Explore the power and influence of spoken and written English language, while flexing your imagination and honing your writing craft. Develop your communication skills and discover the power, influence and art of the English language and creative writing.
Develop your understanding of spoken and written English and consider how it has evolved over time on our English language with creative writing degree.
Are you an aspiring writer but haven’t quite found your niche? Would you like to understand how children develop their language perception and comprehension? This course is a balance of using imagination and exploring theory.
We’ll encourage you to read as a writer and develop your creative writing skills in areas like poetry, fiction and screenwriting. Learning to find your own creative philosophy will be important too.
You’ll also look back at how English became a world language and its different varieties. We’ll also make sure you’re confident in your listening, transcribing and analysing abilities.
Year 1 of this English language with creative writing degree is all about building solid foundations. We’ll take you through the fundamental skills for the analysis and description of the English language. You’ll study the structure, sound system and variation in language. We’ll also introduce the art of writing fiction and poetry and you’ll start to compose short stories and observational poems.
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
Studying English Language
Studying English Language provides a foundation for the exploration of the English language. The module enables you to acquire and consolidate key skills for degree-level study of the English language, such as locating relevant sources, critical reading, taking and organising notes, constructing an annotated bibliography, collecting and analysing data, reporting results via tables and graphs, summarising and quoting, preparing presentation slides, structuring an essay, and citing and listing sources.
Module code: LNG1017
Credits: 20
The Structure of English
The Structure of English introduces you to the structure of the English language. You will learn to use grammatical terminology to label words, clauses, sentences and structures.
Exploring Variation in English introduces how the English language is used in different ways by varied speakers. The module enables you to explore the diversity of English at the regional, national and global level. You will also focus on the methodology of linguistic research and carry out your own, small-scale sociolinguistic research project.
Module code: LNG1018
Credits: 20
The Sounds of English
The Sounds of English introduces you to the sound systems of English and enables you to gain a basic understanding and knowledge of the description and classification of speech sounds. You will also enhance your knowledge and understanding of the ways in which phonetics and phonology are directly relevant to several fields, such as speech and language therapy, second language learning, education, literary stylistics, forensic phonetics and artificial intelligence.
Module code: LNG1015
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
Alongside two compulsory creative writing modules, you’ll choose four additional language modules of interest in Year 2. Optional modules include Child Language Development, Investigating English Language and the History and Development of English.
You’ll also strengthen the short story and poem writing experience from your first year. Experimenting with writing styles and reflection, you’ll get into the habit of writing inventively.
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
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.
Analysing Discourse takes a linguistic approach to the examination of texts, both written and spoken. You will explore the patterns of spoken interaction and the structure of written texts, and consider the importance of context in communicating meaning beyond words and sentences (known as discourse meaning).
Module code: LNG2133
Credits: 20
Child Language Development
Child Language Development offers an overview of the processes involved in first language development. The module considers how children develop language in terms of perception and comprehension, phonetics and phonology, lexis and grammar. You will also be introduced to, and examine, theoretical accounts of how we acquire our first language. This will include consideration of themes around nativism and evidence-based approaches.
Module code: LNG2139
Credits: 20
History and Development of English
History and Development of English introduces you to the historical development of the English Language. The module provides an overview of English from its origins up to the present day, including changes in words and the meanings of words, grammatical behaviour, and pronunciation. You will consider the interaction between language variation and change and societal developments, including ideas of standards and purity in language, 'global Englishes', and the impact of technology, from the printing press to the Internet.
English Language: Forms and Contexts provides you with the opportunity to learn about a particular area of the English language. You will develop practical and theoretical knowledge and skills and confidence in the description of English forms and their use in social and/or historical contexts. You will cover aspects of grammar (morphology and syntax), lexis and its interaction with grammar, and/or phonetics and phonology. The grammatical, lexical or phonological characteristics of different English-speaking communities may be explored across different time periods, alongside the related attitudes and judgements of language users.
Module code: LNG2200
Credits: 20
Investigating English Language
Investigating English Language is a module that spans two semesters. The first semester provides an overview of different types of data, discusses data selection and collection, and introduces contemporary methodological approaches to working with linguistic data. You will also be supported via workshops to identify the topic and focus of a small-scale research study for which you will develop a viable research proposal. In the second semester, you will carry out a supervised research project, and you will report the results in a piece of extended writing.
