The best UK universities for creative writing include the University of Leeds, Strathclyde, Warwick, Birmingham, and more. Each university has its strengths, values, and unique qualities to offer you.
We know your struggles. It takes a lot of work and research to determine which university to apply to. Where do you even begin? How do you know if a renowned university offers Creative Writing courses? The anxiety plus lack of direction can stress any student.
That’s why we ensure our Creative Writing summer school participants have access to 1:1 personalised consultations with expert writers. So they know what to do for their next steps in education.
We’ve also gathered a list of some of the Top Creative Writing Universities in the UK. To give you a clear start for your journey. Read on!
University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is one of the best universities in the UK. Do you know that the Complete University Guide 2023 ranks Leeds #16 in the UK? It’s also a member of the prestigious Russell group due to its high-quality research.
What’s Leeds’ core value? Collaboration. By working with others, it aims to address local and worldwide challenges, especially in the following:
- Promoting social justice
- Reducing inequality
- And helping to execute the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
True to its spirit of collaboration, Leeds wants its students to experience a sense of belonging. So you can feel valued for a contribution that only you can bring with your unique talents and expertise.
What makes the University of Leeds one of the best universities for Creative Writing? The Complete University Guide 2023 ranks Leeds #1 in the UK for Creative Writing.
In addition, Leeds’ English Literature with Creative Writing BA is #9 in the UK and #32 in the world.
By taking the Creative Writing course at Leeds, you’ll experience producing creative writing works such as:
- Life writing
- Poetry
- Fiction
- Travel accounts
Themes you’ll encounter as you examine past and present literature include:
- Ethnicity
- Race
- Gender
- Climate change
- Social class
- Nature
- Disability
- Wellbeing
Where do Leeds English Literature & Creative Writing graduates go? Discover Uni reports that 93% proceed to work or study further within 15 months after graduation. They find success in a variety of creative writing careers, such as:
- Marketing
- Journalism
- Education
- Leadership
- Media
- Publishing
- Business
- Civil Service
- Management Consultancy
- Law
Do you value collaboration? Are you looking for a university to help you achieve your career goals? Then check out the University of Leeds!
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
The University of Strathclyde at Glasgow is renowned for being “the place of useful learning.” True to its reputation, it was named the University of the Year twice by the Times Higher Education University Awards.
In addition, the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 named Strathclyde the “Scottish University of the Year.”
What core values serve as the foundation of Strathclyde’s excellent reputation?
- People-oriented
- Collaborative
- Innovative
- Bold
- Ambitious
The University of Strathclyde is one of the best UK universities for Creative Writing. Do you know that the Complete University Guide 2023 ranks Strathclyde #2 in the UK for Creative Writing? Here are some of the undergraduate Creative Writing courses available:
- English & Creative Writing (BA Hons)
- English and Creative Writing & Journalism, Media and Communication (BA Hons)
- English and Creative Writing & Psychology (BA Hons)
- English and Creative Writing & History (BA Hons)
- English and Creative Writing & Law (BA Hons)
- English and Creative Writing & Social Policy (BA Hons)
- English and Creative Writing & Human Resource Management (BA Hons)
Let’s take a closer look at English and Creative Writing & Journalism, Media, and Communication (BA Hons.) Discover Uni states that 95% of Strathclyde Creative Writing graduates proceed to work or study further within 15 months after graduation.
Common careers graduates go into include:
- Publishing
- Creative Writing
- Journalism
- Marketing
- Management
- Teaching
- Civil Service
- Administration
What are some of the topics you may encounter during the course?
- Shakespeare
- Bronte
- Woolf
- The Construction of Scotland
- Detective Fiction
- Writing War
- Children’s Literature
- Victorian Gothic
- Contemporary Travel Writing
What are some of the skills you’ll gain through the course?
- Proficiency with professional practices
- Textual interpretation and analysis
- Critical and constructive thinking and working skills
- Confidence
- Responsibility
- Excellent communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration
Are you eager to learn these skills by studying at one of the best universities in the UK? You may want to explore the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow!
University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is the #6 Most Targeted University by UK’s Top 100 Graduate Employers according to The Graduate Market in 2021, High Fliers Research Ltd.
In addition, the UK government’s 2018 Longitudinal Education Outcomes ranked Warwick within the Top 10 UK schools. Why? Because its graduates have some of the highest earnings over 11 subjects 5 years after graduation.
Warwick is also distinguished due to its impactful research. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 reports that 92% of its research is “world-leading.”
