Explore literature from all angles with our BA English Literature with Creative Writing course.
English literature and creative writing are a perfect combination at degree level:
- In your literature modules, you will be introduced to important, exciting, diverse writers from across the centuries and the globe.
- In creative writing, you will explore literary creativity from the inside: creating characters, shaping poems, and drawing on your imagination.
The two sides of the degree complement and challenge each other. The great writers from the past and present who you study will inspire and influence your writing. Meanwhile, creating your own work will help you understand technique and form in ways that will sharpen your analysis of literary texts.
You will learn from active, prize-winning authors from our Department of English Literature. These academics have years of experience with the nuts-and bolts of writing, and they will closely read and advise you on your work.
Our academics have also published research on everything from medieval poetry to contemporary Caribbean and American fiction, and they will help you to develop your own literary enthusiasms.
English literature
On your English literature modules, you will examine well-known authors and genres, such as tragedy and gothic literature, Shakespeare and Plath. You’ll also be introduced to aspects of literary studies that may be less familiar to you, such as:
- children’s literature
- publishing studies
- the history of the book
During your first year, you will develop the advanced skills in literary analysis necessary for undergraduate work. For example, you will:
- explore the different ways that literary texts respond to their cultural context.
- trace the development of English-language poetry over time and across the globe.
- examine how literary texts accrue new meanings in the process of interpretation.
In your second year, you can choose modules that range from Renaissance lyric poetry to contemporary fiction.
In your third year, your module choices are more diverse and specialised. For example, you can do archive work or look at the politics of literature.
Creative writing
On your creative writing modules, you will be introduced to all the major forms, including:
- fiction
- drama
- poetry
- creative-non-fiction.
In your second year you can specialise in the areas you feel most excited by. In your third year, you’ll participate in our masterclasses. These are advanced modules in your chosen literary form, where you will read and discuss very recently published texts, identify and write about the themes that are currently popular and fresh, and be encouraged to pursue publication yourself as part of the module assessment. You can also write at a greater length by choosing to do a creative writing dissertation.
We are committed to teaching through the workshop model. These small group sessions are the heart of Reading’s writing community: guided by one of our lecturers, you and your fellow students will gain confidence as your share your writing and help each other improve.
You will also have the opportunity to publish your work – and gain experience in editing and publishing – by participating in our annual Creative Writing Anthology.
Find out more about our creative writing studies, including information about our academics, on our Department’s creative writing webpage.
Your learning environment
We place a strong emphasis on small-group learning within a friendly and supportive environment.
In your first and second years, you will attend a mix of larger-scale lectures as well as seminars of no more than 14 people. In your third year, all of your studies will take place in seminars taught by research-active experts.
Our team of poets, fiction and non-fiction writers provide detailed and thorough feedback on your written work within 15 working days. This is crucial to your development as a writer, whether you intend a career in creative or professional writing.
Learn more about what to expect during your studies on our Department’s How you’ll learn webpage.
For more information, please visit the Department of English Literature website.
Placement
Throughout your degree you will be thinking about the career choices that will enable you to thrive after graduation. We will help you develop the skills and experience you need to launch that career.
Our innovative placement scheme gives you the chance to undertake an academic placement in commerce, industry or the arts. You can also take a placement module on languages and literature in heritage, in education, and in the media.
Students on our Communications at Work module also undertake a short placement to explore the ways in which the skills and knowledge gained in their studies have direct application to the workplace.
Study abroad
In your second year, you can spend a term studying abroad at one of our partner institutions in the USA, Canada, Australia, or countries across Europe. To find out more, visit our Study Abroad site.
Overview
English literature and creative writing are a perfect combination at degree level:
- In your literature modules, you will be introduced to important, exciting, diverse writers from across the centuries and the globe.
- In creative writing, you will explore literary creativity from the inside: creating characters, shaping poems, and drawing on your imagination.
The two sides of the degree complement and challenge each other. The great writers from the past and present who you study will inspire and influence your writing. Meanwhile, creating your own work will help you understand technique and form in ways that will sharpen your analysis of literary texts.
You will learn from active, prize-winning authors from our Department of English Literature. These academics have years of experience with the nuts-and bolts of writing, and they will closely read and advise you on your work.
Our academics have also published research on everything from medieval poetry to contemporary Caribbean and American fiction, and they will help you to develop your own literary enthusiasms.
English literature
On your English literature modules, you will examine well-known authors and genres, such as tragedy and gothic literature, Shakespeare and Plath. You’ll also be introduced to aspects of literary studies that may be less familiar to you, such as:
- children’s literature
- publishing studies
- the history of the book
During your first year, you will develop the advanced skills in literary analysis necessary for undergraduate work. For example, you will:
- explore the different ways that literary texts respond to their cultural context.
- trace the development of English-language poetry over time and across the globe.
