Learn the ropes of publishing and broadcasting as a writer. Dive into genres, topics and periods, strengthen your mastery of literature, then transform your own writing with your new understanding as you tap into your creative potential.
Be inspired. Grasp deeper meanings. Push your creative boundaries. Experiment with poetry, fiction and writing for the stage, screen and radio on our BA (Hons) Creative Writing and English Literature.
Immerse yourself in classic and contemporary works of all kinds at Edge Hill. Through them, you’ll explore key theories and analytical approaches to literature. Use these ideas to develop your understanding of a writer’s impact on society as you uncover what drives and inspires them.
Live the writer’s life. You’ll discover how to read as a writer and develop your own writing philosophy and poetics. Studying this degree at Edge Hill will educate and inspire. We want to empower you to reach for the skies in your own creative writing.
In Year 1, you begin your journey to learn the art of reading as a writer. You will explore methodologies, literary criticism and theories across historical and contemporary fiction. You will create poetry and short fiction adding layers of meaning using your new skills. This packed year also sees you grapple with a radio play and the basics of scriptwriting to open new horizons.
Critical Theories is based around the study of critical essays which have had a lasting impact on literary studies. The module introduces you to significant and contemporaneous ideas in literary criticism which scholars still implement in the 21st century. The content of the module has been selected to highlight the difference in literary studies between reading for understanding and interpretive readings.
Module code: LIT1021
Credits: 20
Introduction to Fiction
Introduction to Fiction outlines the art of fiction by concentrating on shorter pieces, often referred to as ‘microfiction’. The module also builds up techniques of perception, language and effect, in combination with the reading of fiction, with the aim of integrating reading as a fiction writer into an on-going practice of reflection. Emphasis will be placed upon journal writing and workshop practice.
Module code: WRI1019
Credits: 20
Introduction to Poetry
Introduction to Poetry guides you in the art of non-metrical poetry by concentrating upon shorter poems and upon building up techniques of perception, language and effect. This will be done in combination with the reading of poetry with the aim of integrating reading as a poet into an on-going practice of reflection. Emphasis will be placed upon journal writing and workshop practice.
Module code: WRI1018
Credits: 20
Introduction to Scriptwriting
Introduction to Scriptwriting covers some of the essential elements of dramatic scriptwriting. These include characterisation, writing dialogue, scenes and beats, monologues, conflict and structure. The module will explore the concept of story in different mediums (theatre/film/television/radio) but will focus in particular on radio drama. You will gain an understanding of the specific demands of learning how to write effectively for radio.
Module code: WRI1020
Credits: 20
Ways of Reading
Ways of Reading provides an overview of the skills and approaches necessary for the interpretation and evaluation of poetry, prose and drama. You will be introduced to a range of influential critical theories to literary texts from the early and mid 20th century. The module encourages you to make practical applications of these approaches to the primary literary texts.
Introduction to Scriptwriting covers some of the essential elements of dramatic scriptwriting. These include characterisation, writing dialogue, scenes and beats, monologues, conflict and structure. The module will explore the concept of story in different mediums (theatre/film/television/radio) but will focus in particular on radio drama. You will gain an understanding of the specific demands of learning how to write effectively for radio.
Module code: WRI1020
Credits: 20
Literary History
Literary History introduces the development of English Literature. Beginning with the classical and biblical background which inspired examples of English Literature, the module will first focus upon international literature including examples of epic and lyric poetry and drama. You will then turn to the development of English literature from Shakespearean drama to Victorian lyric, before concluding with a consideration of how the novel has replaced the epic as a modern genre reflecting self and society.
Module code: LIT1024
Credits: 20
Language 1
Language 1 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.
Module code: TLC1010
Credits: 20
In Year 2 the emphasis is on developing a professional approach to your writing. Write contemporary poetry, short fiction and a one-act play, then analyse and edit your work to make it better. The English literature syllabus becomes more flexible. Choose from modules centred around staff interests and research specialisms. Explore Renaissance drama, Romanticism, Restoration era poetry and prose, or even children’s literature.
The Art of Poetry enables you to write in, and experiment with, a variety of styles, to read a range of contemporary and recent poetry, and to relate that reading to an on-going process of reflection that will feedback into a robust and inventive writing practice. Emphasis will be placed upon continuous journaling, intensive reading and workshop participation.
Module code: WRI2023
Credits: 20
The Art of Scriptwriting
The Art of Scriptwriting explores various strategies towards scriptwriting with a particular emphasis on writing for the stage. You will gain an understanding of the central role of the playwright in the theatre making process, be involved in a dramaturgical analysis of a range of scripts, and gain an understanding of how plays are constructed. The module enables you to develop your own personal practice and playwright’s aesthetic. Additionally, you will prepare, pitch, develop and write to format your own original one act play.
