Creative Writing

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https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/creative-writing-ba-hons-2027-28

Creative Writing - BA (Hons) - 2027/28 Entry | Birmingham City University

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Creative Writing - BA (Hons)

Currently viewing course to start in 2027/28 Entry.

Our BA (Hons) Creative Writing course develops contemporary creative writers across a variety of forms, genres, and platforms, including prose fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, screenwriting, audio drama, podcasting, and digital media. The course provides the time, space and support to explore ideas, grow confident, versatile, and diverse voices, and produce original, impactful work....

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Undergraduate

Study mode

Full Time

BA (Hons)

Start date

September 2027

View course fees

English and Creative Writing

Location

City Centre

This course is:

Available with Professional Placement year

Open to International Students

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Overview

Our BA (Hons) Creative Writing course develops contemporary creative writers across a variety of forms, genres, and platforms, including prose fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, screenwriting, audio drama, podcasting, and digital media. The course provides the time, space and support to explore ideas, grow confident, versatile, and diverse voices, and produce original, impactful work. You will engage deeply with creative and literary traditions, innovative techniques and technologies, and professional practices to prepare for a range of opportunities in the creative industries.

Through creative workshops and applied practice, you will learn how to write and pitch ideas proficiently for different audiences and contexts. Professional development, publishing experience, market awareness, and the chance to participate in industry-focused or entrepreneurial projects ensure our graduates leave with the skills needed to succeed in future.

What's covered in this course?

At the heart of our courses is a shared interest in words and stories, and an appreciation of the real difference they make in the world. Taught by distinguished writers and educators in a friendly, supportive learning community, you will explore the power of words and writing in ways that matter today and to you.

In your first year, you will establish a foundation in creative writing and reading that guides you into university-level creative and academic work. You will learn key principles about creative writing in multiple forms and genres, including crime fiction, science fiction, and fantasy.

In year two, you will expand your creative range through the novel, short stories, digital storytelling, and screenwriting. You will consider the implications of new media and artificial intelligence, experiment with visual media, and develop the ability to create content with purpose and clarity, which is essential for connecting with audiences and enhancing your employability.

You will also choose between hands-on opportunities in the Work Placement, Industry Project, or Independent Creative Entrepreneur modules.

In your final year, you will refine your craft, develop your professional identity, and work on impactful creative projects. You will research, devise, and pitch a substantial creative project in the form of your choice, to be completed in semester two, and you will increase your expressive control and reach as a writer through poetry, creative nonfiction and audio drama.

Throughout your course you will access industry insights and career advice from creative professionals, including authors, agents, editors and publishers, through our enriching programme of guest speakers and events.

English at BCU is a top-20 research department for English Studies and research excellence is central to our taught courses. We focus on the practice and application of subject knowledge and skills to develop graduate readers, thinkers, and writers that excel in criticality, creativity, and communication.

As a perceptive critical thinker, you will interpret and assess complex information and situations to form intelligent judgements and solutions. As a creative individual, you will produce new and imaginative texts, and generate interesting, challenging ideas. And, as a proficient, versatile communicator, you will be trained in clear and accurate spoken and written English to professional standards.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Creative Writing course are ready for a variety of creative, commercial and communications roles, as novelists, poets, playwrights, and screenwriters, or applying their storytelling and editorial expertise to fields like publishing, content creation, journalism, and digital media.

With opportunities to build an accomplished portfolio, gain publishing experience through our anthology of new writing, engage with industry contacts, and enhance your employability skills, this course prepares you to make an impact in the creative industries.

Professional Placement year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

This course was made for people who want to focus on their creative writing and gain the professional skills, industry knowledge, and practical experience necessary for a successful career in the creative industries.

Dr Joseph Anderton

Why Choose Us?

Concentrate on your creative writing on one of the only Midlands-based courses focused solely on creative practice.

Become a well-rounded, versatile writer by learning about a range of creative forms, including the novel, short stories, screenwriting, creative nonfiction, poetry, audio drama, podcasting, and digital media.

