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Creative Writing Degree Online Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Write Your Own Story 

• $330/credit (120 credits)
• Transfer up to 90 credits
• Receive credit for prior learning
• 4 genre options for concentrations
• Advanced writing workshops
• No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required

Creative Writing Degree Program Overview

If you have a passion for storytelling and want to pursue a career using your writing talents, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English program can help you get on the right path.

You'll develop your writing skills alongside students from across the country, who represent an incredible range of voices and experiences. Together, you'll participate in workshops, producing work and presenting it to your peers for commentary and discussion.

"Everything I learned during my degree journey added to my understanding of how to write and boosted my creativity," said Aubrie Arnold '20 , a graduate of the creative writing program. "I now feel like I can and will write novels – I’m working on that now – and I feel like I have the correct tools to make those novels successful.”

This degree is also an attractive option for transfer students, as it offers a number of free electives.

What You'll Learn

• Essential writing and critical-thinking skill sets
• Literary analysis to inform the application of storytelling elements
• Literary form, genre, structure and style
• Conventions and techniques used by varying genres

How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

An Online Creative Writing Degree Can Help You Reach Your Goals

Whether you are looking to advance your career or simply want to pursue your passion for writing, the online creative writing bachelor's program at SNHU offers a supportive community, comprehensive curriculum, and flexible format that can help you achieve your goals.

Concentration Options

When you choose to study creative writing at SNHU, you have the option to stay with the general track – which gives you the flexibility to study a variety of genres – or you can opt to add one of our 4 concentrations to your degree : fiction, nonfiction, poetry or screenwriting.

Fiction Aspiring authors and storytellers who are looking for a way to gain inspiration and foster their imaginations will find the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Fiction Writing to be the perfect balance of craft and critical analysis. This BA program emphasizes the craft of fiction writing and helps you develop an appreciation for all forms of fiction while honing your writing skills and philosophy of composition. You'll gain insights into publishing technologies and the industry as you enhance your fundamental knowledge of fiction writing's most crucial elements. This comprehensive program gives you a powerful understanding of plot, character development, narrative voice and other mechanics of creative writing. Studying fiction writing at Southern New Hampshire University doesn't just focus on developing your skill and technique. This program also gives you the opportunity to explore your creative boundaries, perfect your craft and dive deeper into your preferred genre. From fantasy to sci-fi and mystery to young adult, you can embrace the style of writing that you're drawn to and bring your original stories to life. The format of this BA program encourages collaboration and direct interaction with faculty and peers. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Nicholas Patterson '22 found peer interaction through writing workshops to be a favorite part of his program. "I have learned tons of new skills," he said, "but most importantly learned how to grow from constructive criticism." Career outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for writers and authors was $73,150 in 2022. 1 The BLS notes that a degree and publication is typically required for a full-time writing position. Writers who concentrate in fiction have career opportunities in a range of professions, including content writing, editing, copywriting, publishing, communications and more. Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Fiction Writing Workshop Intermediate Fiction Writing Workshop Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop Request Info Apply Now Nonfiction Discover your niche with a nonfiction writing degree online at Southern New Hampshire University. Our online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Nonfiction delves into a wide variety of styles and subjects – everything from the personal essay to autobiography, memoir, travel writing and magazine features. Our creative writing online program can help you combine research and reflection with compelling storytelling. You'll also gain insights into publishing technologies and the industry, explore your creative boundaries and develop a unique voice. A solid foundation in the broader scope of creative writing is critical to the craft of nonfiction writing. In our comprehensive nonfiction writing program, you'll acquire a powerful understanding of research, narrative voice and other mechanics of creative writing. The online nonfiction writing degree program's format encourages collaboration and ongoing interaction with faculty and peers. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Career outlook: The median annual salary for writers and authors was $73,150 in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 1 Nonfiction writers can publish in magazines, newspapers, and literary journals, as well as find career opportunities in digital content writing, social media/communications, copywriting and editing. Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Nonfiction Writing Workshop Intermediate Nonfiction Writing Workshop Advanced Nonfiction Writing Workshop Request Info Apply Now Poetry The online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing with a concentration in Poetry degree program is an opportunity for aspiring poets to find inspiration, engagement and creative collaboration with peers and faculty alike. Our specialized program enables you to hone your craft and unleash your imagination, helping you create imagery in verse. While a poetry degree is valuable in and of itself, it can also prepare you for many professional paths. You can explore careers in creative writing, advertising, journalism, publishing and advertising copywriting. Southern New Hampshire University also offers an online Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Poetry. As a student in our poetry degree online program, you'll begin taking writing courses during your first year. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Career outlook: Career paths with a BA in creative writing include work as a creative writer, advertising copywriter, journalist, publisher or poet. Writers have also found careers in communications, digital content writing and editing. Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Poetry Writing Workshop Intermediate Poetry Writing Workshop Advanced Poetry Writing Workshop Request Info Apply Now Screenwriting Whether you have dreams of writing blockbusters, developing documentaries or working with other writers on sitcoms, the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Screenwriting is an excellent way to hone your writing skills and put your passion to work. The classes in this specialized online screenwriting degree are based on a comprehensive study of creative writing, with a special focus on story structure, character development and the visual medium of film. You'll have the opportunity to explore all of the forms that screenwriting takes – feature-length and short films, television episodes and miniseries, commercial and internet-based video. While creative writing is at the core of this program, your screenwriting classes will place a special emphasis on visual storytelling. Designed by experienced and distinguished faculty, this creative writing program will give you a powerful understanding of how story, character, theme, action, visuals and dialogue intertwine to create a compelling moment in time. The format for the screenwriting degree online program encourages collaboration and direct interaction with faculty and peers. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Career outlook: Blockbuster movies, independent films and shorts, commercials, television dramas and sitcoms all rest their success on the backbone of their scripts. Screenwriters have lots of options when it comes to navigating their careers. You could pursue independent work and make your stories come to life – or you could develop scripts for specific projects that need a writer's touch. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors earned a median annual salary of $73,150 in 2022. 1 Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Introduction to Screenwriting Workshop Intermediate Screenwriting Workshop Advanced Screenwriting Workshop Request Info Apply Now if (typeof accordionGroup === "undefined") { window.accordionGroup = new accordion(); } accordionGroup.init(document.getElementById('a7db942c2ff94e9783a92e9b328572c0')); Career Outlook

Use storytelling skills to write everything from children’s books and novels to biographies, essays and memoirs.

Apply your understanding of the written word to plan, review and revise content for publication in books, periodicals or online platforms.

Promote a product, service or organization with content for advertisements, marketing campaigns or websites.

Research topics, investigate story ideas and interview sources to write compelling nonfiction articles for newspapers, magazines, blogs and television news programs.

Screenwriter

Use the power of writing to create visual and auditory experiences for everything from major blockbuster films to television episodes and commercials.

Speechwriter

Write speeches for business leaders, politicians and others, using words to engage with and move an audience.

And with today's technology, it's easy for writers and authors to work from just about anywhere as long as they have internet access – meaning jobs aren't limited to major cities anymore.

In addition to the writing skills you'll develop in a creative writing degree program, you could also pick up a handful of other career skills 1 the workforce desperately needs, like:

• Adaptability: Adapt to updates in software platforms and programs, including various content management systems (CMS).
• Creativity: Develop interesting plots, characters or ideas for new stories.
• Critical-thinking skills: Understand concepts that must be conveyed through writing.
• Determination: Gain the focus to meet deadlines.
• Persuasion: Convince others to feel a certain way about a good or service – especially if you choose a career in advertising.
• Social perceptiveness: Develop an understanding of how readers respond to and connect with your work.

"This [program] not only allowed me to explore my creativity through writing," said Nicholas Patterson '22 . "It taught me the fundamentals of the industry and how to pursue a career in it."

Job Growth and Salary

Prospects for writer and author occupations appear promising in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry shift from print to online media should result in employment growth. 1

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for writers and authors are projected to grow 4% through 2032 — that's as fast as average for all occupations. 1

In 2022, the median annual wage for writers and authors was $73,150 . 1

Understanding the Numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Creative Writing Degree

Why snhu for your creative writing degree flexible with no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. affordable as part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. in fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. prior coursework could also help you save time and money. snhu’s transfer policy  allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institutions—that means you could save up to 75% off the cost of tuition. you could also save time and money by getting college credit for previous work experience , or by taking advantage of military discounts and employer tuition assistance if available to you. respected founded in 1932 , southern new hampshire university is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. snhu is accredited by the new england commission of higher education (neche), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.  recently, snhu has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education: u.s. news & world report named snhu the 2021 most innovative university in the north and one of the nation's "best regional universities" awarded the 21st century distance learning award for excellence in online technology by the united states distance learning association (usdla) a $1 million grant from google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth network at southern new hampshire university, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities. opportunities you'll have the chance to share your work with the vibrant creative writing community at snhu: the penmen review , our online journal that accepts submissions 12 times a year word for word, a bimonthly livestream event featuring published writers reading from their work fall fiction contest, a short-story competition that offers snhu scholarships among its prizes student writers spotlight, a livestream reading showcasing the best of snhu's creative writing students 93.6% of online students would recommend snhu (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). discover why snhu may be right for you . admission requirements expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. that’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials: completed free undergraduate application prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you test scores are not required as part of your application acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms . how to apply if you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going: complete a free undergraduate application submit any additional documents required work with an admission counselor  to explore financial options  and walk through the application process if you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email [email protected] . if (typeof accordiongroup === "undefined") { window.accordiongroup = new accordion(); } accordiongroup.init(document.getelementbyid('06235c05b74e467bb258c6a2eee81259')); what snhu students are saying.

"I came [to SNHU] originally to have more freedoms and explore my creativity in a new environment. This program has given me that and more – this program has enabled me to improve myself in every facet of writing, from brainstorming a new idea to learning about genres and even how to market myself and my writing."

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120 Credits

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8-Week Terms

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100% Online

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No Set Class Times

Southern New Hampshire University is home to one of the largest creative writing programs in the country.

Our unique online creative writing degree allows you to take writing courses from the start. The program features 4 writing workshops, including an advanced workshop in which you'll complete a polished piece in the genre of your choice.

The courses in our BA in Creative Writing can help develop your talent for creating stories, novels and characters and turning them into finished, professional pieces. Whether you choose the general track or a specific genre, you'll learn from published writers with valuable industry insights.

In addition to the courses and electives within the major, SNHU's online writing degree program includes 30 credits of free electives. This leaves you with room to choose courses or a minor in an area of study that you'd like to write about – like history or psychology – or the opportunity to complement your studies with career skills, such as graphic design or marketing. The amount of free electives also makes our creative writing degree an attractive option for transfer students.

Throughout your program, you'll learn from published writers, professional editors, publishers and established literary critics – subject-matter experts who can help guide you to improving your craft.

As a bonus at SNHU, you can choose to further your study of creative writing with one of our popular graduate programs:

• Online MA in English and Creative Writing: Building on the learnings from your bachelor's degree, you can choose from the same 4 concentrations – fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting or poetry – in this 36-credit online master's in writing  program,  which allows you to develop creative works that can contribute to your professional advancement.
• Online MFA in Creative Writing: Gain both the writing skills and the professional skills to succeed in areas like marketing, publishing, content writing, teaching and freelancing in this fully online, 48-credit online MFA in creative writing  program. You can also focus on a wide range of fiction genres – such as contemporary, romance, young adult or speculative – plus you'll add one of two embedded certificates to your program: professional writing or the online teaching of writing.
• Low-Residency MFA in Fiction or Nonfiction: This highly focused 2-year program consists of 4 workshops and 4 in-person, weeklong residencies in New Hampshire. Within the 60-credit low-residency MFA  program, you'll complete both a manuscript suitable for submission to editors and a critical essay that's ideal for literary journals.

Curriculum Requirements & Resources

General education.

All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses , which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.

Technology Resources

We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments .

Earn Math Credits

Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.

Minimum Hardware Requirements Component Type   PC (Windows OS)   Apple (Mac OS)   Operating System  Currently supported operating system from Microsoft.   Currently supported operating system from Apple.  Memory (RAM)  8GB or higher  8GB or higher  Hard Drive  100GB or higher  100GB or higher  Antivirus Software  Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students.  Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students.  SNHU Purchase Programs  Visit Dell   Visit Apple   Internet/ Bandwidth  5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency  5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency  Notes:   Laptop or desktop?   Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.  Note:   Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.  Office 365 Pro Plus  is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for  Microsoft 365 plans  for business, education and government.  Antivirus software:  Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.  if (typeof accordionGroup === "undefined") { window.accordionGroup = new accordion(); } accordionGroup.init(document.getElementById('f756dce5bd874c61855f6f6e92d88470')); What to Expect as an Online Student No set class times: Asynchronous classes let you do your coursework when and where you want Pick your pace: Choose between full time (2 courses) or part time (1 course) each term Student support: 24/7 access to online student services like the library, tech and academic support if (typeof carouselContainer === "undefined") { window.carouselContainer = new carousel(); } let vc_0a2c09e41977426b8f3008e18ed9a68a = document.getElementById('carousel-0a2c09e41977426b8f3008e18ed9a68a') if (vc_0a2c09e41977426b8f3008e18ed9a68a !== null) { carouselContainer.init(vc_0a2c09e41977426b8f3008e18ed9a68a); } University Accreditation

Tuition & Fees

As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Program at a Glance

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Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

Inspire and engage others through your creative writing skills.

You’re full of bold ideas, innovative concepts and compelling thoughts. In studying the craft of creative writing you are taking your place beside those who use language, literature and writing to shape our world.

Through UCF Online’s creative writing courses, you’ll become an expert communicator with a deep appreciation of fiction, poetry and non-fiction prose. This program will guide you through an understanding of rhetoric, communication and literary structure within a diverse array of texts. You’ll also stretch your imagination as you hone your own craft, learning how to construct poignant arguments, think critically and develop original creative content for fiction and nonfiction genres.

Written communication is one of the most enduring, flexible and sought-after skills in today’s employment landscape. With your online creative writing degree you’ll be poised for a career in a variety of fields, including law, editing and publishing, teaching, consulting and more. Get started today and earn your BA in Creative Writing.

Undergraduate Application Deadlines

Ready to get started, course overview, fiction writing workshop.

An intermediate level fiction writing workshop for English majors; group analysis and criticism; close reading of contemporary fiction and fiction theory.

Advanced Poetry Writing Workshop

Intensive writing practice in poetry. Peer critique and group discussion of original manuscripts.

History of Prose Style

Close study of style and craft in exemplary works of fiction and creative nonfiction from various time periods.

Skills You'll Learn

• Learn how to self-edit and provide constructive feedback to others, helping you refine your writing and improve your overall craftsmanship.
• Generate unique ideas, explore unconventional perspectives, and approach problems from various angles.
• Cultivate your ability to gather relevant data, evaluate sources and critically assess different perspectives, which can be applied to various professional settings.

Career Projections

Annual Job Openings

Job Growth Between 2019 - 2029

Source: Lightcast™ . 2023

Career Opportunities

• technical writer

Related Online Programs

• Writing and Rhetoric, BA
• Career and Technical Education, BS
• English - Technical Communication, BA

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To find out more details about the transfer to The Open University see A New Chapter for OCA .

BA (Hons) Creative Writing

Part-time, online, study creative writing for your degree with oca.

Have you always wanted to write a novel, create a screenplay, or perfect your poetry? Whatever you’re looking to write, our BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree will give you the tools to achieve it.

Our BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree will empower you with effective practices, insights and skills, encouraging you to write more frequently and with more purpose than ever before. Shared experiences are reflected throughout the course, which is packed full of options so you can develop your writing in your own way and in your preferred genre.

You’ll study the basics of writing, how to remain engaged and will uncover different styles of writing, from poetry and scriptwriting to short fiction and children’s books. You’ll be encouraged to read the best writers, exploring what makes To Kill A Mockingbird so compelling, or why the script of Casablanca works so well, and then apply these techniques to your own writing.

Become the protagonist of your own story. Start writing today.

Unique online Creative Writing courses

Our BA Hons Creative Writing degree is a specialist degree covering scriptwriting, writing for children, life writing, writing a novel, poetry, and more. You can study creative writing online – completely at our own pace – while being supported by OCA’s tutors.

It aims to equip students with skills, confidence, motivation and ambition, through a learning design programme that starts from fundamental writing skills through to the contemporary professional practice in a form or genre of the student’s choice.

Students are equipped with some fundamental writing techniques applicable to all genres, before allowing students to sample poetry, screenwriting or prose writing, and can pursue the poetry or scriptwriting forms at a more advanced level and/or will have the option to try more niche forms of writing, to enable them to gain further skills and expertise.

The programme draws on creative writing pedagogy by utilising the group or workshop activity as well as the individual assignment and close study of others’ work, but accommodates OCA’s distinctive demographic and the desires of lone writers by enabling some to create alternative submissions in the form of traditional writing portfolios.

Course Structure

Our Creative Writing degree covers the full breadth of writing practice, allowing you to take the options that are of most interest to you. As of September 2021, the BA Hons Creative Arts course will deliver 3x 40 credit units in each Level of the course.*

Students are introduced to the basic skills and techniques of creative writing in the initial unit, Essential Writing Skills 1.1. In their second unit, Further Writing Skills, students will choose two options from a choice of three pathways: they can either try basic poetry or screenwriting or the prose option. These choices remain with them for their third unit at Level 1, Developing Your Writing Skills. By the end of Level 1, students will have the skills and knowledge needed to deepen their poetry, prose or scriptwriting craft at Level 2.

Students are supported in the transition from novice undergraduate to knowledgeable and independent learners, putting into practice skills acquired at Level 1 and developing a personal approach to their writing practice. The units at this stage allow students to develop skills from Level 1 in poetry or screenwriting or else to try something new and more specialised, such as writing narrative non-fiction, writing for children or teens or writing short fiction.

Students will begin to understand the iterative and skills-building requirements of creative writing, and will actively consider how their work may become outward-facing. Peer sessions with other writers will inform their writing and raise critiquing skills, with an understanding that in some cases alternative methods are more appropriate.

Level 3 equips students with knowledge, understanding and skills for continuing personal development and professional writing practice. The units provide a framework for the learners to generate projects based on the personal vision and ambition gained throughout Level 1 and Level 2. The aim is to strengthen each individual’s writing practice and inform their creative development through rigorous intellectual enquiry, resulting in a distinctive body of creative work.

*For current students enrolled to a Level of this degree prior to September 2021, existing units across all levels will remain available as ‘teach out’ units to ensure no students are disadvantaged due to the changes. Once enrolled to a new level, students will follow the new degree pathway. 

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available units – 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 OCA might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us . This description was last updated on 14 December 2022.

Programme Specification 2023/24 New Curriculum

This Programme Specification is for all units on the new curriculum.

Programme Specification 2023/24 Running Out Curriculum

This Programme Specification details the units and learning outcomes that are being taught out.

Creative Writing Accessibility Statements

Accessibility statements give an indication of the type and format of content, teaching, and learning activities on the course, and how these are ordinarily delivered.

Foundations

Level 1 (he4).

For the level

Level 2 (HE5)

Level 3 (he6), breakdown of costs..., more information.

With the OCA, you can study a BA (Hons) degree in our flexible online learning model at approximately one third the cost of a degree at a traditional physical university.

Students study and pay for the course on a unit-by-unit basis, so you only pay for the course as you enrol to each unit.

This course is eligible for a part-time tuition fee loan from Student Finance England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or you can self-fund the course and break down costs even further through the deposit and instalment option.  Find out more about your funding options  here .

You will require regular use of a computer or laptop and internet access. Most essential reading materials can be accessed through the digital library services and eBooks.

Students are responsible for sourcing and, where necessary, purchasing any additional software and resources specified. These can be around £400 at Level 1, £500 at Level 2, and £550 at Level 3. Where possible, open or freeware equivalents will be discussed alongside industry standard options.

On this course, you’ll need some type of word document software, such as Microsoft Word and a place to keep your learning logs and journals – this could be digital or handwritten, though your assignments will need to be typed. If you choose to study Scriptwriting, you may need some software to support this.

You may be eligible for any student discounts on computer equipment and software by using your student email, and you can find out more information about student discounts  here .

Our courses are designed with open access in mind, meaning you don’t need specific subject qualifications to enrol.

You can review the study requirements  here so you’re prepared for online study at higher education. This will include a good standard of English and IT literacy skills.

We accept enrolments for our BA (HONS) courses in monthly intakes throughout the year.

Review the key enrolment deadlines on the link below.

How to Apply

Our part-time degree courses are completed on average between 6 and 9 years. The degree is structured into three levels (instead of three years) so you’re able manage study around other commitments.

Once enrolled, you’ll have a maximum of 12 years to complete your degree course. There are unit and level timeframes within the overall degree time frame, and you’ll need a minimum of 10 study hours per week to keep on track. To find out more about course duration and managing your time, click here .

Your course materials are accessible online through the virtual learning environment, OCA Learn, where you’ll also have access to student forums, a subject space, the student handbook and the online library. You’ll work primarily from a set text of course materials and resources, but can also sign up to webinars, workshops and study groups in addition to your core learning.

Once you’ve completed the required assignments within a course unit and received tutor feedback, you’ll submit a portfolio of work to an assessment event. This gives you the opportunity to develop your work before you have it formally assessed to achieve credits towards your degree.

Upon completing the BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree, as a fully-fledged creative writer you could embark on being a novelist, a poet, a scriptwriter – you name it, you can do it. Prospects have great tips on what it is to be a professional writer. They also cover the many roles you could take on, freshly equipped with your degree.