Module code: WRI2025
Credits: 20
Writing Short Stories
Writing Short Stories explores the nature of the short story form and its specific demands on the writer. You will produce your own short fiction, responding to the diversity of styles and genres adopted by short story authors. You will also be given guidance on potential outlets for your work.
Literature Dissertation Project provides an opportunity to study a topic of your choice in depth and develop your own ideas through individual research, culminating in the production of a 5,000-word long essay or ‘mini-dissertation’. The topic may develop a particular, pre-established interest or arise from a desire to study an issue or subject in more depth.
Module code: LIT2041
Credits: 20
Pilgrim’s Progress: British Children’s Literature from the 18th Century to the Present Day
Pilgrim’s Progress: British Children’s Literature from the 18th Century to the Present Day explores British children’s literature from its origins in the eighteenth century. The module progresses through the Romantic period’s celebration of childhood and Victorian ambiguities about the angelic versus the feral child, to the Golden Age of the Edwardian period and beyond into territory darkened by war, overshadowed by the implications of empire, and the oncoming of adolescence. The module will analyse the relationships between children and adults, nature, animals, class, gender, familiy origins and sexuality, underpinned by theoretical and methodological approaches to the history and representation of childhood in literature.
Module code: LIT2046
Credits: 20
Renaissance Drama
Renaissance Drama explores the drama of the English Renaissance, a period of extraordinary civil and cultural change. The module evaluates the dramatic literary output of the reigns of up to ten monarchs beginning with the Tudors. The diversity of Renaissance drama will be acknowledged and the period problematised as much as it is defined. You will explore canonical and non-canonical drama by male and female authors. Central themes and concepts under study may include monarchy, rebellion, class, nationalism, religion, heresy, superstition, witchcraft, gender and sexuality, power and self-fashioning.
Module code: LIT2048
Credits: 20
Romanticism
Romanticism provides an introduction to texts, authors, genres and central themes from the first stirrings of what has been traditionally conceived of as the Romantic age in the 1760s, until the dawn of the Victorian age seventy years later. Poetry, the prose essay and the novel are all studied on this module.
Module code: LIT2050
Credits: 20
Special Author 1
Special Author 1 focuses on a single author (such as Hardy or Dickens) or a related group of authors (such as the Brontës) whose works are sufficiently extensive to merit a whole semester’s study. You will examine the author’s work in the light of recent critical and theoretical approaches to authorship and canonicity and develop an ability to theorise the relationship between an author and their literary work. You will acquire a specialist knowledge of a literary period and a major writer through examination of the author’s development in relation to relevant historical, cultural and literary contexts.
Module code: LIT2051
Credits: 20
Special Topic 1
Special Topic 1 enables you to begin to develop your independent research skills within a structure which provides a clear and continuing framework of support. The module will take you through weekly subject-based sessions to structured study of your chosen extended special subject research. You will have considerable choice of subject matter within three broad pathways which draw on current staff research specialisms. You will work towards producing a guided but independent research project, with specialist staff support.
Module code: LIT2059
Credits: 20
Language 2
Language 2 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.
Module code: TLC2000
Credits: 20
Creative writing allows you to hone your craft in Year 3. You’ll have opportunities to specialise in your area of interest, with optional modules throughout offering the chance to experiment with your work. For example, you could look at screenwriting, experimental writing or digital adventure games. Or fine-tune the skills learned in Year 1 and 2 further by exploring poetry and fiction. In English Literature, further optional modules enable you to delve into Victorian literature, the Modernist movement and contemporary authors.
Advanced Fiction provides you with the opportunity to write fiction at an advanced level, with a particular focus on the novel and the short story sequence. Using increasingly complex themes and techniques, you will establish a growing sense of autonomy as a writer, shaped by the reading of fiction and also your own continuous writing practice. You are also encouraged to experiment with form and genre and to consider potential publishing outlets for your work.
Module code: WRI3022
Credits: 20
Experiments in Writing
Experiments in Writing introduces you to new ways and forms of writing, as well as to various philosophies and theories that can be incorporated into new writing pieces. The exact areas of study will vary depending on the interests of the group as well as the areas of expertise and research of the module leader. Such areas might include writing comedy for performance, writing through a system-based practice or writing for a particular genre that explores, more fully, ways of subverting and experimenting with particular techniques. The aim is for you to become an innovative writer who is creatively experimental and able to write and read outside of your comfort zone. All activities will be developed and encouraged via tutorials, seminars and workshops.
