English Literature with Creative Writing BA (Hons)

This exciting course develops connections between the critical study of English Literature and the creative practice of writing in a variety of forms. You will learn to approach texts as both a reader and a writer, discovering links and synergies between these different perspectives.

Through critical knowledge and practical experience, you will study a broad range of English Literature and Creative Writing in small groups or workshops, led by the research experts in the field or by published writers, in an atmosphere of creative, scholarly enterprise in order to develop skills of critical analysis and imaginative problem solving that are highly valued by employers.

You may also be interested in the English Literature and Creative Writing Joint Honours degree.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

In addition to the benefits listed on the page for BA English Literature:

• Students rate our teaching extremely highly. English Literature at Bangor received 100% overall student satisfaction in the 2016 NSS. This places Bangor top in the UK for student satisfaction.
• We are committed to teaching in small groups as well as lectures, one-to-one supervision and providing individualised feedback.
• We offer a broad and flexible range of module choices, combining English Literature – e.g. The Literature of Laughter, Detective Fiction, Contemporary Literature and The Gothic in Literature and Film – and English Language – e.g. in Bilingualism, Historical Linguistics, Language and Communication, and Psycholinguistics.
• Our research informs our teaching. The world-class quality of our research and writing was recognised in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), placing us in the UK Top 10 for research intensity.
• There is a vibrant Arts and Culture scene. Our close links with Pontio, the University’s, £40million Arts Centre, local theatres, poetry groups and vibrant student societies - including our Bangor English Drama Society (BEDS) – there are lots of chances for you to get involved.
• Bangor is an inspiring location for creative writing or literary study.

Key Facts from UniStats

You will have around 10 hours contact time a week. The emphasis is on small-group teaching through workshops. Outside this time, you will work on your own writing within Bangor’s supportive community of creative writers. You will read widely to support both your own writing and your literary study. There are no exams in Creative Writing modules and there is plenty of help on offer as you develop your portfolios for each assessment. Talks and performances by writers, publishers and editors help you to see your writing in the context of the wider literary culture in Wales and beyond.

What will you study on this course?

‘With’ Creative Writing students will take one-third of their modules in Creative Writing each year. The remainder of your modules will be in English Literature.

Year 1

Many modules are genre based, each covering a wide range of historical periods, of focusing on writing in a particular genre. You will be introduced you to a range of techniques in Creative Writing. These modules aim to develop in students the skills required for an undergraduate degree in English Literature and / with Creative Writing.

Compulsory Modules:

• Creative Writing - Poetry
• Creative Writing - Prose
• Studying Literature
• Introduction to Screenwriting

Also, choose from:

• Writing for Children and Young Adults
• The Literature of Laughter
• Exploring America: an Introduction to US Literature
• The Gothic in Literature and Film
• Landmarks in Literature
• Heroes and Villains: an Introduction to Medieval Literature

Year 2

The second year allows you to develop your interests in the novel, short fiction, creative non-fiction and poetry.

Modules include:

• The Novel
• Working-class Fiction
• Transformative Writing
• Short Fiction and Poetry
• Writing Selves
• Contemporary Literature

Year 3

The third year gives you you the chance to explore one area more fully in the dissertation. You will be supervised on a one-to-one basis by a practising writer as you complete a novel, a collection of short stories or poetry to the very highest standard. Learning to reflect critically on your own practice will prepare you equally for the independence of a career in writing or for postgraduate study.

Compulsory Module:

• The Creative Writing Dissertation

Modules include:

• Experimental Writing
• Cross-Cultural Writing
• The Open Road

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the English Literature with Creative Writing Modules page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

These courses provide students with excellent employment prospects, in a wide range of career options. In the past our graduates have gone into PR work, teaching, publishing, advertising, journalism, the law, community work and academia. The skills of critical analysis, imaginative problem solving, and presentation are all highly valued after by employers in a wide range of sectors. Our graduates are typically independent-minded, yet able to work as part of an effective team. Another option is postgraduate study, which offers graduates an opportunity to further deepen their knowledge and expertise, and to distinguish themselves from other students. There are great opportunities for this at Bangor. The ability to use words effectively is, in fact, a major advantage in almost any career.