- examine how literary texts accrue new meanings in the process of interpretation.
In your second year, you can choose modules that range from Renaissance lyric poetry to contemporary fiction.
In your third year, your module choices are more diverse and specialised. For example, you can do archive work or look at the politics of literature.
Creative writing
On your creative writing modules, you will be introduced to all the major forms, including:
- fiction
- drama
- poetry
- creative-non-fiction.
In your second year you can specialise in the areas you feel most excited by. In your third year, you’ll participate in our masterclasses. These are advanced modules in your chosen literary form, where you will read and discuss very recently published texts, identify and write about the themes that are currently popular and fresh, and be encouraged to pursue publication yourself as part of the module assessment. You can also write at a greater length by choosing to do a creative writing dissertation.
We are committed to teaching through the workshop model. These small group sessions are the heart of Reading’s writing community: guided by one of our lecturers, you and your fellow students will gain confidence as your share your writing and help each other improve.
You will also have the opportunity to publish your work – and gain experience in editing and publishing – by participating in our annual Creative Writing Anthology.
Find out more about our creative writing studies, including information about our academics, on our Department’s creative writing webpage.
Your learning environment
We place a strong emphasis on small-group learning within a friendly and supportive environment.
In your first and second years, you will attend a mix of larger-scale lectures as well as seminars of no more than 14 people. In your third year, all of your studies will take place in seminars taught by research-active experts.
Our team of poets, fiction and non-fiction writers provide detailed and thorough feedback on your written work within 15 working days. This is crucial to your development as a writer, whether you intend a career in creative or professional writing.
Learn more about what to expect during your studies on our Department’s How you’ll learn webpage.
For more information, please visit the Department of English Literature website.
Placement
Throughout your degree you will be thinking about the career choices that will enable you to thrive after graduation. We will help you develop the skills and experience you need to launch that career.
Our innovative placement scheme gives you the chance to undertake an academic placement in commerce, industry or the arts. You can also take a placement module on languages and literature in heritage, in education, and in the media.
Students on our Communications at Work module also undertake a short placement to explore the ways in which the skills and knowledge gained in their studies have direct application to the workplace.
Study abroad
In your second year, you can spend a term studying abroad at one of our partner institutions in the USA, Canada, Australia, or countries across Europe. To find out more, visit our Study Abroad site.
Entry requirements A Level BBB | IB 30 points overall
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS, and we will guarantee you a place if you achieve one grade lower than the published offer.
Typical offer
BBB, including grade B in A level English Literature or related subject.
Related subjects include: English Language, English Language and Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies, Creative Writing.
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall including 5 at higher level in English Literature or related subject.
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM (Modules taken must be comparable to subject specific requirement)
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EN1GC | Genre and Context | DR Chloe Houston |
EN1PE | Poetry in English | DR Matthew Scott |
EN1RC | Research and Criticism | DR Stephen Thomson |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
PO1IPI | Introduction to Political Ideas | DR Rob Jubb |
PO1FRE | Freedom | DR Rob Jubb |
PO1INE | Inequality | DR Jonathan Golub |
TY1PRI | Printing and printmaking | DR Rob Banham |
PP1RA | Reason and Argument | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP1RP | Radical Philosophy | PROF Maximilian De Gaynesford |
FA1MM | Modernisms & Mythologies | DR James Hellings |
EN1CW | Introduction to Creative Writing | DR Conor Carville |
EN1COMP | What is Comparative Literature? | DR John McKeane |
EN1PW | Persuasive Writing | DR Mary Morrissey |
EN1TCL | Twentieth-Century American Literature | PROF David Brauner |
EN1TRANS | Thinking Translation: History and Theory | DR Daniela La Penna |
EC118 | Economy, Politics and Culture in the Roman World | PROF Ken Dark |
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
AR1REV | Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present | DR Aleks Pluskowski |
AR1REV10 | Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present [10 credits] | DR Aleks Pluskowski |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | DR Yiorgos Gadanakis |
CL1G1 | Ancient Greek 1 | MRS Jackie Baines |
CL1SO | Ancient Song | PROF Ian Rutherford |
CL1L1 | Latin 1 (C) | MRS Jackie Baines |
LW1SOC | Law & Society | MRS Amanda Millmore |
LS1ELS | English Language and Society | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
