Roehampton University
Open Spaces. Open Minds.
Undergraduate study
Creative Writing
Overview
- This is one of the longest-established Creative Writing undergraduate degrees in the London area.
- It is one of only a few Creative Writing programmes in the UK to offer innovative fiction and poetry and a strong nonfiction strand.
- Specialist options include writing for children, travel writing (with an opportunity to study abroad), screenwriting, writing for the internet, and stand-up comedy.
- A third-year core module introduces you to writing industry representatives.
- Roehampton has a rolling programme of fellowships – current holders are Jacqueline Wilson and Daljit Khan.
Taught by working writers (including poets, novelists, journalists and screenwriters), the programme introduces and focuses on writing practice in four main genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry and screenwriting. As students explore the technical craft and process of writing, they develop broad critical awareness and skills. As they progress through the degree programme, they may also choose to specialise.
News
Research Assessment Exercise 2008
100% of Roehampton University's submitted work in English Language and Literature was recognised either internationally or nationally, with more than 30% of that work regarded as being either "world-leading" or "internationally excellent". More information.
In detail
For a complete description of this programme's aims, learning outcomes and the programme outline, see the full programme details.
For a complete list of this programme's modules and a detailed description of each of them, see the full module details.
Entry requirements
- Offers are typically based in the range of 280–340 points from A-levels (including grade C in a relevant subject), vocational A-levels, or equivalent, including the 14–19 Diploma.
Our offers are not solely based on academic results: we also take your skills, achievements and life experience into consideration.
For further information refer to our general entrance requirements page, which includes a tariff table. If you need advice on entry requirements or applications, please contact our Enquiries Office on 020 8392 3232.
Year-by-year summary
First year
You are asked to examine, consolidate and improve your basic writing skills, to try out different ways and forms of writing and to explore your own creative processes. In this year, you are also asked to engage with a wide range of challenging texts from different genres and historical periods and to explore some of the critical and theoretical approaches that will be important in later work. The first year is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, experimental practice and tutorials.
Second year
You take compulsory and optional modules, which are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. In the second year, the programme offers more specialist writing genres (including fiction, poetry and screenwriting) and modules that provide an opportunity to practise, analyse and criticise specific forms of writing. You also have the opportunity to study travel writing and then to spend a semester abroad at one of our exchange institutions.
Third year
You may choose to specialise in a particular area of interest, which also provides a path toward an MA in Creative Writing. Alternatively, you can elect to continue to explore a variety of writing genres, which may include innovative forms of fiction and poetry, novel writing, screenwriting, or (subject to availability) song lyrics and the graphic novel.
Sample modules
- Developing the Novel
- Poetry and Innovative Form
- Life Writing
- Writing Journalism and Nonfiction
Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Edit groups
- Tutorials
In addition to scheduled taught sessions, each year there is a programme of workshops and special events such as the Creative Writing Day. These events give undergraduate students the chance to read or perform their work, to take one-off seminars, to meet and interact with postgraduate students and guest speakers.
Assessment methods
- Essays
- Projects
- Portfolios
- Coursework
- Presentations
Self-evaluation, reflection and critical awareness play a significant part in the assessment of written work.
Facilities
On campus
The University Library has excellent resources for the study of Creative Writing.
A dedicated, experienced staff of teachers and professional writers and editors delivers all the teaching on the Creative Writing programme. For those interested in children's writing, the National Centre for Research in Children's Literature at Roehampton offers a valuable resource. Students also have access to learning materials online and to designated computer access.
Off campus
Roehampton is close to the many world-class facilities in London, including:
Student perspectives
Quotes from current students
"The course offers a chance to experiment with the talent you already have, but to make it more prominent, and to work with an enjoyable array of staff to help you along the way to creative freedom."
Diana Nortey, final-year student 2008/09
Students on Creative Writing Day
"Last night was beautiful. It went so well and the atmosphere was perfect. I am honoured and proud to have been chosen considering the strength of the other readers. Thank you for your words of kindness and support on the night. I drew confidence from you for my reading."
First-year student
"I enjoyed that day so much […] The Creative Writing Day can be expressed in one word: fantabulous! The entire day was so enjoyable. With MCing the event with one of my fellow friends, it was just an even more enjoyable experience... the adrenaline rush talking to whole crowd of people was great."