In a recent Salaries and Vacancies Survey the Association of Graduate Recruiters lisited the top ten skill areas that employers seek right now:

1. Motivation and enthusiasm
2. Interpersonal skills
3. Team working
4. Oral communication
5. Flexibility and adaptability
6. Initiative/productivity
7. Problem solving
8. Planning and organisation
9. Managing own development
10. Written communication

All these skills are central to an English degree. Employers repeatedly say that they do not want ‘trained’ recruits. They want intelligent, rounded people who have a depth of understanding, can apply themselves, take responsibility and develop their role in the organisation, demonstrating the traditional high-level academic abilities of analysis, reflection, critique and synthesis. What they do not want is graduates trained for a job, not least because jobs change rapidly.

When graduates in English reflect on the skills they developed through their degree which they have found most useful in their new jobs, they speak of advanced literary and communication skills, writing for project-based work, independent thought and judgement, and good time-management.

Employability and English Literature degrees

A degree in English Literature provides our students with excellent employment prospects, in a wide range of career options. In the past our graduates have gone into teaching, publishing, advertising, journalism, the law, social work, business, politics, accountancy, the police, human resources, and academia. Several of our graduates have become leading figures in the arts.

Transferable skills

Our degree will teach you the skills of critical analysis, imaginative problem solving, and presentation. Our graduates are typically independent-minded, yet able to work as part of an effective team. The skills they possess are highly valued by employers.

Postgraduate studies

Each year several of our students decide to undertake postgraduate study, lasting from one to four years. Postgraduate study is an opportunity to further deepen your knowledge and expertise, and leads to a truly individual contribution as a literary critic or creative writer. Academic postgraduates often go on to teach in universities, or make their way in the literary world.

Opportunities at Bangor

The University’s Skills and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions. Developing your personal skills and enhancing your employability while at university is becoming increasingly important in today’s job market.

The Bangor Employability Award (BEA) and Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)

The Bangor Employability Award enables students to build on their transferable skills through the recognition of activities they become involved in during their university life. Students can gain points towards the award through extra-curricular activities such as volunteering, attending workshops or actively participating in the Students’ Union’s clubs and societies.

The HEAR is a final graduation report that all undergraduates receive. The report itemises all academic achievements and additional extra and co-curricular achievements. Academic achievements appear on the report automatically and students are able to note their eligible activities by using the online platform ‘My Employability Hub’. This ensures that future employers are made aware of the additional skills the student has gained outside of the curriculum.

The Award is open to everyone and taking part in the scheme can make a major difference to your performance in the graduate job market.

Internships

Bangor University runs undergraduate and postgraduate internship schemes twice a year, which allow students to work in a professional environment while learning relevant skills and earning money.

Internships offer valuable experience in a professional workplace and there are a range of internships you can get involved in.

Student Volunteering

Not only is volunteering worthwhile – it also improves your employability and widens your experience.

The Students’ Union has a dedicated Student Volunteering Office (SVB) which currently contributes a total of 600 hours each week, promoting a close relationship between the university and the local community. Find out more on the Student Volunteering pages of the Bangor Student’s Union website.

TARGETconnect - Working while you Study

The Skills and Employability Service offers support to students searching for employment during and after their studies.

TARGETconnect advertises the following opportunities:

• Graduate jobs – Local, National and International
• Full-time, part time, permanent and temporary jobs
• Work experience / internships
• Voluntary opportunities

For 2020 entry:

Typical offer is based on a minimum 112 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.:

• A Levels (English Literature / English Language / English preferred but not required)
• International Baccalaureate Diploma (including H6 in English Literature or Language)
• BTEC National/Extended Diploma and Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM**
• City & Guilds Advanced Technical/ Extended Diploma: considered on a case by case basis**
• Access course with English Literature element: Pass
• Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted.

International Candidates: school leaving qualifications and college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements). More information here. 

We also welcome applications from mature applicants.

*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com.

**Can be considered in conjunction with another qualification in English Literature or Language, e.g. A levels and IB Higher.

For 2019 entry:

• 128-112 tariff points including a level 3 qualification* in English / English Literature / English Language equivalent to a grade B at A Level. *Level 3 qualifications include A levels, BTEC, Access, Irish Highers, International Baccalaureate, Welsh Baccalaureate, Scottish Advanced Highers and others – for a full list, please refer to the new UCAS tariff at www.ucas.com.
• We also welcome applications from mature applicants, individuals with European qualifications and international applicants (subject to minimum English language requirements – IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6 in all components)

 

General University entry requirements

We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.

