Program Overview

Taught by published, working writers (including acclaimed poets, novelists, journalists and screenwriters), our BA Creative Writing degree introduces writing practice to you in four main forms: fiction, nonfiction, poetry and screenwriting.

As you explore the technical craft and process of writing, you'll develop your skills as a writer, as well as other key abilities such as research and critical analysis.

This is one of the longest-established creative writing degree courses in London and one of only a few courses in the UK to offer innovative fiction and poetry, copywriting and a strong non-fiction strand.

While studying writing, and honing your own writing abilities, you will also acquire skills you’ll need to succeed in your career, with modules on how to write to industry representatives, and excellent career resources.

Through our thriving partnerships with Wimbledon Bookfest, Barnes Children's Literature Festival and with local schools in London and the south east, you’ll have the chance to volunteer or undertake paid work experience during your time with us. We also have our in-house publishing imprint, Fincham Press, meaning you could see your work published or be involved in publishing other people’s work.

Roehampton has a vibrant research culture and a rolling programme of fellowships. Special workshops and seminars are organised every year, with industry professionals such as editors, screenwriters, graphic novelists and published authors. Our annual Creative Writing Day Soiree is another popular event, being a student-organised evening of readings from current students, alumni and industry guests – who will also be sharing their insights and tips with you.

Due to the interrelationship of the two disciplines, you can choose to study creative writing combined with English literature

English Literature:
This engaging BA English Literature degree is for people with a passion for literature. 
Explore topics as varied as children’s literature, literature and media, Shakespeare on screen and Victorian novels. You’ll also study classic and modern writing from around the world, including the work of Arthur Conan Doyle, Mark Twain, Zadie Smith and Neil Gaiman. 

You’ll be taught by world-class researchers and writers, and be part of a department that’s ranked 15th in the country* on the strength of its research. We also run extra lectures and masterclasses with renowned authors, such as our Chancellor, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Kazuo Ishiguro, Anthony Horowitz, Emma Donoghue and Daisy Johnson. 

Develop a range of skills you’ll need in the workplace, including clarity of expression in written work and oral presentation, research skills, and the ability to analyse arguments and ideas. You will be supported to realise your potential through individual tutorials, small group work and lectures. 

Roehampton has thriving partnerships with leading literature festivals and cultural organisations, including Battersea Arts Centre, Wimbledon Bookfest and Barnes Children's Literature Festival. You can volunteer or undertake paid work placements. We also have our own press, Fincham Press, so there’s the chance to have your own work published. 

You can expect to make full use of London's extraordinary range of libraries, museums, galleries and theatre spaces. Built into our modules are guided trips to the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Maritime Museum and Shakespeare's Globe, to name just a few. 

According to the latest official survey, 92% of English Literature graduates are working or in further study six months after finishing this course (Destinations of Leavers of Higher Education Survey, 2018 results) and our graduates earn more on average than those from any other modern university in London (Longitudinal Education Outcomes 2017 results, earnings one, three and five years after graduation). This means you'll leave us, not only with a deeper appreciation of literature, but also highly-equipped to succeed in whichever career you wish to pursue.