University of Reading United Kingdom

BA English Literature with Creative Writing

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA English Literature with Creative Writing at the University of Reading invites you to explore the rich tapestry of literary expression and hone your own creative voice. This degree is ideal for those who are passionate about understanding how literature shapes our world and who aspire to contribute to its ongoing creation. You will delve into diverse texts, from historical epics to contemporary prose, examining how they construct identities, respond to societal issues, and reflect cultural shifts. Simultaneously, you will gain an insider’s perspective on the craft of writing, exploring genres like poetry, prose, and drama.

This full-time, on-campus undergraduate programme, typically studied over three years, offers a dynamic learning experience. You will engage in critical analysis of literary works and participate in practical workshops where you will develop and refine your creative writing skills, receiving constructive feedback from peers and active, prize-winning authors. The curriculum includes modules covering poetry, prose, and drama, with opportunities to explore specific areas such as modern American culture, translation, or the business of books. You will graduate with a strong academic foundation and a portfolio of creative work, prepared for careers in publishing, editing, journalism, teaching, or further postgraduate study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program in English Literature with Creative Writing offers a comprehensive exploration of literary traditions and practical writing skills. Students will engage with foundational concepts in creative writing, poetry, prose, and drama, alongside a diverse range of optional modules spanning different historical periods and cultural contexts. The curriculum culminates in a compulsory dissertation, allowing for in-depth research and creative expression.

1 YEAR 1

Introduction to Creative Writing Compulsory
Poetry in English Compulsory
Prose: Writing Identities Compulsory
Introduction to Drama Compulsory
Modern American Culture and Counterculture Optional
Shelf Life Optional
Thinking Translation: History and Theory Optional
What Is Comparative Literature? Optional

2 YEAR 2

Myth, Legend and Romance: Medieval Storytelling Optional
Creative Writing: The Short Story Optional
Contemporary Fiction Optional
Victorian Literature Optional
Creative Writing: Creative Non-Fiction Optional
Modernism in Poetry and Fiction Optional
Creative Writing: Poetry Optional
Writing in the Public Sphere Optional
Enlightenment Revolution and Romanticism Optional
The Business of Books Optional
Early Modern Literature Optional
Writing America: Perspectives on the Nation Optional

3 YEAR 3

Dissertation Compulsory
Creative Writing Dissertation Compulsory
Utopia and Dystopia in English and American Literature Optional
Lyric Voices, 1340-1650 Optional
British Black and Asian Voices: 1948 to the Present Optional
Creative Writing Masterclass – Poetry Optional
The Writer’s Workshop: Studying Manuscripts Optional
Creative Writing Masterclass: Prose Optional
Literature and Mental Health Optional
From Romance to Fantasy Optional
Shakespeare on Film Optional
James Joyce Optional
Class Matters Optional
Nigerian Prose Literature: From Achebe to Adichie Optional
Literature and Healing Optional
Medieval Otherworlds Optional
Writing Women: Nineteenth Century Poetry Optional
The Bloody Stage: Revenge and Death in Renaissance Drama Optional
Environment, Ecology and Literature Optional
Family Romances: Genealogy, Identity, and Imposture in the Nineteenth-Century Novel Optional
Modern and Contemporary British Poetry Optional
Global Literatures: Translation as Theme and Theory Optional
Margaret Atwood Optional
Placing Jane Austen Optional
Decadence and Degeneration: Literature of the 1890s Optional
Children's Literature Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 104,824.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,126.00 - USD 18,832.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on WhiteKnights Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising & Media SalesAdvertising Finance & OperationsAmusement & Recreation ServicesEvent & Experiential MarketingEvent Promotion & ManagementGaming & Interactive MediaMusic & Performing ArtsPublic Broadcasting & DocumentarySocial Media & Content StrategyStreaming & Digital Content

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Sky Group

Why Study BA English Literature with Creative Writing at University of Reading

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Reading in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA English Literature with Creative Writing at University of Reading

Can I work while studying?

Degree course students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is necessary, but part-time students cannot work.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, a Duolingo overall score of 135 is needed along with specific minimum scores in comprehension, conversation, literacy, and production. Other accepted tests include TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as authors, editors, literary agents, or teachers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This degree explores diverse literature and enhances creative writing skills. You'll study significant writers from various eras while developing your own literary creativity.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the BA English Literature with Creative Writing course is September. Make sure to prepare your application materials ahead of this date.
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