Module code: WRI3026
Credits: 20
Poetry and Innovative Form
Poetry and Innovative Form enables you to practice advanced techniques and develop innovative strategies for writing poetry, while reading a range of contemporary works (including emergent forms) and reflecting upon the reading and writing. Emphasis will be placed upon autonomous and continuous writing practice and experimentation and the development of a poetics of writing to accompany and fortify this, as well as reading poetry as a fellow-practitioner and developing this work and awareness through workshop participation.
Module code: WRI3021
Credits: 20
The Art of Screenwriting
The Art of Screenwriting focuses on the development of screenplays for television and film. The module will give you an understanding of character, plot, dialogue, montage and the structure of screenwriting. The module will explore the particular skills required for writing visually for the screen and the television medium. You will also learn to analyse films and consider a sequence analysis of scripts from the writer’s perspective. The module will culminate in the preparing of outlines, the pitching of film ideas, treatments and writing to format your own industry standard film/television script (between 30-45 minutes long with appropriate additional documentation such as scene-by-scene and episode breakdowns).
Module code: WRI3023
Credits: 20
The Writer at Work
The Writer at Work places creative practice within its cultural and industry context through a detailed case study. focusing on the career of a significant 20th or 21st century author, who may be working in a single literary genre or across several, including script, fiction, poetry, non-fiction or electronic media. Examples might include Alice Munro, Alasdair Gray, Caryl Churchil, Iain Sinclair. You are able to study a writer’s body of work in greater depth than is usual at this level, while also gaining insights into the author’s creative and professional practice in relation to the creative industries.
Module code: WRI3020
Credits: 20
Writing for Digital Adventure Games
Writing for Digital Adventure Games introduces you to the genres, forms and conventions of the digital adventure game. The module enables you to explore and practice the discipline of writing digital adventure game scenarios, including the understanding of game mechanics, the creation of non-player characters, the conception and planning of narrative spaces as sites of action, plotting, scripting and considerations of how the manipulation of a game’s ludic elements can enhance interactive storytelling.
Contemporary Literature in English develops your understanding and appreciation of the key features of late 20th century and early 21st century movements in the literary arts. This module examines realism and experiments in contemporary writing from post-war developments in literary culture to present day. You will have the opportunity to consider creative narrative strategies adopted by writers interested in cultural politics and a rapidly changing society.
Module code: LIT3043
Credits: 20
Hosting a Festival
Hosting a Festival enables you to make a direct connection between the subject matter of your degree and your plans a graduate career by engaging with workplace practice via a group project. This module provides the opportunity to work collaboratively to research, plan and initiate an in-house festival, aimed at a specific audience, while reflecting on and evaluating your ability to do so. Academic supervision and assessment is provided by the Department of English and Creative Arts while support is also available from the University’s Careers Centre. The module will equip you with a ready-made, experience-based case study of how you applied the knowledge and skills learned on your degree in a practical setting, providing valuable material for job applications, interviews and your CV.
Module code: HUM3000
Credits: 20
Modernisms
Modernisms develops your understanding and appreciation of the key features of early 20th century movements in the literary arts. Discover the writers who tried to breathe fresh life into literature for an altered fast-paced world. You will examine periodicals, short stories, fiction and poetry as new styles of writing designed to reflect the realities and hopes of a modern world.
Module code: LIT3042
Credits: 20
Sexuality and Subversion
Sexuality and Subversion is devoted to the critical analysis of textual representations of sexuality and especially of same-sex desire and sexual dissidence in British prose. The module focuses mainly on the novel, but also on key autobiographical prose texts, from the 19th century to now (with particular focus on the 20th century). It problematises perceptions that sexual radicalism originated in the late 20th century by interrogating its earlier textual representation(s). Texts, their contexts, and relevant literary and cultural theories combine to reveal the changes and continuities in the textual representation of subversive and dissident sexualities and sexual identities over time.
Module code: LIT3050
Credits: 20
Special Author 2
Special Author 2 examines a single author or a related group of authors to consider their work in the light of recent critical and theoretical approaches to authorship and canonicity. You might look at Shakespeare, for example, within the context of the writer as a global phenomenon. You will acquire a specialist knowledge of a literary period and of a major writer through examination of the author’s development in relation to relevant historical, cultural and literary contexts.
Module code: LIT3049
Credits: 20
Special Topic 2
Special Topic 2 enables you to pursue independent research within a structure which provides a clear framework of support. The module will take you through weekly subject-based sessions to more independent study of your chosen extended special subject research. You will have considerable choice of subject matter within three broad pathways which draw on current staff research specialisms. You will work towards producing a significant independent research project, with specialist staff support.
Module code: LIT3054
Credits: 20
The Victorians at Work
The Victorians at Work recognises that Victorians saw literature as a form of social commentary. This period survey module explores Victorian prose and poetry that addressed the pressing social and cultural questions of the period, such as the impacts of industrialisation, urbanisation, scientific advance and secularisation. You will examine the work of a range of canonical and popular Victorian authors and place their writing in the relevant literary, cultural and historical contexts.