Second-year student
"I was lucky because I went on [to read] first, finished my story without fainting or vomiting, and got to enjoy the rest of the evening. The other readers were all quality – Tom's story about the old Polish couple is still going through my head today. Leone Ross gave an excellent coaching session in the morning, which helped ease nerves. That was my first time reading like that, and it helped to do it in a supportive atmosphere."
Third-year student
Examples of student work
Work by current students can be found on the Roehampton website in the online publication Roehampton Writes.
In addition, some students and graduates have won major prizes and had a wide range of work published by national newspapers, magazines and publishers.
Work placements
There is currently no work placement scheme available for Creative Writing students through the University. Individual students have, however, found work placements for themselves in the context of one or more the final-year modules that they study.
Career prospects
This programme provides grounding for a range of careers related to writing, the media, publishing, film and television, education and the arts in general.
Quotes from alumni
"I became a member of Women In Journalism and went to my first seminar last week. It was all about confidence. I am not so worried about graduating anymore: I have been networking a lot and have pieces that I am going to submit, all of which is very exciting. None of this would have been possible without your help."
Charlotte Johnston, graduated summer 2008)
"For me, Roehampton was an ideal place to improve my writing. I was encouraged to experiment with writing styles that I'd never come across before and I was able to combine my studies with elements of other relevant subjects like linguistics and literature. This helped put my writing into a wider context, gave me room to broaden my technical skills and provided me with first-hand knowledge of what it's like to write for a career. It's a great atmosphere in which to learn – the lecturers are industry professionals, you write as much as you read and the assessments are almost all portfolio-based. There's great variety on the course; in one term alone, I got to study stand-up comedy, writing for TV, stylistics and poetry."
Sam Haythornthwaite, graduated summer 2007
"I would say that were it not for the Roehampton teachers, I would still be stuck in my clumsy, redundant, painfully student ways. They were understanding, motivational and nurturing."
Andrew Misuraca, graduated summer 2007
Subject area
Related programmes
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
- Creative and Professional Writing (MA or MRes)
- Children's Literature
- Children's Literature (Distance Learning)
- Early Modern Literature and Culture
- Literature and Material Culture 1750 - Present
Research degrees
- Creative and Professional Writing
- Children's Literature
- English Language and Linguistics
- English Literature
Research Centres
Our main Research Centre is:
We are also linked to the following Research Centres:
- Centre for Research in English Language and Linguistics (CRELL)
- Centre for Research in Modern Literature and Culture
- Centre for Research in Postcolonial and Transcultural Studies
- Centre for Research in Renaissance Studies
- Centre for Research in Romanticism
- National Centre for Research in Children's Literature
Staff
- Judith Bryan, Lecturer, Creative Writing: Fiction
- Elizabeth Clegg, Senior Lecturer, Creative Writing: Screenwriting
- Susan Greenberg, Senior Lecturer, Creative Writing: Journalism and Nonfiction
- Jeff Hilson, Lecturer, Creative Writing: Life Writing and Poetry
- Dr Peter Jaeger, Senior Lecturer, Creative Writing: Poetry
- Ariel Kahn, Lecturer, Creative Writing: Fiction and the Graphic Novel
- Dr Kevin McCarron, Senior Lecturer, English Literature: Stand-up Comedy
- Melanie McGrath, Lecturer, Creative Writing: Journalism and Nonfiction
- Dr Sharon Norris, Senior Lecturer, Creative Writing: Journalism and Nonfiction
- Dr Laura Peters, Principal Lecturer, Subject Leader, English Literature and Creative Writing
- Leone Ross, Senior Lecturer, Creative Writing: Fiction
- Dr Lisa Sainsbury, Senior Lecturer, English Literature: Children's Literature and Writing for the Child Audience
- Dr Louise Tondeur, Senior Lecturer, Creative Writing: Fiction
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Entry tariff: 280–340 points
UCAS code: W801
Single or Combined Honours
View combinations
Duration (years):
3 (full-time), 4–7 (part-time)
Tuition fees (per year):
£3,290 (UK/EU)
£9,599 (international)
Contact: Enquiries Office
Tel: 020 8392 3232
Email: enquiries@roehampton.ac.uk