Module code: LNG2140
Credits: 20
Language of Shakespeare and His Time
Language of Shakespeare and His Time enables you to explore distinctive Early Modern English linguistic features (including morphology, syntax and pronunciation) of Shakespeare’s work in great detail, and to compare them with corresponding features in present-day Standard British English. You will identify linguistic distinctions in Shakespeare’s language which are no longer active today, analyse the differences between Early Modern English and contemporary English in terms of vocabulary, grammatical structure and usage, and distinguish between the language of Shakespeare’s time and Shakespeare’s own creative use of the language.
Module code: LNG2132
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, 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: TLC2000
Credits: 20
Diverse optional modules in Year 3 will help you define the type of writer you want to be. Perhaps you’d like to work on fiction or immerse yourself in the art of screenwriting?
You’ll also choose optional English language modules including Language, Gender and Sexuality and Forensic Linguistics. Write a dissertation on a linguistic area of interest to you. In your final year, we’ll prepare you for life after graduation and your chosen career path.
An Introduction to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
An Introduction to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) examines the principles and practice of good English language teaching. Issues dealt with during the module include the history of language teaching and learning, individual learner differences, grammatical terminology, materials development and planning English for Speakers of Other Languages’ programmes and lessons.
Module code: LNG3143
Credits: 20
Language Change
Language Change centres around the key question of how and why does language change. Language change can be a way through which to explore not only language and its structure, but also human (pre)history, society, cognition and psychology. Historical linguistics is therefore one of the most dynamic fields in linguistics. It deals with many of the same issues and questions as other areas of the field, such as sociolinguistics, but takes a diachronic approach to them, looking at change over time. The module will introduce you to the methods and models used in historical linguistics and you will gain an understanding of the nature and varieties of linguistic change. You will also develop an awareness of the cross-disciplinary links between historical linguistics and other disciplines such as archaeology, anthropology and genetics.
Module code: LNG3155
Credits: 20
Language, Gender and Sexuality
Language, Gender and Sexuality enables you to analyse and account for the ways in which gender and sexuality are constructed and represented through language use. Butler’s influential theory that gender is performative and that it emerges through discourse is key to the approach taken in this module. You will explore the diverse linguistic means by which gender and sexual identities are linguistically constructed and performed. The module will also encourage you to examine a variety of discourse types, such as spontaneous conversation, magazines, children’s literature, and film, in order to interrogate the ways in which gender and sexual identities are linguistically represented, regulated and constrained. In addition to this, the intersectionality of language, gender and sexuality with other aspects of social identity, such as ethnicity, age, and social class, will be explored.
Module code: LNG3153
Credits: 20
Psycholinguistics
Psycholinguistics explores the ways that we understand and produce language, from a cognitive perspective. With a primary focus on the English language, the module questions whether there is evidence for a developmental trajectory of language comprehension and production and considers whether we can distinguish between linguistic competence and performance in either oral or written communication. You will also discover a variety of psycholinguistic methodologies, analyse how we teach and evaluate particular linguistic skills and abilities, and examine whether we can identify individuals early in life who are at risk of a slower rate of language development and give them appropriate support.
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
Critical Discourse Studies
Critical Discourse Studies focuses on the critical analysis of texts (spoken or written) and shows how discourse analysis can uncover implicit attitudes, ideologies and power relations. The module examines in detail the core theoretical approaches, concepts and constructs which underlie critical discourse studies. You will gain an insight into the communication and understanding of meaning beyond the conventional sense of words and structures. The module will develop your understanding of the power of discourse to construct identities and enable you to carry out critical discourse analysis of different types of texts in a variety of contexts.
Module code: LNG3154
Credits: 20
English Language: Varieties and Other Languages
English Language: Varieties and Other Languages provides you with opportunities to explore the multi-faceted relationship of English with other languages. The module enables you to develop knowledge and skills in investigating issues related to the influence of English on other languages, or the influence of other languages on English, and apply theory to the analysis of linguistic data. You may also be able to examine the implications on a language user’s identity of learning more than one language as a child or living in a multilingual environment.
Module code: LNG3200
Credits: 20
Forensic Linguistics
Forensic Linguistics recognises that the law is overwhelmingly a linguistic institution. Laws are coded in language and the concepts that are used to construct law are accessible only through language. Legal processes, such as court cases, police investigations, and the management of prisoners take place almost exclusively though language. Forensic linguistics concerns the application of linguistics to describe and analyse language and discourse in the legal process. This module takes a broad view of the subject in order to examine a wide interface between language and the law.