While you’re pursuing your dream of becoming a professional writer, you can find a range of options to support your art while you write that amazing script or novel. Some include:

• Marketing Professional
• Communications specialist
• Editor / Copywriter

In May 2022 the Department for Culture, Media, & Sport  estimated there were some 2.3 million jobs  in the UK creative industries, and  post pandemic the Creative Industries are growing faster than the UK economy  as a whole.

The Academic Regulations for Subsidiary Institutions of The Open University are applicable to all taught courses offered by the Open College of the Arts (OCA).

You can review the Academic Regulations on our policy page .

Get started with our BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree here!

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• I am a new student beginning a degree course
• I am a current student continuing my degree studies
• What is/was your student number? (Required) This is the six digit number at the end of your student email.

About You: Student Details

• Legal Name (Required) Please input your name as it appears on legal documentation for example, birth certificate or passport. This is for reporting purposes and issuance of final award. Prefix Dr Miss Mr Mrs Ms Mx Prof. Rev. First Middle Last
• Telephone Number (Required) Please provide a contact telephone number
• Email (Required)
• Date of Birth (Required) Students must be at least 18 years of age when submitting this application. Day Month Year
• 96 Information refused
• Legal Nationality (Required) Please select... 97 Not known AA Stateless AD Andorra AE United Arab Emirates AF Afghanistan AG Antigua and Barbuda AI Anguilla AL Albania AM Armenia AO Angola AR Argentina AS American Samoa AT Austria AU Australia AZ Azerbaijan BA Bosnia and Herzegovina BB Barbados BD Bangladesh BE Belgium BF Burkina Faso BG Bulgaria BH Bahrain BI Burundi BJ Benin BM Bermuda BN Brunei [Brunei Darussalam] BO Bolivia [Bolivia, Plurinational State of] BR Brazil BS Bahamas, The BT Bhutan BW Botswana BY Belarus BZ Belize CA Canada CD Congo (Democratic Republic) [Congo (The Democratic Republic of the)] CF Central African Republic CG Congo CH Switzerland CI Ivory Coast [Côte D'ivoire] CL Chile CM Cameroon CN China CO Colombia CR Costa Rica CU Cuba CV Cape Verde CZ Czech Republic DE Germany DJ Djibouti DK Denmark DM Dominica DO Dominican Republic DZ Algeria EC Ecuador EE Estonia EG Egypt EH Western Sahara ER Eritrea ES Spain ET Ethiopia FI Finland FJ Fiji FK Falkland Islands [Falkland Islands (Malvinas)] FM Micronesia [Micronesia, Federated States of] FO Faroe Islands FR France GA Gabon GB United Kingdom GD Grenada GE Georgia GG Guernsey GH Ghana GI Gibraltar GL Greenland GM Gambia, The GN Guinea GQ Equatorial Guinea GR Greece GS South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands GT Guatemala GU Guam GW Guinea-Bissau GY Guyana HK Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) [Hong Kong] HN Honduras HR Croatia HT Haiti HU Hungary ID Indonesia IE Ireland IL Israel IM Isle of Man IN India IO British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) IQ Iraq IR Iran [Iran, Islamic Republic of] IS Iceland IT Italy JE Jersey JM Jamaica JO Jordan JP Japan KE Kenya KG Kyrgyzstan KH Cambodia KI Kiribati KM Comoros KN St Kitts and Nevis KP Korea (North) [Korea, Democratic People's Republic of] KR Korea (South) [Korea, Republic of] KW Kuwait KY Cayman Islands KZ Kazakhstan LA Laos [Lao People's Democratic Republic] LB Lebanon LC St Lucia LI Liechtenstein LK Sri Lanka LR Liberia LS Lesotho LT Lithuania LU Luxembourg LV Latvia LY Libya MA Morocco MC Monaco MD Moldova [Moldova, Republic of] ME Montenegro MG Madagascar MH Marshall Islands MK North Macedonia ML Mali MM Myanmar (Burma) [The Republic of the Union of Myanmar] MN Mongolia MO Macao (Special Administrative Region of China) [Macao] MP Northern Mariana Islands MR Mauritania MS Montserrat MT Malta MU Mauritius MV Maldives MW Malawi MX Mexico MY Malaysia MZ Mozambique NA Namibia NE Niger NG Nigeria NI Nicaragua NL Netherlands NO Norway NP Nepal NR Nauru NZ New Zealand OM Oman PA Panama PE Peru PG Papua New Guinea PH Philippines PK Pakistan PL Poland PN Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands [Pitcairn] PS Occupied Palestinian Territories [Palestine, State of] PT Portugal PW Palau PY Paraguay QA Qatar QO Kosovo RO Romania RS Serbia RU Russia [Russian Federation] RW Rwanda SA Saudi Arabia SB Solomon Islands SC Seychelles SD Sudan SE Sweden SG Singapore SH St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha SI Slovenia SK Slovakia SL Sierra Leone SM San Marino SN Senegal SO Somalia SR Suriname SS South Sudan ST Sao Tome and Principe SV El Salvador SY Syria [Syrian Arab Republic] SZ Eswatini TC Turks and Caicos Islands TD Chad TG Togo TH Thailand TJ Tajikistan TL East Timor [Timor Leste] TM Turkmenistan TN Tunisia TO Tonga TR Turkey TT Trinidad and Tobago TV Tuvalu TW Taiwan [Taiwan, Province of China] TZ Tanzania [Tanzania, United Republic of] UA Ukraine UG Uganda US United States UY Uruguay UZ Uzbekistan VA Vatican City [Holy See (Vatican City State)] VC St Vincent and The Grenadines VE Venezuela [Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of] VG British Virgin Islands [Virgin Islands, British] VN Vietnam [Viet Nam] VU Vanuatu WS Samoa XA Cyprus (European Union) XB Cyprus (Non-European Union) XC Cyprus not otherwise specified XL Channel Islands not otherwise specified XM Czechoslovakia not otherwise specified XN Union of Soviet Socialist Republics not otherwise specified XO Yugoslavia not otherwise specified XP Europe not otherwise specified YE Yemen ZA South Africa ZM Zambia ZW Zimbabwe
• What country do you share dual nationality with? Please select... AF Afghanistan AL Albania DZ Algeria AS American Samoa AD Andorra AO Angola AI Anguilla AG Antigua and Barbuda AR Argentina AM Armenia AU Australia AT Austria AZ Azerbaijan BS Bahamas, The BH Bahrain BD Bangladesh BB Barbados BY Belarus BE Belgium BZ Belize BJ Benin BM Bermuda BT Bhutan BO Bolivia [Bolivia, Plurinational State of] BA Bosnia and Herzegovina BW Botswana BR Brazil IO British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) VG British Virgin Islands [Virgin Islands, British] BN Brunei [Brunei Darussalam] BG Bulgaria BF Burkina [Burkina Faso] MM Burma [Myanmar] BI Burundi KH Cambodia CM Cameroon CA Canada CV Cape Verde KY Cayman Islands CF Central African Republic TD Chad XL Channel Islands not otherwise specified CL Chile CN China CO Colombia KM Comoros CG Congo CD Congo (Democratic Republic) [Congo (The Democratic Republic of the)] {formerly Zaire} CR Costa Rica HR Croatia CU Cuba XA Cyprus (European Union) XB Cyprus (Non-European Union) XC Cyprus not otherwise specified CZ Czech Republic XM Czechoslovakia not otherwise specified DK Denmark DJ Djibouti DM Dominica DO Dominican Republic TL East Timor [Timor Leste] EC Ecuador EG Egypt SV El Salvador GQ Equatorial Guinea ER Eritrea EE Estonia ET Ethiopia FK Falkland Islands [Falkland Islands (Malvinas)] FO Faroe Islands FJ Fiji FI Finland FR France {includes Corsica} GA Gabon GM Gambia, The GE Georgia DE Germany GH Ghana GI Gibraltar GR Greece GL Greenland GD Grenada GU Guam GT Guatemala GG Guernsey GN Guinea GW Guinea-Bissau GY Guyana HT Haiti HN Honduras HK Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) [Hong Kong] HU Hungary IS Iceland IN India ID Indonesia IR Iran [Iran, Islamic Republic of] IQ Iraq IE Ireland IM Isle of Man IL Israel IT Italy {Includes Sardinia, Sicily} CI Ivory Coast [Côte D'ivoire] JM Jamaica JP Japan JE Jersey JO Jordan KZ Kazakhstan KE Kenya KI Kiribati KP Korea (North) [Korea, Democratic People's Republic of] KR Korea (South) [Korea, Republic of] QO Kosovo KW Kuwait KG Kyrgyzstan LA Laos [Lao People's Democratic Republic] LV Latvia LB Lebanon LS Lesotho LR Liberia LY Libya LI Liechtenstein LT Lithuania LU Luxembourg MO Macao (Special Administrative Region of China) [Macao] MK Macedonia [Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of] MG Madagascar MW Malawi MY Malaysia MV Maldives ML Mali MT Malta MH Marshall Islands MR Mauritania MU Mauritius MX Mexico FM Micronesia [Micronesia, Federated States of] MD Moldova [Moldova, Republic of] MC Monaco MN Mongolia ME Montenegro MS Montserrat MA Morocco MZ Mozambique NA Namibia NR Nauru NP Nepal NL Netherlands NZ New Zealand NI Nicaragua NE Niger NG Nigeria MP Northern Mariana Islands NO Norway ZZ Not known PS Occupied Palestinian Territories [Palestine, State of] {formerly West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and Gaza Strip} OM Oman PK Pakistan PW Palau PA Panama PG Papua New Guinea PY Paraguay PE Peru PH Philippines PN Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands [Pitcairn] PL Poland PT Portugal {includes Madeira, Azores} QA Qatar RO Romania RU Russia [Russian Federation] RW Rwanda WS Samoa SM San Marino ST Sao Tome and Principe SA Saudi Arabia SN Senegal RS Serbia QN Serbia and Montenegro not otherwise specified SC Seychelles SL Sierra Leone SG Singapore SK Slovakia SI Slovenia SB Solomon Islands SO Somalia ZA South Africa GS South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands SS South Sudan ES Spain {includes Ceuta, Melilla} LK Sri Lanka SH St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha KN St Kitts and Nevis LC St Lucia VC St Vincent and The Grenadines AA Stateless SD Sudan SR Surinam [Suriname] SZ Swaziland SE Sweden CH Switzerland SY Syria [Syrian Arab Republic] TW Taiwan [Taiwan, Province of China] TJ Tajikistan TZ Tanzania [Tanzania, United Republic of] TH Thailand TG Togo TO Tonga TT Trinidad and Tobago TN Tunisia TR Turkey TM Turkmenistan TC Turks and Caicos Islands TV Tuvalu UG Uganda UA Ukraine XN Union of Soviet Socialist Republics not otherwise specified AE United Arab Emirates GB United Kingdom US United States UY Uruguay UZ Uzbekistan VU Vanuatu VA Vatican City [Holy See (Vatican City State)] VE Venezuela [Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of] VN Vietnam [Viet Nam] EH Western Sahara YE Yemen XO Yugoslavia not otherwise specified ZM Zambia ZW Zimbabwe
• I have a relevant unspent conviction as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
• I do not have a relevant unspent conviction as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
• Northern Ireland
• Isle of Man or Channel Islands
• 1 British Sign Language user - first or preferred language
• 2 Not a British Sign Language user
• 9 British Sign Language User - NOT first or preferred language
• 98 I do not wish to declare
• 1 Fluent Welsh speaker
• 2 Welsh speaker not fluent
• 3 Not Welsh speaker
• 9 Not known
• Which language would you prefer to be contacted in? (Required) 1 Welsh 2 English
• Yes - I am serving in the British Armed Forces
• Yes - I am a family member of someone who is
• Please provide a letter which confirms you or a family member are serving in the Armed Forces, including confirmation of where the serving member resided when they joined up Max. file size: 100 MB.
• 1 Has never been full-time employed in British armed forces
• 4 Is currently employed in British armed forces
• 10 Left employment in British armed forces within last 5 years
• 11 Left employment in British armed forces over 5 years ago
• Please advise your previous addresses of the last 3 years and your reason for being abroad (Required)
• Non UK National serving in the British Armed Forces
• Asylum Seeker
• Limited Leave
• EU Pre Settled Status
• Student Visa / Visitor Visa / Working Holiday Visa
• Settled Status / Indefinite Leave to Remain / Indefinite Leave to Enter / Right of Abode
• Refugee / Humanitarian Protection / Discretionary Leave / Afghan related leave / Ukraine related leave
• Residential Address (Required) Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands

About You: Entry Requirements (1/3)

OCA offers open access courses, meaning you can start studying something you may have been interested in for years but haven't been able to pursue. What we are interested in is your aptitude and enthusiasm for your chosen subject.

You don’t need specific subject related qualifications to study with us, however there are minimum entry requirements you need to meet to ensure you have the right tools to get started.

English Language

As your legal nationality features on the majority English speaking countries list or you are a continuing student, you do not need to provide evidence of English Language proficiency. You will still need to confirm that you have a good standard of English to study this course.

You have indicated a legal nationality that is not featured on the majority English speaking countries list as provided by the CEFR. You must provide evidence of your English language proficiency equating to B2 of the CEFR.

You can evidence you meet this requirement through one of the following documents:

- A Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider, taken two years or less before the date of enrolment to the course. IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Academic may be accepted as meeting these requirements, provided the student has achieved a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four elements of language learning. - Have successfully completed an academic course (not professional or vocational) at Bachelors degree level or above from an educational institution in the UK or in a majority English speaking country as listed below. - A passport provided as evidence of nationality of a majority English speaking country as listed above. - TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT taken two years or less before the date of enrolment to the course, with minimum scores in each of the four elements of language learning as follows: reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20 and writing 17. - Cambridge English B2 First qualification with scale range 160-179 taken in the last two years as of the date of enrolment to the course. - An online Duolingo test. You would need an overall score of 90 or above to meet Level B2 of the CEFR, and a minimum score of 85 in each category (providing your overall score is still above 90).

• I confirm I have a good standard of English
• Upload English Language Evidence Here (Required) We recommend uploading a PDF or image file. Max. file size: 100 MB.

About You: Entry Requirements (2/3)

As our courses are hosted on the virtual learning platform, OCA Learn, it is essential that you have access to a laptop or computer, and can easily manage a range of basic functions through ICT. This includes being able to;

• I have a good level of IT literacy and am confident with using web-based technologies.
• I have regular access to a computer/laptop with internet access.

About You: Entry Requirements (3/3)

Distance learning is great for anyone who wants to be creative, expand their skills and/or gain a qualification on your own terms. A lot of our ­­­students study alongside other commitments such as work, childcare and health issues, adding distance learning to their existing lifestyle.

Self-motivation is key to a successful distance learning student. You will be able to set aside several study hours per week and be comfortable working independently. As a higher education student, you are responsible for your studies and managing your time effectively, and will need a minimum of 10 study hours per week complete within the maximum time frames available.

• I confirm I have at least 10 study hours a week available
• I can dedicate this many study hours per week (Required)
• You do not have enough study hours per week available. You need at least a minimum of 10 study hours to complete a degree within the available time frames.
• Your dedicated study hours per week suggests that you will complete your degree course in 9 years.
• Your dedicated study hours per week suggests that you will complete your degree course in 8 years.
• Your dedicated study hours per week suggests that you will complete your degree course in 7 years.
• Your dedicated study hours per week suggests that you will complete your degree course in 6 years.

About You: Issues that may affect your learning

• 95 No known impairment, health condition or learning difference
• 51 Learning difference such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or AD(H)D
• 53 Social/communication conditions such as a speech and language impairment or an autistic spectrum condition
• 54 Long-term illness or health condition such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, chronic heart disease, or epilepsy
• 55 Mental health condition, challenge or disorder, such as depression, schizophrenia or anxiety
• 56 Physical impairment (a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting or carrying)
• 57 D/deaf or have a hearing impairment
• 58 Blind or have a visual impairment uncorrected by glasses
• 59 Development condition that you have had since childhood which affects motor, cognitive, social and emotional skills, and speech and language
• 96 An impairment, health condition or learning difference not listed above
• 98 Prefer not to say
• 99 Not available

Learning Difficulty

If you think you may have a SpLD but do not have a formal diagnosis, please take a look at the Adult Checklist on the British Dyslexia Association website: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/screening

This does not confirm a diagnosis itself but may give an indication as to whether you should consider looking into a formal diagnosis.

A full diagnostic test is required for UK students to access support via the Disabled Students Allowance process. For OCA students who need help to pay for a diagnostic test, you may be able to apply for part-funding towards a diagnostic assessment via OCA’s Learner Support Scheme.

If you already have a full (post-16) diagnostic assessment, we would encourage you to apply for additional support via the Disabled Students Allowance process. You will need to get reassessed if you had this done when you were under 16 years old.

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

If you are eligible for Student Finance, you may wish to consider applying for Disabled Students Allowance (Student Finance). This has been invaluable to many of our students. Students may be awarded a mentor which provides regular face-to-face interaction to support you with your planning and motivation, or software and equipment may be awarded to help you study the course depending on your needs. It's all individual - they will look at what the requirements of the course are, where your areas of difficulty may be due to your symptoms and let you know what options there are that could help.

We advise students applying for DSA to enrol to the course when DSA is in place, however you can start before this - the decision is yours. DSA applications can take 14 weeks to process, so please consider this when selecting your start date later on.

You can still apply for DSA even if you are a part through your studies.

• I have reviewed how DSA might be able to support me and do not wish to apply for DSA support.
• Only when DSA is approved
• On a set date regardless if DSA is in place or not
• I have a medical condition or disability meaning I require physical course materials.
• I do not have a medical condition or disability meaning I require physical course materials.
• My residential address
• Please provide a delivery address (Required) If you are have indicated you are studying this course in UK, your delivery address must also be UK address Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Please tell us about any health issues, disability or caring responsibilities that may affect your learning.

Course Information

Students must achieve 360 credits to complete their BA Hons course, which is structured into three 120 credit levels. Students begin at Level 1, and enrol on a unit by unit basis. Each level is made up of three 40 credit units.

The first number of the unit name indicates the level of study, and the second number of the unit indicates what order they unit should be studied at that level e.g. unit 1.1 is the first unit at Level 1.

• Select which course unit of the degree you are enrolling to (Required) Please select... 1.1 Essential Writing Skills (new students select this) 1.2 Further Writing Skills 1.3 Developing Your Writing Skills 2.1 Investigation and Experiment 2.2 Skill and Proficiency 2.3 Innovation and Challenge 3.1 Practice and Research 3.2 Your Work in Progress 3.3: Reaching Your Audience Writing 1: Writing Skills Visual Studies 1:  Creative Arts Today Writing 1: Starting Your Novel Writing 1: The Art of Poetry Writing 1: Scriptwriting Writing 2: Writing for Children Writing 2:  Writing Short Fiction Writing 2: Poetry – Form and Experience Writing 2: Life Writing Writing 2: Moving on with Scriptwriting Writing 3: Independent Project
• Enrol before progression discussion complete
• Enrol after progression discussion complete

OCA has intake points throughout the academic year between August 2023 and July 2024.

If you are funding through Student Finance, the tuition fee loan application process can take between 4 – 6 weeks. To help keep your study plans on track, we recommend applying for Student Finance at least six weeks before your preferred intake month, but don’t worry if your funding application isn’t approved in time. We’ll keep your enrolment pending until you receive your outcome and then get you to the next available intake.

• Which intake point would you like to join? (Required) 3rd June 2024 (deadline to apply 15 May 2024) 1st July 2024 (deadline to apply 12 June 2024) Please select an intake point to join. Please note that  the cut off to join an intake is two works before the stated start date of the course. If you select a start date after the deadline has already passed, you will automatically be deferred to the following intake.
• I understand that the fee for this unit is £1,650, or a deposit of £495 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £192.50.
• I understand that the fee for this unit is £2,475, or a deposit of £550 followed by 10 monthly instalments of £192.50.
• I understand that the fee for this unit is £1,890, or a deposit of £567 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £220.50.
• I understand that the fee for this unit is £2,835, or a deposit of £630 followed by 10 monthly instalments of £220.50
• Product Name

Funding and Payment

• Student Finance (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)
• Self-funding
• SAAS Part-time Fee Grant
• Learner Support Scheme Bursary
• What is your Student Finance Customer Reference Number? (Required) You'll be given a customer reference number (CRN) when an application to the Student Loans Company for financial support is made. You'll receive this CRN in a letter or email.
• I understand that if applying for funding from SAAS, funding is confirmed after the start date of the course, and if unsuccessful for funding from SAAS I will remain liable for the fees of the course once outside the cancellation period, and that SAAS does not cover the full cost of the tuition fees .

You are responsible for submitting your own Student Finance funding applications. The month you begin your course will mark the start of your personal academic year with Student Finance. For instance, if you begin your course in October, your funding year runs from October to September. This means you need to apply for funding to begin every October for the relevant academic year for as long as you are studying your course.

Mark the month you start your course in your calendar, so you know when your funding the following year needs to begin. We recommend applying for the maximum amount available each year. We will only claim the amount required.