Module code: LIT3040
Credits: 20
Language 3
Language 3 enables you to build on and develop your previous language knowledge in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish. You must have either studied the prior language module in the previous year or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from the previous language module. You will gain the language skills necessary to become a more proficient user of the language. Classes will be taught in an interactive and communicative manner using authentic materials to promote meaningful communication. They will be conducted in the target language as much as possible. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other communication skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.
Module code: TLC3000
Credits: 20
Optional modules provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.
How you'll study
Class teaching and learning for Creative Writing modules is centred on the writer’s workshop, where there is a strong emphasis on participation and the creative community.
You will learn the habits of a professional writer, including keeping a writer’s journal, and engage in research and observation, re-drafting and editing, and presenting work to a high standard. Self and peer appraisal are important, as are paired and small group work. All modules are underpinned by a sense of an audience – ranging from a student’s seminar group through electronic and paper publication to performance.
Teaching and learning for English Literature modules includes lectures and seminars, workshops, group activities, independent research and our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). As well as module and seminar tutors, personal tutors and year tutors will support you through your studies.
The University hosts the annual Edge Hill Short Story Prize and has recently set up the Edge Hill University Press, which offers students the opportunity of internships working on the editorial team.
Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.
How you'll be assessed
Creative Writing modules are assessed by coursework, which includes creative practice, critical practice, essays and reflection on the whole process.
Assessment of English Literature modules involves a mixture of coursework and examinations with emphasis placed on work produced in your own time or formally presented in class. Typically, you can expect to be assessed on essays, short analyses, reports and close readings, oral presentations and group work.
Who will be teaching you
You will be taught by tutors who are practising, professional writers. They include widely produced and published short-story writers, poets, dramatists and games writers. The programme team are also practising researchers and scholars, publishing work in a variety of academic and literary journals. This means that you will be taught by people who know how to succeed in the creative industries as well as academia.
There is also a dedicated and approachable team of English Literature tutors who are active in research in all taught subject areas, publishing books and articles on a regular basis. Several have been successful in winning national research awards from bodies such as the British Academy, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and The Leverhulme Trust.
As a Creative Writing student at Edge Hill University, you will have the opportunity to attend workshops and readings with a variety of guest writers at the Arts Centre. Close links have also been established with Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre as well as other poetry venues across Merseyside.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements
Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points. No specific subjects are required.
Example offers
Qualification
Requirement
A Level
BBC-BBB.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications)
Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level
Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points. Subject-specific requirements at Higher Level (HL) Grade 5 may apply.
Access to Higher Education Diploma
45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.
If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
Did you know?
If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the
offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.
The Department of English and Creative Arts is based in Creative Edge, a state-of-the-art £17million building offering highly contemporary facilities.
The £17 million Creative Edge building features a lecture theatre, seminar rooms, IT facilities and smaller tutorial spaces. It has everything you need to become a capable, versatile, creative writer and thinker. Creative Edge’s social learning spaces are ideal for passionate discussion with like-minded creatives.
You’ll develop the practical skills, analytical tools and confidence for wherever your creative flair and insight takes you.
The UK tuition fee rate is subject to final Government approval for academic year 2023/24 entry. The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Your future career
Ever wondered: “What can I do with a degree in creative writing and English literature?” Our graduates now work in a range of areas from publishing, education, and the media to marketing and business. This includes roles such as:
Communications Assistant
Senior Production Editor
Content Creator
Marketing Strategist
Whole School Literacy Coordinator
Careers and employability are integrated throughout the degree with modules focussed on developing employability skills. Industry contacts and practical experience are important, so we offer networks in areas like game design, publishing, festival and event organisation and museum curation.
Why not kick start a theatre career by entering the Dame Janet Suzman Playwriting award in your third year? Or build your CV and real world experience by hosting an in-house literary festival?
You can also choose a life in academia. Take a PGCE to go into teaching or pursue a Masters in creative writing.
Course changes
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Track changes to this course
Change to Entry Requirements - 18 November 2022
Entry requirements updated to remove preferred subjects.
Change of Department - 25 July 2022
With effect from 1 August 2022, Creative Writing and English students will be based in the Department of English and Creative Arts. The new department will be located in the Creative Edge building.
Change of Module - 20 April 2022
HUM3000 Hosting a Festival (20 credits) replaces LIT3045 Hosting a Literary Festival (20 credits) as an optional module in Year 3.
Change to Modes of Study - 15 July 2021
The programme is now available to study on a full-time or part-time basis. It was previously available full-time only.
The Department of English and Creative Arts is based in Creative Edge, a state-of-the-art £17million building offering highly contemporary facilities.
