Creative Writing BA(Hons)
Join an inspiring creative community with unique writing spaces. You’ll get the chance to experiment with all forms of writing, explore audiences in the virtual and real world, work on live publishing projects, and learn what this means for your own work.
Key details
| Location | Falmouth Campus |
| Course Duration | 3 years |
| Attendance | Full-time |
| UCAS code | W890 |
| Contact | 01326 254350 |
Apply
Introduction
On this course you’ll explore non-fiction, poetry, fiction and writing for digital games - learning to draft, edit and pitch your writing. By working on industry-engaged projects, a final portfolio and an online profile, you’ll also develop industry-level confidence and technical skills.
You will:
- Produce illustrated anthologies, organise mini festivals, or even work alongside organisations like the National Trust as part of your third year collaborative project.
- Be able to attend our guest lecture series, where you’ll build relationships and contacts within the literary world.
- Benefit from our Writer in Residence programme, with talks, workshops and discussions from writers like Xan Brook (2019), Emily Barr (2016) and Matt Haig (2015).
- Have the opportunity to attend and participate in literary festivals such as the Cornwall Contemporary Poetry Festival.
What our students do
Xan Brooks Joins Falmouth as Writer in Residence
Falmouth University is delighted to announce that award-winning writer, editor and broadcaster,...
Third Year Writing Collaboration with National Trust
Industry connections and real-world experience are an important part of the courses at Falmouth...
Publishing Partnerships
The slowly setting sun, fire twinkling in the half-light of dusk and the stunning backdrop of...
The Truesdale Show
Think Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. On a WW2 minesweeper. Sailing around the Philippines.
...English & Writing Team Launch First Book
The School of Writing & Journalism has just launched its first book at the South West...
Student Shortlisted in National Publishing Competition
Creative Writing student Benjamin G. Wilson has been shortlisted for WriteNow - a new initiative...
Course details
What you'll learn
You’ll develop the skills to get a job in the modern writing industry, like gaining feedback from peer reviews, building collaboration skills in group projects, and preparing work for submission and performance. We’ll help you understand the demands of the publishing and content industries by introducing you to modern, professional writing practice. And we’ll push you to make your own choices and build writing skills in areas like fiction and non-fiction, screenwriting, poetry, and digital games.
The first year gives you a grounding in the basics of Creative Writing, English Literature and Publishing – all key areas for aspiring writers to be familiar with. But along with the introduction you need, the course also challenges and breaks the norms in most degrees with modules like 'Exploding the Canon: Writing Then and Now' and 'Breaking the Rules: Remix and Writing Back'. Each week, you'll have a mix of lectures, workshops and tutorials.
Modules
Writing: Craft and Contexts
Breaking the Rules: Remix and Writing Back
Exploding the Canon: Writing Then & Now
Literatures of Revolution
Publishing Cultures
Publishing Studio: Technologizing the Word
This year is all about narrowing down to your specialisation. Want to be a screenwriter? There's a module for that. Want to write for games? There's a module for that too. You can take modules in poetry, creative non-fiction or radio and theatre. You'll take two core modules, but otherwise you'll create your own personalised degree, focusing on your specific interests. You will progress to higher levels of analysis and creation, honing your skills as a writer and a critic. You will learn how to research, plan, pitch and build a profile as a writer.
Modules
Writing Project: Making Your Voice Heard
Writing Project: Post-Digital Content
Optional modules
Screenwriting
Poetry
Games
Satire and Scandal
Fiction
Creative Non-Fiction
Radio & Theatre
Magic and the Impossible
The final year is a culmination of the tools and knowledge you picked up in Year One and Two. At this level, you will be working on two major 40-credit modules. The first, Collaborative Project, gives you the chance to work in real-world collaborations, for example with community groups, sound projects, work placements, writing projects, etc. We've had students create podcasts, poetry collections, and a range of community projects with partners such as Mind, the National Trust and others.
The second module, the Portfolio, allows you to create a sustained piece of work which you can continue or begin to pitch after graduation. For the portfolio, you have weekly half hour tutorials with your supervisor, giving you a close focus on your own writing. You can still choose option modules in the first study block, and in the second we ask you to consider experimentation and adaptation.