Module code: LNG3152
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
Language Dissertation
Language Dissertation involves the completion of an 8,000-9000 word independent (but supervised) study of an area of language of interest to you. You will learn how to research and write about a topic agreed with your supervisor, and produce a well organised and well-structured piece of research. Potential topics which could be explored in a dissertation include, for example, phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, sociolinguistics, historical linguistics, child language acquisition, spoken discourse analysis, psycholinguistics, language in relation to gender and sexuality, language pathology, language and pedagogy, dialectology, language contact, creolisation, place-name studies, bilingualism, or contrastive grammar.
Module code: LNG3148
Credits: 40
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
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
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
For the English Language elements of the degree, traditional lectures and seminar-based learning are complemented by student participation in workshops, student-led presentations, independent research projects and group activities. You will also make use of extensive online resources with the assistance of English language staff.
Teaching and learning for Creative Writing modules is centred on the writer’s workshop where there is a strong emphasis on participation. You will learn the habits of a professional writer, including keeping a writer’s journal, undertaking research and observation, re-drafting and editing text, and presenting work to a high standard. Self and peer appraisal are important, as are paired and small group work. Modules are underpinned by a sense of an audience – ranging from a student’s seminar group through electronic and paper publication to performance.
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
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and formal tests or examinations. This includes essays, linguistic analyses, class tests and group work for English Language modules, alongside creative practice, critical practice and reflection for Creative Writing modules.
Who will be teaching you
You will be taught by an enthusiastic team of linguistic experts and professional writers whose work has been widely published, broadcast and staged.
The programme team publish and/or edit a variety of academic and literary journals, including the Journal of British and Irish Innovative Poetry, Short Fiction in Theory and Practice and 21: Journal of Contemporary and Innovative Fiction.
They are committed to providing you with an excellent learning experience and update modules regularly to ensure that they are current and relevant.
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.
Closed to international applications for September 2023.
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
During this English language with creative writing degree you’ll gain a range of skills that can be applied to a variety of different industries. Whether you want to go into creative writing, or use your degree in a communications role, you could find yourself in sectors such as:
teaching (further training needed)
speech therapy (further training needed)
library work
media
journalism
arts administration
publishing
education
advertising
radio or television
theatre
Some of our graduates go on to further their studies with a postgraduate degree or in research. Others have entered teacher training by studying a PGCE.
Previous Edge Hill students have applied for interesting roles such as:
Senior production editor
Communications assistant
Whole school literacy coordinator
Talent coordinator
Our graduates are trained to be excellent communicators and critical thinkers. This degree is a great foundation for a diverse range of careers and industries.
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
Module structure - 25 September 2023
Second year optional modules updated to reflect that students must take two of LNG2133, LNG2139 or LNG2130.
LNG1018 - 9 May 2023
Assessment type changed from 60% practical/40% coursework to 100% coursework.
LNG1015 - 5 May 2023
Assessment method changed from Practical (15%), Coursework (85%), to Coursework (100%).
LNG3153 - 5 May 2023
Assessment method changed from Practical (20%) Coursework (80%), to Coursework (100%).
HUM3000 - 13 April 2023
Assessment method changed from Practical (20%), Coursework (80%), to Practical (30%), Coursework (70%).
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, English and Creative Writing students will be based in the Department of English and Creative Arts. The new department will be located in the Creative Edge building.
New Module Added - 20 April 2022
HUM3000 Hosting a Festival (20 credits) added as an optional module in Year 3.
Change of Modules - 2 February 2022
LNG2200 English Language: Forms and Contexts (20 credits) added as an optional module in Year 2. LNG2131 Introduction to Sociolinguistic Variation (20 credits), LNG2134 Early English (20 credits), LNG2135 Phonetics and Phonology (20 credits) and LNG2136 Modern English Structure and Language (20 credits) removed as optional modules in Year 2.
LNG3200 English Language: Varieties and Other Languages (20 credits) added as an optional module in Year 3. LNG3142 Bilingualism (20 credits), LNG3144 Beyond English (20 credits) and LNG3145 Language and Identity (20 credits) removed as optional modules in Year 3. LNG3155 Language Change (20 credits) replaces LNG3151 Historical Linguistics (20 credits) as an optional module in Year 3.
The Department of English and Creative Arts is based in Creative Edge, a state-of-the-art £17million building offering highly contemporary facilities.