Review the 22/23 Student Finance Guidance Here

• I understand that I will be confirmed as studying 40 credits in my first year when I start my course
• I am applying for a maintenance loan or already receive one (check your eligibility with Student Finance)
• I am not applying or in receipt of a maintenance loan
• Deposit and Instalment
• If paying for the course by instalments, I undertake to pay the full sum once outside of the 14 day cancellation period per the course fees structure , and if relevant, I give my permission for OCA to discuss my progress with a third party funder (e.g. employer, ELCAS).
• Please upload your ELCAS CAN form (Required) Max. file size: 100 MB.

HESA Data Collection

• Have you previously studied at Higher Education Level in the UK before? (Required) A Has had prior HE experience in UK lasting 6 months or more B Has not had prior HE experience in UK lasting 6 months or more C Not known if has had prior HE exp in UK of 6 months or more
• What is your Highest Existing Qualification? (Required) DUK UK doctorate degree DZZ Non-UK doctorate degree D80 Other qualification at level D MUK UK masters degree MZZ Non-UK masters degree M2X Integrated undergraduate/postgraduate taught masters degree on the enhanced/extended pattern M41 Diploma at level M M44 Certificate at level M M71 Postgraduate Certificate in Education or Professional Graduate Diploma in Education M80 Other taught qualification at level M M90 Taught work at level M for provider credit HUK UK first degree with honours HZZ Non-UK first degree H11 First degree with honours leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)/registration with a General Teaching Council (GTC) H71 Professional Graduate Certificate in Education H80 Other qualification at level H JUK UK ordinary (non-honours) first degree J10 Foundation degree J20 Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) J30 Higher National Diploma (HND) J49 Foundation course at level J J48 Certificate in Education (CertEd) or Diploma in Education (DipEd) (i.e. non-graduate initial teacher training qualification) J80 Other qualification at level J C20 Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) C30 Higher National Certificate (HNC) C44 Higher Apprenticeship (level 4) C80 Other qualification at level C C90 Undergraduate credits P41 Diploma at level 3 P42 Certificate at level 3 P46 Award at level 3 P47 AQA Baccalaureate (Bacc) P50 A/AS level P51 14-19 Advanced Diploma (level 3) P53 Scottish Baccalaureate P54 Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers P62 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma P63 International Baccalaureate (IB) Certificate P64 Cambridge Pre-U Diploma P65 Cambridge Pre-U Certificate P68 Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma (level 3) P80 Other qualification at level 3 P92 Level 3 qualifications of which none are subject to UCAS Tariff P93 Level 3 qualifications of which all are subject to UCAS Tariff P94 Level 3 qualifications of which some are subject to UCAS Tariff Q51 14-19 Higher Diploma (level 2) Q52 Welsh Baccalaureate Intermediate Diploma (level 2) Q80 Other qualification at level 2 R51 14-19 Foundation Diploma (level 1) R52 Welsh Baccalaureate Foundation Diploma (level 1) R80 Other qualification at level 1 X00 Higher education (HE) access course, Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) recognised X01 Higher education (HE) access course, not Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) recognised X02 Mature student admitted on basis of previous experience and/or admissions test X04 Other qualification level not known X05 Student has no formal qualification X06 Not known
• Please indicate the grading of that qualification (Required)
• Please confirm the subject of your qualification (Required) Musical theatre Creative writing Textile design Ergonomics Fashion Fashion design Animation Film studies Fine art Graphic arts Graphic design Illustration Photography Music Performing arts Clothing production Footwear production Landscape architecture and design Housing Planning Textiles technology Music technology Audio technology Music production Film production Forestry and arboriculture Architectural design Drawing Landscape studies Painting Garden design Sculpture Fine art conservation Musicianship and performance studies Instrumental or vocal performance Music education and teaching Music and arts management Music marketing Jazz performance Popular music performance History of music Musicology Ethnomusicology and world music Music composition History of photography Cinematography Visual and audio effects Scriptwriting Poetry writing Professional writing Popular music Film music and screen music Jazz Sacred music Community music Sonic arts Electronic music Jazz composition Moving image techniques Film directing Film and sound recording Television studies Radio studies Publishing Electronic publishing Online publishing Research skills Cinematics Music therapy Interior design and architecture Folk music Opera Music theory and analysis Applied music and musicianship Popular music composition Other
• Please confirm the year awarded (Required)
• Last provider attended (Required) Fi4901 UK state school 4911 UK independent school 4921 UK FE college 4931 Any non-UK provider 4941 UK HEP 9999 Unknown
• Which of the following best describes your sexual orientation? (Required) 10 Bisexual 11 Gay or lesbian 12 Heterosexual or straight 19 Other sexual orientation 98 Prefer not to say
• What is your legal marital or registered civil partnership status? (Required) 10 Never married and never registered in a civil partnership 11 Married or in a registered civil partnership 12 Separated (but still legally married or in a civil partnership) 13 Divorced or formerly in a civil partnership which is now legally dissolved 14 Widowed or a surviving partner from a registered civil partnership 15 Co-habiting, with or without a legal contract 98 Prefer not to say
• What do you consider to be your national identity? (Required) B British E English I Irish O Other R Information refused S Scottish U Unknown W Welsh
• What is your ethnicity or ethnic group? (Required) 100 Asian - Bangladeshi or Bangladeshi British 101 Asian - Chinese or Chinese British 102 Asian - Filipino 103 Asian - Indian or Indian British 104 Asian - Pakistani or Pakistani British 119 Any other Asian background 120 Black - African or African British 121 Black - Caribbean or Caribbean British 139 Any other Black background 140 Mixed or multiple ethnic groups - White or White British and Asian or Asian British 141 Mixed or multiple ethnic groups - White or White British and Black African or Black African British 142 Mixed or multiple ethnic groups - White or White British and Black Caribbean or Black Caribbean British 159 Any other Mixed or Multiple ethnic background 160 White - English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish or British 161 White - English, Welsh, Northern Irish or British 162 White - British, Irish, Northern Irish, English, Scottish or Welsh 163 White - Gypsy or Irish Traveller 164 White - Gypsy or Traveller 165 White - Irish Traveller 166 White - Irish 167 White - Polish 168 White - Roma 169 White - Scottish 170 White - Showman / Showwoman 179 Any other White background 180 Arab 899 Any other ethnic background 997 Not known 998 Prefer not to say
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2024 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees [Bachelor’s Guide]

If you love penning stories, brainstorming characters, and building whole worlds in your head, then a creative writing degree may be an ideal fit.

In this college program, you could develop skills for turning your natural talent into a career opportunity. Clear, clever writing is beneficial in a variety of work settings.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Whether you choose to pursue a creative career or to apply your skills in advertising, teaching, or another field, online writing degrees could help you get started.

Online Creative Writing Degrees

Have you always dreamed of launching a career as a writer? If so, a college major in creative writing could help you develop your knowledge and skill sets.

If this is a job you’re thinking about, then you’ve probably spent a considerable amount of time practicing your writing over the years. A college program could help you take that to the next level. In this program, you could learn from experienced professors and get feedback from your peers. You’ll also study the examples of accomplished writers who have gone before you.

You may practice many different styles of writing, such as:

• Film scripts
• Nonfiction pieces
• Short stories

Your college may offer concentration tracks for this type of bachelors degree program. That way, you can study an area of creative writing that you’re really interested in.

For example, you might focus on fiction or nonfiction creative writing. Poetry could be another option. Even if your school doesn’t have predesigned concentrations, you may still have the opportunity to focus on the types of writing that most appeal to you. That’s because there are usually many elective courses available in a writing program.

Along with your classes, you might be able to do a for-credit internship. Through it, you could gain experience in a real-world publishing setting. Many creative writing majors pursue jobs as novelists, journalists, or television writers. You could also think about becoming an editor, an agent, or a producer. There may also be opportunities for you in schools or libraries.

Writing Careers & Salaries

There are many different jobs that relate to writing. Of course, you could pursue work as a writer or an author, but that comes in a wide variety of forms. There are some creative writers who write novels, poems, or children’s books. Others pen plays or television scripts.

Just because you study creative writing in college doesn’t mean that you’d have to stick to that type of writing. Your way with words could also be useful for jobs in journalism, social media management, or textbook writing. Some graduates create copy for advertising or marketing purposes.

There are also jobs for technical writers. They often use their skills to explain things related to science, technology, or mechanics. Your understanding of words and language could also be useful for helping others excel as writers. For example, being an editor or a literary agent are other lines of work to consider.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are the median salaries of potential career paths related to the field of writing.

Some positions may require additional education, and extensive experience may be needed for jobs with high levels of responsibility.

With experience, some professionals move into roles where they coordinate many aspects of the creative process. Examples include being a movie producer or a creative director. Perhaps you are choosing a creative writing career because you really love literature. In a library, you could help others discover great books.

Depending on your role, you might require additional training, such as a master’s degree in library science. Another way to help others uncover a love for words is to work as a teacher. For example, with the proper training, graduates may teach language, literature, or creative writing in a junior high or a high school. You could also consider teaching creative writing in non-school settings, such as community youth programs.

Bachelor of Creative Writing Curriculum & Courses

In a creative writing program, you may have the opportunity to take many different classes of your choosing. That way, you can craft a degree program that reflects your goals and interests.

Your curriculum might include:

• British Literature : You’ll read works by famous British authors, analyze the texts, and write papers about them.
• Creative Genres : Toward the beginning of your studies, you may have a class that surveys several genres through both reading and writing assignments.
• Digital Writing : There are some unique considerations for publication in an online format, so you’ll explore social media, blogs, email campaigns, and other digital media in this course.
• Drama Studies : You may read famous plays, study the historical development of this genre, and consider drama’s influence on life and culture.
• English Grammar and Syntax : The ability to write correctly will serve you well throughout your career, so you may have a class to refresh and refine that skill.
• Literary Criticism : You’ll learn to be a critical reader who can analyze texts and evaluate their meaning through various literary frameworks.
• Poetry Writing : Poems come in many different styles, and you’ll explore a variety of them during this class as you practice writing poetry and sharing it with others.
• Publishing Careers : There might be a class that introduces you to jobs in writing and publishing so that you can start making a career plan.
• Screenplays : As you study the screenplay format, you may write your own scripts and evaluate your classmates’ creations.
• Writing Fiction : In this course, you’ll gain experience as a fiction writer by creating various pieces and sharing them with the other students in your class.

A bachelors program will generally have about 120 credit hours total, including both general education classes and the ones for your creative writing major.

Admissions Requirements

The admissions process varies from school to school, but it usually begins with filling out an application form. There may be a fee too.

In addition, you might submit the following:

• Essay or writing sample
• Official high school transcript or GED certificate
• Scores from the ACT or the SAT (not required by all schools)

At schools with rolling admissions, you can turn in your materials at any point in the year. Other schools set firm deadlines for applying.

Online Creative Writing Programs Accreditation

There are many types of college accreditation. One of the most important to consider is regional accreditation . This status means that a school has been evaluated and approved by one of the seven regional accreditors in the US.

There are strict standards for regional accreditation, so it is considered a key sign of a credible school. That’s often important to both educational institutions and employers. If your school is regionally accredited, you might be able to transfer credits to another college or qualify for graduate school.

Accreditation might also help you in your job search since employers may prefer to hire people with accredited degrees.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

College can be costly, but you may be able to get financial help from a variety of sources. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you determine your eligibility for government assistance. That can include both state and federal funding.

Students often qualify for government loans that allow them to borrow money until school is over. Some may get grants as well. Scholarships can be another valuable addition to your financial aid package. There are all sorts of scholarship programs, such as ones given for academic merit, sports ability, and leadership capacity. In addition to outside scholarships, you might also be awarded money directly from your college.

Employers sometimes help pay for college too. You can check with your human resources department to see whether your workplace has a tuition program.

What Can You Do with a Creative Writing Degree?

A bachelor’s in creative writing online degree could help you launch a career as a writer. Your preference might be to write books, poems, plays, or movie scripts. You could focus on pieces for young audiences or for older readers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that writers may work for others or be self-employed. Other potential jobs in the publishing industry include being an editor or a literary agent. There’s also the possibility of becoming a journalist or copywriter for a newspaper, a magazine, or a website. You could also consider teaching creative writing to students in public schools or private settings.

If you feel that a masters degree would be beneficial, you could search the best online MFA in Creative Writing programs that would suit your needs.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing?

You can generally finish a bachelors in creative writing online program in 4 years. Four years of full-time study is standard for a bachelor’s degree, but sometimes online English degree programs let you finish a bit faster.

If you want to graduate quickly, you can choose to take classes throughout the year and pick a school with accelerated terms. Often, that means that the courses last only 8 weeks each. At some schools, you may have the option to earn a teaching credential by taking extra classes, though that would extend the overall length of your program.

Should I Major in Creative Writing?

Creativity and strong communication skills are essential, but that’s not all that’s needed for success in this field. For example, it helps to be organized. Writers may have several writing projects—each with different requirements and deadlines—on their plate at once.

It’s also beneficial for writers to be open to criticism. In college, your peers and your professors will evaluate your work. Feedback, often critical, will likely continue throughout your career. Also, writers are sometimes self-employed. While they may not always have the security of a steady paycheck, they have the flexibility to make their own schedule and pursue passion projects.

What’s the Difference Between a Technical Writing vs. Creative Writing Bachelors Degree?

For a writing career, you could pursue work as a creative writer or a technical writer. While both jobs require strong communication skills, they typically rely on different styles and have different goals.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, technical writers have a higher median annual salary than other types of writers.

Is a Creative Writing Degree Worth It?

Yes, a creative writing degree is worth it for many students. If creative writing is something that you really enjoy—and you want to make a career out of it—then this program may be a good fit for you.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in media and communication are expected to increase at a 14% rate over the next ten years. In particular, jobs for authors and writers should see 9% growth during that time. So, English is a good major for a number of students who picture themselves in creative writing careers.

Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Creative Writing Degree Program

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Colorado Christian University offers a BA in Creative Writing that can be earned 100% online. Class sizes are small, and students take just one course at a time in 5 week sessions. The curriculum teaches from a Christian worldview and includes courses such as Survey of the Publishing Industry, Advanced Creative Writing, Nonfiction Seminar, and more.

Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Florida International University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Writing and Rhetoric track. Graduates often pursue careers in writing, publishing, advertising, media, and related fields. The curriculum includes studies in written and spoken communication. Coursework includes Approaches to Literature, Introduction to Writing Studies, Rhetorical Theory and Practice, and more.

Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media can be earned on campus or online. On-campus classes are 15 weeks long, and online classes are 7 weeks long. Graduates often work in fields such as publishing, journalism, marketing, and advertising. GCU uses a faith-based curriculum.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University offers a BS in English and Writing—Creative Writing that can be earned entirely online. Each class is 8 weeks long. The average student can finish the program in just 3.5 years. Coursework includes Introduction to Creative Writing, American Realism and Naturalism, Modern Grammar, and more.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Missouri State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing. Graduates of the program have gone on to work as editors, journalists, content marketing specialists, public relations specialists, and more. Online classes are taught by the same faculty as those on campus.

Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing. Four concentration options are available: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Screenwriting. Classes are asynchronous and have no set meeting times. Potential students can apply at any time to start in an upcoming 8 week term.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Southwest Minnesota State University offers a BA in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. The program is available online and provides a high level of flexibility. The program’s faculty members are published writers themselves. Graduates often work in fields such as teaching, editing, publishing, journalism, and more.

Southwest Minnesota State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Arkansas—Little Rock offers an online program for a BA in Professional and Technical Writing. The program requires students to develop proficiency in a second language. Course possibilities include Introduction to Professional and Technical Writing, Persuasive Writing, Theories of Rhetoric and Writing, Document Design, and more.

UA Little Rock is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Central Florida offers an online program for a BA in English—Creative Writing. The curriculum seeks to develop students’ general communication and critical thinking skills. Graduates often go on to careers as copywriters, educators, journalists, and more. Online courses at UCF may be synchronous or asynchronous.

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Wisconsin—Superior offers a BA in Writing that can be earned 100% online. Online students may take some classes on campus if they wish. The program includes courses in creative writing, persuasive writing, technical writing, poetry, and more. Students are required to build portfolios as they work their way through the program.

UW-Superior is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Getting Your Bachelor in Creative Writing Degree Online

Creative writing can be an exciting career choice for anyone who enjoys using words and sharing ideas. If you’ve always dreamed of being an author, a playwright, or a poet, this could be a strategic degree path for you.

Also, a busy schedule doesn’t need to hold you back from getting a college degree. Instead, you might consider earning your creative writing bachelor’s degree online. Distance learning programs often cater to busy students with full schedules.

You can count on getting a high-quality education when you study online at an accredited college or university. The sooner you start checking out schools, the sooner you can begin planning your creative writing studies.

Editor’s Choice – Top Picks for the Best BA and BFA Degrees in Creative Writing

Created by CreativeWritingEDU.org Contributor

Like creative writing itself, there is a vast range of artistic approaches, ideas, and characteristics found in every different writing program.

That can make it particularly tough to choose the BA or BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) degree that’s right for you. It’s no exaggeration to suggest that your entire career as an artist and a writer will be largely shaped by what you are exposed to in your undergraduate program. Finding the right fit for your writing goals is critical. And ensuring that you are getting absolutely the best education, from the finest instructors, and a chance to workshop with published authors are all things that need to be right at the top of your agenda.

To make sure you find the right fit for your personal and professional goals as a writer, we’re giving you a list of what we feel are the very best creative writing BA and BFA degrees in creative writing today.

How We Selected Only the Finest Creative Writing BA and BFA Degree Programs in the Country

Picking the top schools for creative writing students is far more challenging than evaluating other types of professional degree programs. In the arts, there’s often no one right answer to the question of who the best is.

Different genres, different perspectives, and different interests can all make the best option for one writer completely different than what it would be for another.

But there are some key features that offer a clear sign of quality, no matter what their perspective on artistic lean might be.

First-rate Instructors With Real Creative Writing Expertise

The thing about writing is that you really have to do it to understand it. Talent and skill are both rare; even more unusual are people who have both those and a knack for teaching others.

The best creative writing departments stack themselves with instructors who have both writing and academic credentials. In many cases, they will seek out and hire successful novelists and poets as either permanent or visiting members of faculty. And they make sure students have as much face time and feedback as possible from those talented teachers.

Strong Publishing Industry and Literary Community Connections

Big-time creative writing programs also offer clear connections to valuable agents and editors to help you get your career started. They often serve as centers for the literary community, sometimes even running their own student-fueled journals or boutique presses.

These connections help you build a strong network of support and access to turn a knack for writing into a real career. Half the battle is getting your brilliant manuscript in front of the right people to appreciate it. Any of these degree programs has the ability to plug you in to the right web of literary agents, publishers, and editors to give you a real shot at having your work published.

Reputation and Recognition From the Academic and Literary Worlds

Good creative writing programs don’t try to hide. The elite creative writing departments at schools around the country are well-known within the literary community. We looked for schools with a strong reputation for turning out elite and successful authors in a variety of genres and fields.

Equally important is the scholastic quality of the programs. On that end, we looked at reviews and ratings from major third-party evaluators like U.S. News & World Report , The Princeton Review , and others.

Resources and Residency Options That Deliver a Supportive Environment for Creative Writing

Writers love research. Schools with big libraries, special collections, and extensive online reference resources were likely to rank highly in our process. With the information you need at your fingertips, it’s easy to make progress and focus on developing your own ideas rather than wasting time hunting down a vital manuscript you hoped to refer to.

These schools also often have unique workshop and residency options that take you out of the mundane patterns of everyday living and help you spark new thoughts and form new impressions. Unique experiences and immersive discussions with both fellow students and exclusive guest lecturers are the kind of opportunities that can take a creative writing degree from simply amazing to categorically elite.

Offering Everything You Need To Know About the Best Creative Writing Bachelor’s Degrees in the Country

While every school on this list has a BA or BFA creative writing degree that you can count on, there’s still the matter of choosing the right fit. With either type of undergraduate degree, there is a lot to distinguish these programs. And some of those distinguishing features are going to line up better with your personal preferences and goals than others.

So, we have listed your choices state by state with a lot of the basic information you will need to make an informed decision:

• What format the degree is offered in (on-campus, online, or some hybrid approach)
• The total estimated cost of attendance
• Lists of available concentration options
• Whether the school also offers a master’s in creative writing
• Whether the school is public or private

And we have also taken the time to drill down into each program to figure out what makes it unique. You’ll find all the highlights about what makes every school special, from exalted positions on the lists of independent evaluators, to ultra-low student-faculty ratios, to in-house literary magazines that publish student work.

We also try to give you a feel for how the programs approach a creative writing education, noting special features of the curriculum, dedicated mentoring options, and programs that bring in visiting authors for lectures or workshops. If the school offers a unique off-site residency option, you’ll see it here. If faculty members are known for their own publication or artistic accolades, we give you a heads up.

Our Top Picks for the Best Creative Writing Bachelor’s Degrees in the U.S.

If you are intent on getting the best undergraduate education you can as a writer, then this list should be your first stop. With the best collection of programs all in one place, and all the details you need to sort through them, the only thing that stands between you and greatness is decisive action.

Find the Best BA & BFA Creative Writing Programs in Your State

District of Columbia

Massachusetts

Mississippi, new hampshire, north carolina, pennsylvania, rhode island, south carolina, university of southern california (private).

