BA (Hons) Creative Writing

A career in creative writing could see you working in publishing, a literary agency, freelancing or in education — and that’s just the start. Whether you want to create prose, scripts, poetry or non-fiction, we’ll help you turn writing into a career.

With visits from published writers and industry professionals, you’ll be able to explore career opportunities and build contacts. When you graduate, you’ll have a strong portfolio and a professional network to kick-start your career.

Writers rarely work alone, so BA (Hons) Creative Writing will give you the opportunity to collaborate with other courses. You might write scripts with animators or filmmakers, or explore narratives with illustrators.

All undergraduate courses at AUB offer an optional placement year, to be taken between your second and third years of study.

If you’re unsure about this optional placement, you don’t need to decide now. Once you’re here and studying with us, the course team will discuss the placement options with you, so when the time comes, you can make a decision that’s right for you.

First year allows you to experience different areas of Creative Writing, providing you with a toolkit of fundamental creative and academic skills. A dynamic series of workshops, lectures and seminars, facilitated by staff and visiting industry professionals, are designed to build your competency. You'll read widely throughout this level, gaining a solid knowledge of other authors and their work, and an understanding of how this research can impact on your own practice.

At the core of the course experience will be writing workshops that provide a safe environment for you to share your work with lecturers and peers, gaining invaluable constructive feedback. These workshops will build confidence in sharing your work with others and develop strategies for giving and receiving feedback.

Second year encourages you to apply your developing skills in the area, form, and genre of your choice, exploring where you can take your practice beyond university.

You'll develop an awareness and understanding of publishing and production options, literary agencies and publishers, and other creative arts and literature-based organisations. You'll also undertake practical community or industry-based live projects that reflect your interests.

You'll actively explore the mechanics of being a professional writer, developing knowledge in the areas of self-promotion, marketing and managing finances, gaining key employable skills and Graduate Attributes.

You'll enter your third year looking to strengthen existing industry links and networks introduced in second year through further practical engagement and experiences. You'll be paired with a professional writer or editor, where possible, who'll guide you, alongside academic staff, as you undertake a project in your chosen specialism.

You’ll underpin your creative practice with a critical essay that consolidates your understanding of creative writing theory, practice, and contexts.

Concluding the year, you'll work on an extended project in your chosen area of interest, allowing you to develop a strong portfolio of work that best reflects you as a writer.

Our BA (Hons) Creative Writing students and alumni have gone on to win great things:

• Bristol Writing Festival (2023) – third place
• Peter Fraser Dunlop Queer Fiction Prize (2023) – shortlisted

BA (Hons) Creative Writing graduates have gone on to a variety of careers, including:

• Freelance writer
• Copywriter
• Social Media/Content Writer
• Marketing
• Teaching
• Community writing workshop facilitation