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

Journalism

• Whether you want to work as a journalist, learn about the world of media or become a better communicator, Roehampton can teach you what you need to know. From the basics of news reporting to the production of magazines and multimedia packages, we will help you develop your story-telling potential.
• The Roehampton programme is tailored to prepare you for the modern media industry. We offer hands-on, practical modules that focus on the skills employers want.
• As you learn how to research, report and develop a story, you will also be trained in how to present it in the most compelling way, using industry-standard digital tools. You will have the opportunity to focus on the subjects and formats that interest you most and to develop your own multimedia projects, such as podcasts or investigative reports. You will also learn how to target your work for different audiences.
• Roehampton brings professional journalists and newsmakers such as local politicians to campus to participate in workshops and meet with students. We take advantage of London’s status as a media epicenter, organising  field trips to newsrooms and sending students on off-campus reporting assignments such as conferences. Students also gain experience working on press teams for events as the Wimbledon Bookfest and the Professional Publishers Association festival.
• Students looking to begin a career in journalism can get a head start, with modules that teach you how to prepare a CV and make contacts in the industry. You can gain work experience at a variety of companies and publications as part of your degree.
• You will study how journalism helps shape public opinion and popular culture, and will learn about the political, economic and legal context in which journalists produce their work.
• The course is taught by experienced academics who have worked as journalists for the BBC, Reuters, the Financial Times and numerous other media companies. We have well-equipped multimedia newsrooms, designed to give you the experience of working in a richly creative professional environment.