DANA AND DAVID DORNSIFE COLLEGE OF LETTERS, ARTS AND SCIENCES

Los Angeles, CA

BA in English-Creative Writing emphasis (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $270,848

• Exciting opportunities to take classes abroad at locations like Queen Mary University of London and the University of Cape Town in South Africa
• Unique opportunity to produce a critical research project of your own through the English Honors Program
• Well-rounded program features workshops in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction

The University of Southern California’s BA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis offers a dynamic, well-rounded curriculum of English and American literature that’s complemented with workshops in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. We love the many opportunities to study overseas as part of the program. For example, in recent years, students have taken courses like “Satire, Scandal, and Society, 1700-1740” at Queen Mary University of London and “Romance to Realism” at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. And for students with future graduate school plans, the school offers the English Honors Program, which provides a unique opportunity to engage in a critical research project. Other students regularly complete internships and volunteerships that include tutoring elementary school children through the Joint Education Project; engaging in faculty research activities at the USC Libraries; and interning with companies involved in publishing marketing, media, and more.

University of Redlands (Private)

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Redlands, CA

BA in Creative Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $236,032

• Outstanding, student-centered learning environment features dedicated faculty mentors and a low, 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Named as “One of Higher Education’s Better-Kept Secrets” by Fiske Guide to Colleges
• Exciting study abroad opportunities available

The University of the Redlands’ BA in Creative Writing offers a rich exploration of the creative process through the study of nonfiction, poetry, and fiction genres. Delivered through engaging workshops and seminars and built on close mentorship with one of the department’s resident writers, the robust curriculum here mirrors that of an MFA, with students studying under a dedicated faculty, learning from acclaimed writers through the Visiting Writers Series, and honing their craft by contributing to the Redlands Review . This program is just one of the reasons why the University of the Redlands was called “One of Higher Education’s Better-Kept Secrets” by Fiske Guide to Colleges !

University of La Verne (Private)

La Verne, CA

Total Estimated Program Cost: $195,584

• Exciting opportunities to contribute to the university’s literary journal, Prism Review
• Superb, student-centered learning environment features a low, 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Ranked seventh in the nation for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report

The University of La Verne is home to the BA in Creative Writing – your opportunity to develop your craft in contemporary creative writing. This well-rounded course of study is focused on the modes and techniques of literary creative writing, as well as on the literary and cultural contexts associated with it. Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue graduate-level creative writing programs like the MFA and excel in a number of fields like publishing, marketing, advertising, and business. As a student of the BA in Creative Writing, you’ll contribute to the university’s literary journal, Prism Review … you’ll have the opportunity to meet and engage with contemporary writers and poets… and you’ll round out your program by completing a project that highlights mastery in your chosen genre.

Colorado College (Private)

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Colorado Springs, CO

Major in English-Creative Writing track (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $258,240

• College features the block plan, which allows students to take just one class at a time, for three-and-a-half weeks
• Exciting opportunities to work on the English Department’s online literary magazine, Hairstreak Butterfly Review
• Superb engagement – learn from renowned visiting writers

Colorado College’s Major in English with a Creative Writing track offers a solid literary foundation combined with scaffolded creative writing courses in a chosen genre that allow students to progressively refine their craft. Just some of the features of this program that we love include literature and creative writing courses taught by renowned visiting writers… opportunities to contribute your talents to any of the college’s magazines and publications, including the English Department’s online literary magazine, Hairstreak Butterfly Review … and the Lit Pub Practicum – an adjunct course designed for those interested in the publishing field.

University of Denver (Private)

COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

BA in English and Literary Arts-Creative Writing concentration (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $221,040

Also offers: MA in Professional Creative Writing (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $73,696

• BA students can earn preadmission to the university’s MA in Professional Creative Writing program
• MA offers your choice of focus in: Nonfiction Writing, Dramatic Writing, Fiction Writing, Poetry Writing
• Home to an esteemed faculty of published writers, critics, and scholars
• Exciting study abroad opportunities available – more than 90% of CAHSS students complete a study abroad experience
• MA offered in an online or on-campus (evening) format

The University of Denver’s BA and MA programs in creative writing provide emerging writers with outstanding preparation for a host of exciting, writing-intensive careers. The BA in English and Literary Arts program offers a Creative Writing concentration that features an in-depth examination of historical and contemporary texts combined with dynamic learning experiences focused on writing poetry, long-form essays, short stories, and research-driven projects. Students of this program enjoy opportunities to contribute to Foothills , the undergraduate literary journal; intern with Tethered to Letters , the nonprofit literary journal; and study abroad. This program provides an outstanding framework for future graduate study (MA, MFA, PhD) and the chance to earn preadmission to the university’s MA in Professional Creative Writing program. The MA program boasts outstanding, advanced study narrative nonfiction, which includes unique and interesting courses like Magical Realism in Literature and Cinema; Literature of Utopia/Dystopia: Dystopian Fiction; and Writers in Schools. Busy, working adults are sure to appreciate this program’s convenient and flexible format, which includes your choice of online or on-campus (evening) study.

District of Columbia - DC

George washington university (private).

COLUMBIAN COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Washington, DC

BA in Creative Writing and English (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $248,400

• Program features an ideal blend of literature and creative writing courses
• Options to study a wide breadth of genres, including poetry, creative nonfiction, short fiction, playwriting, memoir, and even hybrid and emerging genres
• Superb internship opportunities available

George Washington University’s BA in Creative Writing and English provides an optimal blend of study in classical literature and writing exploration and technique. Through this program, students enjoy opportunities to dive deep into creative writing and study many genres, including poetry, creative nonfiction, short fiction, playwriting, memoir, and even hybrid and emerging genres. They also study under an esteemed faculty and visiting writers, poets, and memoirists. And thanks to a prime location in our nation’s capital, many of the program’s students land prime internships with places like the Library of Congress and the Folger Shakespeare Library.

University of Miami (Private)

Coral Gables, FL

Major in English-Creative Writing concentration (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $221,760

• Taught by a faculty of distinguished, award-winning writers in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and young adult literature
• Highly engaging program features workshop-style courses in contemporary fiction, poetry, and nonfiction
• Opportunity to write an Honors Thesis – a course of independent study that features one-on-one mentorship from one of the program’s core faculty members

The University of Miami’s Major in English with a Creative Writing concentration is where you’ll find an engaging, supportive learning environment that’s marked by close mentorship from a faculty of distinguished, award-winning writers. This highly selective program features workshop-style courses in contemporary fiction, poetry, and nonfiction and readings and lectures by internationally renowned visiting writers, and it culminates in the opportunity to write an Honors Thesis – a course of independent study that features one-on-one mentorship from one of the program’s core faculty members. Graduates of this program are often accepted into highly competitive MFA program at leading universities!

Eckerd College (Private)

St. Petersburg, FL

BA/BFA in Creative Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $192,840

• Outstanding study abroad experiences available include spending a term living at the college’s London Study Centre and studying the literature of Great Britain
• Exciting opportunity to participate in the nationally recognized writing conference, Writers in Paradise – an eight-day program of workshops that feature renowned visiting writers
• Features dynamic and engaging studio-style workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and journalism

Eckerd College’s BA/BFA in Creative Writing is where emerging writers come to shine! This program features a strong foundation in literature alongside studio-style workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and journalism. You’ll also enjoy plenty of hands-on learning outside of the classroom, too, through participation in the student/faculty reading series and in the college’s publications, The Current , Eckerd Review , and The Gower Street Press. And during the winter term, students here have the opportunity to participate in the nationally recognized writing conference, Writers in Paradise – an eight-day program of workshops that feature renowned visiting writers.

Ringling College of Art and Design (Private)

Sarasota, FL

BFA in Creative Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $192,480

• Optional concentrations available in scriptwriting, game writing, or word and image
• Genre-crossing program allows students to explore a variety of creative writing genres through engaging craft courses
• Learn from an accomplished faculty and host of visiting writers, scholars, and publishing professionals

The Ringling College of Art and Design offers a BFA in Creative Writing boasts a genre-crossing course of undergraduate study in a range of esthetics for the serious, emerging writer. As a student of this program, you’ll take courses in historical, contemporary, and digital literary forms and flex your creative skillset through craft instruction taught by a faculty of published writers and a host of visiting authors, scholars, and publishing professionals. You’ll also enjoy plenty of hands-on experiences as you contribute to the Ringling College Press and lend your talents to the school’s international literary journal, Shift: A Journal of Literary Oddities . You’ll also have the opportunity to take an optional concentration in scriptwriting, game writing, or word and image.

Emory University (Private)

Atlanta, GA

BA in English and Creative Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $231,394

• Ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News & World Report
• Option to double major in playwriting
• Outstanding guidance and support offered through the Writing Peer Mentorship Program

Emory University’s BA in English and Creative Writing offers a dynamic, well-rounded curriculum that features an exploration of all creative writing genres and a deep dive into one genre of your choice (fiction, poetry, playwriting, screenwriting, or creative nonfiction). Just some of the highlights of this program include engaging, workshop-style courses that encourage communication and constructive feedback; an opportunity to double major in playwriting; and opportunities to participate in the Creative Writing Peer Mentorship Program, which offers unmatched guidance and support from peer mentors and features a variety of panels, discussions, and meet and greets.

Agnes Scott College (Private)

Decatur, GA

BA in English Literature-Creative Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $193,920

• Exciting opportunities to learn from visiting writers and scholars through the Writers & Scholars Series
• Ranked first in the nation among the Most Innovative Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report
• Outstanding collaboration, communication, and constructive feedback through student-centered workshops

Agnes Scott College’s BA in English Literature with a Creative Writing emphasis offers a superb blend of instruction and hands-on learning in literature, language, and writing. This program encourages communication, collaboration, and constructive feedback through student-centered workshops and independent study in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, dramatic writing, and screenwriting. Students here also have access to exciting internships at the college’s Center for Writing and Speaking and off-campus at the Writer’s Festival, the Decatur Book Festival, and more.

Mercer University (Private)

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES

Total Estimated Program Cost: $157,680

• Ranked among the nation’s Best Colleges for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report
• Exciting internship opportunities available
• Get valuable, hands-on experience by contributing to The Dulcimer , the school’s nationally ranked literary and art magazine

Mercer University’s BA in Creative Writing offers a well-rounded course of study that’s expertly designed to sharpen your ability to communicate new concepts and ideas and hone your creative writing skillset. Students here encourage and motivate one another under the guidance of an esteemed faculty, and they flex their creative skills by contributing to The Dulcimer , the school’s nationally ranked literary and art magazine, and interning at places like Mercer University Press, Paste Magazine , regional museums, theaters, and more.

Berry College (Private)

EVANS SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Mount Berry, GA

Total Estimated Program Cost: $154,680

• Outstanding, student-centered learning environment features a low, 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Paid opportunities to work at the college newspaper or literary magazine for outstanding, hands-on learning experiences
• Exciting, study abroad learning experiences available

Berry College’s BA in Creative Writing is where your love of prose or poetry has a place to grow. You’ll appreciate the intimate learning environment here that naturally lends itself to mentorship and exchange, and you’re sure to find inspiration around every corner here, particularly when acclaimed visiting writers and scholars provide unique insight into their own creative process. The college’s newspaper and literary magazine serve as outstanding spots to gain relevant, hands-on experience and get paid at the same time! When you work here, you’re paid through Berry’s LifeWorks program! We also love their many dynamic creative writing courses here like Writing for Online Environments, Introduction to Playwriting, and Writing About Place, which can be taken as a residential or study abroad course!

College of Idaho (Private)

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

Caldwell, ID

Major in Literature and Creative Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $139,872

• Ranked among America’s Top Colleges – and #1 in Idaho – by the Wall Street Journal
• Outstanding, hands-on learning experiences and research opportunities available
• Option to add a minor in Interactive Journalism
• Superb course of study in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and journalism

The College of Idaho’s Major in Literature and Creative Writing offers a solid foundation in American, British, and world literature alongside dynamic learning experiences in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and journalism. This program is ideally designed for future MFA study and for careers in publishing, journalism, marketing, public relations, education, and beyond. Students here also have the option of adding an Interactive Journalism minor to their program – a course of study in the evolving field of journalism. We love all the opportunities available here to refine your creative skillset. Participate in independent studies and creative projects, complete an internship with the student-run college newspaper or literary magazine, and conduct research with faculty!

University of Chicago (Private)

DIVISION OF HUMANITIES

Chicago, IL

Total Estimated Program Cost: $244,680

Also offers: MA in Program in Humanities-Creative Writing area of study (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $120,600

• Ranked sixth among the Best Colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
• BA program features engaging, hands-on workshops in your chosen genre (fiction, poetry, or nonfiction)
• MA program is just one year (9 months) long
• Two-Year Language Option offers students an exciting opportunity to pursue advanced work in literary translation through a second year of study

The University of Chicago is home to both a BA and MA in creative writing for emerging and practicing writers alike! The BA in Creative Writing offers a focused course of study in one genre of your choice (fiction, poetry, or nonfiction) and features a writing workshop-style model that provides students with ample opportunities to refine their craft. The MA in Humanities offers a Creative Writing area of study that boasts outstanding flexibility and a highly focused, one-year course of study that prepares students for further graduate study or for a wide array of careers. We love the outstanding support and guidance here that’s offered through dedicated MAPH writing advisors and MAPH mentors. And the program’s Two-Year Language Option offers students an exciting opportunity to pursue advanced work in literary translation through a second year of study.

Knox College (Private)

Galesburg, IL

Major in Creative Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $209,880

• Ranked among the nation’s Best Colleges by the Princeton Review
• Recognized by Poets and Writers Magazine as one of the most accomplished and engaging undergraduate creative writing programs in the country
• 100% of students participate in experiential learning
• Superb study abroad opportunities available

Knox College’s Major in Creative Writing comes complete with small class sizes (an average class size of just 18); a dedicated, accomplished faculty of mentors; and exciting opportunities to research, write, and create. We love the outstanding opportunities to apply what you’ve learned through hands-on experiences. Just some of the opportunities available include working for the student newspaper; contributing to one of the student-run literary journals (like Catch , the oldest continuously published student-run journal in the nation!); participating in service learning projects; and completing an internship. In fact, 100% of students here pursue experiential learning. And if you want to add an international component to your undergraduate course of study in creative writing, you’ll be pleased to learn that Knox offers global study abroad programs in 54 countries!

Augustana College (Private)

Rock Island, IL

Total Estimated Program Cost: $197,408

• Outstanding record of student success: 98% of all students are employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation
• Ranked among the nation’s Most Innovative Schools by U.S. News & World Report
• Highly engaging program features outstanding opportunities to learn outside the classroom
• International study abroad trips available to Paris and England

Augustana College’s Major in Creative Writing comes complete with the tightknit, intimate learning environment and the superb faculty mentorship that only a private school can offer. You’ll connect with your peers and study under the award-winning faculty of writers through small, workshop-style classes that are writing intensive and highly engaging. During your course of study, you’ll have opportunities to gain experience by working as a paid tutor in the college’s Reading/Writing Center; by working at the school’s East Hall Press; by landing internships in marketing, public relations, journalism, or arts management; and by contributing to the award-winning student newspaper, The Observer , and the art and literary magazine, SAGA . The program’s annual field trip, On the Road, sends students to unique literary destinations, while the college’s literary reading series, River Readings, welcomes renowned authors and poets to campus for lively discussions. And if your academic goals include international study, you’ll be pleased to know that many creative writing majors here travel abroad with faculty to Paris and England.

Saint Mary’s College (Private)

Notre Dame, IN

Total Estimated Program Cost: $204,800

• Outstanding record of student success: 95% of all English majors are employed or in grad school
• Superb, student-centered learning environment features a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 10:1
• Exciting study abroad opportunities available (more than 70% of all students here complete a study abroad experience)

Saint Mary’s College’s BA in Creative Writing offers a dynamic, well-rounded course of study for those with a love of literature and writing. This program comes complete with a deep dive into creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry that’s delivered through engaging, workshop-style courses. Some of the other highlights of this program include plentiful options to study abroad (more than 70% of all students here complete a study abroad experience); opportunities to study under esteemed authors through the Visiting Writers Series; publishing opportunities through the literary and arts magazine, Chimes , or the nonfiction journal, The Avenue; and internship experiences with a wide range of organizations like The Smithsonian in Washington D.C., Ava Maria Press, and the South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center.

Valparaiso University (Private)

Valparaiso, IN

Total Estimated Program Cost: $179,428

• Outstanding record of student success: 97% of all graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation
• Ranked among the best regional colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
• Outstanding international study opportunities available through the dedicated Valpo Study Centers in England, Germany, Costa Rica, and China

Valparaiso University’s BA in Creative Writing boasts an intimate, student-centered learning environment and an engaging course of study that’s built to inspire! This program features courses in short story writing, poetry, and creative nonfiction alongside courses in screenwriting, playwriting, or writing for the stage and screen. You’re sure to love flexing your creative skillset by contributing to one of the university’s publications: the Valparaiso Poetry Review, the Valparaiso Fiction Review , and The Welcome Project . And if international study is part of your academic plans, you’ll want to learn more about the dedicated Valpo Study Centers in England, Germany, Costa Rica, and China!

Coe College (Private)

Cedar Rapids, IA

Total Estimated Program Cost: $201,240

• 100% of all students are guaranteed an internship, research experience, or off-campus opportunity
• Outstanding, student-centered learning experience features a low, 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Ranked among the best schools for internships by the Princeton Review

Coe College’s Major in Creative Writing is where you’ll find a comprehensive course of study in writing fiction, poetry, playwriting, and screenwriting and dynamic, workshop-style courses that encourage collaboration, communication, and constructive feedback. Through this program, students take workshops in at least two of three genres and then eventually choose one genre on which to focus their Manuscript Workshop. They also enjoy exciting opportunities to complete an internship or civic engagement project for an unparalleled, hands-on learning experience. In recent years, students have held internships with the University of Iowa Press, the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, and the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library! Students may also attend Coe’s New York Term, which provides opportunities to intern at one of the many literary agencies or at the New York Public Library. Other opportunities available here include performing undergraduate research; contributing to the Coe Review , the English Department’s student-run literary magazine; or working as a consultant for the Writing Center or Speaking Center.

Cornell College (Private)

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND CREATIVE WRITING

Mount Vernon, IA

BA in English-Creative Writing concentration (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $194,040

• Superb record of student success: 94% employment rate among 2020 graduates
• Exciting, off-campus learning opportunities available to places like Chicago, Great Britain, the Bahamas, and the Wilderness Field Station in northern Minnesota
• Exciting opportunities to contribute to the college’s literary magazines, Open Field and Boom

Cornell College’s BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration provides students with an unmatched course of study that’s designed to prepare skilled, competent writers who experience success in the highly competitive writing landscape. In addition to this program’s well-rounded curriculum, students enjoy plenty of opportunities to hone their craft by studying under distinguished, visiting writers… attending literary readings and workshops… and contributing to the college’s literary magazines, Open Field and Boom . Each year, visiting writers from the University of Iowa International Writers Program teach innovative courses like Fabulist Fiction, Graphic Journalism, and Performance Literature! If you have a desire to take your study off-campus, you’ll be happy to hear that the Department of English and Creative Writing offers courses in places like Chicago, Great Britain, the Bahamas, and the Wilderness Field Station in northern Minnesota.

Loras College (Private)

Dubuque, IA

Total Estimated Program Cost: $138,960

• Outstanding record of student success - Nearly 99% of all grads reported being employed or continuing on to grad school within a year of graduation
• Option to add a second major in English Literature or a minor in Rhetoric & Public Writing
• Exciting internship and study abroad opportunities available

The Loras College BA in Creative Writing offers an outstanding, well-rounded course of study that’s marked by superb faculty mentoring and a small, tightknit academic environment where inspiration and creativity are cultivated. Students here take courses in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction alongside a host of specialized courses like Nature Writing, Writing for New Media, Writing as Social Action, Grant & Proposal Writing, and Editing & Publishing. Students here are also introduced to literary studies, literary criticism, and English and American literature. Many creative writing majors add another dimension to their degree by adding a second major in English Literature or a minor in Rhetoric & Public Writing. There are plenty of opportunities to engage and explore outside of the classroom, too, by contributing to Catfish Creek: A National Undergraduate Literary Journal ; publishing your work in The Limestone Review , the annual journal of scholarship and creative writing; and interning with a local newspaper or publishing house. Interested in an international study experience? Study in Ireland for a semester with the Irish Studies program!

Southwestern College (Private)

Winfield, KS

BA in English-Writing emphasis (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $224,192

• Outstanding, student-centered learning environment features a low, 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Well-rounded program offers a nice variety of courses in short story, poetry, playwriting, genre fiction, and creative nonfiction

Southwestern College’s BA in English with a Writing emphasis offers outstanding preparation for future graduate study and for a wide variety of careers in writing-intensive professional and creative writing fields. The BA in English provides a solid foundation in literary works, while the emphasis in Writing offers courses in short story, poetry, playwriting, genre fiction, and creative nonfiction. The curriculum of this program is perfectly designed to elevate your communication, research, and critical thinking skills and hone your creative voice.

Loyola University New Orleans (Private)

New Orleans, LA

BA in English – Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $180,120

• Outstanding study abroad opportunities to more than 50 countries – Loyola is ranked among the top schools in the nation for its study abroad participation
• Excellent, student-centered learning environment features a low, student-to-faculty ratio of
• BA in English with a focus on Writing is part of the highly acclaimed Department of English

Loyola University – New Orleans’ BA in English with a focus in Writing is part of the Department of English, largely seen as one of the university’s most preeminent departments, due to both student growth and faculty awards in teaching, research, advising, and community service. Today, many of the faculty members of the English Department enjoy national and international reputations for their creative and scholarly achievements. This undergraduate course of study features courses in poetry, fiction, playwriting, and creative nonfiction, and the curriculum includes an internship in editing & publishing – an opportunity for students to work on the New Orleans Review , the university’s literary journal. You’ll love the close collaboration with faculty and peers here and the student-centered learning environment that includes a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 12:1.

