bachelor of arts in creative writing modules

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Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing

Program learning outcomes.

• Creative Work: Students will produce a written creative work demonstrating growth as writers.
• Professional Preparation: students will demonstrate skills in fields related to literature and/or creative writing, including publishing, writing, teaching, editing, book arts, and/or arts management.
• Literature: Students will read, discuss, and analyze the work of a broad range of writers from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, and explain how literature in general, and their own genre in particular, relates to larger human experience.
• Craft Elements: Students will write and revise creative nonfiction, fiction, plays, and/or poetry using the elements of craft to embody their individual and universal visions as well as analyze and discuss craft elements in their peers’ work.

Creative Writing (B.A)— 42 units

A. fundamentals (6 units).

Fundamentals of Creative Writing and Fundamentals of Creative Reading are prerequisites to all other Creative Writing courses. C W 302 is also a prerequisite to all upper-division English literature courses. C W 302 must be taken at SF State. Upon completion of C W 302 , courses from Section G may be taken at any time. C W 301 and  C W 302 may be taken concurrently.

B. Craft (3 units)

One course in the Craft Area selected from the following (must be taken after C W 301 and C W 302 and BEFORE workshop course).

C. Creative Process/Workshop (12 units)

Select four courses from the following:

D. Variable Topics Course (3 units)

Select one:

E. Revision Course (3 units)

F. capstone course (3 units), g. courses in the literature areas (12 units).

 May be taken for two semesters of credit.

May be taken for three semesters of credit.

Complementary Studies

Bachelor of Arts students must complete at least 12 units of Complementary Studies outside of the primary prefix for the major. (Note: Students may not use an alternate prefix that is cross-listed with the primary prefix for the major.)

Creative Writing majors will satisfy this requirement from within the major by taking 12 units of literature classes required in the major, which are recognized in the major list of any or all of the following prefixes: ENG, AFRS, CWL, LTNS, WGS, HUM, AAS, MGS, or AIS.

Students who have earned AA-T or AS-T degrees and are pursuing a similar B.A. degree at SF State are required to fulfill the Complementary Studies requirement as defined by the major department. Students should consult with a major advisor about how transfer units and/or SF State units can best be applied to this requirement in order to ensure degree completion within 60 units.

First-Time Student Roadmap (4 Year)

• The roadmaps presented in this Bulletin are intended as suggested plans of study and do not replace meeting with an advisor. For a more personalized roadmap, please use the Degree Planner tool found in your Student Center .
• In order to choose your English Composition A2 course and your QR/Math B4 course, please complete the online advising activities at writingadvising.sfsu.edu and mathadvising.sfsu.edu . Questions? Contact Gator Smart Start .

First-Time Student Roadmap

Transfer Student Roadmap (2 Year)

For students with an AA-T in English . ENGL ADT Roadmap

This degree program is an approved pathway (“similar” major) for students earning the ADT in English

California legislation SB 1440 (2009) mandated the creation of the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) to be awarded by the California Community Colleges. Two types of ADTs are awarded: Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T). 

Note: no specific degree is required for admission as an upper-division student. However, the ADT includes specific guarantees related to admission and graduation and is designed to clarify the transfer process and strengthen lower-division preparation for the major.

An ADT totals 60 units and in most cases includes completion of all lower-division General Education requirements and at least 18 units in a specific major. (The Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science AS-T degrees defer 3 units in lower-division GE area C and 3 units in lower-division GE area D until after transfer.) Students pursuing an ADT are guaranteed admission to the CSU if minimum eligibility requirements are met, though not necessarily to the CSU campus of primary choice.

Upon verification that the ADT has been awarded prior to matriculation at SF State, students are guaranteed B.A. or B.S. completion in 60 units if pursuing a “similar” major after transfer. Determinations about “similar” majors at SF State are made by faculty in the discipline.

Degree completion in 60 units cannot be guaranteed when a student simultaneously pursues an additional major, a minor, certificate, or credential.

A sample advising roadmap for students who have earned an ADT and continue in a "similar" major at SF State is available on the Roadmaps tab on the degree requirements page for the major. The roadmap displays:

• How many lower-division units required for the major have been completed upon entry based on the award of a specific ADT;
• Which lower-division requirements are considered complete upon entry based on the award of a specific ADT;
• How to complete the remaining 60 units for the degree in four semesters.

Students who have earned an ADT should seek advising in the major department during the first semester of attendance.

General Advising Information for Transfer Students

• Before transfer, complete as many lower-division requirements or electives for this major as possible.
• a course in U.S. History
• a course in U.S. & California Government

For information about satisfying the requirements described in (1) and (2) above at a California Community College (CCC), please visit  http://www.assist.org . Check any geographically accessible CCCs; sometimes options include more than one college. Use ASSIST to determine:

• Which courses at a CCC satisfy any lower-division major requirements for this major;
• Which courses at a CCC satisfy CSU GE, US History, and US & CA Government requirements.

Remedial courses are not transferable and do not apply to the minimum 60 semester units/90 quarter units required for admission.

Additional units for courses that are repeated do not apply to the minimum 60 units required for upper-division transfer (for example, if a course was not passed on the first attempt or was taken to earn a better grade).

Before leaving the last California Community College of attendance, obtain a summary of completion of lower-division General Education units (IGETC or CSU GE Breadth). This is often referred to as a GE certification worksheet. SF State does not require delivery of this certification to Admissions, but students should retain this document for verifying degree progress after transfer.

Credit for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or College-Level Examination Program courses: AP/IB/CLEP credit is not automatically transferred from the previous institution. Units are transferred only when an official score report is delivered to SF State. Credit is based on the academic year during which exams were taken. Refer to the University Bulletin in effect during the year of AP/IB/CLEP examination(s) for details regarding the award of credit for AP/IB/CLEP.

Students pursuing majors in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines often defer 6-9 units of lower-division General Education in Areas C and D until after transfer to focus on preparation courses for the major. This advice does not apply to students pursuing associate degree completion before transfer.

Transferring From Institutions Other Than CCCs or CSUs

Review SF State's lower-division General Education requirements. Note that, as described below, the four basic skills courses required for admission meet A1, A2, A3, and B4 in the SF State GE pattern. Courses that fulfill the remaining areas of SF State’s lower-division GE pattern are available at most two-year and four-year colleges and universities.

Of the four required basic skills courses, a course in critical thinking (A3) may not be widely offered outside the CCC and CSU systems. Students should attempt to identify and take an appropriate course no later than the term of application to the CSU. To review more information about the A3 requirement, please visit bulletin.sfsu.edu/undergraduate-education/general-education/lower-division/#AAEL .

Waiting until after transfer to take a single course at SF State that meets both US and CA/local government requirements may be an appropriate option, particularly if transferring from outside of California.

Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Creative Writing and English

The bachelor of arts (BA) in creative writing and English combines classic literature with writing exploration and technique. Students in the major are challenged to explore creative writing in many forms, from poetry and short fiction to playwriting, memoir, and avante garde techniques.

Creative writing majors work with nationally and internationally recognized faculty and meet inspiring writers, poets, memoirists, and editors who visit campus to lecture and teach.

Visit the program website for more information.

For information about the admission process, including deadlines, visit the  Office of Undergraduate Admissions website . Applications can be submitted via the  Common Application .

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions The George Washington University 800 21st St NW Suite 100 Washington, DC 20052

For questions visit undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/contact-us .

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under  Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs .

Program-specific curriculum:

In addition to the University General Education Requirement , undergraduate students in Columbian College must complete a further, College-specific general education curriculum—Perspective, Analysis, Communication (G-PAC) as well as the course CCAS 1001 First-Year Experience . Together with the University General Education Requirement, G-PAC engages students in active intellectual inquiry across the liberal arts. Students achieve a set of learning outcomes that enhance their analytical skills, develop their communication competencies, and invite them to participate as responsible citizens who are attentive to issues of culture, diversity, and privilege.

Coursework for the University General Education Requirement is distributed as follows:

One course in critical thinking in the humanities.

Two courses in critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, or scientific reasoning in the social sciences.

One course that has an approved oral communication component.

• One course in quantitative reasoning (must be in mathematics or statistics).
• One course in scientific reasoning (must be in natural and/or physical laboratory sciences).
• UW 1020 University Writing  (4 credits).
• After successful completion of UW 1020 ,  6 credits distributed over at least two writing in the discipline (WID) courses taken in separate semesters. WID courses are designated by a "W" appended to the course number. 

