Creative Writing

Creative writing is the art of making literature: constructing fictional worlds and characters, finding the exact words that bring an image or a feeling to life, shaping narrative to create tension and meaning, and discovering through the act of writing what you think and feel about the world. It is a discipline that takes seriously the idea that writing is a craft that can be taught and learned, not simply a talent that some possess and others do not. Good creative writing teaching develops close attention to language, the ability to read your own work critically, the capacity to receive and act on feedback, and an understanding of the literary traditions within which you are working.

At Nottingham Trent University you will study this three-year full-time programme, which includes a sandwich year and a work placement. The sandwich year and placement give you the opportunity to work in a professional environment connected to writing, publishing, communications, or the creative industries, building the practical skills and professional contacts that support a writing career. Across the programme you will write fiction, poetry, and other forms, submitting your work to workshop critique and developing the editorial self-awareness that writers need.

You will also read widely and analytically, understanding through other writers' choices how literary effects are achieved. NTU's connections to the Nottingham literary and creative industries scene provide opportunities for readings, residencies, and professional encounters. The typical entry tariff is 120 points.

Creative writing graduates pursue careers as novelists, short story writers, poets, screenwriters, playwrights, copywriters, journalists, editors, publishers, literary agents, and arts educators. Many build portfolio careers that combine their own writing with commercial or educational work. The sandwich year placement is particularly valuable for those aiming to enter publishing, communications, or media.

Further study in creative writing, often at master's level, is a common route for those seeking to develop their practice further or to pursue academic careers in creative writing.