Work with expert creative practitioners and world-leading academics. 94% of research in English at BCU was judged to be either world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) in REF2021.

You’ll meet acclaimed authors and industry specialists as part of the activities of our Institute of Creative and Critical Writing. Recent guests include author Kit de Waal, poetry activist Jo Bell, agent Cathryn Summerhayes, and Writing West Midlands’ CEO, Jonathan Davidson.

We’re top 10 in the UK for career prospects in English, with 88% of our graduates in graduate-level jobs or further study after 15 months (Guardian League Tables 2025)

We contribute to a rich literary scene, whether it’s holding informal poetry readings in the pub, producing our annual anthology of new creative writing, hosting the launch of the acclaimed Poetry Review, or interviewing Man Booker Prize shortlisted authors at Birmingham Literary Festival.

Top 10 in the UK for career prospects in English, with 88% of our graduates in graduate-level jobs or further study after 15 months Guardian League Tables 2025

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Open Day

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Next Open Day: 21 November

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Course in Depth

First Year

Second Year

Professional Placement Year (optional)

Final Year

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

Voices of Birmingham 20 credits

In this module you will explore Birmingham’s status as a diverse and multicultural city. Through probing different notions of ‘multiculturalism’, ‘diversity’ and ‘community’, you will consider the multitude of voices that form the city, their connections, and your positioning in relation to them. As you learn about various aspects of Birmingham’s histories and communities, you will be introduced to key skills and knowledge required for degree-level studies in English and consider their value to your professional development. You will learn how to read and interpret a variety of texts, select appropriate research material and sources, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively. By the end of this module, you will have developed a clear sense of your responsibilities as an English student and acquired the skills necessary to express your own critical and creative voices.

Prose Writing 20 credits

This module considers how we read and write prose. You will be equipped with key literary analytical tools, including key terms and theories, which you will utilize in your analyses of prose works of different kinds, including prose essays, short stories, and a Booker Prize-winning novel. You will also discuss and practice your own prose writing techniques and have the opportunity to write creative prose of different kinds. You will develop an understanding of the forms and conventions of narrative prose, discursive styles, identify different types of prose, and differentiate between a range of disciplinary perspectives.

Adaptation 20 credits

This module adopts complementary perspectives on the transformation and re-creation of texts. The first half of the module concentrates on close readings of translations drawn from epic, sacred and profane traditions to develop skills of literary analysis, differentiation, contextualization and evaluation, while providing the basis for students’ own creative work. Case studies based on stage and film treatments broaden the scope to consider formal and cultural questions relating to adaptation. The second half of the module concentrates on linguistic approaches to the analysis of literary texts (also called Stylistics). Here, the module concentrates on the use of stylistic devices in poems, plays, and prose; and considers how linguistics can highlight techniques used in literary writing to create important literary effects. There will be a specific focus in this half of the module on grammar and style, speech and thought presentation, point of view, and pragmatics.

Key Critical Concepts 20 credits

‘Key Critical Concepts’ focuses on understanding and applying useful theoretical ideas and analytical approaches to develop your close reading, interpretation, and analysis of literature. It will help you to critically reflect on how language and literature function; on what we bring to a text when we read it; and how to pay careful attention to form, style, and genre. The module promotes more sophisticated readings of a variety of literary texts, including poems, plays, short stories, and extracts from novels, ranging from the early modern period to the present day. By the end of the module, you will have developed foundational knowledge of key critical concepts that you will be able to employ in textual analyses throughout your degree.

Craft of Writing 20 credits

In this module, you will explore key elements of effective creative writing and the techniques used to create and control form and style, such as showing and telling, imagery, viewpoint, and narrative. You will examine each element or technique in a given text and then apply what you have learned in your own writing. Textual examples are drawn from a range of forms, such as audio drama, screenplay, poetry, monologue, the novel, short story, stage play and memoir. Each week will inform a different element of your writing technique, feeding into new pieces of writing to be submitted for assessment in a portfolio at the end of the semester. You will also write your own personal Writer’s Manifesto which sets out the intentions behind your writing and your thoughts about the social purpose of writing in your life and the wider world. In preparation for this you will study a range of manifestos written by writers and creative thinkers.