Coursework for the CCAS G-PAC requirement is distributed as follows:

• Arts—one approved arts course that involves the study or creation of artwork based on an understanding or interpretation of artistic traditions or knowledge of art in a contemporary context.
• Global or cross-cultural perspective—one approved course that analyzes the ways in which institutions, practices, and problems transcend national and regional boundaries.
• Local or civic engagement—one approved course that develops the values, ethics, disciplines, and commitment to pursue responsible public action.
• Natural or physical science—one additional approved laboratory course that employs the process of scientific inquiry (in addition to the one course in this category required by the University General Education Requirement).
• Humanities—one additional approved humanities course that involves critical thinking skills (in addition to the one course in this category required by the University General Education Requirement).
• CCAS 1001 First-Year Experience

Certain courses are approved to fulfill GPAC requirements in more than one category.

Courses taken in fulfillment of G-PAC requirements may also be counted toward majors or minors. Transfer courses taken prior to, but not after, admission to George Washington University may count toward the University General Education Requirement and G-PAC, if those transfer courses are equivalent to GW courses that have been approved by the University and the College.

Lists of approved courses in the above categories are included on each undergraduate major's  page in this Bulletin.

Majors in Creative Writing and English who wish to be considered for Special Honors must apply in writing in the spring semester of the junior year; they must meet the requirements stated under University Regulations and have a GPA of 3.25 in courses in the English Department at the time of applying. Candidates take the Creative Writing Senior Thesis ENGL 4220 in the spring semester. To be eligible for graduation with Special Honors, candidates must earn an A or A− on the Honors Thesis and have achieved a 3.4 grade-point average in courses in the English Department.

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Creative Writing (BA)

College of humanities and social sciences | department of english.

Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing — In Person

Stand Out With an Undergraduate Degree From Webster

Discover and strengthen your writing voice with webster’s creative writing program.

Become a part of the storytelling tradition through Webster University’s Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing program. You’ll take Creative Writing classes in fiction, poetry, drama and creative nonfiction.

Webster’s undergraduate degree in Creative Writing teaches you to read as a writer, as well as how to understand and analyze a vast range of literary strategies such as language, voice and form. As a Creative Writing major, you’ll prepare for creative writing jobs, and a wide range of other professional careers — thanks to our focus on critical thinking and concise communication skills.

“With my Webster degree I plan on writing stories about the small in-between places and bringing them to light to give the world an understanding of the differences and connections between everyone.”

BA in Creative Writing, '24

Choose Webster for Your Creative Writing BA

Get real-world experience.

As you earn your degree in Creative Writing, you can take Creative Writing practicum, which emphasizes hands-on experience in real-world work environments. To prepare you for some of the most exciting creative writing jobs, we offer course credit for internships at places such as St. Louis Magazine, River Styx Magazine , the Saint Louis Art Museum, Less Annoying CRM and Spectrum Healthcare.

Learn from Experienced Faculty

The small sizes of our Creative Writing classes mean more opportunities to work closely with our published and award-winning authors, poets and essayists. Our faculty mentor from their experience as writers and pass along their expertise to help you find your voice and publish your work.

Study in a Historic Building

Surroundings can often inspire creative writers. That’s why we offer our Creative Writing classes in the beautiful and historic Pearson House, a 90-year-old mansion on the northeast corner of campus.

Join a Thriving Literary Community

You’ll have many chances to share your work as a Creative Writing major— in The Green Fuse , our student literary magazine; The Mercury , our publication of outstanding student work from the past year; Surfacing, our annual festival where students write, direct and produce their own one-act plays; and the new Student Reading Series.

The David Clewell Visiting Writers Series

Every semester, the Clewell Series brings nationally renowned poets, novelists, essayists and playwrights to campus for readings, class meetings and one-on-one tutorials with Creative Writing Majors.

Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing

Learn more about creative writing classes, electives, learning outcomes and more.

Program Details

Explore our catalog for more details about courses and admission requirements for the BA in Creative Writing degree.

This program is offered in Webster Groves, Missouri.

Creative Writing Program Recognized

Webster University’s BA in Creative Writing has been named one of the top creative writing programs in Missouri by creativewritingedu.org . Webster’s program was praised for its exploration of fiction, poetry, drama and creative nonfiction to prepare emerging writers.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing?

There are few degree programs as versatile as Creative Writing. Regardless of industry or position, nearly every employer seeks professionals who can communicate effectively, think critically and solve problems creatively.

We offer many resources to help you plan and find the career of your dreams. Our dedicated alumni network can show you the range of places our graduates work, and put you in touch with English and Creative Writing Gorloks who can help you get a start in your career.

You’ll also be able to build an individualized plan for your career search in our careers course titled, What Next? The English and Creative Writing Major After Graduation.

After graduation, you’ll have a strong foundation to pursue many professional and creative writing jobs, as well as graduate programs in fields such as:

• Data Analysis
• Copywriting
• Education Administration
• Human Resources
• Public Relations

Salaries for Creative Writing Graduates

Because our bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing can prepare you for so many different careers, your salary will depend on your chosen career path.

For example, the median annual wage for writers and authors is $73,000 — according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Technical writers can expect to earn on average $86,000 — according to the BLS.

Other Degrees in Writing and Content Creation

• Scriptwriting (BA)
• Game and Game Design (BA)
• Journalism (BA)
• English (BA)
• Animation (BA)

Get Started on Your Bachelor's Degree in Creative Writing

Take the next step toward earning your Creative Writing degree. We are here to help you get started.

Learn more about our academic programs and our main campus and locations .

Connect with our admissions counselors and academic advisors .

Apply to Webster and take the next steps for financial aid and scholarships.

Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More

If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office .

Call 314-246-7800 or 800-753-6765 or send an email to [email protected].

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BA Humanities English with Creative Writing (DN530/ENS6)

• I am a Non-EU Applicant
• I am an Irish/EU/UK Applicant
• I am a Current Student

Curricular information is subject to change.

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If your interest in literature extends to an ambition to write creatively, this degree programme will support that ambition through classes, workshops, and seminars dedicated to the development of your creative talent. In the final year, you will work on – and complete to high standard – a substantial writing project. To help you reach this standard, you will be advised and directed by one of the supervisors on the Creative Writing team.

About this Course

Why is this course for me.

You will study the work of a wide range of writers, focusing on how they create their works. You will learn about form and genre. You will explore a range of narrating voices by reading texts selected to illustrate this range. In a similar way, you will learn how characters are constructed, how to handle dialogue, how to manage time and sequencing and many other elements of the craft of writing, which will be generally helpful and occasionally inspiring in your own writing. You will be introduced to contemporary developments in literature by considering the work of a number of Irish writers, who will address the class and provide valuable insight into the writing process.

What Will I Study?

Modules include:

• Creative Writing 1 & 2
• How to Read Poetry
• Writing the Body
• Reading World Literature
• Literature & Crisis
• Contemporary Irish Writing
• Literary Genre

As well as a range of English with Creative Writing modules students will benefit from an additional subject stream. Options include:

• Drama Studies
• Film Studies
• German Beginners
• German Non-Beginners
• Greek & Roman Civilisation
• Irish Studies
• Spanish Beginners
• Spanish Non-Beginners

Second Year

• Intermediate Creative Writing 1 & 2
• Critical Theory
• Medieval Literature
• Irish Literature in English
• Renaissance Literature
• Romanticism
• Victorian to Modern Literature
• Modern American Literature
• The English Novel
• UCD Special Collections: Archival Resarch Methods

For detailed information on subject content click here.

You will choose from a range of options that will enable you to broaden your horizons and enrich your academic experience:

• Apply for a competitive internship in an area that interests you and/or relates to your area of study.
• Study abroad for a trimester/year to develop your language skills and immerse yourself in a new culture.
• Deepen your knowledge by studying in-depth Creative Writing modules including: Poetry Workshop, Fiction Workshop, Creative Non-Fiction Workshop.

Students will also choose from a wide range of specialist English modules such as Making Shakespeare, Gender & Sexuality in the 18th Century, Austen’s Peer, Yeats, Reading Ulysses, Reading Beckett, The Theatre of Martin McDonagh.

Fourth Year

Students will choose from a wide range of advanced English modules, including: Contemporary, Historical Fiction, Detecting Fictions, Contemporary Irish Writing, Memory & the Irish Stage, Contemporary Irish Women’s Poetry, Modern American Poetry & Poetics. Students will also partake in advanced Creative Writing Workshops.

