English Literature with Creative Writing BA (Hons)
UCAS code: Q2W9
Raring to refine your creative writing and dive into fascinating literature topics and time periods? Our English literature with creative writing degree allows just that. Sharpen your skills when writing poetry and short stories, and boost your critical reading.
Be inspired by contemporary and classic works from world-renowned authors. We’ll cover theoretical and critical approaches and give you opportunities to apply them practically.
You’ll look back at important texts, putting their key themes under the microscope. How do superstition, sexuality and religion contribute to Renaissance drama? How do authors develop in relation to the historical and cultural changes around them?
We’ll show you how to read as a writer. You’ll also learn to reflect, which will develop your creative writing skills and philosophy. Find your style of writing and understand how to use language creatively to tell your tales.
Gain transferable skills that will be invaluable during your degree and essential to future employers. In your final year, you can design, research and complete a dissertation on the literature topic of your choice.
Develop your understanding of literature in theory and practice. We’ll introduce you to the theories and methods of reading literature against different perspectives to see how they compare. Also, you’ll be introduced to the art of writing fiction and poetry so you can start to compose short stories and observational poems.
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
Form
Form outlines the formal features and development of poetry, prose and drama. The module is divided into three parts, enabling you to consider the formal developments, influences and historical/critical contexts which have shaped the development of literature from the Renaissance to the postmodern period. You will also consider how form is instrumental in providing meaning in a text.
Module code: LIT1025
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
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
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.
Form outlines the formal features and development of poetry, prose and drama. The module is divided into three parts, enabling you to consider the formal developments, influences and historical/critical contexts which have shaped the development of literature from the Renaissance to the postmodern period. You will also consider how form is instrumental in providing meaning in a text.
Module code: LIT1025
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
You’ll further your understanding of reading and writing poetry, encouraging you to expand your portfolio of poems. We’ll develop your knowledge from the Renaissance to Romanticism to get an understanding of past works. Exploring the techniques of writing short stories and the art of poetry you’ll also choose additional modules. These include introducing you to graphic novels and focusing on the work of a single author.
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.
Contemporary American Literature enables you to study a range of significant contemporary American literature from post World War 2 onwards. The module enables you to examine a variety of ways in which America is imagined and constructed within fiction. You will explore how persistent figures, landscapes, and mythic concepts are engrained in American culture and embedded in the wider world’s imagination. Such concepts retain imaginative power because of frequent re-enactments in popular cultural productions. This module will trace the complex histories and fictional appropriations and discursive shifts that form these literary productions. The aim is to concentrate specific study on American fiction within its historical, social, cultural, political, critical and theoretical contexts.
Module code: LIT2057
Credits: 20
Literature Dissertation Project
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
The Graphic Novel
The Graphic Novel acts as an introduction to the contemporary graphic novel, examining the cultural and political impact of some key examples of the form. You will be encouraged to read these works as a writer, examining the elements of character development, structure, and use of research and developing those with specific reference to the demands and opportunities available in the graphic novel format. The module is both critical and creative. You will study examples of draft scripts for graphic novels, with your final assessment being a mock script for a proposed graphic novel, replete with artistic direction. There will be at least one visiting graphic novelist due to give a talk as part of the module and one visiting collaborative artist.
Module code: WRI2019
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
Building on your knowledge of texts from Victorian to modern times, you’ll experiment with a range of poetic styles and produce longer form works of your own. Try your hand at writing novel chapters, complex stories or screenwriting. We’ll also give you the option to design and develop a dissertation to boost your independent learning. At the same time, you’ll select modules that cover a range of themes, including taking part in a group project.
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
Literature Dissertation
Literature Dissertation provides you with the opportunity to study any topic of your choice in depth, developing your own ideas through individual research. The topic may be a particular interest of yours or arise from a desire to study an issue or subject relevant to English Literature in greater detail. You will plan, develop and write an individually conceived and researched independent critical investigation culminating in the production of an extended dissertation.
Module code: LIT3039
Credits: 40
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.
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
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
English Literature modules are delivered using a combination of 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.
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 primarily through a combination of essays, short analyses, reports and close readings, oral presentations and group work for English Literature modules, alongside creative practice, critical practice and reflection for Creative Writing modules. Emphasis is placed on work produced in your own time or formally presented in class.
Who will be teaching you
You will be taught by an enthusiastic and approachable team of English Literature tutors and professional writers whose work has been widely published, broadcast and staged.
Members of the programme team 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.
Creative Writing staff also 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.
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
Our English literature with creative writing degree helps you discover the type of career you’ll want to move into. You’ll leave us with a set of communication, creative and analytical skills that can transfer to sectors such as:
teaching (further training required)
speech therapy (further training required)
publishing
journalism
library and archival work
media
heritage and museums
Some of our English literature graduates have gone on to further study or research to specialise in a particular area, or to pursue an academic career. Others have applied for rewarding roles such as:
Senior production editor
Communications assistant
Whole school literacy coordinator
Talent coordinator
Our students have refined their critical thinking during their time with us. This degree provides a solid foundation for a diverse range of careers and industries that require written and verbal communications.
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, 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.