Genre 20 credits

‘Genre’ encourages you to explore and experiment with different kinds of stories, including crime fiction, science fiction, dystopian fiction, and fantasy. The module introduces you to the ways creative writing is classified through recognisable features and established conventions that continue to shape storytelling, style, and reader expectations.

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):

Writing Short Stories 20 credits

This module introduces you to writing short fiction. You will learn from the work of a diverse range of short story writers, exploring the distinctive characteristics of the form, and experimenting with techniques involved in crafting a strong short story. You will identify, practice and apply elements of craft such as narrative structure, voice, diction, dialogue, characterisation and imagery as they relate to the short story form in particular, and experiment with editing and rewriting. You will share your work in progress with other students for constructive criticism, and explore ways of giving effective feedback, as well as reflecting on how to improve your own work.

The Novel 20 credits

You’ll study the novel’s development and significance while gaining hands-on experience in planning, writing, and pitching your own creative work. Combining analysis, workshops, and industry insight, this module builds your skills in storytelling, character, structure, and voice for both traditional and modern literary platforms.

Creating Compelling Content 20 credits

The ability to create compelling content is an essential communication skill and the key to employability in a range of media careers, not least in Public Relations. As well as being engaging and accessible, effective communication almost always involves the ability to produce professional content across a range of platforms and channels. This module concentrates on developing the writing and crafting skills that are highly valued by media employers.

Screenwriting 20 credits

This module will teach you the essential skills of, and principles behind, the writing of short films. Although these principles apply primarily to screenwriting for film and television, this module will instead be concerned with the writing of short films. You will study a number of freely available short guides to screenplay layout and formatting and be trained in the practical application of screenplay formatting software. You will write three short scripts, given as fortnightly writing exercises, and receive detailed formative feedback on one of the scripts, which you can use to improve and develop your work for your final portfolio. You will focus on visual storytelling, layout conventions, and the issue of writing to scale (budget). You will also be encouraged to analyse, but also critique, dramatic construction in terms of character function, motivation and genre.

Digital Storytelling 20 credits

Digital Storytelling techniques have evolved to include everything from film techniques, still images, immersive-audio, environmental storytelling, and more. In this module we will consider the different ways in which these techniques can be effectively utilised to allow creative citizens to share their stories and to create engaging and meaningful stories through digital platforms. Looking at both factual and fictional storytelling, we will consider case studies that draw on a range of different mediums. We will analyse and discover what makes a compelling narrative, and how alternative sequencing can be utilised. This may involve aspects such as interactive consequential story branching (choose your own adventure), site-specific storytelling, spatial storytelling, and sonic affectivity in digital applications or environments. You will be introduced to a variety of techniques to establish your knowledge of the components of digital storytelling and enhance your understanding. For your assessment you will be required to produce a digital story and compare how this piece sits within the broader field of digital storytelling.

In order to complete this course a student must also successfully complete 20 credits from the following indicative list of CORE School modules.

Work Placement 20 credits

The purpose of this module is to enable you to develop professional attributes and subject skills through experience in the work place, and to critically reflect upon your learning in that context. You will normally be expected to arrange your own placement, with support from academic staff and the Careers team.

Industry Project 20 credits

Independent Creative Entrepreneur 20 credits

Creative careers often lead individuals on unexpected journeys, traversing diverse paths. Recognizing and seizing opportunities becomes pivotal in shaping a fulfilling portfolio career—one that harnesses your creative abilities while sustaining your livelihood. Whether you’re crafting artistic artefacts, performing, providing services, or offering consultancy, the art of promoting and pitching ideas lies at the heart of an independent, entrepreneurial journey.

Core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

In order to qualify for the Professional Placement Year, you must successfully complete the following Level 5 module:

Professional Placement 120 credits

This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40- week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.