View All Modules

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

International Study Opportunities

Students can study in various EU and non-EU destinations through the Erasmus and Study Abroad programmes, in partnership arrangements between UCD and universities across the world.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Writer, editor, literary agents and critics, content creator, copywriters, broadcaster/journalist, public relations, business, law, politics, teaching, management consultancy, humanities research and many others.

UCD English, Drama and Film offer a wide range of postgraduate courses, including the MA and MFA in Creative Writing.

See  www.ucd.ie/englishdramafilm/study/  for more details.

Fees, Funding & Scholarships

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found  here .

UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD  International Scholarships webpage.

How to Apply

What our students and graduates say.

“Studying English with Creative Writing has allowed me to take something I love and incorporate it directly into my degree. The hardest part about writing is often finding the time to do it. The English with Creative Writing course allows me to focus entirely on something I am passionate about. The School of English, Drama and Film offers an impressive range of English modules is unparalleled and gives me the freedom to explore English and Creative Writing in great depth. This year, I was able to do an internship with the National University of Ireland. It was a fantastic practical experience, editing documents for publication and transcribing lectures from politicians.”

Djamel White, Student

Undergraduate (Level 8 NFQ, Credits 240)

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.

• Apply for admission 2024

Undergraduate qualifications

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Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing

Semester 2 applications for the 2024 academic year will be open for limited undergraduate qualifications from 15 april to 10 may 2024., admission requirements, student fees and funding your studies.

• Application for admission

Registration

Qualification admission requirements.

Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or a Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements, should consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

Application fee

Pay the application fee once you've received your student number:

• R135 for online applications
• Use the 8 digit student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number ( ie YOUR 8 digit STUDENT NUMBER 5370810030 )
• Send the proof of payment to [email protected]
• Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for banking details and payment information

Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.

Student fees

Click here  to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.

Apply for admission

Semester 2 applications for the 2024 academic year will be open for limited undergraduate qualifications from 15 April to 10 May 2024 . 

Please take note of the following:

• All applications for admission must be submitted online. 
• Admission to a qualification is not automatic. It will depend on whether you comply with the admission requirements and if space is available.

Additional support for this qualification via TVET colleges

Unisa has an agreement with various  Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to offer classes in a selected number of qualifications. These classes have proved to generally improve the throughput rate of students who enrol for them.

Take note of the following :

• Make sure that your  TVET college of choice offers support in your qualification. 
• Apply for admission during Unisa's application period via your TVET college or via Unisa.

Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa's offer. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.

Curriculum / modules

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English - Creative Writing (Bachelor of Arts)

The Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing requires a total of 120 hours. 

Students seeking the Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Creative Writing may minor in Literature or Professional Writing, but may not minor in Creative Writing.  Students choosing to minor in Literature or Professional Writing may not double count any 200-, 300-, and 400-level coursework toward both the major and minor.

The major requires 39 hours of English and approved courses, which must include the following thirty-hour (30) English core.

The Creative Writing concentration consists of nine (9) hours in addition to the English core classes.

For the English major, a minimum of 12 of the 39 hours must be taken at the 300/400 level at JSU.  The English major also requires 12 hours of a single foreign language (FL 101-102, FL 201-202).  Students who plan careers in education should contact Teacher Education Services in the College of Education and Professional Studies, Ramona Wood Hall, Room 207, for information on certification and assessment into Education. 

In addition to courses noted below, candidates for graduation must successfully complete all JSU Academic Regulations. More information about general education requirements can be found in the  Summary of Degrees/Requirements section of the catalog.

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• Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
• Internationally respected, universally understood.
• An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
• Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
• Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
• Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
• One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
• You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
• For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.

BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities (Creative Writing)

This degree gives you the freedom to combine the study of different subject areas in the arts and humanities. You'll develop a specialism in creative writing, exploring a range of approaches to writing and developing your skills. You can combine this with a second specialism or choose to develop broader interests in art history, classical studies, English language, English literature, history, modern languages, music, philosophy, and religious studies. You'll also discover how knowledge is created and shared in the arts and humanities, stretch your imagination and develop your own creative and critical responses. By studying this degree, you'll become an independent learner and a member of a diverse and vibrant student community.

• Specialise in creative writing within a broad and flexible arts and humanities degree
• Develop and reflect on your own writing practice
• Have the opportunity to develop a project based on independent study
• Develop a range of skills that will be valuable in the workplace and to further study

Find out more about Entry requirements

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• You’ll start Stage 1 with a broad introduction to the arts and humanities followed by up to two modules chosen from a variety of subjects.
• Next, at Stages 2 and 3 , you'll specialise in creative writing in combination with either a second specialism in arts and humanities or study modules from across the arts and humanities curriculum.

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

Stage 1 (120 credits).

In Stage 1 you will encounter a variety of different times and places and engage with some fascinating people, art works, ideas and stories. This broad foundation will help you develop the skills and the confident, open approach you need to tackle more specialist modules at Stages 2 and 3. 

Stage 2 (120 credits)

At Stage 2 you’ll study through an engaging mix of practical exercises, activities and readings, all designed to sustain your creative writing. You’ll explore the creative process; how to use your memory; developing a daily discipline; approaches to fiction, poetry and life writing; and the world of publishing and the requirements of professional presentation.

You will complete the stage with a second module chosen from a wide choice of arts and humanities modules.

Stage 3 (120 credits)

At Stage 3 you’ll continue to develop your fiction, poetry and life writing skills and be introduced to scriptwriting. You’ll explore form and genre; how to sustain longer and more complex works of fiction and poetry; writing for stage, film and radio; professional layouts for dramatic media; how scriptwriting skills might enhance and influence your fiction, poetry and life writing; and how to improve your individual voice and style.

You will complete your degree with a second module chosen from a wide range of arts and humanities modules.

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us . This description was last updated on 19 March 2024.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

• Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
• Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
• Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
• Finding external/third-party material online
• Accessing online catalogues and databases
• Specialist material, such as works of art and musical manuscripts
• Specialist software, such as Sibelius (a music writing package)
• Online tutorials

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions. Visit our  Disability support  page to learn about our services.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

• Knowledge and understanding
• Cognitive skills
• Practical and professional skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course we'll award you our Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Arts and Humanities.

If you choose a specialist route, your degree title will show with:

• One specialism – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Arts and Humanities (History)
• Two specialisms – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Arts and Humanities (French and Classical Studies).

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

If you intend to use your Open University qualification to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications .

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations  website. 

• BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities

Compare this course

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all , so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you're ready for study success

How much time do I need?

• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year .
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week .
• If you wish to study a collaborative module (CTLU302, CDDR301 or CDDR321) and study full time, it will take you a minimum of:  – 3 years if you fund either of these modules by any means other than a Student Loan  – 4 years if you fully fund this qualification with a Student Loan. This is because the Student Loans provider will not provide a loan for two Higher Education Institutions in the same Academic Year, as required within Stage 3 of this qualification.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

• feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
• support from a dedicated team throughout your study
• detailed written feedback on your work.

Arts and languages Access module

What you will study.

View full details of Arts and languages Access module

How much will it cost in England?

We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread the cost.

• A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.
• Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.
• Most of our students study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year.
• Our typical fee for 60 credits is £3,636*.
• This means, at current prices, the typical total cost of your qualification would be £21,816*.
• This qualification also includes option modules that are higher and lower than typical cost. If you choose to study one or more of these modules, the total cost of your qualification will differ from that stated above.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section C of the University's Fee Rules .

Additional costs

Study costs.

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after you start studying.

Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how you can pay. That’s why we offer a wide range of flexible payment and funding options to help make study more affordable. Options include Part-Time Tuition Fee Loans (also known as student loans), monthly payment plans and employer sponsorship. 

We’re confident we can help you find an option that’s right for you. Just answer these simple questions to find out more about the options available to you for courses starting before 31 July 2025.

To find out what funding options are available you need to tell us:

• how many credits you want to study
• if you already hold a degree
• if your household is in receipt of benefits
• about your household income
• if you are employed
• if you are a member of the British forces overseas

How many credits are you planning to study per year?

• You will need [xxx] credits to complete this qualification.

Do you already hold a degree?

Was your previous degree in the same subject you wish to study now, was it achieved in the last 5 years, are you employed, are you a member of british forces posted overseas.

