University course · real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni · part of Careermash
University degree

Creative Writing

University of Portsmouth
Qualification
Degree
Length
3 yrs
UK fees / yr
£9,535
Study
full-time
Robin · your guide
Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.
About this course

Creative writing is the practice of producing literary work in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, drama, and the hybrid and experimental forms that contemporary writers have developed to engage with the world. It is a discipline that asks you to read carefully, think imaginatively, and write with purpose and craft, developing not just technical facility but the distinctive literary voice that distinguishes memorable writing from competent writing. Creative writing is also a practice of observation and empathy, training you to attend carefully to how people speak, feel, and experience the world and to render that attention on the page.

G. Wells lived and worked to the tradition you are joining as a writer. You will develop your practice across a range of forms and genres, guided by tutors who are themselves active writers, and you will engage with contemporary literature alongside practising your craft.

A sandwich year, a year abroad, and a work placement are all available, giving you professional experience and the opportunity to develop your writing in different contexts. The typical entry tariff of 104 points reflects an open approach to admissions that values creative potential.

Creative writing graduates follow a wide range of paths. Many work in publishing, journalism, content creation, copywriting, marketing, communications, and the cultural sector, where the ability to write with clarity and imagination is directly relevant. Others pursue careers as authors, screenwriters, or playwrights, often combining creative work with teaching, arts administration, or other employment.

Teaching English at secondary level, with a PGCE following the degree, is also a common path. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in creative writing or a related field to develop their practice further.

Could you get in?
The grades students arrived with
64-79 pts5%
80-95 pts20%
96-111 pts25%
112-127 pts20%
128-143 pts10%
144-159 pts10%
192-207 pts5%
How they qualified
100% got in with A-levels.
A-levels100%
Could I get in? Try your grades
120 UCAS pts
Pay & prospects
60%
In work or further study after
90%
Continue past first year
86%
Student satisfaction
What graduates earn over time
£26,000
After 15 months
£22,000
3 years on
£27,500
5 years on
What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers
Elementary occupations35%
Business and public service associate professionalsHighly skilled25%
Media ProfessionalsHighly skilled20%
Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation15%
Administrative occupations10%
Managers, directors and senior officialsHighly skilled10%
Secretarial and related occupations5%
Artistic, literary and media occupationsHighly skilled10%
What students say National Student Survey
86%
of students are satisfied with the course overall
Teaching86%
Assessment & feedback80%
Academic support81%
Well organised93%
Learning resources87%
Student community88%
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Where this degree can lead
Like the look of it?
When you're ready, the full entry requirements and application are on University of Portsmouth's own site.
Apply on uni site
Careermash · real course data from HESA / Discover Uni, in plain English.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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