Writing Poetry 20 credits

This module will enable you to build upon your current reading and writing of poetry, and to develop your range, technique and sophistication as a contemporary poet and thinker on poetry. As well as cultivating your ability to read poetry sympathetically and critically, you will learn how to nurture the poetic imagination and what Ted Hughes called its ‘psychic disciplines’, with a view to strengthening and emboldening the intuition and sensitivity upon which poetic technique depends. You also will acquire practical knowledge of publishing and performing your own work.

Writing Creative Nonfiction 20 credits

Major Project Preparation 20 credits

The ‘Major Project Preparation’ module focuses on creative thinking and initial research to develop a proposal and plan for the delivery of your Major Project. You will be introduced to the skills, techniques and processes required to identify, articulate, and organise a project that can be successfully realised. It aims to ensure that you judge the appropriateness of a variety of critical and analytical approaches to developing a major project and that you create a plan that is within scope and can be delivered successfully to a high standard.

Audio Drama and Podcast Writing 20 credits

The United Kingdom commissions, produces and broadcasts more audio drama – online, on digital and on radio – than any other country in the world. In this diverse and dynamic medium, writers can tell human stories set anywhere in time and space, at a fraction of the cost of television and film production. What’s more – as an old industry saying goes – ‘you see it better on radio’. In this module you will learn how to write and produce compelling audio drama scripts and episodes of a podcast drama series by engaging practically and theoretically with the key principles and techniques involved. You will also be introduced to editorial collaboration, the pitching of projects, and appropriate methods of presentation, including recorded voice essays that can incorporate sound effects. You will learn how to communicate ideas clearly, accurately and effectively both orally and in writing.

Major Project: Creative Writing 40 credits

The ‘Major Project: Creative Writing’ module is where you will put into practice the creative thinking, research, proposal, and plan developed in the Major Project Preparation module. This module will involve the creation of an original, sustained, and theoretically informed creative work and an extended critical reflection on your creative practice exploring an area that resonates with you personally and represents the culmination of your creative studies.

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How you will learn

Your learning will be through a mixture of lectures, practical workshops and seminars. Your course also provides an opportunity to undertake work-based learning through a placement. We embed flexible opportunities for you to access your curriculum including recorded lectures, blended learning, on-campus delivery and intensive delivery of some modules.

We recognise that students progress to higher education from a variety of educational experiences and that university is a completely new educational environment for most of you. For that reason, you will find that in your first year with us there is a focus on supporting your transition which places an emphasis on developing both the confidence and the competencies required for being successful at your university assignments.

Where appropriate, we will bring in external speakers or arrange visits relevant to your specialism. These may be from industry or be focused on a particular specialist academic interest.

We have excellent links with industry, community and scholarly partners which we draw on to enhance your learning experience, including Birmingham Poetry Literary Journal, our English Studies programme of guest authors, editors, agents and publishers, Writing West Midlands, and Desiblitz Literature Festival.

How you will be assessed

All our assessments are designed to ensure that you meet the learning outcomes of your modules and thus of the course overall. Assessment types may include portfolios, reflective writing, essays, case studies, and presentations. You will be assessed as an individual but there may be times when you will be asked to work within teams and submit assessments as groups.

All modules offer chances for formative assessment, that is, informal assessments that are used to assess your understanding before the final submission of your work. Formative assessments also help inform the teaching strategy within a module, identifying areas where we can offer extra help and guidance. We will offer tutorials and a chance for you to discuss your draft assessments before you submit them. Once marked, we will give formal feedback on all work submitted, aimed at helping you improve future submissions.

Trips and visits

Our BA (Hons) Creative Writing students enhance their learning through a series of trips and visits. In recent years, students in creative writing have visited the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, The Coffin Works, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Further studies

The course helps students develop the necessary skills for further study, with activities such as the Major Project helping to prepare you for postgraduate work. You could progress onto a range of postgraduate studies, such as MA, or pursue a career in education through a PGCE.

English Blog

A blog that offers you an insight into life as an English student at Birmingham City University.

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Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2027/28.

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

Essential requirements

112-72 UCAS Tariff points

The offer we make you takes into account your individual circumstances, predicted grades, achieved qualifications and potential to succeed at university.