British Forces

• If you have a BFPO address, you are only eligible for UK course fees if you are a currently serving member of the British armed forces and you're temporarily and unavoidably working abroad. Other students using BFPO addresses should contact us on +44 (0)300 303 5303 for UK fee eligibility to be assessed.

*The fee information provided above is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules .

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• details of each assignment and their due dates
• a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage .

See how our module websites work.

Tutor support

Student, Ffion, describes why she chose the OU and how she is using her degree to progress herself further in a career she loves.

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

• mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
• guide you to learning resources
• support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.
• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded. Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

• our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
• other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
• the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
• free Microsoft Office 365 software
• IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Having a course that was really varied and studying in a style that worked for Nick, was key to him launching his own business and becoming an entrepreneur.

Skills for career development

Employers greatly value the high-level critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills acquired by studying a humanities degree. You’ll sharpen your IT, writing, and independent thinking skills ; and develop the ability to assimilate and evaluate relevant information in constructing an argument. These are key skills in complex organisations, greatly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering, or changing career.

Career relevance

Study of the arts and humanities requires an understanding of human activities in diverse cultural environments and in very different historical circumstances. The breadth of study and range of cultural texts and objects analysed, combined with training in clear thinking and communication, make this degree course relevant to a wide variety of careers, including:

• public administration, local government, the civil service, art institutions, and social services
• advertising, journalism, publishing, creative industries and public relations
• business, banking and retail
• human resources
• charities and campaigning.

Other careers

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are  available for you to see now , including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about  how OU study enhances your career .

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree:

• teacher (for secondary teaching, you will need at least 180 credits in the subject you plan to teach)
• museum curator
• civil servant
• advertising account manager
• public relations manager
• charity campaigner
• retail manager
• human resources manager
• information archivist
• media researcher
• local government and NHS management
• further education lecturer
• advice worker
• arts administration
• marketing officer
• tourist officer
• business manager.

Register for this course

This is the Creative Writing route through our BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities. You will register on the BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities and enrol on the relevant modules for this route.

• Oct 2024 - Registration closes 05/09/2024
• Feb 2025 - Registration closes 09/01/2025

Request your Arts and Humanities prospectus

Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.

Request prospectus

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• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Explore your creativity, hone your writing skills, and find your voice.

• Academic Programs

About this Program

The Department of English in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.F.A. in Creative Writing. A major in Creative Writing emphasizes the craft of writing and of revising creative literary work in several genres, including fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and nonfiction. The study of creative writing requires close reading of literary works, discussion and critique of peers’ work in workshop settings, and the development of creative writing techniques and strategies.

Creative Writing serves students who wish to improve their writing, communication, and analytic skills, as well as strengthen their imaginative and expressive faculties.

• Creative Writing majors at UM study with acclaimed literature faculty as well as award-winning and bestselling creative writers in a town renowned for its literary and artistic culture. They hone their skills in small seminars alongside talented and creative students.

Application

After admission to the university, interested students must apply separately for this degree program. The department has an application form on its website along with brief instructions. 

The Value of a Creative Writing Degree

The B.F.A. in Creative Writing offers students experiences that are useful for any profession and are pivotal for meaningful participation in a thriving economy and society. The number one skill desired by employers in nation-wide surveys is written communication. In addition to honing this skill, s students explore diverse representations of human experience and ultimately learn how language shapes the world.

On this Page…

Program information, program type, area of study.

College of Liberal Arts

B.F.A. in Creative Writing

Program Location

Required credit hours, degree requirements.

See the information below on the creative writing major and minor. For a full description, visit the  online catalog .

Students in the B.F.A. in Creative Writing degree complete 53 credit hours of English courses and 9 credit hours of courses outside the department. Students finish the program with a creative writing thesis, oral defense of the thesis, and participate in a public reading or showcase. 

Literary History Core:

• Eng 299. Intro to Literary Studies 
• One course from the list of Medieval and Early Modern Literatures list (see English major)
• One course from 18th/19th Century Literatures list (see English major)
• One course from Diverse Perspectives list (see English major)
• Two courses of literature electives at the 300-level or higher.

Creative Writing Core: 

• Eng 199 or 300: Intro to Creative Writing
• Eng 298: Intro to Form, Craft, and Influence
• Eng 301: Poetry Workshop
• Eng 302: Fiction Workshop
• Eng 308: Editing, Writing, and Digital Publishing
• Eng 400: Advanced Poetry Workshop
• Eng 401: Advanced Fiction Workshop

Creative Writing Electives:

• Eng 303: Nonfiction Workshop
• Eng 304: Screenwriting Workshop
• Eng 402: Advanced Nonfiction Workshop
• Eng 403: Advanced Screenwriting Workshop
• Eng 404: Special Topics in Creative Writing
• Eng 405: Nature Writing
• Eng 515: Nonfiction Workshop
• Eng 516: Fiction Workshop
• Eng 517: Poetry Workshop

Creative Writing Thesis:

• Eng 499: Thesis (final two semesters)
• Eng 498: Thesis Workshop 
• Eng 499: Senior Thesis

Courses Outside the Department:

Students complete 9 credit hours of courses from an approved list of Advanced Interdisciplinary Histories, Practices, and Theories of Art. Other courses may be approved by the program director.

African American Studies

• AAS 337: Anthropology of Blues Culture
• AAS 395: Survey of Black American Art
• AAS 412: Studies in Black Popular Culture
• *AAS courses cross-listed with Eng cannot count

Art and Art History

• Any 300-level or above AH or Art course
• Clc 303. Greek and Roman Tragedy
• Clc 304. Greek and Roman Comedy
• Clc 305. Topics in Classical Mythology
• Clc 307. Survey of Greek Literature
• Clc 308. Survey of Roman Literature
• Clc 309. Greek and Roman Epic
• Clc 315. Egyptian Art and Archaeology
• Clc 316. Bronze Age Aegean Art & Archaeology
• Clc 317. Etruscan Art and Archaeology
• Clc 318. Greek Vase Painting
• Clc 319. Greek Sculpture
• Clc 320. Greek Architecture
• Clc 321. Greek Art and Archaeology
• Clc 322. Roman Art and Archaeology
• Clc 323. Art & Archaeology of Pompeii
• Clc 328. Ancient Art on Location
• Clc 333. Poetry and Politics at Rome

Gender Studies

• G St 330. Queer Rhetorics
• G St 350. Gender and Sexuality in Cinema
• G St 353. Gender and Sexuality in the Media
• G St 442. Feminist Rhetorics
• Hst 456. Southern Music History
• Hst 481. Topics in History and Film
• Hst 482. Samurai in Film

  Philosophy & Religion

• Phil 320. Aesthetics
• Phil 355. Philosophy of Film
• Rel 386. Religion and Film

Sociology and Anthropology

• Anth 302. Anthropological Films
• Anth 305. Archaeology
• Anth 306. Archaeology of the Ancient Celts
• Anth 308. Death and Dying of the Ancient Celts
• Anth 324. North American Archaeology
• Anth 332. Early Medieval Art and Archaeology
• Anth 335. Archaeological Field Session
• Anth 336. Viking Art and Archaeology
• Anth 337. Anthropology of Blues Culture
• Anth 339. Art & Archaeology of Pompeii
• Anth 412. Ceramic Analysis
• Soc 315. Leisure and Popular Culture
• Soc 440. Sociology of Music

Southern Studies

• S St 533. Fieldwork and Oral History
• S St 534. Documentary Photography
• S St 537. Documenting the South in Film
• S St 540. Photographing Place in the U.S. South

Theatre and Film

• Thea 305. Screenwriting I
• Thea 321. Theatre History I
• Thea 322. Theatre History II
• Thea 325. Playwriting
• Thea 329. Queer Playwriting & American Culture
• Thea 406. Screenwriting II
• Thea 421. Musical Theatre History and Literature I
• Thea 422. Musical Theatre History and Literature II
• Thea 463. Writing from Stage to Screen

Writing & Rhetoric

• Rhet 330. Queer Rhetorics
• Rhet 442. Feminist Rhetorics

A minor in Creative Writing requires 18 credit hours of English courses and approved electives taught outside the department in Classics and Linguistics.