Colby College (Private)

Waterville, ME

Total Estimated Program Cost: $295,808

• Superb, student-centered learning environment features a low, 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Hands-on workshop courses in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction
• Partners with Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance to sponsor the annual Maine LitFest, along with the long-standing Visiting Writers Series and Two Cent Talk Community Reading Series
• The Kristina Stahl Writer-in-Residency and Jennifer Jahrling Forese Writer-in-Residency programs offers unique opportunities for creative writing students to engage with accomplished authors

The Colby College Major in English with a Creative Writing concentration is your opportunity to find and elevate your creative writing voice! Students of this exciting undergraduate program work closely with an esteemed faculty of published authors in dynamic workshop courses where collaboration, communication, and constructive feedback are always encouraged. As a student here, you’ll explore poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, and expand your skillset through unique courses in areas like environmental writing and documentary radio. We love the many experiences that are available to students here outside of the classroom too, such as evening readings and receptions with visiting authors, Writer-in-Residency programs with accomplished writers, and unique undergraduate research opportunities.

Brandeis University (Private)

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Waltham, MA

Total Estimated Program Cost: $263,296

• Features your choice of focus in fiction, poetry, or screenplay
• Interdisciplinary course of study allows students to explore courses in related disciplines

The BA in English through Brandeis University features everything you’d expect from a small, private university atmosphere: small writing workshops; outstanding faculty guidance and mentorship; and unparalleled opportunities to learn from acclaimed visiting authors. This program boasts a balanced blend of writing and literary studies and your choice of a focus on fiction, poetry, or screenplay. And if you pursue honors, you’ll work closely with a mentor to produce a body of your own creative work. All students of the creative writing major enjoy the flexibility of taking courses in related disciplines, thereby broadening the scope and reach of their undergraduate degree. There’s plenty going on outside the classroom here, too, including panel discussions, workshops on publishing, journal and performance opportunities, and more. Students here contribute to one of the university’s literary publications or newspapers; study abroad; and intern at places like the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, Conde Nast Publications, Macmillan Publishers, Atlantic Monthly , and more!

Bard College at Simon’s Rock (Private)

DIVISION OF LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE

Great Barrington, MA

BA in Creative Writing concentration (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $246,360

• Exciting study abroad opportunity at the University of Manchester’s Center for New Writing in England
• Superb, student-centered learning environment features a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 8:1
• Named “one of America’s smartest colleges” by Business Insider

Bard College at Simon’s Rock offers the BA in Creative Writing concentration —a dynamic undergraduate program that blends literature courses and the study of literary genres with an exploration of creative writing. Throughout the course of this program, students refine their creative abilities and become skillful writers and critics. Interested in adding another dimension to your creative writing program? Consider adding a second concentration in an area like literary studies, theater, visual arts, or social studies. Some of the other highlights of this program include studying under contemporary guest writers and studying abroad for a semester or full academic year at the University of Manchester’s Center for New Writing in England.

College of the Holy Cross (Private)

Worcester, MA

Total Estimated Program Cost: $230,400

• Exciting number of creative writing and literature courses to choose from
• Ranked among the nation’s top liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report
• Outstanding, hands-on learning experiences through internships and competitive, cross-genre workshops

The College of the Holy Cross’ BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration features a deep dive into creative writing through your choice of one introductory course in prose or poetry and two intermediate courses in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. You can also supplement this course of study with exciting electives in areas like screenwriting and science writing. Many students round out this program by completing competitive, cross-genre workshops and and/or a senior thesis in creative writing. Other reasons we love this program include a highly acclaimed faculty of published writers; exciting opportunities to learn from some of the nation’s most acclaimed writers through the Creative Writing program’s reading series; and opportunities to present your creative work through writing contests, the student reading series, and the Holy Cross’ literary magazine, The Purple .

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Private)

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES, ARTS, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Cambridge, MA

Major in Writing (on-campus)

• Housed in the Department of Comparative Studies/Media, which is renowned for its innovative programs across the media arts
• Dynamic studio and workshop curriculum features cutting-edge study and research in contemporary writing
• MIT ranked second in the nation in U.S. News & World Report’s list of the nation’s best colleges and universities in 2022-23

Offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Comparative Studies/Media (CMS/W), which is renowned for its innovative programs across the media arts, the Major in Writing boasts the ideal blend of introductory and advanced coursework in creative writing, nonfiction writing, and science writing. Through this engaging course of undergraduate study, students refine their craft to become competent, skillful practitioners, scholar, and artists who find career success in a variety of fields. This program as part of the CMS/W, supports a time-tested studio and workshop curriculum that’s home to a wide breadth of techniques and traditions in contemporary writing, digital media, and beyond.

Emerson College (Private)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $223,104

• Ranked among the top regional universities in the North and among the nation’s Most Innovative Schools by U.S. News & World Report
• Features your choice of focus on poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or drama
• Exciting opportunities to contribute to one of the school’s literary publications or intern with the famed American literary journal, Ploughshares

Emerson College’s BFA in Creative Writing takes students on an exciting exploration of the written word! Emerging writers flock here to elevate and refine their creative writing skills, explore new ideas, and push their boundaries. Students of this program work toward the goal of producing their own body of work in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or drama. Some of the reasons we love this program include a faculty of award-winning storytellers and poets; opportunities to publish your work in one of the college’s many literary journals and magazines; and internship opportunities with the famed American literary journal, Ploughshares .

Oakland University (Public)

Rochester, MI

Total Estimated Program Cost: $64,976 (in-state)

(out-of-state per credit rate: $825)

• Outstanding, student-centered learning environment features one-one-one mentoring from a faculty of accomplished, active writers
• Options to focus on fiction, memoir/essay, poetry, or screenwriting

Oakland University’s BA in Creative Writing offers a well-rounded foundation in literary history; your choice of fiction, memoir/essay, poetry, or screenwriting concentration; and a faculty of accomplished artists who specialize in poetry, short stories, novels, screenwriting, literary nonfiction, comics, and multi-media texts. In addition to providing outstanding opportunities to hone your creative skillset, the BA in Creative Writing is designed to build upon your language, editing, research, and critical thinking skills, thereby preparing you for success in a future graduate program or in the workplace. We also love the exciting, hands-on learning opportunities and internship experiences available in digital storytelling, multimedia production, and social media strategy.

Albion College (Private)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $232,192 (in-state)

(out-of-state per credit rate: $1,814)

• Ranked among the Most Innovative Schools in the nation by U.S News & World Report
• Outstanding internship opportunities available
• Your choice of poetry or fiction concentration
• Exciting opportunities to explore a variety of genres including screenwriting, journalism, multimedia, and creative nonfiction

Albion College’s BA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis is where your love of reading and writing and your creative skillset will shine! The program’s solid English foundation provides students with ample opportunities to elevate their analytical and critical thinking skills through a wide range of courses in English literature, creative writing, and journalism. Students here become expert readers and critics of essays, poems, and stories as they gain the skills necessary to hone their creative voice. The creative writing emphasis comes complete with intermediate and advanced workshops in your choice of poetry or fiction, as well as options to study screenwriting, journalism, multimedia, creative nonfiction, and more. We love the student-centered learning environment here that boasts a dedicated faculty of award-winning authors and valuable constructive feedback. And if your academic goals include off-campus internships or studying domestically or abroad, you’ll be pleased to know that Albion offers a fantastic variety of study experiences in places like Great Britain, New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia and internship opportunities with major organizations and companies like CNN, Rolling Stone , and NBC News.

Bemidji State University (Public)

Bemidji, MN

BFA in Creative and Professional Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $36,000 (in-state)

(out-of-state per credit rate: $300)

• Named as a top-tier Midwest university by U.S. News & World Report
• Exciting, hands-on learning opportunities available
• Features a well-rounded curriculum covering fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry, along with hybrid genres and additional writing fields

Bemidji State University’s BFA in Creative and Professional Writing is one of just a few of its kind in the nation and is ideally designed to prepare students for future graduate study or for exciting careers in publishing, grant writing , marketing, technical writing, and more! This comprehensive course of study features a well-rounded curriculum in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry and additional opportunities to explore areas like technical writing and digital culture writing. Outside of the classroom, you’ll enjoy opportunities to contribute to the student newspaper, Northern Student , or the English Department’s literary magazine, Milk Tooth . Many students also work at the university’s Writing Resource Center and attend the Northwoods Writer’s Conference, which boasts exciting opportunities to intern for published authors.

Southwest Minnesota State University (Public)

COLLEGE OF ARTS, LETTERS, AND SCIENCE

Marshall, MN

BA in English-Creative Writing emphasis (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $35,400 (in-state)

• All students enjoy in-state tuition – no out-of-state fees apply
• Exciting opportunities for students to work one-on-one with SMSU faculty while receiving tuition reimbursement
• Home to a nice variety of hands-on learning experiences and opportunities

Southwest Minnesota State University’s BA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis features a well-rounded liberal arts education that’s complemented with literary study and an exploration of the craft of writing. This highly versatile program is yours to personalize with courses in creative writing that best reflect your career goals and personal interests. This dynamic course of undergraduate study comes complete with an esteemed faculty of published writers; opportunities to study under other renowned writers through the SMSU Visiting Writers Series; and fantastic opportunities to get involved and gain valuable, hands-on learning experiences outside of the classroom. Just some of the opportunities available to creative writing students include contributing to The Spur , the student newspaper, or Perceptions , the student literary and arts journal; working as a tutor in the Writing Center; and participating in the English Club, which provides students with opportunities to attend a variety of writing-related events and conferences.

Macalester College (Private)

Saint Paul, MN

BA in English-Creative Writing path (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $257,280

• Superb, faculty-sponsored internships available
• Home to a wide variety of publications for exciting, hands-on learning experiences

Macalester College’s BA in English with a Creative Writing path offers an optimal blend of undergraduate study in literature and creative writing. Just some of the highlights of this program include small class sizes (the biggest class size here is just 20!); an esteemed faculty of scholars and award-winning, published authors; opportunities to contribute to the many publications like Chanter , Home Magazine , The Words , and The Mac Weekly ; and opportunities to attend the school’s annual series of practical workshops. Internships here are commonplace, with many students enjoying faculty-sponsored internships with big names like Graywolf Press, Coffee House Press, and a variety of organizations, nonprofits, and media outlets. And you’re sure to be inspired when you attend one of the many readings by award-winning poets and novelists.

Millsaps College (Private)

DIVISION OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Jackson, MS

BA/BS in Creative Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $171,264

• Ranked as the Best College in Mississippi by Forbes
• Highest graduation rate of any four-year college or university in Mississippi
• Exciting opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom

Millsaps College’s BA/BS in Creative Writing is built on Mississippi’s rich literary tradition, inspired by cultural and historical contexts, and designed to prepare students for future graduate study or for a wide array of careers in areas like journalism, marketing, publishing, and communications. We love the many opportunities available here to creative writing students outside of the classroom. Contribute to Stylus , the college’s award-winning literary magazine; participate in the Southern Literary Festival Writing Competition; and get inspired by the many contemporary writers that visit the campus each year for craft talks and public readings!

Kansas City Art Institute (Private)

Kansas City, MO

Total Estimated Program Cost: $172,872

• Outstanding, student-centered learning environment features a low, 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Superb selection of creative writing courses to choose from
• Superb study abroad and internship experiences available

Looking for a BFA in Creative Writing that breaks all the rules? Look no further than the Kansas City Art Institute! You won’t find a rote program of study here; instead, the BFA in Creative Writing is your opportunity to create a personalized course of study that best reflects your passions and career goals. In fact, you’ll be able to choose from among 50+ courses in creative writing alone! Other features of this program that we love include a faculty of accomplished writers; small class sizes for outstanding, one-on-one guidance; exciting opportunities to connect with the literary world’s most distinguished visiting writers; opportunities to lend your talents to KCAI’s award-winning literary magazine, Sprung Formal ; and exciting opportunities to study abroad and complete internships.

Webster University (Private)

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

St. Louis, MO

Total Estimated Program Cost: $118,560

• Ranked among the best regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
• Program features a global focus that includes an international language requirement

Webster University’s BA in Creative Writing offers an exciting exploration of fiction, poetry, drama, and creative nonfiction to prepare emerging writers to refine their understanding of a range of literary strategies and elevate their creative skillset. Students of this program work in an intimate creative writing community that’s home to superb, hands-on learning through The Green Fuse, the student literary magazine, The Mercury , an annual publication of student work, and through outstanding internship opportunities with major names like St. Louis Magazine , River Styx Magazine , and the St. Louis Art Museum. We love this program’s global focus that comes complete with an international language requirement!

Rocky Mountain College (Private)

Billings, MT

Total Estimated Program Cost: $125,400

• Exciting opportunities to contribute to student-led journals and newspapers, including Under the Rock , the program’s own creative newspaper
• Unique opportunity to participate in the New York City’s Writer’s Tour – a program that features workshops and seminars in publishing, magazine writing, project development, and plenty of opportunities to meet with professionals in the field

Rocky Mountain College’s BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration brings together a diverse group of students for a lively program that’s built on literature, ideas, language, and writing. Through this course of undergraduate study, students are encouraged and inspired to develop their writing skills and hone their own unique creative voice. Students of this program also enjoy plenty of opportunities to flex their creative skillset out of the classroom. They contribute to Soliloquy , the literary journal, The Summit, the student newspaper, and Under the Rock , the program’s own creative newspaper. They also often complete exciting internships with the RMC publications office and The Writer’s Voice . And in recent years, writing students have enjoyed participating in the New York City’s Writer’s Tour – a unique program that features workshops and seminars in publishing, magazine writing, and project development.

Dartmouth College (Private)

FAMILY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Hanover, NH

Total Estimated Program Cost: $235,800

• Outstanding opportunity to study abroad at the Queen Mary University of London for a semester
• Superb, student-centered learning environment features a low, 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• The program culminates in the creation of an original manuscript focused on fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry

Dartmouth College’s Major in English with a Creative Writing concentration is rich in small, engaging workshops where students are inspired to refine their creative voice! This program features intensive, workshop-style courses and literature-focused courses that prepare students for future graduate study and for careers in a variety of in-demand fields like publishing, editing, journalism, marketing, public relations, and education. A creative writing independent project rounds out this dynamic course of undergraduate study – it’s your opportunity to work alongside a faculty advisor to produce a manuscript of fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry. Students with an international mindset can study abroad for a semester through the London Foreign Study Program! This exciting experience includes study at the Queen Mary University of London, which is home to one of the finest English departments in the world.

Colby-Sawyer College (Private)

New London, NH

BA in Creative and Professional Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $185,400

• The program features small, workshop-style courses in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and writing for public communication
• Exciting annual trip to Concord, Massachusetts, provides students with an unmatched opportunity to experience the legacies of American Renaissance writers

Colby-Sawyer College’s offers the dynamic BA in Creative and Professional Writing, a well-rounded course of study designed to prepare students with the skills necessary to experience success in a wide array of writing-intensive fields. This program features intensive, hands-on learning in various genres, including poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and writing for public communication. Small writing workshops encourage communication, collaboration, constructive feedback, and unmatched mentorship from a dedicated faculty. Additional courses in copy editing, graphic design, and production ensure students are prepared to serve as competent professionals in a variety of digital settings. Internships and publishing opportunities encourage students to begin flexing their newly acquired creative skillset and transition smoothly into the real world upon graduation.

Drew University (Private)

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

Madison, NJ

Major in English-Creative Writing emphasis (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $178,432

• Outstanding, hands-on learning experiences available
• The program features literary courses and writing workshops in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and playwriting
• Ranked among the top 100 schools in the nation and the top school in New Jersey by Washington Monthly

Drew University’s Major in English with a Creative Writing emphasis features small, workshop-style courses that are perfectly designed to inspire you to refine your craft and prepare you for either future graduate study or for exciting, writing-intensive careers. Students of this program study poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and playwriting as they become informed readers and effective critics. The lively and supportive literary community here comes complete with opportunities to contribute to the student literary magazine, Insanity’s Horse ; connect with esteemed, visiting writers through the Writers@Drew Reading Series; and attend popular events like the Dodge Poetry Festival and the Morristown Festival of Books.

Binghamton University (Public)

HARPUR COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Binghamton, NY

BA in English-Creative Writing (on-campus)  

Total Estimated Program Cost: $29,736 (in-state)  

(out-of-state per credit rate: $830)  

Also offers: MA in English-Creative Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $22,608 (in-state)

(out-of-state per credit rate: $1,283)

• Also offers a PhD in English - Creative Writing
• Exciting opportunity to study abroad in London for a semester
• Home to the Binghamton Center for Writers, a research center that organizes and hosts programs and events like the Distinguished Writers Series, the Binghamton Poetry Project, and the Common Ground student reading series

Binghamton College comes in strong with both undergraduate and graduate programs in creative writing! Both programs provide a solid foundation in English through coursework in literature, literary history, and globalization, while the creative writing concentrations provide students with an opportunity to explore their craft in a variety of genres. The BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration provides students with an undergraduate course of study in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, memoir, and children’s literature. Students of this program work in writing workshops and study under an internationally recognized faculty. The MFA in English – Creative Writing program features a robust blend of study in all areas of British and American literatures, alongside in-depth study in creative writing genres. The program culminates in a creative thesis and opportunities to present your work at professional conferences and prepare for publishing. Graduate students also publish their own literary journal, Harpur Palate , and they host readings and workshops for creative writers and a biennial conference for creative writing. We love the Binghamton Center for Writers, a research center associated with the Creative Writing Program. The center gathers an active community of writers for exciting programs and events like the Distinguished Writers Series, the Binghamton Poetry Project, the Common Ground student reading series, faculty and alumni readings, and more.

SUNY at Purchase College (Public)

SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES

Purchase, NY

Total Estimated Program Cost: $28,320 (in-state)

(out-of-state per credit rate: $566)

• Features your choice of a poetry or fiction concentration
• Outstanding, student-centered learning environment features a low, 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Ranked among the top liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report

SUNY at Purchase College is home to the BA in Creative Writing, a dynamic, structured program that brings talented, emerging writers together in an intimate, highly engaging academic environment. Some of the features of this program that we love include opportunities to engage and collaborate through readings that showcase the published work of students, faculty, and alumni… opportunities to contribute to Italics Mine , the student-run literary journal… and exciting study abroad opportunities designed to add a global dimension to your creative writing undergraduate degree.

SUNY Buffalo State (Public)

Buffalo, NY

BA in Writing-Creative Writing concentration (on-campus)

• Named a Best Bang for the Buck college by Washington Monthly
• Flexible program design allows students to focus their study on one creative writing genre or several genres

SUNY Buffalo State’s BA in Writing with a Creative Writing concentration effortlessly combines the study and practice of creative writing alongside an exploration of literature, theater, television, and communication arts. This uniquely designed program offers an exciting blend of creative writing courses that are designed to inspire and broaden your creative skillset. Thanks to a flexible program design, you can choose to focus your study in one genre or explore a variety of genres, thereby allowing you the freedom to create a program that perfectly aligns with your career goals and personal interests!

SUNY College at Oswego (Public)

• Exciting opportunities to learn from contemporary published writers through the Living Writer’s Series
• Superb study abroad opportunities available through faculty-led courses
• Outstanding record of student success – 97% of all graduates are employed or continuing their education
• Ranked among the best regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report

SUNY College at Oswego’s BA in Creative Writing provides a dynamic undergraduate pathway to exciting careers in fields like communications, publishing, advertising, public relations, editing, and more! This program features a blend of workshops in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting, with a progressive introduction-to-mastery course design. We love the contemporary and classic creative writing courses here, ranging from Flash Fiction to Horror Podcasts to Memoir Writing. Creative writing students here also enjoy exciting opportunities to contribute to the Oswegonian and the Great Lake Review !

SUNY College at Plattsburgh (Public)

SCHOOL ARTS AND SCIENCES

Plattsburgh, NY

BA in English-Writing Arts (on-campus)

• Exciting opportunities to study abroad in places like London, Paris, and Barcelona
• Superb internship opportunities available through Saranac Review , a nationally recognized literary journal
• The curriculum includes courses and practical study in professional writing and magazine editing

SUNY College at Plattsburgh’s BA in English – Writing Arts is where you’ll find and perfect your creative voice! This program is home to an outstanding faculty of established writers and editors who are committed to your success. Students here take both introductory and advanced courses and writing workshops in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, scriptwriting, and professional writing for a truly well-rounded course of undergraduate study. We love the courses in professional writing and magazine editing that add another exciting dimension to this writing-intensive degree. Students here enjoy plenty of hands-on learning opportunities by contributing to North Star , the student-run literary magazine, and interning with Saranac Review , a nationally recognized literary journal.

SUNY College at Potsdam (Public)

Potsdam, NY

BA in English-Creative Writing (on-campus)

• Outstanding, student-centered learning environment features a low, 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• BFA features intensive practical training in fiction, poetry, drama, creative nonfiction, and screenplay writing
• Exciting opportunities to intern with Blueline Magazine and the Potsdam Press

SUNY College at Potsdam is home to not one, but two creative writing programs! The BA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis offers an exciting, in-depth course of study in language and literature, while the BFA in Creative Writing provides students with a dynamic, pre-professional course of study that’s rich in intensive training in fiction, poetry, drama, creative nonfiction, and screenplay writing. Students of this program also complete an internship, write a senior thesis, and present their work in a solo reading. You’ll love the excellent selection of internships available with Blueline Magazine or the Potsdam Press.