GCSE and other level 2 requirements

Applicants who do not hold a level 3 qualification in English will require GCSE English Language or English Literature at grade C/4 or above. Please see A Level, BTEC and other Level 3 requirements below.

A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements

Qualification

Entry requirements

A Level / AS Level

A Level: 112-72 UCAS Tariff points / BBC-CDE (or equivalent)

AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels

A maximum of four subjects will be considered

Preferred subjects: English or another Arts, Humanities or Social Science subject. This includes subjects such as History, Geography, Politics, Sociology, Psychology, Religious Studies, Philosophy, Languages, Media Studies, Law and Economics. We will also consider applicants with qualifications in other subjects that develop analytical thinking, critical evaluation and written communication skills.

Applicants who do not hold a level 3 qualification in English will require GCSE English Language or English Literature at grade C/4 or above.

Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate)

Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications

Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications

Typical offers vary according to individual circumstances and may be equivalent to a Merit or Pass overall grade

Access to HE Diploma

Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3.

Preferred subjects: Language, Literature and Culture subjects, but other subjects also considered.

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications

WJEC Level 3 qualifications

Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)

112-72 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects

Required subjects: English Language or Literature.

Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher

112-72 UCAS Tariff points, achieved from three Advanced Highers or two Advanced Highers plus two Highers

Required subjects: English Language or Literature or combined Language and Literature subject.

Welsh Baccalaureate

112-72 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma

Typical offers vary according to individual circumstances and may be equivalent to a Merit or Pass overall

Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media)

Typical offers vary according to individual circumstances

If you're applying with an International Baccalaureate Diploma or international qualifications, please see further information below.

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students and applicants with a wide range of qualifications and experiences. Applicants with non-standard qualifications may be asked to provide additional information or complete a short piece of work to support their application.

International qualifications

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Obtain 28-24 points overall

Required subjects: English Language or Literature at Higher Level.

EU / International students

Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and no less than 5.5 in the remaining three skills.

If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information on pre-sessional English courses.

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply

UK Student

International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BA (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2027

Duration

£10,050 in 2027/28

Apply via UCAS

International students

£19,220 in 2027/28

Apply Online

Included in your course fees

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

Not included in your course fees

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Personal stationery and study materials (optional)

Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £30 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials.

Placement expenses (optional)

If you choose to undertake a placement, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home.

Books (optional)

All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy. We suggest budgeting approximately £250 per year for this.

Personal equipment (optional)

Whilst not essential, it is advised you own a computer or laptop with a Word processor and Internet access will be required for completing and submitting assignments. You will be able to use the University laptops and computers, but you will likely find it helpful to have one of your own.

DBS Certificate (optional)

You may need to cover the cost of a DBS Certificate should you need one for the work placement module.

Accommodation and living costs (optional)

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Guidance for UK students

UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

Applying through UCAS

Register with UCAS

Login to UCAS and complete your details

Select your course and write a personal statement

Get a reference

Pay your application fee and submit your application

Guidance for International students

There are three ways to apply:

1) Direct to the University

You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.

2) Through a country representative

Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.

3) Through UCAS

If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS.

Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.

Personal statement

The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the three areas you’ll need to address:

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Here’s where you explain what makes this course exciting to you. Think about your motivations for studying the course and your future plans. If you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

This is your chance to show what you’ve learned at school or college. You should include the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from education or training and how this will help you succeed in your chosen course.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Not everything you’ve learned comes from the classroom. Life experience counts too! You might want to talk about work experience, employment, or volunteering and how they’ve helped you develop the skills needed for your chosen course or future career.

Worried about Personal Statements?

If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Get personal statement advice

Financial Support

We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.

View fees for continuing students

Employability

Enhancing Employability Skills

Employability is embedded across our course, including sector- and industry-specific skills in creative writing and related fields, such as writing for commissions, pitching ideas, and strategic communication plans. This extends through to transferable skills that hold real value regardless of your employment direction, including literacy and numeracy, time management and organisation, oral and written communication, team work, initiative and enterprise, creative and analytical thinking, self-direction and discipline, independence, information gathering and interpersonal skills.