• Clc 303: Greek and Roman Tragedy
• Clc 304: Greek and Roman Comedy
• Clc 305: Topics in Classical Mythology
• Clc 307: Survey of Greek Literature
• Clc 308: Survey of Roman Literature
• Clc 309: Greek and Roman Epic
• Clc 333: Poetry and Politics at Rome
• Lin 303: Phonology
• Lin 304: Morphology
• Lin 305: Syntax
• Lin 506: Discourse Analysis
• Lin 510: Advanced English Grammar
• Lin 511: Dialects of English
• Lin 520: Historical Linguistics

See all English courses in the online catalog .

What is Creative Writing?

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• COAS Academic Advising and Student Services

Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, BA

This is a sample curriculum plan for the Creative Writing BA within the College of Arts and Sciences at Boise State.

If you are a prospective student viewing this document, please note curriculum is subject to change and specific per catalog year.

For current students, this plan is intended to be a glimpse at key sequencing within the major and includes some common/important advising notes. Sample plans are meant to provide aid in early, provisional planning. This plan does not replace the advice of academic advisors. Please refer to the Advising Contacts page for information about advising within the College of Arts and Sciences and how to contact advisors within each department.

First Semester

Second semester, second year, fourth year, comments/notes.

• Courses listed may require prerequisites.
• Please view the undergraduate catalog to view prerequisites.
• All 300 and 400 Level can be repeated twice for credit.
• Information Subject to Change.
• This is not a contract.
• * Foundational course offerings here

College of Arts and Sciences Academic Advising and Student Services

Arts Sciences

The BA Creative Arts and Humanities Programme

The BA Creative Arts and Humanities Programme will enable you to develop both your creative and critical skills, focusing on the role of narrative across writing, moving image, and performance.

On this page:

UCL’s BA Creative Arts and Humanities is an interdisciplinary degree that will enable you to develop both your creative and critical skills, focusing on the role of narrative across three forms of creative practice:

• Writing: narratives for paper, screen, and the digital sphere in fiction and non-fiction genres
• Moving image: making narratives for screen, both fictional and documentary, from static images, storyboards, texts, and scripts, to filming, final edit and display.
• Performance: working with voice, body, and movement to communicate ideas and emotions through performance for stage, film and digital media

Working with academics as well as industry practitioners, you will develop your knowledge and critical understanding of these modes of creative practice in historical, contemporary and future-facing contexts. You will also develop your own creative skills and explore what creativity means in different contexts and how it can be harnessed for meaningful impact in society.

The degree will encourage you to ground your creative expression in practical engagement, with audiences, with communities, and with different organisations or employers. You will learn the skills of collaboration, learning how to create with and for others, and develop a range of skills that can be applied across a range of roles and sectors.

Based at our new campus in Stratford, UCL East, you will be part of a community of students studying interdisciplinary degrees in both arts and science subjects that are focused on creating, designing and making, with a strong emphasis on active engagement with the world to effect change.

• You will develop advanced level skills in narrative and other forms of communication across three different modes of creative practice: writing, performance and moving image. You will develop an understanding of how these modes work with and influence one another, and be able to develop your own powerful narratives. 
• You will benefit from world-class research across the arts and humanities at UCL, ranked 5th in the world for these disciplines ( THE World University Rankings 2022 by subject ), as well as from creative practitioners working in different fields. 
• You will be able to specialise depending on your area of interest to develop high-level skills in writing, performance or moving image, to prepare you to become a practitioner yourself or take your creative and critical skills into a wide range of sectors. 
• You will learn how to think critically and act collaboratively, focused on how to use creativity to solve problems, generate fresh perspectives or influence change.
• You will be part of a vibrant community of researchers, creators and makers at our new campus, UCL East, and have access to the rich variety of London’s creative and cultural organisations. 

Curriculum (structure)

The programme is made up of 120 credits of study each year. It is structured to enable you to engage with three modes of creative practice (writing, performance and moving image), both critically and practically. At the same time, you will study modules that focus on the role that these forms of practice play in generating interdisciplinary solutions to real world problems, and on the application of these skills in contexts outside the university. 

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content, assessment pattern and availability is subject to change.

You will take each of the following modules each year. All modules are worth 15 credits unless otherwise stated. 

Year 1 (Level 4)

• BASC0058 Writing I: Storytelling
• BASC0059 Applied Humanities 1: The Creative Laboratory    
• BASC0060 How Moving Images Work I: Introducing Theory    
• BASC0061 How Writing Works I: History, Society and Technology    
• BASC0062 Making Moving Images I: Introduction to Practice    
• BASC0063 Preparation for Performance I: Body and Voice    
• BASC0064 Understanding Performance I: Performance Makers in Extra-Theatrical Contexts    

You will then choose one 15 credit elective module from UCL that will complement your choices. You will make this choice in discussion with your Personal Tutor. Choices include:

• ANTH0011 Documentary Film-Making
• BASC0022 Interactions of Music and Science
• BASC0032 Critical Race Theory
• EDPS0240 Sociology of Media
• ELCS0046 Of, On and In London (not running in 2024/25)
• LITC0006 Questions of Realism (not running in 2024/25)
• LITC0027 Canons and Creativity: Period, Context, Text
• A 15 credit language module offered by the Centre for Languages & International Education (excluding English for Academic Purposes)

Year 2 (Level 5)

You will take the following compulsory modules:

• BASC0070 The Collaborative Economy
• ENGF0024 Collaborative Design for Society

You will be required to select three of the following optional modules, which must include at least one ‘pair’ of critical/practice modules (e.g. both Writing modules) and one other ‘practice’ based module.

• BASC0066 How Moving Images Work II
• BASC0067 How Writing Works II: Authorship, Authority, Appropriation
• BASC0068 Making Moving Images II
• BASC0069 Preparation for Performance II: Devising and Improvisation
• BASC0071 Understanding Performance II: Context, Purpose, Reception
• BASC0072 Writing II: Writing London

To complete your module section, you will be required to take two of the following optional modules. Note that choice of modules in your second year will affect the options available to you in your final year because of the requirement to have completed relevant Level 5 modules to be able to enrol on Level 6 modules (for example, you may not be able to take Level 6 Performance modules if you have not selected Level 5 Performance modules).

In consultation with the Personal Tutor, and subject to timetabling constraints, you may also be able to select an elective module in place of one of the options listed above (max 15 credits). Elective modules are typically selected from departments offering related disciplines in the Faculties of Arts and Humanities or Social and Historical Sciences . Please note that these modules may be taught at the Bloomsbury campus rather than the UCL EAST campus and so you will be required to fund your travel to the other campus. Your choices include:

• ANTH0078 An Introduction to World Cinema
• BASC0084 Screenwriting: Theory and Practice
• CLAS0169 Dramaturgy, Ancient and Modern
• LITC0013 21st Century Fiction
• LITC0024 Experimental Film and Video: Between Gallery and Cinema
• LITC0029 Life Writing, Autofiction, Fictional Autobiography
• LITC0037 Literatures and Cultures of Play
• LITC0038 Queerstories and Queerory

Year 3 (Level 6)

You are required to take the following compulsory modules:

The final-year project is the culmination of your course of study. Here, you are given the space to explore your discipline or disciplines of creative practice at significant depth and breadth, drawing on their learning over your full degree programme. The final-year project may consist of a single piece of work (and extended piece of writing, a substantial, graduation film, or a fully-fledged performance, for example) or it may consist of a portfolio of shorter pieces. In all cases, it must exhibit an overall conceptual unity and an assessment of this unity will play a role in grading. You may decide to draw on a single creative practice or you may decide to use more than one discipline of creative practice. A portfolio, then, might consist of a combination of film, performance and pieces of writing, or it might simply be a substantial piece of writing, for example. 

This module aims to prepare you for today’s rapidly changing world of work, looking at the impacts of technology on working contexts and processes, whilst balancing that with what it means to be human in these environments. The module will equip you with knowledge and skills that will help you to be resilient, flexible, and productive in a wide variety of professional contexts, irrespective of the sector you might choose to work in or the type of work you would like to do. 

Building on the interdisciplinary nature of this degree’s delivery, this final year module offers you the chance to explore which roles are best suited to your individual ambitions and strengths, giving you space to reflect on your own preferred working contexts (leader or team member? Employee or entrepreneur? Commercial, cultural, or charitable sector? Large or small organisation?) and to shape effective job-seeking materials.  

Alongside this practical career-focused exploration, you will explore recent writings on the creative workplace: for example, the work of Mikkelsen and Martin (2016) underlining the need to be both a generalist and a specialist, or by engaging with Neumeier’s five metaskills – feeling, seeing, dreaming, making, and learning – which he believes are essential for reaching potential in the creative workplace (Neumeier, 2013).