All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.

As part of the University’s policy we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.

To study a degree, diploma or certificate course you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com

We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more help and advice about being a mature student at Bangor, please visit the Study at Bangor site.

Specific entry requirements can be seen on the individual course pages.

EU and International students' entry requirements

For information and further detailed guidance on entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.

More information

Home/EU students and International UCAS applicants

E-mail for General Admissions: admissions@bangor.ac.uk or write to:

Admissions Office
Bangor University
Gwynedd
LL57 2TF

Telephone: +44 (0)1248 383717 

International students (non-UCAS applicants)

Email to International Admissions: internationaladmissions@bangor.ac.uk or write to

Admissions Office
Bangor University
Gwynedd
LL57 2TF

Telephone: +44 (0) 1248 382028

When coming to University, you will have two main costs, Tuition Fees and Living Costs.

There are also some common additional costs that are likely to arise for students on all courses, for example:

• If you choose to study abroad or take the International Experience Year as part of your course.
• If you attend your Graduation Ceremony, there will be a cost for gown hire (£25-£75) and cost for guest tickets (£12 each).

Course-specific additional costs
Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:

1. Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.
2. Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.
3. Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.

How to apply for Undergraduate programmes

You can apply to study at Bangor directly by using the online application form or through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.)

Contact us

Admissions Tutor
School of English Literature
Tel: 01248 38211
E-mail: cah@bangor.ac.uk
www.bangor.ac.uk/english

Why Study English Literature or Creative Writing at Bangor?

There are many fantastic reasons for choosing to study English Literature and/or Creative Writing at Bangor.

• At undergraduate and postgraduate level, we offer a broad and flexible range of module choices, combining the innovative (e.g. The Literature of Laughter, Transformative Writing and The Gothic in Literature and Film) with the more traditional (e.g. Victorian Literature and Jonson to Johnson)
  
• Our teaching is based on the latest research. The world-class quality of our research and writing was recognised in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) placing our School in the UK Top 10 for research intensity.
  
• With award-winning pastoral care, one-to-one support and individualised feedback, we get to know our students as individuals and enable them to pursue their own creative interests. 
  
• Employability. We provide our students with transferrable skills that are valued by employers. 85% of our graduates were in employment or further study within six months of finishing the course (source: DLHE).  Our graduates have gone on to have wide-ranging and successful careers in many sectors, including the performing arts, education, law, the civil service, press, media and public relations.
  
• Arts and Culture. Our close links with Pontio (the University’s £40 million Arts Centre), local theatres, poetry groups and vibrant student societies - including our Bangor English Drama Society (BEDS) -  give students plenty of opportunities to get involved. 
  
• Bangor is an inspiring location for creative writing or literary study, situated on the Menai Straits at the foot of Snowdon, and less than three hours by direct train from London!
• Read what our students say.

 

Studying at Bangor

Rated Gold for teaching

We have been awarded a Gold rating, the highest rating possible, for the standarad of our teaching in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment. The TEF assessment took into account teaching quality, learning environment and student outcomes and learning gain. We were judged to deliver consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students and our teaching is of the highest quality found in the UK.

A top 10 university

The National Student Survey (NSS) results place Bangor amongst the UK’s top 10 universities (excluding specialist institutions) for student satisfaction. This reflects the University’s focus on overall student experience.

Enjoy a university experience that’s amongst the best in the UK

The guaranteed accommodation, student support, low cost of living and stunning location all contribute towards this.

Take advantage of the Bangor Student Experience with free membership of student clubs and societies, a new international experience programme and employability award scheme.

Award-winning clubs and societies!

Our clubs and societies have been named the best in the UK at the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2019.

Unrivalled location

Choose to study in one of the best places in the UK to be a student. Bangor’s location – close to the mountains and the sea - has been described as ‘the best university setting in the UK’.

Bangor is the most affordable place in the UK to be a student (TotalMoney 2019).

Investment in facilities

Benefit from continued investment in facilities and services – with Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre, Halls of Residence, and improved sports facilities amongst recent developments.

Guaranteed accommodation in award-winning halls of residence

We guarantee accommodation for first year students who apply within the deadline and hold Bangor as their Firm Choice. Our accommodation has been named the best in the UK at the 2018 WhatUni Student Choice Awards.

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