Hamilton College (Private)

Clinton, NY

Total Estimated Program Cost: $264,704

• Outstanding, student-centered learning environment features a low 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Personalized course of study allows students to select courses that best reflect their personal interests and professional goals
• Superb record of student success - 95% of all graduates are employed or in graduate school within 10 months of graduation

Hamilton College’s Major in Creative Writing is where emerging writers come together to explore literature across the world and through the ages. Students of this program design a personalized course of study that best reflects their personal interests and professional goals. Offering a balanced blend of literary study with workshops focused on poetry and prose, the Major in Creative Writing prepares students for a variety of writing-intensive careers or for future graduate study. Some of the exciting creative courses we love include Food in Literature and Film; Finding Identity; and Literature: What Is It Good For?

University of Rochester (Private)

Rochester, NY

Total Estimated Program Cost: $258,304

• Home to an exciting selection of internship and research opportunities
• Outstanding study abroad experiences available in England, Denmark, UAE, and more
• Superb, student-centered learning environment features a low, 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio

The University of Rochester’s Major in English with a Creative Writing track offers an exciting, well-rounded course of study that guides students in the art of critical reading and writing. Students of this program study literature as they work to refine their own unique voice in the areas of fiction, poetry, and playwriting. There are plenty of other reasons to love this program, too. The department’s honors program provides top students with a unique opportunity to conduct independent work in English literature and language, and the study abroad program provides students with unmatched opportunities to grow personally and become inspired in a whole new way. A variety of programs allow students to take English courses in countries like England, Denmark, and the United Arab Emirates!

Hofstra University (Private)

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES, FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS

Hempstead, NY

BA in English – Creative Writing and Literature (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $220,348

• Superb record of student success – 90% of all English students are employed or in graduate school within one year of graduation

Hofstra University’s BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration is your opportunity to dive deep into your craft as you study under an accomplished faculty of poets, playwrights, and writers in an intimate, highly engaging learning environment. In addition to its prime location near NYC, the nation’s cultural center, this program has plenty going for it. Just some of the perks of choosing this program for your undergraduate creative writing experience include a faculty of esteemed, published writers; opportunities to contribute to Windmill , and AMP , the in-house literary journals; opportunities to learn from esteemed, visiting writers through the Great Writers, Great Readings series; and access to outstanding internship experiences with big names like O Magazine and Vogue .

Hartwick College (Private)

Oneonata, NY

Total Estimated Program Cost: $201,000

• Exciting internship and on-campus writing clubs and projects available
• Finish your bachelor’s degree in just three years through the Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree program
• Well-rounded program explores fiction and poetry

Hartwick College’s Major in Creative Writing is where you’ll enjoy unprecedented opportunities to analyze and deepen your appreciation of literary text as you hone your own creative skillset. Whether you have graduate school or a career in publishing, journalism, editing, or beyond on your mind, this program is ideally designed to get you where you want to be. Outside of the classroom, students of the Major in Creative Writing enjoy exciting internship experiences; opportunities to conduct student-run writing workshops and collaborative writing projects through the Writing Underground club; and opportunities to contribute to Word of Mouth , the college literary magazine.

Ithaca College (Private)

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SCIENCES

• Home to an outstanding network of internships with big names in publishing, magazines, advertising, and nonprofits
• Options to add a minor
• Ranked among the top 15 regional universities in the North for more than 30 years by U.S. News & World Report

Ithaca College’s BA in Writing with a Creative Writing concentration is a flexible course of undergraduate study where you’ll elevate your critical thinking skills while honing your creative skillset. Designed as an ideal precursor to graduate study or careers in journalism, publishing, marketing, publication relations, and beyond, the BA in Writing with a Creative Writing concentration features a nice selection of exciting creative writing courses and plenty of opportunities to take your emerging creative skillset beyond the classroom in hands-on, service-based learning experiences. This program also comes with an option to minor in your area of choice! We love the many opportunities to work with the college’s award-winning newspaper or the writing department’s literary magazine and learn from esteemed, visiting writers in master classes.

Guilford College (Private)

Greensboro, NC

Total Estimated Program Cost: $167,028

• Versatile program offers the option of focusing on a genre of interest or taking a myriad of courses in multiple genres
• Home to a superb faculty of award-winning writers

Guilford College’s BA in Creative Writing explores the genres of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and playwriting for students with a love of crafting the written word. We’re fond of this program’s versatility that offers students the option to concentrate on a field of special interest like poetry or fiction or explore a wide range of genres for a well-rounded course of undergraduate study. Students of this program study under an esteemed, award-winning faculty of writers who support a close-knit learning environment and engaging, workshop-centered learning experiences. They also enjoy exciting opportunities to contribute to The Greenleaf Review , the college’s literary magazine; pursue an independent creative project; create a senior thesis that features a collection of original work; or intern with big names in media and publishing in NYC, London, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and beyond!

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus (Public)

Cincinnati, OH

Total Estimated Program Cost: $52,680 (in-state)

(out-of-state per credit rate: $950)

MA in English-Creative Writing track (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $25,364 (in-state)

(out-of-state per credit rate: $1,333)

• Also offers PhD in Creative Writing
• Ranked among America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report
• Outstanding undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of just 11:1
• Exciting opportunities to meet and learn from distinguished visiting writers and participate in the biennial Emerging Fiction Writers Festival
• Competitive graduate teaching assistantships available

The University of Cincinnati offers an undergraduate and graduate degree in creative writing to meet you wherever you are in your career! Just some of the features of the university’s undergraduate Creative Writing program include an award-winning faculty of working writers; small, highly engaging workshop classes; and an outstanding selection of courses in writing poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, cross-genre, and hybrid genres. Students of this program often lend their talents to Short Vine , the undergraduate journal, and The Cincinnati Review , a nationally prominent literary journal. The MA in English with a Creative Writing track offers exciting, in-depth seminar and workshop-style courses that are taught by a faculty of active researchers and published writers. And each year, a host of visiting creative writers provide students here with unmatched opportunities to learn and grow in their craft.

Oberlin College (Private)

Oberlin, OH

Total Estimated Program Cost: $260,736 (in-state)

• Creative writing program was established more than 45 years ago, making it one of the first creative writing programs in the nation
• Exciting study abroad opportunities through the Danenberg Oberlin in-London Program, England; the National University of Ireland, Galway; and the Tel Aviv University School for Overseas Students, Israel
• Offers a well-rounded curriculum focused on multiple genres, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, translation, screenwriting, and hybrid forms

Oberlin College’s BA in Creative Writing is built on creativity and community – your opportunity to perfect your craft in a tightknit, engaging course of undergraduate study! This program features instruction, studio training, and coursework in a variety of genres, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, translation, screenwriting, and hybrid forms. Students here are encouraged to write across genres and become well-rounded writers who enjoy career success in a variety of fields. Students also enjoy plenty of exciting learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Each year distinguished visiting writers visit host master classes, campus readings, craft workshops, and more.

Ohio Wesleyan University (Private)

Delaware, OH

Total Estimated Program Cost: $209,790

• Outstanding record of student success: 97% of all grads are either employed or pursuing graduate study
• Superb opportunities to conduct research and connect with a faculty mentor through the OWU Connection
• Unique opportunity to spend a semester at OWU’s renowned New York Arts Program in NYC – exciting internships available
• Ranked among the top 100 national liberal arts colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report

Ohio Wesleyan University’s BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration boasts an exciting course of undergraduate study that’s designed to sharpen your writing, oral expression, critical thinking, research, and analysis skills while elevating your creative writing skillset! Here you’ll explore writing techniques across genres, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting. As you progress throughout the program, you’ll take more rigorous, genre-specific workshops. You’re sure to love the university’s unique program, the OWU Connection, which is home to outstanding faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and study abroad opportunities.

Capital University (Private)

Columbus, OH

Total Estimated Program Cost: $164,920

• Offers a well-rounded examination of literature alongside an exploration of the craft of creating imaginative literature
• Exciting, hands-on learning opportunities include contributing to ReCap , the student-edited literary magazine
• Plentiful opportunities to learn from acclaimed, visiting writers

Capital University’s BA in Creative Writing boasts an exploration of the written word and its influence on the world. This program features a solid foundation in language and literary studies and a deep dive into the craft of imaginative literature, including fiction, poetry, essay, and drama. Whether you have future graduate study on your mind or a career in education, publishing, editing, marketing, advertising, or beyond, this program has what you need to succeed! Students here learn to elevate their creative writing skillset through courses ranging from introductory to advanced; through hands-on learning opportunities available through the student-edited literary magazine, ReCap ; and by attending readings from esteemed, visiting writers.

University of Tulsa (Private)

KENDALL COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Total Estimated Program Cost: $182,280

• Ranked first among private universities in Tulsa by U.S. News & World Report
• Dynamic creative writing workshops are delivered in an intimate learning environment of usually no more than 20 students
• Unique opportunity to participate in the Tulsa Artist Fellowship mentorship program – a partnership with the Oklahoma Center for the Humanities that matches TU students with TAF writes for an outstanding learning experience in the writing and publishing industry

The University of Tulsa’s BA in English and Creative Writing offers an exciting program of study that’s grounded in American, British, and Irish literature and culture and the study of literary technique, style, form, and genre. The creative writing component of the program is delivered through dynamic creative writing workshops that are taught by a nationally and internationally acclaimed faculty of novelists and poets. We love the small class sizes here (usually between 15-20 students) that encourage communication and collaboration. Students of the BA in English and Creative Writing also enjoy plenty of opportunities to flex their growing creative skillset. Contribute to the college’s renowned scholarly journals: the James Joyce Quarterly and the Tulsa Studies in Women’s Literature ; learn from guest lecturers and visiting artists; and participate in the Tulsa Artist Fellowship mentorship program – a partnership with the Oklahoma Center for the Humanities that matches TU students with TAF writes for an outstanding learning experience in the writing and publishing industry.

Linfield University-McMinnville Campus (Private)

McMinnville, OR

Total Estimated Program Cost: $194,625

• Exciting study abroad opportunities available at the university’s sister college in Nottingham
• International travel courses offered annually through the Department of English
• Exciting, study-faculty collaborative research opportunities available

The Major in Creative Writing through Linfield University is where you’ll hone your creative voice as you study under an acclaimed faculty of published authors! We love the well-rounded curriculum that’s designed to take students on a literary journey as they develop the reading, writing, research, and speaking skills that prepare them for success in a variety of writing-intensive careers. Some of the highlights of this program include the opportunity to study abroad at the university’s sister college in Nottingham; create a journal of art and literature through the Camas Publication; connect with your peers and showcase your craft through the Literature and Creative Writing Conference; and participate in student-faculty collaborative research. Travel courses are available annually through the Department of English! Some of the past locations have included London, France, and Southeast Asia.

Franklin and Marshall College (Private)

Lancaster, PA

BA in English-Creative Writing track (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $280,064

• Ranked among the top national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report
• Lively workshop-style classes ensure top-notch, hands-on learning experiences

Franklin and Marshall College’s BA in English with a Creative Writing track seamlessly blends a study of literature with an in-depth exploration into the craft of writing poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. This program features engaging, workshop-style courses and culminates in an advanced creative writing workshop where you’ll complete an original thesis in your genre of choice. There’s plenty of learning going on outside of the classroom, too. Complete independent study; participate in summer research experiences; participate in lively events at the Writers House; and take part in the planning of the Emerging Writers Festival – and that’s just the start!

Haverford College (Private)

Haverford, PA

Total Estimated Program Cost: $268,160

• Program culminates in an original work of poetry, fiction, or drama

Haverford College’s BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration brings together a study of literary traditions, including British, American, and global literature, with courses and practical study in creative writing. The Creative Writing concentration requires students to round out their program by creating an original work of poetry, fiction, or drama. Some of the other features of this program that you’re sure to love include a myriad of study abroad experiences; a tightknit learning environment that includes a low, 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio; and a prime location just outside Philadelphia for unmatched learning experiences with top literary agencies, media companies, publishers, and more.

Bucknell University (Private)

Lewisburg, PA

Total Estimated Program Cost: $262,016

• Exciting opportunities to intern with the university’s West Branch literary magazine
• Study abroad experiences available to places like London and Barbados

Bucknell University’s creative writing bachelor’s degree features a dynamic curriculum that’s highlighted by workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Emerging writers flock to this program to elevate their craft and technique and develop their creative voice to prepare for a wide variety of writing-intensive careers. Students of this program enjoy exciting opportunities through the university’s Stadler Center for Poetry & Literary Arts— it’s a hub for internship opportunities, visiting writers, lively reading series, and a summer poetry seminar. The creative writing courses of this program are focused on contemporary texts and feature group workshops for outstanding peer and faculty support and guidance.

Carnegie Mellon University (Private)

DIETRICH COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Pittsburgh, PA

Total Estimated Program Cost: $245,385

• Offered in one of the world’s most renowned, global research universities – ranked among the top 20 private universities in the U.S. by Times Higher Education
• Well-rounded program of study in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and creative nonfiction
• Home to an acclaimed faculty of working writers

Housed within the world-class Carnegie Mellon University is an exciting and dynamic BA in Creative Writing – your opportunity to explore the art and craft of creative writing in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and creative nonfiction! You’ll study under a faculty of acclaimed, working writers; read and analyze a variety of literature and genres; and sharpen your creative skillset to prepare for future graduate study or for in-demand careers in education, publishing, public relations, advertising, and more.

Susquehanna University (Private)

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES

Selinsgrove, PA

Total Estimated Program Cost: $225,060

• Ranked among the best institutions for undergraduates by the Princeton Review
• Exciting opportunities to take courses in graphic nonfiction, screenwriting, performance & activist writing, and more
• Offers a superb selection of introductory, intermediate, and advanced creative writing courses
• Fantastic opportunities to learn from esteemed, visiting writers through the Seavey Reading Series

Susquehanna University’s creative writing program is a popular program of study that’s designed to produce leaders and changemakers in a variety of writing-intensive careers. In fact, one in 12 students here is a creative writing major, so you’re sure to be impressed with the host of programs, events, and opportunities available to this student population. Susquehanna is home to dedicated creative writing housing; no less than seven student-run publications; and a bevy of literary gatherings and events. In other words, you’re bound to be inspired wherever you turn. We’re also fond of the outstanding faculty of published authors here who are committed to your success. The separate introductory courses in poetry, creative nonfiction, and fiction are guaranteed to provide you with a solid foundation on which to build your creative skillset.

Widener University (Private)

Chester, PA

Total Estimated Program Cost: $205,814

• Ranked as a top-tier university by U.S. News & World Report
• Select students enjoy a fully funded trip to the annual Association of Writers & Writing Programs conference – the largest literary conference in North America
• Exciting, hands-on learning experiences available through Widener Ink , the student literary magazine, and The Blue Route, the nationally recognized online journal of undergraduate writing
• Program prepares students to develop a portfolio of their own creative works

Widener University’s BA in Creative Writing provides the ideal environment for studying literary tradition and perfecting your creative writing skillset! You’re sure to feel right at home in this literary community that boasts small class sizes and a dedicated faculty who are there to support and guide you as you create original works of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama. Students of this program read, analyze, and critique classic and contemporary literature as they become well-versed in the fundamental writing techniques that prepare them for career success. You’ll apply what you’ve learned through engaging projects like community writing workshops and exciting experiences with local publishers. And thanks to Widener’s partnership with Rosemont College, students here have a unique opportunity to get a head start on their graduate degree in creative writing or publishing and earn both degrees in just five years.

Lebanon Valley College (Private)

Annville, PA

Total Estimated Program Cost: $194,520

• Well-rounded curriculum includes courses in a variety of genres, formats, and styles
• Exciting opportunities to learn from esteemed, visiting writers through the visiting writers’ series, Writing: A Life

Lebanon Valley College’s BA in Creative Writing is part of the college’s vibrant community of artists and thinkers who work across genres and applications! Students of this undergraduate program complete courses in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, scriptwriting, theater, journalism, digital media, and more. They also enjoy outstanding, hands-on learning outside of the classroom by contributing to Green Blotter , the literary magazine, and La Vie Collegienne , the student newspaper; by participating in the visiting writers’ series, Writing: A Life; and by studying abroad, completing an internship, or presenting at writing conferences.

Providence College (Private)

Providence, RI

Total Estimated Program Cost: $227,880

• Superb, student-centered learning environment features an average class size of just 20 and a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 12:1
• Superb opportunities to complete independent, faculty-led study projects in your area of interest
• Exciting blend of literature and creative writing courses

Providence College’s BA in Creative Writing is where you’ll find an exciting blend of study in American literature and literary journalism alongside a vibrant mix of creative writing courses that are expertly designed to prepare students for future graduate study and for career success in a variety of fields. Students of this program study under a faculty of distinguished poets, writers, and scholars and tailor their course of study around fiction, poetry, and prose poetry. They’ll also enjoy unmatched opportunities to learn from and be inspired by visiting guest poets and fiction writers.

Wofford College (Private)

Spartanburg, SC

Total Estimated Program Cost: $206,160

• Superb, student-centered learning environment features a low, 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Your choice of focus on short story, poetry, playwriting, filmmaking, or screenwriting

Wofford College’s BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration features a dynamic, well-rounded course of undergraduate study that’s highlighted by the study and practice of short story, poetry, playwriting, filmmaking, or screenwriting. We love the exciting, hands-on learning opportunities available both in and outside the walls of the classroom. Creative writing students here enjoy plentiful opportunities to get published in the student-run literary magazine, the Journal , or in the student newspaper, the Old Gold and Black. And each year, students vie for the Benjamin Wofford Prize, a competition for the best book-length works by students. Other learning opportunities available include working alongside esteemed, visiting writers and participating in campus and community readings and literary events.

Anderson University (Private)

Anderson, SC

Total Estimated Program Cost: $123,480

• Features a small, Christian-based learning environment that averages just 10-15 students
• Ranked among the best regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report

Anderson University’s BA in English: Creative Writing major is where you’ll be free to explore different genres of creative writing in a tightknit, intimate learning environment that’s bound to inspire! This program features a solid literature (British, American, world) foundation alongside writing-intensive courses that include poetry, creative nonfiction, and fiction workshops and writing seminars. You’ll also enjoy exciting, hands-on learning experiences outside of the classroom by contributing to the university’s literary magazine, Ivy Leaves ; by learning from esteemed, visiting writers; and by completing an internship with a company or organization that reflects your professional goals.

Austin College (Private)

Sherman, TX

Major in English-Creative Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $179,760

• Features a deep dive into the art and craft of fiction writing
• Home to a faculty of esteemed, award-winning scholars and writers
• Exciting, hands-on learning opportunities available through one of the college’s publications

Austin College’s Major in English with a Creative Writing emphasis brings together the study of literature from a wide range of histories and cultural tradition and an exploration of the craft of fiction writing for an outstanding, well-rounded program of undergraduate study. Some of the reasons this program easily makes the cut include an award-winning faculty of scholars, teachers, and published authors; a student-centered learning environment that’s marked by small class sizes; student research opportunities; and opportunities to publish your work with Acumen and Suspension , the student publications.

McMurry University (Private)

DIVISION OF HUMANITIES, RELIGION, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Abilene, TX

BA in English-Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $119,880

• Outstanding, student-centered learning environment features small class sizes and a low, 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Ranked among the best regional colleges in the West by U.S. News & World Report
• Exciting opportunities to get involved through the English and Film Club and Phi Epsilon chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta, the international honor society for students of literature and language
• Opportunities to contribute to The Galleon , a student-run literary magazine providing a forum for creative works, and the oldest publication on campus

McMurray University’s BA in English – Writing offers unmatched innovation and inspiration for the emerging writer! Its major in English and writing allows students to explore the craft of imaginative writing and how it shapes and transforms cultures and people. Here you’ll work alongside fellow writers and study under an esteemed faculty in small classes that encourage outstanding communication, collaboration, and constructive feedback.

Roanoke College (Private)

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES

Total Estimated Program Cost: $142,976

• Offers an exploration of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and other genres
• Exciting opportunities to work one-on-one with professors
• Plentiful, hands-on learning opportunities available through one of the college’s publications

Roanoke College’s BA in Creative Writing will unlock your imagination, spark your creativity, and provide you with an outstanding course of undergraduate study in writing and reading poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and other genres. You’ll also enjoy plenty of exciting opportunities to flex your emerging creative skillset by contributing to the college’s literary magazine, On Concept’s Edge ; its newspaper, Brackety-Ack ; and the national literary journal, The Roanoke Review . Students here also enjoy unmatched opportunities to meet and learn from esteemed, award-winning writers and best-selling authors!

Emory & Henry College (Private)

BA in English-Literature and Creative Writing (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $138,000

• Outstanding, student-centered learning environment features a low, 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of just 14
• Ranked among the nation’s top liberal arts schools by U.S News & World Report
• Outstanding opportunities to get involved, elevate your creative writing skillset, and connect with your peers

Emory & Henry College’s BA in English – Literature and Creative Writing is home to a close-knit community of readers and writers who are preparing for outstanding careers in writing-intensive fields like education, business, marketing, publishing, editing, and beyond! This program comes complete with an in-depth exploration of literature and the craft of writing creatively. Learning also takes place outside of the classroom here, with students participating in the Frostiana Poetry Society; contributing to Ampersand , the college’s literary magazine; and connecting with their peers and the literary community through exciting events like the fall Literary Festival.