The module will be assessed by a professional portfolio comprising of a CV and a blog or video which showcases your skills and ambitions and a 2,000 word/4 minutes film/media content response to one of the theories/works explored in the module.

You are required to select one of the following practice-based modules at Level 6:

This module prepares you with the skills and techniques needed to conceive, develop and complete a substantial writing project. Through the study of a diverse range of examples from modern and contemporary writing and from writers’ reflections on their own practices, we will explore how to develop ideas, including the use of freewriting, free-association, dreaming, improvisation, chance procedures, and mind-altering techniques and substances; how to keep track of, order and refine those ideas, including the use of journals, notetaking and research carried out with various kinds of hardware and software; how to plan, plot or structure a work in progress; how to develop fruitful and orderly writing practices and habits; how to draft and revise your work; how to give feedback on work in progress by other people, and take feedback on your own; how to abandon and learn from wrong turns and false starts; and how to edit, including fact- and continuity-checking.

This module will be assessed by a 3,000 word portfolio demonstrating your engagement with the themes of the module.

This practice-based module will enable you to develop your filmmaking ability in devising a creative response to a set brief from an industrial client. This could be an advert for commerce or a polemic using moving images with the sole object to persuade the client. It could be a suggested Christmas ad for John Lewis using mythology or an animatic for a charity employing a militant manifesto.   

You will design, prep, shoot and edit a “persuasive” piece, using the ideas gleaned from the course. Fiction or non-fiction, moving storyboard, or a flowing sound scape set to a single image:  the response to the brief will be up to you to decide. The intention is that this piece of work should focus them on the problem-solving ability to engage with the application of moving images. The duration of the piece is deliberately short to encourage you to distil your ideas, and to crystallise them into a moving image mode that will persuade and engage its intended client quickly and precisely. The learning experience will contribute to the future attempt to make a more developed and longer film (or approximation thereof) in the graduate project. 

This module will be assessed by a 1-2 minute persuasive piece alongside a 3-5 minute oral presentation to the client and a 1,500 word reflective piece on the process of negotiating the brief, making the ' persuasive ' piece and screening it to the client.

Using the individual and ensemble skills developed in Preparation for Performance I and Preparation for Performance II, and anticipating the demands of the Final Year Project, this module builds upon and develops the knowledge, skills and processes needed to devise theatre performances from particular source material.

Inspired by examples from contemporary theatre practitioners we will explore: the criteria for choosing a stimulus; how to research a stimulus; how to establish objectives and boundaries; some strategies for starting; how to recognise forms, genres, and styles; how to identify, develop and/or impose dramaturgical structures; and how to refine, rehearse, and preview for performance .

This module will be assessed by a 12-15 minute group performance and a 1,000 word creative journal.

You will then select modules from the following list:

This module will expand upon the skills acquired in the core creative modules and the concepts studied in the critical modules, by exploring writing as a collaborative practice in which we speak not just for others but with them. We will explore experiments in collaborative writing by studying examples ranging from philosophical manifestoes to found texts, from chain novels to dialogic or epistolary texts, and from fan fiction to scriptwriting produced by a ‘writers’ room’. We will also study the theoretical and practical questions raised by collaborative writing, such as the challenges it poses to concepts of individual creativity and the ownership of ideas, and the varieties of tact, self-knowledge and interpersonal understanding that it calls for. And we will apply this knowledge to the development of collaborative practices among the students, producing and revising new collaborative works of writing.

This module will be assessed by a collaborative piece up to 3,000 words and an individual 1,000 word critical reflection on the process and theory of collaborative writing.

This module will explore the nature of how plays work on stage, how they are heard in performance, how they are worked on in rehearsal, and how they are read by those who are working on them to mount a production. It will consider some of the traditional roles and structures of theatre making, in particular the playwright, the dramaturg, and the director (when acting as shaper of stage narrative).

We will study translation, adaptation, and new media technologies in the performance of old plays. Students will consider the issues and themes of a play, its contemporary impact, and how it relates to the social and cultural context and political circumstances of both the time the new production will be set and the current situation.

This module will be assessed by a 500 word coursework and a 2,000 word coursework.

In consultation with your Personal Tutor, and subject to timetabling constraints, you may also be able to select an Elective module in place of one of the options listed above (max 15 credits). Elective modules are typically selected from departments offering related subjects in the Faculties of Arts and Humanities or Social and Historical Sciences . Please note that these modules may be taught at the Bloomsbury campus rather than the UCL EAST campus and so you will be required to fund your travel to the other campus. Your choices include:

• ANTH0080 Time and the Index – The evolving narrative of Photography and Film (not running in 2024/25)
• ANTH0081 The Story and I – Finding the Form: A Practic al Exploration of Storytelling
• ANTH0083 Experimental and Interactive Storytelling – Form and Narrative
• ANTH0084 Documentary Radio – A Practice-Based Introduction
• ANTH0085 Documentary Film Making - Intermediate Practical Skills
• ANTH0189 Practical Skills for Feature Writing in a Multimedia World (not running in 2024/25)
• ANTH0190 Writing about International Affairs (not running in 2024/25)
• BASC0082 Body Politics (running from 2025/26)
• INST0078 Protecting and Managing Content (not running in 2024/25)
• PHIL0193 Philosophy in the First Person (available to BACAH students from 2025/26)

Creative Writing

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Creative writing overview.

Students in Chatham’s creative writing program are given a supportive setting of faculty and students alike. The faculty take undergraduate work seriously, motivating students to develop their crafts and experiment with their voices. Students who major in creative writing graduate with an understanding of multiple literary genres, of how to revise and refine their creative and academic writing, and of how to get their work in print. —JESS TURNER ’17

Explore the Creative Writing Degree:

Highly qualified students may also be admitted to the five-year BFA/MA in Creative Writing with an option to complete the  MFA in Creative Writing  program through Chatham’s Integrated Degree Program. Both programs provide an immersive undergraduate creative writing experience enabling students to further their education and start their careers even faster.

Program Highlights

• You will be encouraged to present your academic and creative work at professional conferences through Sigma Tau Delta (the International English Honor Society) and other organizations, helping you develop your professional identity as you prepare to move on to employment or graduate work.
• Students have many opportunities to showcase their work in University publications, peer-reviewed journals and magazines, local events, and contests.
• Qualified students may apply for admission to our five-year BFA/MA in Creative Writing or our BFA/Master of Arts in Teaching program. Both programs give you an immersive undergraduate creative writing experience while enabling you to further your education and start your career even faster.
• Our dedicated and supportive faculty is comprised of published writers who serve as mentors, instructors, collaborators, and peers.
• You will benefit from being in community with Chatham's MFA in Creative Writing students, and be able to take advantage of speakers and events that the program hosts.

Sample Courses & Curriculum

Creative Writing I

Students present a selection of their work each week for class comment and criticism. In addition, special problem topics are assigned weekly to develop writing skills. Readings concentrate on contemporary prose and verse.

Literary Publishing

This course is an introduction to literary publishing through practice, reading, and discussion. All phases of the publishing process are addressed, especially copyediting, design, and marketing. The course is designed to allow students to gain experience and knowledge of the creative, technical, and professional aspects of publishing a literary journal.

Multi-Genre Writing

This is an upper-level course for BFA students focusing on creative writing for experienced writers, geared toward preparing a finished manuscript or portfolio of work for potential publication in the student’s primary genre. Students read and write in the craft of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.

View Full Curriculum 

Our Faculty

If one word could best sum up Chatham's faculty, it would be engaged. Professors bring experiences to relate the course lessons to real-world situations.

Chatham’s undergraduate literary magazine, Minor Bird , is student-managed, including copy editing, design, and marketing. All Chatham students are welcome to submit poetry, fiction, and nonfiction to the magazine.

Creative Writing Club

Chatham’s Creative Writing Club sponsors readings and events, such as open-mic nights at Rea Coffeehouse. The club welcomes first-year students.

Expanding Horizons

Creative Writing majors are encouraged to study abroad and to explore interests leading to a second major or a minor.

Summer Community of Writers

Qualified students may participate in Chatham's Summer Community of Writers (SCW), a 10-day experience that features daily workshops, dynamic craft lectures, faculty and student readings, and field trips to local points of interest. 

Integrated Degree Program

Qualified students can be admitted early to Chatham's  Master of Arts in Creative Writing   and other graduate programs in writing.