ML1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | DR Federico Faloppa |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
PO2MIR | Modern International Relations | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PO2PWS | Politics of the Welfare State | DR Brandon Beomseob Park |
PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Alice Baderin |
MT2CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PP2GP1 | Global Philosophy 1 | DR Shalini Sinha |
PP2HKW1 | Hume, Kant, and Wittgenstein 1 | DR Severin Schroeder |
PP2EA1 | Ethical Argument 1: Philosophy and How to Live | DR Luke Elson |
PP2MM1 | Meaning and the Mind 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2OID1 | Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 1 | MR George Mason |
PP2IDR1 | Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
EN2BB | The Business of Books | DR Nicola Wilson |
EN2CF | Contemporary Fiction | PROF Bryan Cheyette |
EN2CRI | Critical Issues | DR Madeleine Davies |
EN2CMN | Chaucer and Medieval Narrative | DR Aisling Byrne |
EN2MOD | Modernism in Poetry and Fiction | DR Mark Nixon |
EN2LV | Lyric Voices 1340-1650 | DR Mary Morrissey |
EN2RER | Restoration to Revolution: 1660-1789 | DR Rebecca Bullard |
EN2OEL | Introduction to Old English Literature | DR Aisling Byrne |
EN2RTC | Renaissance Texts and Cultures | PROF Michelle O'Callaghan |
EN2RP | The Romantic Period | DR Matthew Scott |
EN2SH | Shakespeare | DR Lucinda Becker |
EN2VIC | Victorian Literature | DR Lucy Bending |
EN2WA | Writing America | DR Sue Walsh |
EN2WGI | Writing, Gender, Identity | DR Yasmine Shamma |
CL2DR | Ancient Drama | PROF Barbara Goff |
CL2RO | Roman History: From Republic to Empire | PROF Annalisa Marzano |
AR2F17 | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
AR2M8 | Medieval Europe: power, religion and death | DR Gabor Thomas |
CL2CGH | Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander | PROF Timothy Duff |
LS2LAT | Introduction to English Language Teaching | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS2LLE | Literature, Language and Education | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS2LNM | Language and New Media | PROF Rodney Jones |
ML2STA | Society, Thought, and Art in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML2UNR | Unity, Nationalism and Regionalism in Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML2GF | Science, perversion, and dream in global fantastic literature | DR Daniela La Penna |
MM270 | Practice of Entrepreneurship | DR Norbert Morawetz |
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EN3DIS | Dissertation | DR Neil Cocks |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EN3WWP | Writing Women: Nineteenth Century Poetry | DR Lucy Bending |
EN3VW | Virginia Woolf and Bloomsbury | DR Madeleine Davies |
EN3UTD | Utopia and Dystopia in English and American Literature | DR Chloe Houston |
EN3TBS | The Bloody Stage: Revenge and Death in Renaissance Drama | DR Chloe Houston |
EN3SHF | Shakespeare on Film | DR Lucinda Becker |
EN3RF | From Romance to Fantasy | DR Mary Morrissey |
EN3PSY | Psychoanalysis and Text | PROF Karin Lesnik-Oberstein |
EN3PC | Publishing Cultures: Writers, Publics, Archives | DR Nicola Wilson |
EN3BBF | Black British Fiction | DR Cato Marks |
EN3CL | Children's Literature | PROF Karin Lesnik-Oberstein |
EN3DD | Decadence and Degeneration: Literature of the 1880s and 1890s | DR Lucy Bending |
EN3CF | Contemporary American Fiction | PROF David Brauner |
EN3HT | Holocaust Testimony: Memory, Trauma and Representation | PROF Bryan Cheyette |
EN3ECN | The Eighteenth-Century Novel: Sex and Sensibility | DR Rebecca Bullard |
EN3DIC | Dickens | PROF Andrew Mangham |
EN3PA | Placing Jane Austen | DR Paddy Bullard |
EN3NL | Nigerian Prose Literature: From Achebe to Adichie | DR Sue Walsh |
EN3MPY | Creative Writing Masterclass: Poetry | DR Conor Carville |
EN3MPS | Creative Writing Masterclass: Prose | MS Shelley Harris |
EN3MO | Medieval Otherworlds | DR Aisling Byrne |
EN3MAT | Margaret Atwood | DR Madeleine Davies |
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250* per year
New international students: £17,320 per year
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Flexible courses (price per 10 credit module)
UK/Republic of Ireland students: £750
International students: £1275
Careers
A degree in English Literature with Creative Writing means you will enter the job market with highly-developed research and communication skills.
You will know how to access reliable information on any topic and present your findings in clear and persuasive language. These are valuable skills in today’s economy, where information and communication skills are vital. You will also have the critical and cultural awareness necessary for working in the public sector and the media.
Some of our students decide to continue their studies at postgraduate level; others have successful careers in fields as diverse as law, business administration, web design, teaching, and journalism.
Past graduates have gone on to work for employers such as:
- BBC
- The Telegraph
- Oxford University Press
- Waterstones
- Cisco Systems
- Royal Mint
- local authorities and schools.
Find out more information on our Department’s Careers webpage.
Studying English at Reading has allowed me to learn about the origins of the English language, write an original short story and create informative pieces for an exhibition in a local museum. Now I'm moving to South Korea to teach English, something I can't imagine doing had I studied anywhere else.
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