Modules
Collaborative Project
Portfolio
Experiment and Adaption
Optional modules
We Have Never Been Human
Crime and Dark Fiction
Children & Young Adult
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.
From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details.
How you'll learn
You’ll work on live briefs set by creative industry partners, and learn from lectures and workshops with our guest speakers and Writers in Residence.
On top of your regular lectures, seminars, workshops and self-directed learning, you’ll get plenty of time with our staff and the chance for frequent one-to-one tutorials. You’ll also get the opportunity to contribute to WiTH, our student writing journal.
How you'll spend your time
Year | Timetabled teaching and learning activity | Guided independent study | Placements |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
2 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
3 | 15% | 79% | 6% |
How you'll be assessed
Year | Written exams | Practical exams | Coursework |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
2 | 0% | 8% | 92% |
3 | 0% | 5% | 95% |
The above percentages relate to 2019/2020 data.
Assessment methods
- Coursework and e-learning exercises
- Live creative industry briefs
- Final-year creative writing portfolio
Staff
You'll be taught by published writers and academics from fields like screenwriting, radio, theatre, contemporary poetry, digital texts, writing for games, writing and environment, fiction and non-fiction, publishing and print culture, and children's and young adult writing.
Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every member shown here.
Dr Jennifer Young
Jennifer Young moved to Falmouth in 2019 to take up the post of Head of Writing and Journalism....
Dr Kym Martindale
I joined Falmouth University in 2003, from Bath Spa University, having previously taught there,...
Dr Danielle Barrios-O'Neill
Dr Danielle Barrios-O'Neill is a Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship, having previously taught...
David Devanny
Overview
David is a lecturer and PhD candidate at Falmouth University...
Dr Luke Thompson
I am a writer, publisher and editor and a Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator for the MA...
Dr Ruth Heholt
Ruth Heholt is senior lecturer in BA(Hons) English. She has published on ghosts and the Gothic...
John Finnegan
John has worked in the film and media sector for fifteen years. He started his career...
Rupert Loydell
Rupert Loydell was born in London, where he attended Latymer Upper School. After taking an Art...
Ivor Richards
I have been involved with broadcast, performance and media technologies over many years -...
Facilities
- Digital labs, lecture theatres and seminar rooms.
- Libraries housing 140,000 books, 17,000 DVD and video titles, and exhaustive electronic and journal resources.
- The Lighthouse – a dedicated writers' room and events space
- The Soundhouse – podcasting facility
- The Shed – dedicated study area
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
Ready to join us? If you're applying through UCAS Apply and Track, you'll need to reference the university and course codes below.
- University code: F33
- Course code: W890
Applying as an international student?
International students can apply for a course through UCAS, via an agent or directly with the university. For more information about how to apply as an international student, visit our International applications page.
We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition 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.
As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.
For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.
If you need a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, you’ll need to take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.
UK/EU applications: 15 January 2020 (for equal consideration)
Late applications will be considered if there are places available.
International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.
Interview information & application advice
Apply for Undergraduate Courses
There's still time to join our undergraduate community in 2020. Find out key dates and get application information and advice.
Portfolio Advice
What is a portfolio and how do you make one? Read our guide.
Personal Statement Guide
How do you write a personal statement and what should you include? Read our advice.
Interview Information: Creative Writing BA(Hons)
Find out what to expect from your Creative Writing interview.
After You Apply
Find out what happens after you apply to Falmouth and what you'll need to do.
What we're looking for
We want someone who:
- Is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the subject.
- Can talk about why they want to study creative writing.
- Has writing skills.
- Shows an emerging understanding of literature’s role in the past and present.
- Has a passion for and interest in writing as part of the creative industries.
Fees, costs & funding
Tuition fees 2020-21
£9,250 - full-time UK/EU
£16,000 - full-time international
Typical course costs
- £70 - Recurring annual costs
- £50 - Optional study visits and placements for the course duration
If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs
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.
Funding
For information about funding available, please visit our undergraduate funding page
Ask a student
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From course details, our facilities and the local area 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.