Alumni Profile: Brian Broome ’17

“I think sometimes older people make the mistake of thinking that young people don’t have anything worthwhile to say, and that is so untrue,” he says. “I also learned a lot about my own sexism, the way in which I was viewing women in my life and women’s role in society. That’s a lot of what I learned at Chatham. Hopefully I’m still learning how to look at it.”

Internship Opportunities

Students have interned in many settings, including Upstart Crow Literary, Inklings Literary Agency , Autumn House Press , Dzanc Books , Shaw Galleries, Pittsburgh Downtown Development Association, and Schenley, a digital content consultancy firm.

Publications in Journals, Magazines, and Anthologies

Chatham’s BFA students have published in literary journals, magazines, and anthologies, including: Ruminate Magazine • Pretty Owl Poetry • Pittsburgh Poetry Review • Rogue Agent • Three Rivers Review • Voices in the Attic • 1932 Quarterly • Pittsburgh Pride Magazine • Cold Creek Review • The Good Men Project • Impossible Archetype Literary Journal • Life in 10 Minutes • The Forge Literary Magazine • Underscore Review • Pennsylvania’s Best Emerging Poets Anthology (Z Publishing) • Honey Bee Review .

Do you have questions?

We make it easy to get in touch:.

[email protected]

• Apply now Enquire now

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You're viewing degree information for International students

You're considered an International student if you are:

• NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
• NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing and Literature)

Degree Level Undergraduate

Degree info for International students

Start date February July

Campus Magill

Duration 3 year(s) full-time

Mode On-campus

Program Code MBAA

Prerequisites None

Assumed Knowledge None

Fees AUD$ 30,900 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

Admissions Student Profile

• IELTS total [6.0]
• IELTS reading [6.0]
• IELTS writing [6.0]

International Admission by Country See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code 097508C

Entry requirements

Admission criteria.

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy .

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent AND

• Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
• Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
• Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR Higher education study

• Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
• Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

OR Work and life experience

• Qualify for Special Entry, or
• Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
• Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites, assumed knowledge, english language entry requirements, admission requirements by country, degree overview.

• Enhance your employment prospects by studying a double major. Taking two majors will develop your capabilities to explore and understand diverse ways of thinking, which is highly regarded by prospective employers.
• Gain international experience as part of the Hawke Ambassador Volunteer Experience Program , or stay local and take part in the Hawke Professional Experience Program .
• You could continue your studies with a Master of Teaching with English as a Learning Area. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher  before selecting your courses.
• Engage with industry partners and organisations as part of your studies through the optional Professional Directions Program .
• Study at a university ranked No. 1 in SA for learning resources in Creative Arts 1 and quality education in Arts and the Humanities 2 . 
• UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities 3 , we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

1 ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities. 3 ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences – Overall Quality of Educational Experience Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities. 3 UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

As a student studying the Creative Writing and Literature major you will explore historical and contemporary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, autobiographies, essays, films and plays.

You will focus on:

demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the contexts and cultural influences of a wide range of literature and the theory and practice of creative writing.

being equipped to work independently and collaboratively to construct effective arguments and produce creative and critical texts across a wide range of genres and written media.

having a defined set of writing, editing and relevant analytical skills that can be used in a broad range of professional contexts.

You will also graduate with advanced writing, presentation, digital, communication, research and problem-solving skills that can be transferable across a range of roles and are highly regarded by prospective employers.

If you finish your degree with a credit or higher Grade Point Average (GPA), you could also be eligible for the one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree . You could also continue your studies with a Master of Teaching and teach English in Australia and overseas. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

If you would like to apply directly into the Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary) package option, please apply via SATAC using 444521.

If you apply to the Master of Teaching packaged degree option (444521), you will apply into the Bachelor of Arts and in your first year select your specialisation as Creative Writing and Literature.

What you'll learn

The Creative Writing and Literature major allows you to delve into a variety of creative forms and texts. You will study historical and contemporary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, autobiographies, essays, films and plays. As you begin to create your own great classics, you will also learn how different written and multimedia texts have impacted cultures around the world. Under the guidance of highly experienced academics:

• develop analytical skills
• develop creative writing skills
• explore how different written and multimedia texts have impacted on the cultures of the world.

This degree allows you to select two majors, ensuring you graduate with an in-depth knowledge of areas of interest to you. You can choose your second major from:

Aboriginal Studies

Applied Linguistics

• Criminology and Criminal Justice (new in 2024)

Cultural Studies

• English Language*

History and Global Politics

• Languages (French/Italian/Japanese)
• Law, Politics and Policy

You will also complete two core courses, four courses from a selected list of minors, and two electives.

*only available to those whose second language is English.

Degree structure

French Studies

Italian Studies

Japanese Studies

Creative Writing and Literature

Law, Policy and Politics

Criminology and Criminal Justice

1. Students are required to complete their second major from: Aboriginal Studies, Applied Linguistics, Cultural Studies, Criminology and Criminal Justice, History and Global Politics, Languages (French/Italian/Japanese), Psychology, Sociology, or Law, Policy and Politics. Students who wish to complete the Criminology and Criminal Justice major, or a major or minor learning area from the list of available university major and minor options should contact the Program Director for approval and enrolment advice. International student visa holders cannot select Criminology and Criminal Justice as a specialisation or major.

2. Students intending to undertake a Master of Teaching (Secondary) should consult with their program director for a schedule of recommended courses.

1. This course is one of two core courses that provide a foundation for the program.

2. Students complete either Electives or Professional Directions Program courses 1 and 2. Students may be directed to complete English Language courses in place of their electives.

3. A minor consists of four courses (18 units), two of which must be at Level 1 (Introductory) and two at Level 2 (Intermediate).

4. The Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience course can be chosen in place of the minor sequence and is equivalent to 18 units. Students who choose this option will swap their first year (Level 1 Introductory) minor sequence to Elective 1 and Elective 2. Students can then choose to study the Hawke course in their second year (Level 2 Intermediate). Students will be required to complete the two available Level 2 Intermediate course options at second year in the opposite study period to undertaking the Hawke course.

5. Students are advised to select their minor from within the majors offered by the MBAA Bachelor of Arts.

6. The Justice & Society Study Tour course can be chosen in place of an elective course as part of this program. Additional fees apply for the study tour component of this course, and enrolment is conditional upon successful application in a competitive Expression of Interest process as well as successful completion of 36 units.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

• individual and group presentations
• critical analysis
• reflective journals
• research assignments
• case studies
• online quizzes
• assignments

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing and Literature)

This degree increases your employment prospects by enabling you to gain expertise in two different areas of interest.

You'll have the opportunity to study a portion of your degree overseas, as part of the University’s  Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience Program (full semester) or Hawke Professional Experience Program (part semester). In this program you will volunteer with an international non-government organisation (NGO), usually in an overseas destination.

You could continue your studies with a Master of Teaching with English as a Learning Area. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

Career outcomes

Your career.

Graduates from this specialisation are qualified to embark on careers within the creative industries, advertising and publishing fields as authors, editors and researchers. You may gain employment in fields such as:

• document design
• electronic publishing
• administration
• public relations

You could also pursue teaching roles when you continue your studies with a Master of Teaching (Secondary).

Further career pathways are available depending on your combination of majors.

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code*, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

*There are two SATAC codes – one for this degree, and one for this degree packaged with the Master of Teaching. You can apply to study this degree on its own. However if you already know you would like to combine it with a Master of Teaching, you can apply for both together as the packaged option.

If you apply to the Master of Teaching packaged degree option (444521), you will apply into the Bachelor of Arts and in your first year select your specialisation.

Alternative Pathways

Australian There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

• UniSA College Diploma in Social Sciences 
• UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Social Sciences) 
• SAIBT Diploma of Arts

International There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more .

More scholarships

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees. 

Learn more arrow-small-right

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Australia’s University of Enterprise

Study at South Australia’s No. 1 university for graduate careers* and unlock your full potential.

*ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21, Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics , which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side  of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages , or explore our student accommodation by Scape  on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our  international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

• career advice and mentoring
• help with student visas and health cover
• personal counselling
• academic counselling
• fees and finance help
• common rooms
• prayer rooms
• security officers
• accommodation services  
• as well as services offered through our student association, USASA .

