BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing (with Foundation year)
Course overview
Start date
September 2020
Subject area
Media and Journalism
Attendance
Full-time, 4 years
Part-time
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
First we prepare you for your degree during the foundation year, bringing you up to speed with academic skills and a firm grounding in the subject. Then you can go on to do the full undergraduate degree.
And there has never been a more exciting time to be a writer. The internet has changed the world, increasing the scope for writers and their work. Our course recognises and embraces these opportunities. At UEL, we’re building a community of writers and artists with something to say about themselves, and about the world.
Our unique programme invites you to experiment and dare to challenge traditional ways of looking at ‘genre’ in writing. We encourage you to explore multi-media approaches to your work and to experiment with poetry, prose, drama and different media.
We’ll help you find your own path as a writer. You’ll be introduced to various types of writing across a range of disciplines, paving your way for employment in many different areas where your skills will be highly valued.
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out more1st
Our Creative Writing course is ranked 1st in the country for student satisfaction by The Complete University Guide 2018.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn first-hand from distinguished writers who are all published authors, poets, editors and screenwriters.
Writing centre
In The Writing Centre, the hub of UEL’s writing events and activities, you can write for our acclaimed student-run literary e-zone, The Gallion, and see your work published.
Career prospects
You can follow our graduates who’ve made their names in a variety of fields. One is now writing storylines for Coronation Street. Another has become a noted playwright.
Karolina Chojnacka
BA (Hons) Communication and Cultural Studies
During my Foundation year, I learned study skills, step by step, in an engaging way, so when I started the full course, I was better able to focus on the theoretical content, rather than worrying about how to write essays. It was also a great chance to learn with students from different courses and backgrounds.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will be automatically cancelled.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Maintenance Loan
You can apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, travel and accommodation. How much you can borrow depends on where you live and study, and whether you are currently on welfare benefits. The maximum loan you can apply for is £12,729.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Supplementary Grants
The government also offer the following additional support:
- Parents' Learning Allowance
- Adult Dependants' Grant
- Childcare Grant
- Disabled Students’ Allowance
- All nursing and many allied health students on courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year from the government.
For further information visit gov.uk/student-finance or contact Student Finance England.
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will automatically be cancelled.
For information visit gov.uk/student-finance
Please note EU students can only apply for their funding using a paper application form.
To download a form visit www.gov.uk/student-finance-forms
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
At UEL, we understand that studying in another country is a big financial commitment. If you apply early for an undergraduate, you may be entitled to a scholarship of up to £3,000.You can find out more about the international scholarships here.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) also run an Emergency International Fund to assist international students in hardship.
You can contact our SMART team on 02082233333 or study@uel.ac.uk
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money. Please make sure you also factor in the fees for the visa application and immigration health surcharge when budgeting.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA pages for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.
Deposits and paying by instalments
International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
Entry requirements
- September 2020
-
Degree with Foundation Year
64
New UCAS Points
Applicants who do not hold an A2 in English Language or English Literature will be required to submit a Writing sample.
Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 60 credits overall and 45 credits at Level 3
We will also consider the UEL New Beginnings pre-entry course
Overall IELTS score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking (or recognised equivalent).
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course. Find out more here.
Level 2 equivalences such as Level 2 Functional Skills in English / Maths, Level 2 Key Skills in Communication / Application of Number and Level 2 Adult Literacy / Adult Numeracy
Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined on the course page. Our pre-entry Information Advice and Guidance Team are able to provide further advice on entry requirements and suitability for study.
What you'll learn
One of the key concepts in creative writing is ‘show, don’t tell’. That applies to both our teaching philosophy as well as our approach to writing. So at UEL we will show you how to become the writer you want to be.
How? By providing you during your three-year course with a programme that offers stimulating readings, group discussions, lectures and creative assignments. You’ll learn all about fiction writing, poetry, screenwriting and creative non-fiction in a dynamic progression.
“It's about getting your feet wet in year one, experimenting in year two and, in your final year, working to professional standards,” says lecturer and internationally published author Tessa McWatt.
The core modules examine different contexts of writing and analyse literary forms and structures. You’ll learn how to write effectively in a host of different genres.
It’s a course that allows for specialisation, too. Optional workshops include hybrid genres and screenwriting. In your final year, for your dissertation, you can develop an extended piece of creative writing which particularly interests you.
What you'll study and when
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up-to-date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
- Academic Development
- Creative Project
- Creative Writing Portfolio
- Narrative and Creativity
- Group Film Project
- Professional Development (Mental Wealth)
- Critical Approaches to Creative Writing (core)
- Creative Practice 1 (core)
- Media Lab (core)
- Literature: Form & Theory (optional)
- Tradition & Change in Western Literature (optional)
- The Writer’s World (core)
- Creative Practice 2 (core)
- Story & Myth (core)
- Adaptation: Form & Practice (optional)
- American Literature (optional)
- Dissertation for Creative Writing (core)
- Creative Practice 3 (core)
- Life Writing (core)
- Copywriting (core)
- Research Methods (core)
How you’ll be assessed
We us different forms of teaching and assessment on this course, including formal lectures, small group workshops, research exercises, individual portfolios and extended pieces of written work. In some modules, you have the opportunity to produce and present your work in groups.
You also have the opportunity to engage in digital production and presentation of textual material in MediaLab. In your final year, you’ll carry out a dissertation project that will allow you to develop an extended piece of creative writing based on your own area of interest and research.
We assess modules at the end of the semester. We use a range of different modes of assessment, including portfolios, short and extended creative writing assignments, essays and presentations.
How you'll learn
Our tutors are dedicated to empowering your writing abilities. They’ve all achieved excellence in their chosen fields, so you’re able to draw on the expertise of award-winning novelists, professional scriptwriters and internationally-published poets and critics.
Our teachers include Tessa McWatt, the celebrated Canadian novelist, and acclaimed British poet Dr Tim Atkins. Tim’s most recent book, Petrarch Collected Atkins, was one of the Times Literary Supplement books of the year for 2014.
There’s also an opportunity to share your work with and receive feedback from UEL’s expert Royal Literary Fund Fellows at The Writing Centre.
The Centre is the focal point for our writing events and activities. In a friendly, creative environment, you can receive writing support or attend essay-writing workshops here. Or you could just enjoy our reading series, WRITE NOW, featuring well-known as well as undiscovered authors.
“Writing is all about expressing yourself clearly,” says Course Leader Tim Atkins. “It’s also about finding your voice. The way to do this is to write regularly, share your work, receive support and feedback from a wise listener, and use that knowledge to take your writing to the next stage.”
Your future career
Danielle Jawando, who studied here for both her BA and MA, has recently been taken on as a storyline writer on Coronation Street, while talented young playwright Jonny O’Neill had his first EastEnders episode screened in September 2014.
Jawando attributes much of her success to the support she received from her tutors here. “I developed the confidence to try new things and most importantly, to send my work out,” she recalls.
As a result, she was shortlisted to write for Emmerdale and had a short story published while still studying at UEL. O’Neill, meanwhile, has seen his debut play, The Royal Duchess Superstore, open on the professional stage in London.
Our course can open all sorts of other workplace doors, too, because it hones and enhances so many transferable skills suitable for different professions.
Employers want applicants with the sort of communication and writing skills you’ll learn here. Our students have gone on to work in areas such as screenwriting, copywriting, teaching and journalism.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal
