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Creative Writing BA(Hons) (Online)

Turn your writing craft into a successful career.

Key details
Location
Online
Course duration
2 years / 3 years
Attendance
Full-time / Part-time
UCAS code
W8OA (full-time)

Course overview

Explore the evolving needs of the marketplace while honing your writing practice on this Creative Writing online degree.  

Whether you dream of penning novels, writing for games, creating compelling digital content, or producing award-winning screenplays, you’ll graduate with an assured voice – ready to make your mark. 

Guided by experienced professionals while actively engaging with peers and industry connections across the globe, you’ll learn to create and publish high-quality written content in a range of formats and platforms.  

Why study this course at Falmouth?

  • Experiment with your writing from day one, developing and enhancing your craft 
  • Join a supportive global community of writers and make crucial connections 
  • Tap into Falmouth’s renowned storytelling legacy from your own location on a course designed specifically for online delivery 
  • Work on industry-informed briefs and learn how to turn your writing into a viable career 

Course details

Exploring the breadth of the creative industries, you'll develop your writing practice and your reflective and analytical skills both as an individual and as part of a team. 

You'll experiment with form and prompts, embrace the art of reading as a writer, and learn how to connect with a vast range of audiences. 

The course will prepare you to join the global creative writing marketplace, equipped with specialist knowledge, an adaptable skill set, and a clear vision of your place within the market. 

Course study options    

On this accelerated online Creative Writing degree, you’ll have the opportunity to gain a BA(Hons) degree over two years full-time or three years part-time. 

From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details:

You'll begin to develop your writing practice and your reflective and analytical skills both as an individual and as part of a team. You'll experiment with a wealth of forms and prompts, gain an awareness of the context of the creative industries, learn the art of reading as a writer and examine the elements and concepts that mediate, influence and challenge your place as a creator.

Modules

Dreaming Up Worlds: Imagination, World-Building and Character

Develop your core fiction writing skills, create characters imbued with life, construct fascinating fictional worlds and understand the principles of storytelling.

True Stories: Creative Non-Fiction and Life-Writing

Develop research strategies for writing compelling creative non-fiction and life writing, and discover how to use creative writing to reach an audience for your true stories.

Post-Digital Writing: Idea, Concept, Platform

As a writer engaged in finding your own voice across platforms in contemporary cultural industries, you'll experiment with a wealth of forms and prompts to expand your practice into the post-digital era.

Society and Identity

Examine the elements and concepts that mediate, influence and challenge your place as a creator and develop your critically informed writing voice.

You'll push the boundaries of your discipline to extend and enhance your writing, entrepreneurial and critical skills. You'll work in teams to create and publish innovative content, while exploring and analysing audience reception. You'll also have the opportunity to develop your writing and analytical skills across different genres and forms.

Modules

Writing for Screen Media: Games, Film, TV

You'll experiment with the formal constraints at the interface of writing and the digital world.

Bound by None: Place and Adventure

Develop your travel, place and nature writing skills, alongside critical approaches to exploration and environmentalism in this adventurous module.

Writing for Performance: Poetry, Theatre, Comedy

Develop disruptive and engaging writing approaches to reimagine conventional forms in a contemporary context.

Collaborative Project

Working in real-world contexts with other students and industry partners, you'll develop creative working strategies, communication and advanced project planning skills.

You’ll continue to strengthen your industry presence as a writer and be encouraged to submit your work to active calls for submission. You’ll also hone your own voice further with a deep-dive into a genre of your choosing – developing a critical and market-based understanding of its intricacies. All this will culminate in your final project, where you’ll be supported by your supervisor to produce a substantial creative piece in a specific form and genre. You'll take a more entrepreneurial approach to your practice and establish your public persona as a 21st-century writer.

Modules

The Hybrid

Respond to challenges and engage in multidisciplinary work to produce an innovative, multiform piece.

Genres and Disruptive Fictions

Deep dive into your chosen genre and develop a critical, market-based understanding of its intricacies.

Masterpiece: Individual Project

Produce a substantial piece in the form and genre of your choosing and take your practice and your voice further.

Publishing Lab: Entrepreneurial Practice

Develop the framework for your current and future publishing activities, and position yourself with agility in the diverse and changing world of the creative industries.

The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

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Resources and Support

  • Dedicated easy-to-use virtual learning environment (VLE)
  • Accessible online audio / visual content
  • A Student Advisor to support you throughout your studies and access to our Student Support Services
  • Access to our Employability Service
  • 24/7 access to Falmouth's extensive online library of contextual books, journals and resources
  • Access to online software tutorials at LinkedIn Learning
  • Students' Union community
  • Optional in-person events
  • Invitation to attend alumni events

Although online students don't have access to on-campus facilities as part of the course, you can hire equipment and access facilities by paying a charge. Find out more about availability and prices here.

An online student on their laptop
Is online study for me banner

Is Online Study for Me?

The creative culture at our core is not confined to our Cornwall campuses; with our online degrees, ...

Is Online Study for Me?
Two women and a man seated at a desk with a laptop and print outs
Falmouth staff at table

Online Learning Support

You'll have access to a range of support throughout your studies with us to help you thrive and deve...

Online Learning Support
BA Creative Writing (Online) students meeting each other for the first time
BA Creative Writing (Online) students meeting each other for the first time

Creative Writing BA(Hons) (Online) in-person event © Ellie Hope / © Mayn Creative

In-Person Events

As an online student at Falmouth, you’ll have the opportunity to attend in-person events throughou...

In-Person Events
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Interior Design online 2024

Parents & Carers Guide to Online Study

See how you can support a student considering an online degree at Falmouth.  

Parents & Carers Guide to Online Study

How you'll learn & be assessed

How online study works

This accelerated online course is delivered through a combination of lectures, webinars, forums and activities. These will take place through both online events and work undertaken in your own time, through the Virtual Learning Environment.

Find out how you study online

What sort of activities will I do?

All our activities are designed to support you to achieve the learning outcomes of each module. Each week you'll develop your passion for writing by actively engaging with a variety of forms and genres. Lectures, video and audio resources, extra reading material and interactive activities, are all available online and there are weekly challenges and learning events. Curated readings and resources will challenge and enhance your analytical thinking and taste, and you'll learn by doing to best develop your voice and your position as a writer.

What will my study hours be?

You'll cultivate a dynamic writing process, working on your craft between 27-50 hours a week, depending on your choice of full-time or part-time study, establishing a writing routine and preparing and researching for your modules - as a full-time writer would do.

What does accelerated study mean?

An accelerated degree condenses your degree modules into two years on the full-time route, or three years on the part-time route. This means you'll be working across three study blocks per year, instead of two, including through the summer. Typically, there is a break of around two weeks between submitting your final assignment for each module and the start of the next study block. You will also get breaks on public holidays, for around two weeks at Easter and for around three weeks in December.

The BA(Hons) Creative Writing online employs a range of assessments and strategies throughout the course, including formative and summative assessments.

Formative assessment in the form of continuous written and/or verbal feedback takes place across the module through your participation in the different learning activities and webinars, and by exchanging peer feedback on ideas and work in progress. This kind of assessment supports you to develop your writing, critical and reflective skills and to keep up to date with your course work.

Summative assessment takes place on each module, usually at mid-points and at the end of the module. Activities across each module will help you prepare for these assessments. Assessment types include portfolios, reviews, pitches, presentations, reflective journals, case studies, competition analysis, documentation of projects and the final project, which is the major project of the end of your course. At the end of the module you'll receive written feedback and a mark for each assignment via an online feedback system within three weeks of the deadline.

You'll be able to check in with your online tutor to discuss your progress and ask any questions you have about your course.

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Finding my tribe: Why I chose to study creative writing online


BA Creative Writing (Online) student Jax Purchase lets us into her experience on the course, and her reasons for choosing an online degree in the first place.

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Staff

Our staff are fascinated by the immense possibilities of creative writing and the playful, artistic nature of contemporary publishing. Their entrepreneurial engagement with the craft and in-depth discipline knowledge expands across many areas of expertise including screenwriting, writing for games, comedy, business and digital writing, podcast, poetry, young adult and literary prose. With strong connections to the creative industries, they'll help you experience an up-to-date, innovative learning journey with opportunities for industry-based challenges and networking.

Dr Marshall Moore

Course Leader and Senior Lecturer

Dr. Marshall Moore hails from North Carolina and relocated to the UK in 2020 after living and workin...

Dr Marshall Moore

Dr Eoin Murray

Lecturer, Creative Writing BA(Hons)

Eoin Murray is a Welsh writer, game scripter, and ludo-narratologist from Bangor in North Wales curr...

Dr Eoin Murray
Dr Jennifer Young staff picture

Dr Jennifer Young

Head of Writing and Journalism

Jennifer Young came to Falmouth in 2019 to take up the post of Head of Writing and Journalism. She o...