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers  face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline  facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

As an arts student, you will have access to:

• An on-campus Multimedia Languages Lab, where you can connect in real-time with native speakers from around the world
• The Hartley Playhouse Theatre – a 200-seat auditorium ideal for live performances
• An on-campus TV Studio, featuring one of the largest green screens in SA and home to national television shows aired on Channel 44
• A broadcast-standard digital radio studio that produces UniCast, a 24 hour online radio station
• A purpose built, multi-room ProTools recording studio for live band, multitrack, ADR and foley recordings
• A purpose-built high-end Media Suite with Dolby Atmos for screening for industry meetings and client screenings.

Your program director

I am Director of the Bachelor of Arts Programs, Lecturer in Applied Linguistics, and Fellow of the Advanced Higher Education Academy, UK.  My academic background is in Languages and Applied Linguistics (BA Hons, PhD), following extensive experience in clinical practice across a range of health and medical domains in Australia. My work places a strong focus on developing reciprocal, trusting relationships in my teaching, mentoring and engagement with students, and in my research in partnership with colleagues, community and industry. My teaching and research inform each other. I coordinate and teach core courses in the Bachelor of Arts, and my research focuses on language and communication in professions and organisations in various contexts. These include state and nationally funded projects in health care, aged care, education, counselling, and policing.   The upshot is that our Bachelor of Arts program develops each student’s interests, strengths and aspirations, enabling each student to explore and prepare for a wide range of career and life goals. The unique double major structure combines theory and practice with real-world experience to develop strong interdisciplinary skills that are highly valued by industry, government and community. 

Dr Fiona O'Neill

Program Director

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page . The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents .

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here .

Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees .

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC . Key dates for applications can be found here .

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page . You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

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Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

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Bachelor of Creative Writing

Course type:, total tuition fees 2024.

SAQA ID 112550

Most Creative Writing programmes are in the postgraduate domain. The Bachelor of Creative Writing at AFDA is one of the few fully fledged undergraduate degrees in this field on offer in the country.

The Bachelor of Creative Writing provides a project-led qualification in the art of writing. At the heart of all work in the industry is story – and the AFDA Creative Writing programme focuses on developing students to create strong stories in a variety of formats.

The programme will supply students with a broad-based skill set and a network of creative practitioners that will increase options for content production in the world of work.  AFDA, being the school for the Creative Economies, is actively exploring new evolutions in technological developments and will equip students to write for emerging platforms as they develop.

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Total tuition fees for 2024

• Course Structure

In each of the four disciplines, students will learn to build their stories for a relevant target market using five components:

• Form & Style
• Management & Control

Lectures in the four disciplines will be centered around simulated learning narratives related to professional writing to further equip students for the working world. The course will also provide scaffolded learning over the three years of the degree.

In addition to the four core disciplines, students will also receive learning in the following subjects:

• Research Studies – where they will look at concepts and theories from the Humanities and understand  the issues in society, and how to apply these in creating informed discipline projects.
• Contextual Studies – where they will learn how to equip themselves with 21st century skills.
• Production Studies – where they will present their work to their peers and learn how to critique, take feedback and incorporate feedback into their projects.
• Reflection Studies – where they will learn about themselves through the art of reflection.

These subjects will provide students with the required supportive skills needed for them to thrive in the industry and world of writing.

The three years of the programme are structured as follows:

• In their first year of study, students will do all four disciplines with small interrelated projects that align to the term learning narratives.
• At the start of second year, students will continue with the four disciplines and will choose their project outcome each term.
• Towards the end of second year and onwards, students will further their knowledge in Short Story Writing and Promotional Writing,  as well as choosing to continue in either Play Writing or Screen Writing: Film & TV. Projects will be semester-based and students will be able to choose their project outcome.

Additionally, in the first half of the 3 year degree programme, Creative Writing students will be able to join the Bachelor of Arts (BA) crews in Production Studies as script advisers. This will allow them to learn the different roles in collaboration when realising a concept for screen or stage. From mid second year and onwards, students will be able to pitch their script concepts to BA students to be considered for production in the BA degree.

In third year, students will pitch their graduation concepts to relevant industry professionals.

Disciplines

• Short Story
• Screen Writing: Film & TV
• Play Writing
• Promotional Writing

Possible careers:

• Screenwriters
• Television Series Writers
• Short Story Writers
• Playwrights
• Documentary Writers
• News & Actuality Writers
• Television Show Format Writers
• Copy Writers
• Commercial Writers
• New Media Writers

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Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing

Who can register.

• Applicants (new applicants & Unisa students who applied for admission to a new qualification) may only register if they have received an offer of placement from Unisa and have accepted the offer online. Unisa reserves the right to not process and / or to cancel your registration if it is found that you were incorrectly admitted to a qualification. 
• Re-registering students may register for the 2024 academic year once the registration period opens.

Please note: Should you wish to start a new qualification, please  apply online for the alternative qualification during the prescribed application period.

How to choose your modules

Each Unisa qualification is structured in such a way that you need to pass a certain number of NQF level credits within a  certain amount of time in order to graduate.

• Co-requisite: Module A is a co-requisite for Module B. You want to register for Module B, but have not yet passed Module A. You must then register for both Modules A and B simultaneously. You may NOT cancel your registration for Module A unless Module B is also cancelled.

Pre-requisite: If Module A is a pre-requisite for Module B, you must pass Module A before you may register for Module B.

You may not register for more than the allowed maximum number of credits / modules per academic year and / or semester: 60 credits per semester or 120 credits per academic year.

The maximum number of credits do not include supplementary and / or aegrotat examinations from a previous semester. Modules taken for non-degree / non-diploma purposes also count towards the maximum number of credits allowed.

You must take your available time into consideration when choosing your modules, as this will impact your academic performance. You need approximately

• 6 to 8 hours per week for semester modules.
• 4 to 6 hours per week for year modules.

Click here  for more information on managing your studies.

Curriculum for this qualification

While you are deciding on the modules for which you will be registering, write down the module names and codes so that you have something to refer to when completing your registration.

Please click on the modules below to see further information (eg semester/year module, NQF level)

First level

• This is the levelIndex value 1

Second level

• This is the levelIndex value 2

Students transferred from the previous program (N11) are exempted from this module THL2603. WLL2601 has been replaced by ARH2601, students who have already passed WLL2601 may not register ARH2601. WLL2602 has been replaced by ARH2603, students who have already passed WLL2602 may not register ARH2603.

Third level

• This is the levelIndex value 3

From 2024, AFL3702 has been unbundled into various African Languages, students who have not registered AFL3702 must register for either NDE3702, NSO3702, SSO3702, SWA3702, TSO3702, TSW3702, VEN3702, XHO3702, ZUL3702, etc.

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Undergraduate creative arts

Study creative arts and be part of the creative economy. Meet like-minded peers in our exciting community, work on real-world projects, and graduate with a unique and employable skill set.

Explore our courses

Bachelor of fine arts.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree provides in depth knowledge in one of nine study areas - the largest combination of creative disciplines in Australia. Collaborate with students and teaching staff from across disciplines to reflect industry practice, and work on real-world projects briefed by real clients.

Bachelor of Creative Industries

Study across creative practice, design and communication in one degree. Our Bachelor of Creative Industries, the first degree of its kind in Australia, allows you to choose a combination of study areas to suit your creative interests and aspirations.

Double degrees

A double degree can help develop a portfolio of skills and capabilities so you will be flexible and prepared for change in the real world. Save time and money instead of completing two separate degrees. Maximise your career opportunities and create your own specialist career niche within the creative industries by combining your degree with a complementary study area that interests you.

Discover double degrees

Why study creative arts?

Tour the creative industries precinct, creativity for the real world, explore our fine arts study areas, creative industries precinct.

The Creative Industries Precinct is made up of purpose-built teaching and learning spaces, including performance spaces, visual art galleries and music studios. The spaces are designed to make the creative process more visible, with windows and viewing panels allowing anyone to watch the work as it happens.

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Double degree. Double opportunities.

A double degree can help you develop a portfolio of skills and capabilities to prepare you for the real world. Maximise your career opportunities and create your own specialist career niche within the creative arts by combining a degree with a complementary study area.

Find the right double degree for you

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Want to study across the creative arts?

QUT is a global leader in the creative arts. Our Bachelor of Creative Industries, the first degree of its kind in Australia, allows you to choose a combination of study areas to suit your creative interests and aspirations.

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Additional entry: applications close early

Acting, dance, music, visual arts.

Apply to QTAC and submit your additional entry application with QUT by 5pm, 26 September 2022

Additional entry requirements

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