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

Film:

• Our leading film scholars and award-winning filmmakers will help you build a strong foundation for a career in film. You’ll delve into film history, theory and production, and learn about the latest trends in digital and 3D cinema.
• Our Film degree promotes a balance between the practical and theoretical. You’ll explore everything from fiction to documentary, experimental film to world cinema, and television to the internet, as well as screenwriting, animation and cinematography.  
• Looking beyond the story, you’ll consider how meaning is created through film language and visual aesthetics. You'll broaden and deepen your critical awareness of the diverse formal and experiential possibilities of cinema, both as they have developed in the past, and as they are transforming in the contemporary moment.
• From your first semester, you'll be introduced to the use of video equipment, group work and key roles of the production team and facilities, and produce a short drama on digital video.  
• As you move through the course, you can choose to focus on the theoretical study of film or the practical side of filmmaking. If you can't decide and enjoy both, you can continue to give both equal weighting. Students who choose the film production route have the opportunity to screen their film at the British Film Institute, Southbank (BFI), at the end of year three.  
• We currently offer a module on career preparation, so you can understand your career choices, refine your interests, evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, and present a creditable application.  
• There's also an opportunity to earn course credits by undertaking a work placement in any area of the creative industries: TV, film, online and print media, arts and campaign organizations, museums, art galleries, theatres or community projects.
• As London’s only campus university, our picturesque yet easily accessible location means you'll be studying film while immersing yourself in the creative culture of the capital at film festivals, studios, galleries and pop-up cinemas. Meanwhile, you'll have access to state-of-the-art film, editing and studio facilities, including sound and dubbing equipment, and a cinema on our campus, whose beautiful parkland setting provides the ideal location for your short films. There will also be opportunities throughout your course to attend international film festivals, which have previously included Berlin and Tribeca (New York). Students have also had their films screened at local festivals.