Seattle University (Private)

Seattle, WA

BA in English-Creative Writing specialization (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $201,360

• Well-rounded study of creative writing includes courses in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting
• Exciting opportunities to study specific topics like the graphic novel, science fiction, screenplay writing, and more
• Exciting study abroad opportunities available to places like Paris and Ireland
• Ranked among the best universities for undergraduate education by the for 19 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report

Seattle University’s BA in English with a Creative Writing specialization is where emerging writers hone their craft and become inspired through a literature-focused major and an exploration of the craft of creative writing. Just some of the highlights of this program that you’re sure to love include small class sizes that encourage personal attention from faculty; a well-rounded curriculum that explores multiple genres; visiting writers and professors; and the completion of a portfolio of your original work. Students here contribute to the literary magazine, Fragments ; attend literary readings at the Elliott Bay Book Company; intern with big names in publishing, literature, and the arts; and study abroad to places like Paris and Ireland!

Beloit College (Private)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $230,640

• Ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in the nation by Washington Monthly
• Outstanding, student-centered learning experience includes a low, 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio

Beloit College’s BA in English with a major in Creative Writing is where you’ll study in a supportive, engaging learning community that encourages communication, collaboration, and outstanding constructive feedback. We love the flexible curriculum here that effortlessly blends the study of literature and the practice of creative writing. Students here enjoy participating in creative writing contests; learning from esteemed visiting writers; contributing to the Beloit Fiction Journal; and interning with big names like the Milkweed Press and USA Today .

St. Norbert College (Private)

De Pere, WI

Total Estimated Program Cost: $180,480

• Ranked among the Best in the Midwest by the Princeton Review
• Outstanding study abroad opportunities available – one in three students here complete a study abroad experience
• Exciting, research and hands-on learning opportunities available

The St. Norbert College BA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis melds an examination of great literature with the study of creative writing. We love the many opportunities available to creative writing students here, which include participating in Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society; working in SNC’s Writing Center; contributing to Graphos , the student-run literary journal; and working alongside the SNC’s writer-in-residence. You’ll also have the opportunity to intern with local media companies and nonprofits and conduct your own research under the guidance of a faculty mentor! And did you know that one in three students here study abroad? There’s no better option in the Midwest for creative writing undergrads interested in an international travel experience.

Online Bachelor of Arts English: Writing and Rhetoric Track

College of arts, sciences & education.

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Degree Title

Bachelor of Arts

Summer A 2024 Start Date:

May 6, 2024

Summer B 2024 Start Date:

June 17, 2024

Effective writing is crucial for success. According to a recent National Association of Colleges and Employers survey, strong written communication remains among employers’ five most in-demand skills. Knowing how to communicate your ideas, thoughts, and expertise effectively and persuasively can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

But writing today is no longer just putting pen to paper. Successful writers are experts in crafting content in a range of media. They manage projects and collaborate with others. They are researchers and analysts, able to discover information and distill it for their intended audience. And in the vibrant world of South Florida, professional writers must know how to navigate the varied needs of diverse, multilingual audiences. The Writing and Rhetoric Track in the Online Bachelor of Arts in English will prepare you to engage in this dynamic work.

You will gain valuable knowledge of writing and information design in our courses while also having ample opportunities to put that knowledge into practice. Our faculty collaborate with local non-profits and businesses to offer you experiential, project-based learning. We believe that you learn by doing and want you to start your professional journey in a supportive environment where you can gain practical, real-world experience.

Our online course offerings are flexible and constantly expanding, so you can match coursework to your own interests. We offer specialized courses in a range of topics, including community writing, technical communication, professional editing, environmental writing, and digital content development. Our curriculum also offers a capstone course where you can finetune your professional portfolio and prepare yourself for the next steps in your journey.

By the end of the Writing and Rhetoric Track, you will be ready to work in various sectors, including business, law, teaching, government, and non-profit. Graduates pursue a range of careers, including:

• Content manager
• Community manager
• Digital content designer
• Grant writer
• Information designer
• Legal writing specialist
• Medical writer
• Project manager
• Public policy writer
• Public relations specialist
• Publications manager
• Social media marketer
• Teacher (Primary school, Secondary school, and English as a Second Language)
• Technical communicator
• User experience researcher 

Past students have also pursued graduate studies in law, medicine, technical writing, composition studies, education, and mass communication.

A total of 120 credits are required for the Bachelor of Arts in English, Writing and Rhetoric Track. You will have to complete all University Core Curriculum, University, and College of Arts, Sciences & Education requirements. In addition to the above requirements, you will complete the following:

Common Degree Requirements (3 credits)

ENG 2012 – Approaches to Literature

If you pursue a B.A. in English, you will take Approaches to Literature as part of your University Core Curriculum.

Core Courses in English Major (12 credits)

The B.A. in English has four tracks: Creative Writing, Linguistics, Literature, and Writing and Rhetoric. Every student completing a B.A. in English takes one course from each of the four tracks. The standard requirements for those four courses are:

Creative Writing : CRW 3010 – Creative Writing: Forms and practices

Linguistics : LIN 3013 – Introduction to Linguistics or LIN 4680 – Modern English Grammar

Literature : Any multicultural literature course (African American, Jewish Literature of Exile)

Writing and Rhetoric : Any upper-division writing and rhetoric (ENC) course

Writing and Rhetoric Track Required Courses (9 credits)

The Writing and Rhetoric track has three required courses that introduce you to common theories and practices in writing:

ENC 3334 - Introduction to Writing Studies

ENC 3371 - Rhetorical Theory and Practice

ENC 3213 - Professional and Technical Writing

Writing and Rhetoric Track Electives (9 credits)

To customize your education, you can choose from a range of electives within the Writing and Rhetoric Track, including:

ENC 3249 - Professional and Technical Writing for Computing

ENC 3311 - Advanced Writing and Research

ENC 3354 - Writing as Social Action

ENC 3363 - Writing About the Environment

ENC 3413 - Writing for the Web

ENC 3416 - Writing and New Media

ENC 3465 - Legal Writing

ENC 4212 - Professional Editing

ENC 4331 - Writing, Rhetoric, and Community

ENC 4356 - Writing About the Exile Experience

ENC 4375 - Rhetoric of Food

ENC 4381 - Zine Writing

ENC 4930 - Special Topics in Composition

English Department Electives (6 credits)

This requirement can be fulfilled by any upper-division courses offered by the English department. You should choose your English courses and electives in consultation with your advisors.

Additional Approved Electives (24 credits)

These courses may be from other departments in the university. You should consult with a departmental advisor about these courses.

Requirements

To ensure every student’s success, we have certain admissions requirements for each of our programs. Our enrollment advisors are here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

FIU Admission Requirements

Applications are accepted for Spring, Fall and Summer terms.

Steps to Apply

First year students.

Please submit the following:

• Online application
• $30 application fee.
• Official SAT, ACT and/or CLT scores.
• Official high school transcripts.

Transfer Students

• Official college transcripts.
• If you have less than 60 transferable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts and SAT, ACT and/or CLT scores in addition to any transcripts from postsecondary schools to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Returning Students

Returning students must meet the current university and degree-specific requirements to be admitted. FIU has policies for students who left FIU, please click here for more details.

   Please submit the following:

• $30 application fee
• Updated official transcripts

International Students

In addition to the above requirements, international applicants should submit:

• Official English Language Proficiency exam scores (TOEFL or IELTS).
• Official translations of any transcripts, if not in English.
• If you have less than 60 transferrable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts with translation.

Admission Documents

To complete the online undergraduate programs admissions form, select your program from the application form. You may complete the online application and submit it, even before taking any entrance exams. All supporting admission documents may be sent to:

Florida International University Office of Undergraduate Admissions P.O. Box 659003 Miami, FL 33265-9003 USA

FIU also accepts transcripts electronically via: Faster (All FL public institutions) Naviance (Typically used by private high schools) SMART/Joint Service Transcript – Military records *Meeting the university minimum requirements does not guarantee admission

We’re thrilled that you’re considering online education and want you to know exactly what to expect for tuition and fees. Education is an investment in your future. Use the following student tuition and fees calculator to determine your costs.

Top Faculty

Our department faculty are scholars and authors in fields ranging from writing studies to world literature, semantics, and creative writing. Our Writing and Rhetoric faculty publish research on community writing, technical writing, writing pedagogy, writing centers, and rhetorical histories. Our distinguished faculty regularly earn local, statewide, national, and international recognition.

Faculty in the Writing and Rhetoric program have been at the cutting edge of online education at FIU. Over the past five years, our faculty have won over thirty teaching, research, service, and community engagement awards from the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, the Office of the Provost, and FIU Online. Our faculty are highly active in conferences focused on online teaching and are regularly recognized as university leaders in pedagogy.

Below are descriptions of some of the faculty who teach in our program.

Current Rankings List

Undergraduate Student Application Deadlines

120 Credits Required

235 .57 per credit hour (in-state) + fees, 648 .87 per credit hour (out-of-state) + fees.

* Total tuition and fees are subject to change.

• Fully online degree
• Program start date: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Become part of an exceptional community and make the most of your education. Join the  Honors College .

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Quick Links

Information for....

English (Creative Writing), BA

On this page:.

At a Glance: program details

• Location: Tempe campus
• Additional Program Fee: No
• Second Language Requirement: No

• Initial Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics

Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map on-campus archive

eAdvisor Tracking Tool

Program Description

The BA in English with a concentration in creative writing focuses on the study and practice of the literary arts, with courses in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction.

Students gain practical experience through writing workshops and internship opportunities.

The undergraduate program features an outstanding faculty whose many books have received major national and international recognition.

In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

Admission to the Creative Writing Concentration (Fiction & Poetry)

Portfolio submission period opens: february 20, 2023, portfolios due: march 17, 2023 by 5:00pm, submit here: spring 2023 creative writing concentration  .

Note: You need to be logged into your ASU Gmail account to connect to the portfolio submission form.  

About the Creative Writing Concentration

The Creative Writing Program encourages all interested students, regardless of their field of study, to join our community of writers through beginning and intermediate workshops in fiction and poetry (ENG 287/ENG 288 , ENG 387/ENG 388), diverse special topics courses (ENG 394/ENG 494), and various, exciting writing events held on campus. 

Interested students*, who have already taken beginning and intermediate workshops, and are committed to continuing their study of Creative Writing, have an opportunity to develop their skills in supportive, highly focused workshops through the Creative Writing Concentration. Instruction in the tradition(s) to which concentration students can aspire and uphold, and from which they may draw inspiration, will be provided by the Creative Writing Program's nationally recognized faculty of writers.

Please note that acceptance into the Creative Writing Concentration is restricted.   Students must submit a portfolio for review and be offered a seat in the advanced workshops. (Please see the "Portfolio Review Guidelines" below.) 

*Students interested in pursuing both fiction and poetry at the 400-level, must check with their academic advisor to ensure that the necessary courses (ENG 487, ENG 488, ENG 498: Fiction, ENG 498: Poetry) will fit their degree plan. Students must submit two portfolios--one in fiction, one in poetry--to be considered for admittance into advanced coursework in both areas. 

Students pursuing the Creative Writing Concentration must either select as their major the bachelor's in English with a concentration in creative writing upon being admitted to ASU or, after entering the university, meet with an English advisor to change to this major and concentration.  Non English-majors will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

• To complete the concentration, English majors who have already declared themselves in the creative writing concentration must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher in their major.
• Concentration students must complete the two advanced courses in their genre (ENG 487 and ENG 498 in poetry, or ENG 488 and ENG 498 in fiction). Note that enrollment into these courses is restricted. Spaces are limited. Students must submit a portfolio and be selected to move forward.  (See the "Portfolio Review Guidelines" below.)
• Transfer students must seek advisement as to whether they will be able to successfully fulfill the creative writing concentration requirements.
• PLEASE NOTE :  Students admitted to begin 400-level coursework through the Fall 2020 Portfolio Review will start their coursework in Spring 2021. ENG 488 (fiction) will be taken in the Spring semester. The capstone course, ENG 498, will be taken in the Fall 2021 semester. ENG 487/488 and ENG 498 may not be taken simultaneously. 
• The next portfolio review for fiction will be offered in Fall 2022. The next portfolio review for fiction and poetry will be offered in Spring 2023.
• Students are only allowed to apply for the creative writing concentration twice during their time at ASU.

Portfolio Submission: How to Apply

Submit your completed portfolio online via the link below. Your portfolio should include:

1.     COVER SHEET (Available Online)

2.     CREATIVE WRITING SAMPLE

     a.      Poetry Sample: 5 poems

     b.      Fiction Sample: 1 piece of fiction of at least 5 double-spaced pages and not longer than 10 double-spaced pages

3.     PERSONAL STATEMENT (2 double spaced pages or 500 words)

     a.    Discuss your interest in the relevant genre (poetry or fiction)

     b.     What do you hope to gain from the creative writing concentration

4.     CRAFT ESSAY (2 double spaced pages or 500 words)

     a.     Submit an essay on a single poem or short story focusing an element(s) of craft you learned from the piece, how that craft element(s) works within the poem/story, and  why this aspect of craft is pertinent to your own writing

     b.     Please provide textual examples from the creative piece in your essay

5 .      SUBMIT: SPRING 2023 CREATIVE WRITING CONCENTRATION

        NOTE: You need to be logged into your ASU Gmail account to connect to the portfolio submission form. 

Further Information  

To receive further information about the bachelor's in English with a concentration in creative writing, make an appointment to speak with English undergraduate advisor at 480-965-3168. You may also contact Creative Writing Program Manager, Justin Petropoulos ( [email protected] ), RBH 152.

Portfolio Review Guidelines

Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.

Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options.

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

English -->

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, affording college, tuition calculator, scholarships, financial aid, career outlook.

Degree programs in English prepare students for graduate studies in a number of programs, including English, creative writing, education, law and business. They also lead to a variety of careers in diverse fields. Employers seek those with strong writing, communication and critical thinking skills. Some of the most common professions for English majors are in the fields of:

• nonprofit service

Graduates often find roles where they spend time:

• developing web content
• managing public relations
• writing professional and technical content

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Writers and Authors

• Growth: 3.7%
• Median Salary*: 73150
• Growth: -4%
• Median Salary*: 73080

English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

• Growth: 1.2%
• Median Salary*: 74280

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education.

• Median Salary*: 62360

Public Relations Specialists

• Growth: 6.1%
• Median Salary*: 67440

Search Marketing Strategists

• Growth: 13.4%
• Median Salary*: 68230

Technical Writers

• Growth: 6.9%
• Median Salary*: 79960

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Global Opportunities

Global experience.

Studying abroad expands students' perspectives by exposing them to new and distinct cultures, communities and people. Students can explore the English language at a deeper level through an extended lens of dialects, literature and terminology in one of more than 300 study abroad programs.

Students can enhance their resumes with the educational experience and heightened cultural competency, communication and critical thinking skills they acquire through study abroad programs.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing .

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-3168

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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) English Literature and Creative Writing

This degree offers a stimulating and wide-ranging introduction to English literature and creative writing. You’ll have the opportunity to study and interpret literature from different historical periods and diverse cultural settings – including translations – and to develop your writing skills in several genres including fiction; poetry; life writing; and scriptwriting for film, radio and stage. The emphasis is very much on practice through guided activities to develop a habit for writing which will involve producing several pieces of creative writing in the forms studied.

• Learn how to analyse a wide range of texts including fiction, poetry and drama
• Develop and reflect on your own writing and editorial practice in several genres
• Learn the skills of complex argument and critical commentary, which are highly valued in the workplace
• Introduces the world of publishing and the requirements of professional presentation 

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 before learning how culture affects the creative process of writing.
• Next, in Stage 2 , you'll focus on your creative writing and English literature studies with two compulsory modules.
• Finally, in Stage 3 , you’ll complete your degree with an advanced creative writing module and an advanced literature module.  

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

Stage 1 (120 credits).

In Stage 1 you'll 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)

In Stage 2 you’ll be introduced to the creative process, develop your fiction, poetry and life writing skills, and learn about the publishing process. You’ll also choose between looking at whether literature matters by drawing on a range of literary texts and finding out about the ways in which writers of fiction have put together their stories.

Stage 3 (120 credits)

At Stage 3 you’ll develop your writing ability, learning how to sustain longer, more complex works of fiction, life writing and poetry. You'll also learn how to write dramatic scripts for different media. This final stage gives you a choice between two different periods in English literature to focus on.  

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) English Literature and Creative Writing 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
• Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
• Assessment in the form of short-answer questions and essays
• 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 films and dramatic scripts for different media
• Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
• 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

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

• 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 BA (Honours) English Literature and Creative Writing.

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 qualifications 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. 

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English Literature and Creative Writing

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 .

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

Fees and funding in England

80% of our students pay nothing upfront by financing their studies with a student loan.

Tuition fee

Years of  study.

Part-time study gives you the flexibility to balance other commitments with study.

You’ll study for around 16–18 hours a week.

Full-time study enables you to complete your course over a shorter time.

You’ll study for around 32–36 hours a week.

Because OU study is flexible, you don’t have to stick to just part-time or full-time study. You can choose to study more or less each year to suit you.

Most OU students study part-time.

Because OU study is flexible, you don’t have to stick to just part-time study. You can vary the amount of study you take on each year. That means you can gain your qualification in a timeframe that works for you.

3 years 6 years

Current fee per year in England

£7,272* £3,636*

How we worked out the cost

A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 6 years. A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 120 credits per year for 3 years.

Total fee for qualification at current prices

You’ll fund your modules as you study them – you won’t have to pay for your whole qualification up front

That’s 21% less than the cost of an equivalent qualification offered at most other universities in England.

*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 .

What are my funding options?

There are several ways to fund your study, often without paying anything upfront.

Student loan

The most common way for our students to fund their study.

• A student loan is used by 80% of our students.
• It’s not means-tested and there’s no age limit.
• You don’t pay anything upfront. Student Finance England pay your fees directly to the OU for you.
• You won’t pay back a penny until you earn over £25,000.
• The amount you repay is tied to how much you earn. For example, if you earn £27,000 you’ll pay just £15.00 per month.

Other options

Open university student budget account (ousba).

Repay in monthly instalments while you study.

Credit/debit card or bank transfer

Pay before each module starts. You can also combine card or bank transfer payments with other payment methods.

More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.

Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs)

If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.

Which funding options could I be eligible for?

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?

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 .

Other costs to think about

Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. If your income is less than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you could get help with some of these costs after you start studying.

• You’ll need a computer and the internet to access our learning resources and to participate in online tutorials.

Additional support

You may be eligible for:

• help with study-related costs like set books and internet access
• a free introductory Access module to build your confidence and skills
• funding to study an OU qualification for free from our Carers’ Scholarships Fund if you are, or have recently been, an unpaid carer
• a Carers’ Bursary towards study-related costs if you provide unpaid care to a friend or family member
• a Care Experienced Bursary of £250 towards study-related costs if you’ve previously been, or are currently, in care
• a Care Experienced Scholarship to study an OU qualification for free if you're care experienced and aged 25 and under
• a Sanctuary Scholarship to study an OU qualification for free if you’ve been displaced from your homeland for political, economic, ethnic, environmental, or human rights pressures
• funding from our Scholarship for Black Students to study an OU qualification for free if you identify as being from a Black background

If you have a disability

• The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a government grant to cover study support costs if you have a disability. It’s not means-tested, and there’s no age limit. Visit our Supporting students with disabilities page to find out more.
• If your disability is a result of being injured in, or due to, military service, you could be eligible for our Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund .

Need more information?

Talk through your funding options with one of our advisors, save money with the open university.

Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 24/25 academic year.

**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 .

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

Studying English literature and creative writing will equip you with an adaptable set of skills that can give entry to a vast range of occupations, leading in a number of career directions. You’ll learn to evaluate and assimilate information in constructing an argument; and acquire skills of creative and critical thinking, analysis, and communication that are much in demand in the workplace. You’ll also sharpen up essential writing and IT skills. These are key skills that are crucial to many different kinds of complex organisations, and are greatly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering, or changing career.

Career relevance

The breadth of study and the range of analysis, 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/lecturer
• tourism officer
• civil servant
• local government and NHS management
• advertising account manager
• marketing officer
• public relations manager
• media researcher
• charity campaigner
• retail manager
• business and HR management
• information archivist.

Register for this course

• 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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BA (Hons) Creative Writing (Online)

• Duration: 3 or 4 years full time
• Placement year: Optional 1 year
• Course code: W801 (UCAS)
• Institution code: A66 (UCAS)

Stories are at the heart of how we communicate and understand the world.

By studying BA (Hons) Creative Writing (Online) with AUB you'll gain the skills to join the next generation of storytellers. Creative writing is becoming more and more important. It's just as integral to arts and entertainment as it is to business and commerce. A career in creative writing could see you working in publishing, a literary agency or in education.

And that’s just the start. Whether you want to create fiction, scripts, poems, or non-fiction, we’ll help you turn writing into a career.

• Register your interest
• View our prospectus

How to apply

Creative writing (online) course information.

You’ll build an appropriate portfolio of creative, critical and transferable skills and leave the course with a significant body of creative work, supported by critical research, as well as an awareness of industry and employment in your specialist areas of interest.

Course overview

Course content.

