English with Creative Writing: University of Birmingham

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English with Creative Writing: University of Birmingham

Degree: BA
Address: Department of English, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Duration: 3 years
Telephone: + 44(0)121 414 3364
Fax: + 44 (0)121 414 5668
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Website: http://www.english.bham.ac.uk

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Creative Writing is a recent addition to our programmes, and staff in this area have a particular expertise in developing writing skills in others. You will have the opportunity to focus on the in-depth study of English literature and develop your skills as a writer of prose, poetry and/or drama.

In Creative Writing you develop a wide range of skills including writing, reviewing others’ work, producing edited work and reflecting on your own practice. In the second and third year you focus on the kinds of writing that interest you most.

First year

At the beginning of your programme you take an introductory module in Creative Writing. You also take an introductory module in English Literature. Landmarks in European Literature or an introductory module in English Language are also offered, together with a module from another discipline.

Second year

In this year you take Poetry and Prose Writing or Drama and Media Writing. You take Editing and a module from another discipline. You have a choice of literature, or literature and language, modules that address carefully chosen and focused topics in a range of periods of English literature, and which are informed by theoretical as well as textual and historical approaches.

Final year

In the final year you embark on your Creative Writing Project. This will enable you to demonstrate your understanding of creative writing and the issues in literature that you will have built up over the previous two years. You have a choice of advanced literature and language modules, as well as the opportunity to take a module from outside the discipline.

Teaching and assessment

You are taught in lectures and small groups by scholars who are experts in their fields. Creative Writing modules are taught by practising writers, experienced in passing their skills to others. You will be assessed in many different ways throughout the three years. You will write essays, take exams and give oral presentations. You will also produce portfolios of your creative and critical work.

Career opportunities

In English you have an unparalleled opportunity, not only to engage with the materials of a broad and diverse cultural, textual and linguistic discipline, but also to develop skills in intellectual analysis, critical thinking and articulate expression – skills that last a lifetime and qualify you for many possible careers. You are also encouraged to acquire practical skills, of equally wide usefulness and application, in oral presentation, professional documentation, group work, and the uses of information technology.

English graduates go on to work in commerce, the public services, journalism and other media, teaching at every level, publishing, advertising, the law, and a wide range of other professions. The creative writing aspects of this particular English degree will equip you for careers in publishing and editing, as well as in creative writing.

Entry requirements

Number of A levels required: 3
Typical offer: AAB
Required subjects and grades: A level English Literature or A level English Language and Literature; a language other than English at GCSE grade C minimum and Critical Thinking at AS level are encouraged; Critical Thinking may also be offered at A2 level
General Studies: may be considered.
International Baccalaureate Diploma: 36 points including English at HL with a minimum of 6 points

Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details

Additional information

Please give evidence in your application of your interest in and experience of creative writing

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