creativity. You will develop an understanding of contemporary culture and society and examine how this can be applied to creative work. This involves writing processes and how they are informed and influenced by theories such as modernism and post-modernism, by belief, by experience, by ideas about sex and gender, by cultural impact and notions of originality. How do we read texts, as writers? What are our influences? Classes will be team-taught by practising writers and will offer you the opportunity to consider your creative self in relation to the theories, ideologies, cultures, and inspirations discussed.

Writing for Performance 30 Credits

On this module you will develop an understanding of writing techniques linked to creating scripts for screen, stage and spoken word. You will be introduced to the conventions, forms and techniques of scriptwriting, along with the particular demands associated with writing for the stage. As you develop skills with script, particular attention will be paid to the language of script narrative, story development, and analysis of story in relation to authorial and cultural contexts.

Modules

Workshop 2 - Being A Writer 30 Credits

On this module you will develop a more sophisticated understanding of key craft aspects and techniques, including the further exploration and development of the writer's voice and what this can mean. You will explore a challenging variety of genres and literary forms, including but not limited to, contemporary literary fiction, metafiction, Post Colonial writing, and interactive and experimental writing across all the main forms of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry and script. The module content will reflect the specialisms of the teaching team.

Nonfiction 2 - Making it Real 30 Credits

This module develops a sophisticated understanding of different forms of creative nonfiction and media writing. In semester one the focus is on developing your media writing skills including copywriting within the wider context and constraints of media forms. You will explore ‘long read’ features, shorter ‘filler pieces’ and press releases and learn what it means to write to a professional standard.

In semester two you will develop your creative nonfiction skills by focusing on turning lived experience into narrative. This includes travel writing, biography, family history or memoir, along with the opportunity to write about contemporary issues such as migration, the environment, and other aspects of sustainability. Classes will address various ethical issues, including the blurring of lines between factual and fictional writing. You will delve into research methods, learn how to use sources both private and public, and examine the many challenges involved in writing compelling true stories.

Strange Fiction 30 Credits

What is ‘Strange Fiction'? The term is deliberately broad and encompasses fiction that moves beyond realism and what we ‘know’ about our world. You will learn to identify and utilise key structures, symbols and archetypes within genres such as horror, fantasy, science fiction, myth, fairy stories, ghost stories and speculative fiction. Also, you will understand how such stories have shaped and inspired us, and how their ideas and patterns continue to be reimagined and reappropriated through time.

Optional Modules 15 Credits

During semester one you can choose between the following options: 

Writing for Young People
This module encourages you to develop an understanding of the writing techniques required when creating either fiction or creative nonfiction for young people. You will learn to examine the main modes of nonfictional writing, both narrative and non-narrative. As well as develop an awareness of the current contemporary children’s fiction market. You will utilise this awareness when considering where (and why) your own age-appropriate work ‘fits’ within the spectrum of children’s fiction or creative nonfiction. 

OR

Writing for Comics and Graphic Novels
This module will enable you to demonstrate a creative and critical understanding of the techniques required when creating either a comic or a graphic a novel. You will be introduced to a wide range of comic book and graphic novel forms and genres. Studying examples of early super-hero comics, and of the underground comix and punk-zine movements which rebelled against them. You will also look at newer forms of traditional comics aimed at the growing female audience – such as fantasy/romance and comics with female central characters.

 

During semester two you can choose between the following options: 

Writing Historical Fiction
Thinking of Bridgerton to Wolf Hall and Goodnight Mister Tom. What is historical fiction? What genres can it encompass? On this module you will be encouraged to engage creatively and critically with historical fiction and the debates surrounding it. You will get to master the basic techniques involved in producing an historical narrative. You will be introduced to a range of relevant historical novels, with the main emphasis on the modern and evolving form. There will be the opportunity to experiment while producing fiction that uses history as its subject matter, after first considering the various challenges facing authors working in this area – including the deliberation around historical accuracy versus entertainment.

OR

Composing Song Lyrics
On this module you will have the opportunity to engage creatively and critically with a range of song lyrics including interpretation and fundamental techniques. The module will introduce you to the basics of song lyric composition, focusing in particular upon the nature of the relationship between form, voice and rhythm. You will be introduced to a broad history of the song lyric, from early oral forms up to and including pop lyrics and more recent developments in such writing as rap and hip hop. As well as offering you an opportunity to master the basics of songwriting in its various forms, you will be involved in discussing the changing nature of the content of this traditional form as it has developed over time.

Modules

Extended Creative Piece 30 Credits

In this module you will have the opportunity to plan and produce a substantial creative piece which could take the form of prose, poetry, creative nonfiction or a script or potentially a combination. It will consist of an 8,000 word creative element supported by a 2,000 word contextualising rationale. This is an independent study. You will be supported by an allocated supervisor who you can meet with to discuss your project and progress.

Workshop 3 - Ideas in Action 30 Credits

‘If you want the truth read fiction!’ This has been asserted by both Ali Smith and Neil Gaiman in the past. Storytelling can make a difference and empower. In this module you will consider the fiction, films, poetry and creative nonfiction that have made people think and potentially have changed the world (most recently Mr Bates v Post Office to as far back as Harriet Beecher-Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin). It will enable you to demonstrate a practical understanding of social ideas and 'ideas in action' through the creation of your own creative piece. The module will encourage experimentation and innovation as you continue to hone your craft while using your ‘writer’s voice’ potentially for good.