You will have multiple opportunities to engage in problem solving and problem-based learning, particularly through individual assessments and collaborative practice modules, and to reflect on your own career development needs through participating in the Graduate+ scheme and other employability schemes over the course of your degree.

Our graduates have found employment in roles such as:

Novelist / Poet / Scriptwriter

Podcast Writer / Audio Producer

Freelance Creative Entrepreneur

Copywriter / Content Writer

Creative Arts Educator

Writing Workshop Facilitator / Youth Writing Leader

Arts Administrator

Communications Officer / Campaign Writer

Marketing Executive / Digital Marketer

Social Media Manager

Placements

Our BA Creative Writing course integrates work experience and placements into its broader aim of preparing you for careers in the creative industries and beyond.

In the second year (Level 5), students choose from three core-option modules that provide structured, hands-on industry experience: the Work Placement module, the Industry Project module, or the Independent Creative Entrepreneur module. These enable you to respond to professional briefs, collaborate with external clients, or develop your own creative ventures.

An optional Professional Placement Year between the second and third years offers extended work-based learning across sectors such as publishing, media, education, and content creation.

Throughout the course, employability is embedded in the curriculum through industry-focused assignments, career skills development, and regular engagement with creative professionals. Together, these opportunities help our students gain the experience, confidence, and insight needed for careers in authorship, screenwriting, publishing, digital media, and other creative and cultural roles.

Links to Industry

We regularly seek out opportunities to build further links with partner organisations in the region, including Writing West Midlands, National Association of Writers, Birmingham Poetry Literary Journal, Creative Black Country, Birmingham Literary Festival, Desiblitz Literature Festival, Birmingham Museums Trust (including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery), Black Country Museum Trust, Arvon Creative Writing Foundation, Flatpack Film Festival, West Midlands Screenwriters' Forum, and other subjects within the University, in addition to publishers, charities, third sector organisations, and more, in Birmingham and beyond.

Facilities & Staff

English facilities

Take a look around the facilities available to you as an English student at BCU.

See our English facilities

Our staff

Professor Gregory Leadbetter

Professor of Poetry, Course Director of the MA in Creative Writing, Director of the Institute of Creative and Critical Writing

Gregory Leadbetter is Professor of Poetry at Birmingham City University. His research focuses on Romantic poetry and thought, the traditions to which these relate, and the history and practice of poetry more generally. His book Coleridge and the Daemonic Imagination (Palgrave Macmillan, 2011) won the University English Book Prize 2012. His poetry...

More about Gregory

Naush Sabah

Lecturer in Creative Writing

As well as a lecturer in Creative Writing at BCU, Naush is a freelance writer, editor, and critic specializing in contemporary poetry. She is Editor and Publishing Director at Poetry Birmingham Literary Journal, a biannual periodical of contemporary poetry and poetry criticism, described by the TLS as ‘intellectually lithe and...

More about Naush

Professor David Roberts

Professor of English

David has taught in a variety of universities and maintained a strong interest in seventeenth-century drama and theatre. His most recent books have been about the lives of actors and writers. In 2010 his CUP biography of Thomas Betterton was shortlisted for the Theatre Library Association of America Prize. David...

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Dr Gemma Moss

Associate Professor of Modern and Contemporary Literature, Undergraduate English Courses Director

Before joining BCU, Gemma taught at the University of Salford and the University of Manchester, where she completed an MA in Postcolonial Literature and an AHRC-funded PhD.

Gemma is author of Modernism, Music and the Politics of Aesthetics (Edinburgh University Press, 2021). She is currently editing E. M. Forster’s first novel, Where Angels Fear to...

More about Gemma

Associate Professor of Modern and Contemporary Literature

Joseph Anderton writes and teaches on modern and contemporary literature, particularly in relation to dehumanisation; animals and the environment; homelessness; and literary ethics. He is author of Beckett’s Creatures: Art of Failure after the Holocaust (Bloomsbury, 2016), which considers conceptions of the ‘creature’ and ‘creaturely life’ as...

More about Joseph

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