English & Creative Writing BA (Hons)

We have one of the most experienced Creative Writing teams in the UK. Working with highly qualified and experienced tutors, many of whom are practising and published poets, novelists and dramatists, students can learn how language works and shapes our lives, explore new ways of reading and develop their portfolio of writing skills with a range of styles and techniques. During the course you will have the opportunity to meet and learn from distinguished writers, and to participate in the vibrant writing culture that centres on the department. Bernardine Evaristo, Matthew Sweeney, Helen Dunmore, Jo Shapcott, Mick Jackson (Booker Prize nominee), Carol Ann Duffy and Brendan Cleary are just some of the names that have recently visited the University. Chichester itself is an excellent environment in which to develop creative skills, boasting the prestigious Festival Theatre and the nationally renowned New Park Film Club. Our students will be offered the opportunity to study in Canada for one or two semesters

Many of our students go on to publish and win prizes. Recently students have published in The Paris Review and Staple and have had work broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Students have won prizes in many competitions, including The Bridport Prize and The Ian St James Awards. Kate Betts won Channel 4's The Play's The Thing competition in 2006. Her play, On The Third Day, was put on in London's West End. Staff include Alison MacLeod (novelist and short story writer), Stephanie Norgate (poet and dramatist), Hugh Dunkerley (poet), Dave Swann (short story writer and poet), Karen Stevens (short story writer) and Stephen Mollett (radio dramatist).

Indicative Course Content

YEAR ONE

• Creative Writing: Activating the Imagination
• Language - Variety and Change
• Literatures of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries
• Foundation Course in Literary Theory

YEAR TWO

Students shape their route according to their own strengths and interests. Creative Writing Modules include:

• Creative Writing Poetry
• Creative Writing Prose
• Drama

Single Honours students can also choose from the following strands:

• Literary History (from Shakespeare to Romanticism)
• Contesting Texts-Women's Writing, Post-Colonialism
• Modern English Language
• Drama

YEAR THREE

In addition to a Personal Study students take a number of creative and critical special subjects, for example:

• Advanced Poetry
• Novel Writing
• Writing the Short Story
• Dramatic Writing
• Writing for Children

Why this Course?

• Study with practising novelists, playwrights and poets
• Varied and challenging curriculum
• High success rates
• Range of specialist topics
• Up-to-date approaches to teaching and learning
• Skills developed on this course include: interpersonal skills, analysis and problem-solving, writing, research, independent and critical thinking, teamwork, self-management and IT skills
• Mature students welcome with non-standard qualifications

Careers

• Creative writing
• Journalism
• Media professions
• Teaching

Entry Requirements

3 Years Full Time. Delivery: Full Time and Part Time.