English Literature and Creative Writing

English literature and creative writing is a combination that places two complementary activities side by side: the close, critical reading of literary texts across periods and traditions, and the practice of writing with literary intention. Understanding how great writing works, and then attempting to do it yourself, are mutually illuminating activities. Literary study sharpens your sense of what writing can achieve, while creative practice deepens your understanding of the choices that writers make.

The combination develops both the analytical intelligence of the critic and the expressive range of the writer.

At Brighton, this three-year programme covers the breadth of English literary history alongside workshops in prose fiction, poetry, scriptwriting, creative non-fiction and other forms, depending on your interests. You will read across periods from medieval literature to contemporary writing, developing the critical reading and analytical writing skills that literary study demands, while the creative strand gives you regular opportunities to write, receive feedback and refine your work in a supportive workshop environment. The programme includes a sandwich year and work placement opportunities, giving you the chance to engage with professional contexts in publishing, writing, education, media or the arts.

The typical entry tariff is 104 UCAS points.

Graduates work in publishing, journalism, copywriting, content creation, screenwriting, education, arts administration, communications, public relations and many other fields where strong writing and analytical ability are valued. The creative writing component is particularly valuable for those hoping to pursue careers in fiction, poetry, scriptwriting or literary journalism, while the literary critical training underpins roles in publishing, editorial work and teaching. Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in creative writing, English literature, journalism or related disciplines.