BA Creative Writing
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. At the University of Portsmouth, this three-year, full-time degree situates you in a city with a rich literary history, connecting the place where Charles Dickens was born, where Arthur Conan Doyle invented Sherlock Holmes, and where H.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.
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