Optional Modules Credits

Creative Industries - 30 credits
On this module you will be encouraged to explore and understand the importance of the creative industries. This module has two threads, the first thread focuses on publishing and includes all aspects of publishing from traditional to digital and self-publishing, as well as alternative ways of disseminating your work such as publication in literary magazines. The second thread enables you to explore entrepreneurship and consultancy while reflecting upon how you can use writing to make a living. In the second semester you can choose to have a placement, set up your own business or to continue to focus on the publishing industry.

 

Life on Earth - 30 credits
On this module you will consider the key environmental and social challenges of the time and how these can be represented through language. The world is changing and many people are asking what our lives will be like in 2050 and beyond. This module tackles that question head-on. It asks you to engage with some of the most challenging and thought-provoking issues of our time (such as new technologies, body image, conspiracy theories, ecology, climate change) and imagine what our future might look like.

This module is not just about the future, it is also about the here and now, taking in our current environment. During the module you will have the opportunity to study and respond to the environment around us. Reading examples of all the major forms of contemporary environmental writing: poetry, fiction and non-fiction. But you won’t simply sit in the classroom and write – you will have a chance to actively engage with your environment, from fields and forests to shopping centres. Be prepared to go outside!

 

Writing for Games - 15 credits
On this module you will be encouraged to develop an understanding of the opportunities and constraints when writing for games. The module focuses on the appreciation and construction of narratives for video/computer games, beginning with an exploration of the concerns involved in writing for a range of common game genres. You will study and practise constructing the overall narrative for a video game, taking into account the need to make efficient use of costly art assets, voice work and animation. You will also consider the individual items that would get this story and world across to the player such as cinematic scripts, interactive dialogue and spreadsheets of “barks” or item descriptions. Finally, you will create a portfolio of game writing, representing the sort of material that a writer might be expected to produce for a commercial video game.

Creative Teaching for Creative Writing - 15 credits
On this module you will consider how creative writing can be taught in different ways. This module prepares you for teaching and creative practice beyond the confines of university/academia. It explores teaching techniques through practical sessions and discussion and suggests a range of approaches that you can adopt and adapt as they evolve creatively stimulating lessons that are also mindful of inclusive approaches that connect to gender, equality and good-practice in teaching.

Write Yourself Well: Creative Writing as Therapy - 15 credits
On this module you will be able to develop an awareness of how creative writing can be used as a therapy. The benefits of writing for health and wellbeing have long been recognised. In an age where wellbeing is causing major concerns both nationally and internationally, writing is a free resource accessible by anyone. The module explores how to apply it professionally and use it to guide and support others in most need.

This module has its focus on the value of engagement with the process in a variety of forms and you will explore a range of activities that link writing with beneficial outcomes. Additionally, you will reflect on your own writing practices and the ways you yourself benefit from, and through, writing. You will explore specific groups within the community that have been seen to benefit from reflective writing as therapy.

Writing Crime Fiction: Dial M for Murder - 15 credits
On this module you will engage creatively and critically with crime fiction and the debates surrounding it. Crime fiction, murder mystery, cosy crime, detective story and police novels continue to be popular as do ‘true crime’ TV programmes. This module explores the history and great practitioners of the form up to and including contemporary texts. Also, you will understand how such stories have shaped and inspired us, how their ideas and patterns continue to be reimagined and reappropriated. Studying text, film and TV shows, you will learn to identify and utilise key structures, symbols, tropes and archetypes within the genres enabling you to create your own piece of crime or detective fiction, whether prose or script.

Entry requirements

104-120 points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)

BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications

International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4

T Level: Merit in a T Level

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:

GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.

International points required

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  • IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Oxford ELLT, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.

2025 Course Tuition Fees

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland 

International

Year 1 £9,250 £16,700
Year 2 £9,250 £16,700
Year 3 £9,250 £16,700
Total £27,750 £50,100
Optional Sandwich Year* £1,850 £3,340
Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.

Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:

Optional
Field trip - in your second year of study, there may be a field trip depending on module choices. Indicative cost is £20.

Disclosure and Barring Service

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check may be required if you undertake a placement, volunteering, research or other course related activity where you will have contact with children or vulnerable adults. The requirement for a DBS check will be confirmed by staff as part of the process to approve your placement, research or other activity. The indicative cost is £40.

Mandatory
Core texts

Copies of core texts are held within the library and e-books are identified where possible, however often students wish to purchase some books for their own use. It is possible for students to buy second-hand copies. Indicative cost is £160 per academic year.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Graduates become professional writers or follow careers in publishing, advertising, marketing, teaching or other professions that require advanced communication skills. 

Many of our graduates choose to go on to further study, both at Masters and Doctoral level. Recent graduates have also successfully set themselves up as freelance writers, or else gone into a variety of areas of employment including public service, charitable and community work, administration, teaching, publishing, banking, law, PR, marketing, copywriting, estate agency, sales authorship, recruitment and optometry.

The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, HESA.

Pre-approved for a Masters 

If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree. 

OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Student with careers staff member
Read how two Creative Writing graduates have collaborated on a picture book for primary school children on the hazards of air pollution. Emily and Katt's book has been shortlisted for an environmental Green Gown Award. Commenting on the nomination, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Glenn Fosbraey, said: "We're delighted to have reached the finals and hope we can take that final step and bring home the trophy."

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18 January 2025