Dr Jennifer Young
Josh headshot

Dr Josh Schouten De Jel

Online Tutor, Creative Writing BA(Hons) (online)

Joshua Schouten de Jel graduated with First Class Honours in BA English and Creative Writing, Distin...

Dr Josh Schouten De Jel

Tom Scott

Senior Lecturer

Tom studied english at Keble College Oxford before taking an MA in African Studies at the School of ...

Tom Scott
Steve Bough staff picture

Steve Bough

Lecturer, Multimedia Journalism

Steve has enjoyed a successful 25 year career in the magazine industry with experience writing and e...

Steve Bough
Iestyn Davies headshot

Iestyn Davies

Online Tutor, Creative Writing BA(Hons) (online)

Iestyn Wyn Davies is Welsh writer and PhD candidate at Aberystwyth University. He is researching the...

Iestyn Davies
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Dr Kit Chapman

Course Leader, Journalism MA (Online)

Dr Kit Chapman is a science journalist with more than 15 years' experience writing for titles includ...

Dr Kit Chapman
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Nicola Coplin

Lecturer

Nic has taught at Falmouth University since 2013. She trained in acting at the Hub Theatre School in...

Nicola Coplin
A Dillion
A Dillion

Andy Dillion

Thesis title: Blood Pours Slower than Rye: Representations of the Irish pub in contemporary crime ge...

Andy Dillion
Dr Jo Parsons

Dr Jo Parsons

Lecturer in English and Creative Writing

Dr Jo Parsons has been a Lecturer in English and Creative Writing at Falmouth University since 2019....

Dr Jo Parsons

Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.

Careers

As a graduate, you could become:

  • A critically informed writer with an adaptable practice
  • A novelist or short story writer
  • A writer for screen (film, TV or games), proficient in visual and interactive stories
  • A digital storyteller or content creator

How to apply

Apply 

You have the option to apply via UCAS or directly with us, depending on your education and experience. Find out more about ways to apply. 

UCAS codes

You can apply for the September 2024 full-time route through UCAS using: 

  • University code: F33
  • Course code: W8OA
Course route Course start Apply now
Full-time

September 2024

Apply via UCAS

Apply directly

Part-time September 2024 Apply now

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an online interview to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you've specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.

Applying with UCAS points

Course route Entry requirements
BA/BSc(Hons) degree 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points

Check the title of your course to see if it's a BA or BSc award. UCAS Tariff points will primarily be from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, T Levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.

Check how many points your qualifications are worth

Applying without UCAS points

We'll welcome your application if you have formal or 'certified' learning (such as training courses not run by universities or colleges) and learning from work experience or self-study. This is called Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), and should have been gained within the last five years, and be equivalent to the learning outcomes of our minimum entry qualifications. Find out more about APL.

If your first language is not English, you'll need to take an English Language test.  We accept: 

  • IELTS - minimum overall score of IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening 
  • TOEFL iBT (online test) - minimum of 80 overall and at least 19 in all 4 components 
  • LanguageCert (online test) - a High Pass from the ESOL B2 Communicator test in reading, writing, speaking and listening (2 parts) 

We also accept a range of other recognised English language qualifications.  You can visit our English Language Requirements page for more information. 

For more information about equivalent international qualifications or English language requirements please contact our friendly Course Advisors

For starting your studies in 2024

Applications for these courses remain open whilst there are spaces available. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

The academic start date is 23 September 2024*.

 

Please note:

*Virtual Welcome Week begins the week before the academic start date. During this time, our Student Advisor team will host Welcome Webinars and be in touch with practical information on how to study online.

Fees, costs & funding

Tuition fees for September 2024 entry

Annual tuition fee Student
£10,400 per year 2 years accelerated full-time
£6,935 per year 3 years accelerated part-time

Tuition fees for September 2025 will be confirmed in summer 2024.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. 

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

What funding can I get?

Funding for online study is different to on-campus study. You'll find information about both tuition fees and how you can fund your online study on this page.

Explore funding options
Two female Falmouth University students sat at a table with open books

Typical course costs

  • £100 - Recurring annual costs for associated course materials
  • Varying costs - Optional face-to-face events (typically two per year)

You do not need any specific software and a reasonable home or work computer will work just fine.

Ask a student

What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?

From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

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Virtual Open Days & events

Head to our Open Days & events page to see upcoming virtual Open Days and online events covering everything from student funding to application advice.

Find an event
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