Creative Writing

Creative writing as an academic subject takes the craft of writing seriously as both a practice and a subject for reflection. It asks you to develop your voice and skill across a range of forms, to understand the techniques that make writing work, and to read other writers' work with the attention of a practitioner rather than just a reader. It is a discipline that demands discipline itself: the patience to draft, revise, and redraft, the willingness to receive and act on feedback, and the persistence to develop a piece of writing toward its full potential.

This part-time programme at Leeds Beckett accommodates students who need to balance study with work or other commitments, making creative writing accessible to those who bring life experience and maturity to the craft. You will work across forms including poetry, short fiction, novels, scripts, and non-fiction, developing the technical skills to handle each effectively while also exploring the editorial process of moving from initial idea to finished draft. The course includes a year abroad, which offers the opportunity to engage with writing in a different cultural context and to draw on experiences that enrich your own work.

You will receive guidance on finding the right audience for your writing, understanding the publishing landscape, and developing a professional relationship with your own practice.

Creative writing graduates pursue a wide range of careers, many of which draw on the communication and storytelling skills the degree develops rather than requiring direct employment as writers. Publishing, editing, journalism, copywriting, teaching, scriptwriting, content creation, and communications roles are common destinations. Many graduates also write alongside other careers, using the discipline and craft developed during the degree to sustain a writing practice over the long term.

Further study in creative writing at postgraduate level is a natural step for those who wish to develop a specific project or pursue academic engagement with the field.