With online talks from published writers and industry professionals, you’ll be able to network and build contacts. When you graduate, you’ll have a strong portfolio and a professional network to kickstart your career.

Varying costs – optional face-to-face events (one annual on campus event).

Placement year

If you’re unsure about this optional placement, you don’t need to decide now. Once you’re here and studying with us, the course team will discuss the placement options with you, so when the time comes, you can make a decision that’s right for you.

If you’re required to have a Student Visa to study in the UK, it won’t be possible to undertake the one-year placement option; there’ll be other opportunities for you to engage with industry during your study at AUB.

Level 4 (first year)

At this stage you’ll try everything: Fiction, Poetry, Scriptwriting and Creative Non-Fiction, before you specialise in your chosen area. You'll read widely throughout this level, gaining a solid knowledge of other writers and their work, and an understanding of how this research can impact on your own creative practice.

At the core of the course experience will be online writing workshops, and activities that provide a safe environment for you to share your work with lecturers and peers, gaining invaluable constructive feedback. These workshops will build confidence in sharing your work with your peers and developing strategies for giving and receiving feedback online.

• The Writing Life 1: A Writer’s Toolkit
• Fundamentals 1: Story
• Fundamentals 2: Your Writing Voice

Level 5 (second year)

You’ll begin to look at the different platforms available for writers including online, in the community, in publication, and/or in production/performance. This will help give you a solid understanding of where writing can take you in the future. This process will also help you develop industry links and networks and a clear understanding of different publishing options and routes including traditional, independent, and self-publishing. You'll actively explore the mechanics of being a professional writer, developing knowledge in the areas of self-promotion, marketing and managing finances – all transferable and employable skills for the future.

• The Writing Life 2: Writing and Community
• Option 1: Developments in Screenwriting
• Option 2: Beyond Boundaries

Level 6 (third year)

To conclude the year, you'll work on an extended project in your chosen area of interest meaning you’ll leave us with a substantial body of creative work ready to send out to publishers, agents, and/or production companies.

• The Writing Life 3: Craft
• The Writer as Researcher
• Final Major Project

Course Team

BA, MA, PGCAP, PhD

PhD, MA, BA (Hons), PGCE, CAPF

"We’re extremely excited to offer this remote learning experience, drawing on our rich tradition of writing and storytelling at AUB. Based on the incredible success and popularity or our on campus Creative Writing course, we want to provide greater access to even more students. We’re looking forward to growing our writing community through expanding into digital spaces and we can’t wait to hear your stories and see where they take you." James Cole, Course Leader

Application process

Once you've found the perfect Undergraduate course, you can apply to study via UCAS, including direct entry applications to second and third year.

When you apply to one of our courses, it's important that you help us get a good picture of both you and your work – so you'll need a great personal statement. We want to know more about why you're interested in the course, your key influences, and what you hope to do after your studies.

If you're invited for an interview, many of our courses will ask to see a portfolio of your work so we can get more insight into your ideas and abilities. To help you, we've created guidelines outlining what we expect from your portfolio for each course.

Fees and Funding

The fee that you pay the Arts University Bournemouth provides the necessary equipment and training for you to complete your course.

If you decide to undertake an optional placement year, the tuition fee is £1,850. This is subject to inflationary increases based on government policy, and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Portfolio guidelines

This course doesn't require a portfolio as part of the application process.

Interviews and auditions

The courses currently requiring interviews are BA (Hons) Make-up for Media and Performance and BA (Hons) Textiles. BA (Hons) Acting and BA (Hons) Dance require auditions. If you're invited to one you'll have at least 10 days notice.

This course will run from September 2025.

Equipment and resources

In order to study remotely, you'll need a secure and stable internet connection. You'll also need access to digital equipment such as a laptop, tablet or device that'll allow you to view recorded and live-streamed content.

You'll have online access to a wide range of library resources, including eBooks, downloadable content, and academic journals and articles.

You'll have access to remote technical support from our ServiceDesk team.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Each unit is assessed separately, and the assessment forms part of the unit. Assessment both provides a measure of your achievement and also gives you regular feedback on how your learning is developing.

Teaching will be online and largely delivered through lectures, seminars and workshops, supplemented by individual and group tutorials; some of this will be pre-recorded, some will be live-streamed. In consultation with the Course Leader, the teaching team is responsible for co-ordinating individual units of study, and for selecting appropriate methods of delivery according to subject matter and student experience. Level 4 provides you with an introduction to key writing and academic skills through the ‘Fundamentals’ series, whilst Levels 5 and 6 see a progression towards more independent learning and greater autonomy over projects and areas of interest.

The Writing Workshop

At the core of the course experience will be writing workshops that provide safe environments for you to share your work with lecturers and peers, gaining invaluable constructive feedback. This is an essential part of the writing process, and you will be encouraged to translate the feedback into your practice through editing and redrafting, whilst also offering generous and critical feedback to others. The course aims to foster critically reflective writers and the workshop provides an excellent opportunity to develop these skills. This aspect of the course will utilise our state-of-the-art digital learning environment, Canvas.

Independent learning

The online nature of this course gives you increased ownership of your studies. Recorded lectures and content can be accessed in your own time around existing life and/or work commitments. You will get support in how to best use your independent study time, through completing curricular and extra-curricular projects, weekly writing tasks, and guided online activities.

Academic support

Throughout the course you will receive opportunities for tailored academic support from your online tutors, unit leaders, and the course leader. There is also academic support available through our library, Study Skills and English for Academic Purposes teams – all available through online tutorials and email.

Assessment and feedback

For every unit of your course, we will inform you of what you are expected to learn, what you have to submit, how your work will be assessed, and the deadlines for submitting your work for assessment. There are three assessment points per year, one per term.

How you're assessed

Support will be provided for both aspects of your portfolio, to ensure they are as strong as they can possibly be.

What our students do

Career destinations.

A freelance writer will be working on their own creative projects whilst taking on employment as community workshop facilitators, writers-in-residence, and writing to briefs and commissions.

Other career sectors include:

• Literary agencies
• Social media content writing

Many students also go on to undertake further education at postgraduate level.

Students have gone on to find success in marketing and content creation, teaching, developing writing for publication, facilitating community writing projects, and even writing songs for Stormzy’s latest album.

Trips and visits

Visiting tutors.

This residential programme will not be financed by the course fees and is entirely optional.

Some content and workshops will be facilitated by Visiting Tutors – published writers and experts in specific subject areas.

See more of our student work

Through this course, you'll gain the skills to join the next generation of creative storytellers.

Similar courses

Ba (hons) creative writing.

Study Creative Writing at Arts University Bournemouth. Find out about the course, fees, how to apply, and open days

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Creative Writing

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Course Overview

The BA Creative Writing is an exciting programme of study that gives you the opportunity to explore a range of disciplines, from fiction to poetry, scriptwriting to creative non-fiction.

You will be taught by some of the UK’s leading writers, including playwright David Eldridge ( Beginning ) and screenwriter Daragh Carville ( The Bay ). Under the guidance of these and other practising, award-winning writers, you will:

• build an understanding of the craft of writing
• hone your authorial technique
• learn the vital skills of reading as a writer.

Through practical projects and engagement with visiting professionals, you will broaden your understanding of the many aspects of the writing industry. You will also complete an extended creative project in a specific genre in your final year.

This creative writing course provides you with a basis of skills necessary to pursue writing as a profession. It also equips you with expertise transferable to many careers in the arts, education and the media. And you will be studying right in the heart of literary London, walking in the footsteps of Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group.

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.  

Discover the career opportunities available by taking Creative Writing (BA (Hons)).

Key information and modules

Creative writing ba (hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting october 2024.

Central London

Creative Writing BA (Hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2024

Creative writing with foundation year ba (hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting october 2024, creative writing with foundation year ba (hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting october 2024, creative writing ba (hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting october 2025, creative writing ba (hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting october 2025.

Applications open in October 2024

Creative Writing with Foundation Year BA (Hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2025

Creative writing with foundation year ba (hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting october 2025.

Find another course:

• Birkbeck was ranked 2nd in the UK for its English Language and Literature research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
• You will be eligible to submit work to the annual Birkbeck creative writing journal, The Mechanics’ Institute Review . Read an account of how our students created the most recent issue of The Mechanics' Institute Review .
• Birkbeck is located in the heart of literary London, in Bloomsbury, WC1. You could be studying in a building that was once home to Virginia Woolf and frequented by members of the Bloomsbury Group. The building houses our own creative hub which includes the  Peltz Gallery , the Gordon Square Cinema and a theatre and performance space .

Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

All applicants, whatever their academic background, must submit a sample of 1000 words of creative writing (fiction, poetry, drama, or screenwriting).

For part-time courses, standard requirements are a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent.

UCAS tariff points

• 3 years full-time: 96-128 points (e.g. A-levels CCC-ABB)
• 4 years full-time with Foundation Year: 48 points

The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff.

Foundation year degrees

Our 'with Foundation Year' route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) or two years (part-time) of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. 

Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree. 

Alternative entry routes

3 years full-time and 4 years part-time: Access to Higher Education Diploma with a minimum of 15 credits achieved at Merit or Distinction in the subject area, although we may waive these formal entry requirements and make our own assessment based on the creative writing sample.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.  We also accept other English language tests .

If you don’t meet the minimum English language requirements,  please contact us  or see our  international study skills page  for more details of how we can help.

Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our  English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country .

Visa and funding requirements

If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

• Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
• Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).

For full information, read our visa information for international students page .

Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country .

Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits through the modules you studied. It may be possible to transfer these credits from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

Creative Writing BA (Hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25 or 2025-26

Academic year 2024–25, starting october 2024.

Part-time home students: £6,935 per year Part-time international students : £13,215 per year

Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025

To be confirmed

Creative Writing BA (Hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25 or 2025-26

Full-time home students: £9,250 per year Full-time international students: £17,620 per year

Creative Writing with Foundation Year BA (Hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25 or 2025-26

Creative writing with foundation year ba (hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25 or 2025-26.

Part-time home students, Year 1&2: £4,625 per year Part-time international students , Year 1&2: £8,810 per year Part-time home students, Year 3+: £6,935 per year Part-time international students , Year 3+: £12,615 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the College Fees Policy .

If you’ve studied at Birkbeck before and successfully completed an award with us, take advantage of our Lifelong Learning Guarantee to gain a discount on the tuition fee of this course.

Tuition fee and maintenance loans

Eligible full-time and part-time students from the UK don’t have to pay any tuition fees upfront, as government loans are available to cover them.

Maintenance loans are also available for eligible full-time and part-time UK students, to assist with covering living costs, such as accommodation, food, travel, books and study materials. The amount you receive is means-tested and depends on where you live and study and your household income.

Funding for EU students is changing from August 2021: find out about details of these changes.

Find out more about tuition fee and maintenance loans for full-time and part-time students at Birkbeck.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

International scholarships

We provide a range of scholarships for eligible international students, including our Global Future Scholarship. Discover if you are eligible for a scholarship .

At Birkbeck, most of our courses are taught in the evening and all of our teaching is designed to support students who are juggling evening study with work and other commitments. We actively encourage innovative and engaging ways of teaching, to ensure our students have the best learning experience.

Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study.

In addition, you will have access to pastoral support via a named Personal Tutor.

Methods of teaching on this course

Teaching is varied and interactive and takes the form of lecturer-led sessions on elements of craft, workshopping of students' creative work, class and home exercises, student readings, and individual and group work.

The Foundation Year is composed mainly of interactive lectures for large groups and tutorial-style classes that support the development of knowledge, skills, confidence and self-awareness.

You may be taught by successful, published authors and practitioners, including:

• David Eldridge
• Richard Hamblyn
• Steve Willey
• Luke Williams .

Teaching hours

Our evening hours are normally between 6pm and 9pm (6-7.30pm and 7.30-9pm). Some programmes also offer teaching during the day and this will be clearly signposted to you where it is available.

On our taught courses, you will have scheduled teaching and study sessions each year. Scheduled teaching sessions may include lectures, seminars, workshops or laboratory work. Depending on the modules you take, you may also have additional scheduled academic activities, such as tutorials, dissertation supervision, practical classes, visits and field trips. On our taught courses, the actual amount of time you spend in the classroom and in contact with your lecturers will depend on your course, the option modules you select and when you undertake your final-year project (if applicable).

Alongside your contact hours, you will also undertake assessment activities and independent learning outside of class. The amount of time you need to allocate to study both for taught sessions (this might include online sessions and/or in-person sessions) and personal study will depend on how much you are studying during the year and whether you are studying full time or part time.

Birkbeck’s courses are made up of modules and allocated ‘credit’. One credit is equivalent to ten hours of learning time. Modules are usually in 15, 30 or 60 credit units. A 15-credit module will mean around 150 hours of learning, including taught sessions and independent study or group work. This is spread out over the whole period of that module and includes the time you spend on any assessments, including in examinations, preparing and writing assessments or engaged in practical work as well as any study support sessions to help you in your learning.

On our distance-learning and blended-learning courses, discussion, collaboration and interaction with your lecturers and fellow students is encouraged and enabled through various learning technologies.

Timetables are usually available from September onwards and you can access your personalised timetable via your My Birkbeck Profile online (if you have been invited to enrol).

Indicative class size

Class sizes vary, depending on your course, the module you are undertaking, and the method of teaching. For example, lectures are presented to larger groups, whereas seminars usually consist of small, interactive groups led by a tutor.

Independent learning

On our taught courses, much of your time outside of class will be spent on self-directed, independent learning, including preparing for classes and following up afterwards. This will usually include, but is not limited to, reading books and journal articles, undertaking research, working on coursework and assignments, and preparing for presentations and assessments.

Independent learning is absolutely vital to your success as a student. Everyone is different, and the study time required varies topic by topic, but, as a guide, expect to schedule up to five hours of self-study for each hour of teaching.

Study skills and additional support

Birkbeck offers study and learning support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed. Our Learning Development Service can help you in the following areas:

• academic skills (including planning your workload, research, writing, exam preparation and writing a dissertation)
• written English (including structure, punctuation and grammar)
• numerical skills (basic mathematics and statistics).

Our Disability and Dyslexia Service can support you if you have additional learning needs resulting from a disability or from dyslexia.

Our Counselling Service can support you if you are struggling with emotional or psychological difficulties during your studies.

Our Mental Health Advisory Service can support you if you are experiencing short- or long-term mental health difficulties during your studies.

Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course - on some of our courses, assessment is entirely by coursework. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below under 'Methods of assessment on this course'. You will need to allow time to complete coursework and prepare for exams.

Where a course has unseen written examinations, these may be held termly, but, on the majority of our courses, exams are usually taken in the Summer term, during May to June. Exams may be held at other times of the year as well. In most cases, exams are held during the day on a weekday - if you have daytime commitments, you will need to make arrangements for daytime attendance - but some exams are held in the evening. Exam timetables are published online.

Find out more about assessment at Birkbeck, including guidance on assessment, feedback and our assessment offences policy.

Methods of assessment on this course

Assessment is 100% coursework, which may include short creative projects, essays, presentations, a writer's notebook, web publishing and an extended creative work in a specific genre.  The compulsory School of Arts elective may include an examination or another form of assessment.

A creative dissertation is also a compulsory requirement of the course in your final year.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in creative writing, journalism, education or media production. Possible professions include:

• higher education lecturer
• screenwriter.

Birkbeck creative writing graduates include:

• Niki Aguirre
• Sarah Alexander
• Laura Allsop
• Iphgenia Baal
• Phoebe Blatton
• Nicole Burstein
• Tray Butler
• Melissa De Villiers
• Liz Fremantle
• A. J. Grainger
• Emma Henderson
• Sally Hinchcliffe
• Heidi James
• Olya Knezevic
• Matthew Loukes
• Nadim Safdar
• Karin Salvalaggio
• David Savill .

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

You apply via UCAS for our full-time undergraduate courses or directly to Birkbeck for our part-time undergraduate courses.

Full-time (UCAS entry)

If you are applying for a full-time undergraduate course at Birkbeck, you have to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply, go to the UCAS website and click on ‘Sign in’. You will have to register, giving UCAS a few personal details, including your name, address and date of birth, and then you can start working on your application.

The first UCAS deadline is in January, and the majority of university applications through UCAS are made by then. Find the exact deadline date on the UCAS website . We welcome applications outside of the UCAS deadlines, so you can still apply through UCAS after the January deadline, depending on the availability of places. We also take late applications via the UCAS Clearing system in August.

If you are applying for a part-time undergraduate course (4 or 6 year), you apply directly to Birkbeck by using the Apply now button. You will need to prove your identity when you apply - read more about suitable forms of identification .

You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure that there are still places on your chosen course and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol. You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply.

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link. Please note that online application will open in September.

When to apply

You are strongly advised to apply now , to ensure there are still places on your chosen course and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

You will also receive information about subject-specific induction sessions over the summer.

Help and advice with your application

Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.

Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.

Apply for your course

Apply for your course using the apply now button in the key information section .

Course structure

Course structure listing, course structure and modules for creative writing ba (hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting october 2024.

You must complete modules worth a total of 360 credits.

• Year 1: three compulsory modules
• Years 2 and 3: two compulsory modules and one option module in each year
• Year 4: two compulsory modules, one option module and a dissertation

Year 1 compulsory modules

• Introduction to Playwriting and Poetry
• Storytelling: Narrative Archetypes, Forms and Techniques
• Writing for Film and TV

Year 2 compulsory modules

• Fiction Workshop 1
• Narrative Methods

Year 2 option modules

• Poetry Workshop 1
• Scriptwriting Workshop 1: The Essentials of Stage and Screen (The 30 Minute Script)

Year 3 compulsory modules

• Creative Non-fiction
• The Writing Industry

Year 3 option modules

• Poetry Workshop 2: The Open Page
• Scriptwriting Workshop 2: Writing for the Contemporary Stage

Year 4 compulsory modules

• Independent Reading Portfolio: Critical Reflection
• The Publishing Project

Year 4 option modules

• Fiction Workshop: The Contemporary Novel
• Scriptwriting Workshop 4: The Television Drama (The 60 Minute Script)

BA Creative Writing dissertation

• Dissertation BA Creative Writing

Course structure and modules for Creative Writing BA (Hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2024

• Year 1: four compulsory modules
• Year 2: three compulsory modules and one option module
• Year 3: two compulsory modules, two option modules and a dissertation

Course structure and modules for Creative Writing BA (Hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2025

Course structure and modules for creative writing ba (hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting october 2025, course structure and modules for creative writing with foundation year ba (hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting october 2024.

For the Foundation Year, you undertake three core modules and choose one option module: either The Arts: Questioning the Contemporary World or a language module.

If you successfully complete these modules, you will automatically advance on to our three-year, full-time, evening study BA Creative Writing .

Foundation Year core modules

• Breaking Boundaries of Knowledge
• Fundamentals of Study
• The Arts: Perspectives and Possibilities

Foundation Year option modules

• French 3 (Level 4)
• French 4 (Level 4)
• German 3 (Level 4)
• German 4 (Level 4)
• Italian 3 (Level 4)
• Italian 4 (Level 4)
• Japanese 3 (Level 4)
• Japanese 4 (Level 4)
• Spanish 3 (Level 4)
• Spanish 4 (Level 4)
• The Arts: Questioning the Contemporary World

Course structure and modules for Creative Writing with Foundation Year BA (Hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2024

Our part-time Foundation Year degrees allow you to spread out your Foundation Year studies over two years. As the 'Foundation Year' is made up of 120 credits, as a part-time student you can take 60 credits in each of your first and second years before starting the main four-year BA Creative Writing. This means that you can take six years to complete the part-time degree with Foundation Year.

In Foundation Year 1 you take two core modules and in Foundation Year 2 you take one core module and choose one option module.

If you successfully complete these modules, you will automatically advance on to our four-year, part-time, evening study BA Creative Writing .

Foundation Year 1 core modules

Foundation year 2 core module, foundation year 2 option modules, course structure and modules for creative writing with foundation year ba (hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting october 2025, course structure and modules for creative writing with foundation year ba (hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting october 2025.

• Request Info
• Creative Writing Department

• Creative Writing, BA
• Creative Writing Minor
• Course Descriptions
• School of Liberal Arts

Creative thinking for a complex world.

As part of a close-knit community of literary artists, Saint Mary's Creative Writing majors study the art and craft of poetry, fiction, nonfiction and drama, learning how to generate, polish and publish original work that captures the diversity and complexity of contemporary life. Students will study and receive mentorship from nationally recognized writers—including the College's permanent faculty, as well as Distinguished Visiting Writers who are breaking new ground in the literary arts.

Creative Writing Department Programs

Creative Writing Department Scholarships

Saint Mary's offers a variety of need-based and merit-based scholarships to all first-year, transfer, and international students.

MFA in Creative Writing

Pursue your Master of Fine Arts degree with a two year program to continue developing and discussing poems, stories, essays and plays in workshops, studying classic and contemporary literature, and honing the professional skills and knowledge necessary to lead a life of letters.

Creative Writing Events

Wednesday Mar 27

Evening Reading with Lauren Markham

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm at On-campus

Wednesday Apr 10

Afternoon Craft Conversation with Zeina Hashem Beck

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm at On-campus

Wednesday Apr 24

Evening Reading with Zeina Hashem Beck

School and Department Information

Contact Us:

Creative Writing Director: Chris Feliciano Arnold, MFA . Email: [email protected]

Administrative Assistant: Ryan McKinley Email: [email protected] Creative Writing faculty offices are located on the third floor of Dante Hall  

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