Search

Select location

Select type

Popular searches

Student Services

International Guide

Useful links

Student Payment Portal

Suggested courses

Start typing to see suggestions...

English Literature and Creative Writing BA (Hons)

Undergraduate

Female wearing a beige top is reading in a library

Explore your creativity in a supportive and inclusive environment where your ideas shape your learning and guide you towards your career goals.

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

QW38

Start date

September 2026

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Register for updates

Course overview

This course offers a modern approach to a timeless subject. With us, you’ll be part of a community of writers and literary scholars, potentially shaping the future of literature and entertainment.

Contemporary curriculum: explore new and emerging writing forms such as video games, graphic novels, manga and social media writing.

Innovative approach: experiment with exciting forms, bringing your interests and ideas into your creative work. Explore escape room writing, point-and-click branching narratives, vlog-style documentaries and technology-led storytelling.
Creative freedom: our course gives you the space to share your ideas and bring out your unique writer’s voice. The course is 100 per cent coursework with no exams, and you can choose between traditional writing forms, new media, essays or portfolio-based projects.

A star in the centre of a rosette.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Innovative curriculum: whether you’re passionate about poetry, video games, or screenwriting, you’ll join a lively learning community to explore topics such as: how to write interesting and compelling characters; how technology has changed the way we approach writing stories; ways that filmmakers have constructed characters and places; and how writing can be more than words on a page, manifesting in escape room experiences, branching point and click narratives, and tabletop roleplaying.
Project-based learning: actively engage in real-world, meaningful projects. Work on complex problems, create tangible solutions and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Assessment is designed to reflect the type of work and tasks carried out by English literature and creative writing graduates, such as the production of industry-ready portfolios, video presentations, podcasts and creative work samples that showcase your expertise and real-world readiness.
Take control: experiment with all kinds of approaches, from physical masks for poetry to live action roleplaying experiences, visual novels and playable video games. Your ideas are valued, and our course will help you push yourself to think and be different.
Supportive learning environment: find the freedom to share your ideas in a welcoming and supportive environment. This helps you to achieve your very best so you can graduate with key transferable skills that prepare you for work within creative and other industries.
Exciting opportunities: you'll have the chance to work on optional projects. These could include building escape rooms, engaging in discussions with key figures in the creative industries, or getting involved with issues and events in your local community.²

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses

English Literature BA (Hons)

English Literature and Creative Writing BA (Hons)
Philosophy BA (Hons)

Modules

Aesthetics: Poetry and Songwriting – 30 credits

Explore different genres of poetry and songs and learn the skills and theories used to critique and/or produce a variety of poetic texts. You will have the opportunity to consider the cultural, political and philosophical assumptions of influential poets and artists from the Classical era to the present. This module also introduces you to key perspectives from the Philosophy of Aesthetics.

Compulsory

Stories on Film: Creative and Critical Approaches – 30 credits

This module introduces you to methods and conventions of research, critical thinking and writing (from a film and major genres point of view) that will support your individual and group research projects. Learn to evaluate films (and, by extension, literature) through ‘close reading’ with the help of literary and film terminology. You’ll also be introduced to critical and philosophical theories and their application.

Compulsory

Warped Worlds: Questioning Reality – 30 credits

Using texts that explore how our sense of the world can be altered, fragmented and reshaped, this module familiarises you with literary and creative conventions in general. You will practice the skills of close reading, applying and questioning critical and/or philosophical theories, and writing analytical and creative works that interrogate the nature of reality and how it is represented.

Compulsory

People and Landscapes: Creating Projects – 30 credits

Develop knowledge about and help devise a group project that investigates issues of local interest while you learn skills in research, planning, group work and presentation. For example, you could design a potential workshop promoting literacy, raise environmental awareness about local waterways or learn about local refugee charities that teach language skills.

Compulsory

Modules

Writing for the Media Landscape – 30 credits

Develop your understanding of modern genres of journalistic writing. Explore how print, social and online media content is created and shared, and learn to analyse these forms critically. Gain practical skills to create your own journalism output. By the end of the module, you should be able to evaluate how journalists curate and present information across different platforms.

Compulsory

Creating Worlds in Speculative Fiction – 30 credits

Take part in the analysis and practice of ‘world-building’ by studying the evolution of the science-fiction and fantasy genres in literature and film. Investigate the social, cultural and historical forces which influence its conventions, subjects and themes, grappling with the genre’s questions of what makes us human—or not.

Compulsory

Picture Books for Children - 30 credits

Develop the tools to understand, analyse and write stories for children in the form of a picture book. Explore story structures and plots, including multimedia storytelling in the form of digital picture books. Gain skills in producing stories, both visually and textually, with the application of appropriate language and diverse themes for the target age group. Explore books by children's authors from around the world, from traditional folk tales to more contemporary styles. This module emphasises on creating narratives and not on drawing skills.

Compulsory

Screenwriting and Film Production - 30 credits

Develop the essential tools for understanding screenwriting and short film production, leading to the creation of a screenplay that will be adapted to a short film in collaboration with film production students. This collaborative work forms an essential part of building your knowledge of industry collaborative working practices, enabling you to understand the process of taking a script from the page to the screen.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final years of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Modules

World as Stage: Reading and Writing Drama – 30 credits

Gain a comparative look at plays performed in distinct cultures and periods, exploring how the theatre was used to represent compelling characters, depict new environments and convey often radical ideas. Learn about and write in diverse theatrical traditions that could include ancient Greek plays, medieval mystery cycles, commedia dell’arte, Japanese Noh, Nigerian Yoruba, musicals and expressionism.

Compulsory

Composing Short Story - 30 credits

Develop the tools to understand, explore and write prose in the form of short stories (fiction). Acquire the knowledge necessary to identify and study the styles of popular writers. The emphasis will be on modern and contemporary writing, though stories from earlier periods will be analysed. Learn how to explore and extend your ideas, develop your creative material and use your research skills to create lively and topical stories.

Compulsory

Graphic Novels, Comics and Manga - 30 credits

Explore the phenomenon of illustrated storytelling through analysing both western comic books and animation (from Marvel and DC superheroes to non-superhero fiction and even non-fiction) and Japanese manga and anime. Gain an understanding of the unique nature of narrative delivered through sequential art and moving images. Explore differences in approaches to narrative and reflect upon the standards of presentation in each industry.

Compulsory

Gaming and Interactive Narratives - 30 credits

Explore and analyse storytelling in video games, tabletop role-playing games and other interactive narrative forms, including how a player’s narrative experience is influenced by gameplay or its interactive elements. Forms may include video game narratives, narrative board games, escape rooms and interactive novels. Work across disciplines to create a live-action experience that showcases a multidisciplinary approach to interactive storytelling.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Learn through hands-on activities and real-world examples, using the same approaches professionals use in the field. It’s all about helping you build the skills you need to feel confident and prepared for your future career.

Teaching methods may include:

seminars and workshops with real-time feedback and support from lecturers and peers
project work that can include script development, short film and podcasts
immersive and interactive games that students solve with critical thinking
visits to local historical and cultural sites²
experiences and knowledge in more than one discipline with shared creative writing and literature modules
opportunities for one-to-one tutorials.

These are only a few of the teaching activities you can participate in. We also work with you to identify your interests and passions and find ways to integrate those into classes and assessments.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course incorporates new and innovative assessment methods aligned with current industry standards, providing you with practical, real-world skills designed to advance your professional readiness and career prospects.

Assessment methods may include:

essays: both critical and creative
podcasts
movie and theatre scripts
short documentaries and films
presentations
game narratives and live-action interactive experiences
media articles like reviews, guides and personal experience.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

This course has a multicultural and international outlook, and we use a range of international texts and authors. You may also obtain international professional experience if you decide to undertake an optional placement year².

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed².

The English and Creative Writing BA (Hons) course has been designed to allow you to experiment with your creativity in an environment that is friendly, relaxed and supports you in reaching your full potential.

The course explores traditional forms of writing like screenwriting, short story and poetry, alongside modern forms like video games, graphic novels and tabletop role-playing games. Assessment gives you the freedom and choice to tailor your coursework to your strengths and interests; it focuses on industry-standard outputs that are suitable for portfolios and showcasing your work to employers, in various creative industries.

I want my students to discover their unique writer’s voice in a setting that promotes their individuality, and provides the guidance and support necessary to build their confidence.
Lyle Weir, Course Director, English and Creative Writing, October 2024

Male student sitting outside with a book in his lap, talking to a standing female student

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC
GCSE	GCSE English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards
BTEC	DMM
IB Diploma	29 points

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

South East Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year	Not available
EU	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary 2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £16,800 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Students will benefit from studying on our well-equipped, modern campus⁴.

George Eliot building

George Eliot building

Named after one of the leading writers of the Victorian age, the George Eliot building is the city centre home of English studies at Coventry University. Mingle with like minded students, cross the Edible Garden campus to relax at the Hub, or take the few minutes walk to immerse yourself in books at the Lanchester library.

lanchester library entrance

The Library

You will benefit from our support designed to help you succeed and our industry-relevant teaching and resources. These include our modern library and computing facilities.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Throughout the course, your academic study will be combined with skills development in a range of areas highly valued by many types of employers. Learn about and refine your critical thinking and analysis in both written and spoken formats, improving your reading and listening ability to communicate and present ideas at exceptional levels.

On successful completion of the course, you should be a graduate with a firm sense of global cultural diversity, ready to make a dynamic difference anywhere in the world. You could find yourself working in the following roles:

Game narrative designer
Broadcasting
Screen, theatre and radio writer
Author/novelist
Graphic novelist
Campaign manager and marketer
Educator
Social media creator, manager and editor.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates of the course have gone on to work in teaching or publishing for companies such as Granta Magazine.

As the course also develops other abilities, such as thinking critically and analytically, research, collating and organising data, a number of previous students have also embarked upon careers as financial specialists, HR managers or press officers in companies such as Air Products, Tesco and Deutsche Bank.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the English Literature MA. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

Two students sat at a desk working on a laptop

Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

UK students

Full-time students will be able to apply for this course through UCAS from September 2025. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
AHU104

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and membershipsons

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

You may also like

Two students reading books

Browse English and Languages courses

Coventry University (Coventry)

Two students sitting on a bench in front of an old building holding books

English Literature BA (Hons)

Your next steps

Fees and funding

Discover Uni stats

University of the year shortlisted

QS Five Star Rating 2023

TEF Gold 2023