Why is Warwick’s English Literature and Creative Writing BA degree among the best in the UK? Because Discover Uni reports that a whopping 100% of graduates proceed to work or study further within 15 months after graduation.
Where do Warwick English Literature and Creative Writing BA graduates go after completing the course? They proceed to work in a variety of careers, including:
- Journalists
- Newspaper and periodical writers and editors
- Authors
- Poets
- Translators
- Dramatists
- Creative directors
- Publishers
- Marketers
- Teachers
- Researchers
- Academics
Employers include:
- BBC
- The Poetry Society
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Cambridge University Press
- Penguin/Random House
- The Forward Poetry Foundation
- The Sunday Times
- The Society of Authors
- British Council
- Royal Opera House
- Civil Service
Are you searching for a Top UK university with excellent employability and high-salary opportunities? Definitely check out Warwick! We’ve also included it in our a-level requirements for creative writing list.
University of Birmingham
Do you know that the University of Birmingham is known as the original ‘redbrick’ university? Its effective leadership through the years continues to be its hallmark. Core values include:
- Inspirational Thinking
- Financial Stability
- Strong Partnerships on Local, National, and International Levels
The University of Birmingham is one of the best universities in the UK. With the Complete University Guide 2023 ranking it #14 in the UK.
In addition, Birmingham is a member of the esteemed Russell Group. Its research ranking is #12 in the UK for Research Power according to the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
Why is the University of Birmingham one of the Top UK universities for Creative Writing? Because The Guardian 2023 ranks it #1 in the UK for the subject. While the Complete University Guide 2023 ranks it #4.
What Creative Writing courses are available at Birmingham for undergraduates? There are two options you can choose from:
When you examine English Literature and Creative Writing BA, you’ll discover that the course aims to give you a foundation in all major genres of Creative Writing, including:
- Prose
- Poetry
- Drama
- Media Writing
Here’s the highlight: your expert tutors, who are practising and winning writers themselves, will support you in finding your voice.
Where do Birmingham English Literature and Creative Writing graduates go after completing the course? Discover Uni reports that 90% proceed to work or study further within 15 months after graduation. Career paths include:
- Marketing Assistant
- Sales and Events Coordinator
- Editorial Assistant
- Account Executive
Here are some of the employers who hired Birmingham English Literature and Creative Writing graduates:
- BBC
- Oxford University Press
- Headline Publishing Group
- Mirror Group Newspapers
Do you want expert, practising writers to help you find your voice and support you in finding your career path? Try out Birmingham!
University of Chichester
Be original. Be you. That’s what the University of Chichester aims to help you achieve. For you to be inspired in who you are.
Have you heard that Chichester is one of the best universities in the UK? The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 ranks it #7 in the UK for Teaching Quality. And the Complete University Guide 2023 declares it #10 in the UK for Student Satisfaction.
Why study Creative Writing at the University of Chichester? Because the Guardian University Guide 2023 ranks it #2 for the subject. There are several Creative Writing courses available at Chichester for undergraduates, including:
- BA (Hons) Creative Writing
- BA (Hons) Creative Writing and English
- BA (Hons) Creative Writing and History
- BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Philosophy & Ethics
- BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Theology
- BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Screenwriting
- BA (Hons) Screenwriting
Looking closer at BA (Hons) Creative Writing, here are some of the things you’ll learn:
- Creating Characters
- Writing Non-Fiction
- Visual Storytelling (e.g. exploring Mangas)
- Writing Poetry
- Fiction for Children
- Screenwriting
- Contemporary Short Fiction
- Digital Writing
Such is the brilliance of Chichester’s Creative Writing course that many of its graduates become published writers and gain notable prizes, such as the Bridport Prize.
Others have had stories and poems featured in prominent magazines such as Staple and The Paris Review. The novel of one former student, Bethan Roberts, entitled “My Policeman”, is set for adaptation on the silver screen.
What other career paths do Chichester Creative Writing graduates take?
- Journalism
- Copywriting
- Marketing
- Publishing
- Teaching
Looking to earn great success in your future writing career? You may want to check out the University of Chichester!
University of Central Lancashire
Looking to achieve your potential? That’s what the University of Central Lancashire aspires to help you with. As its motto states, “from the earth to the sun.”
True enough, the Higher Education Statistics Agency 2018 states that 95.5% of its graduates are employed or enrolled within 6 months after completing their course.
What’s more, the 2020 Student Welfare League Table ranks Central Lancashire #1 for the amount of money invested in student well-being services.
Why is the University of Central Lancashire one of the best universities for Creative Writing? Because The Guardian 2023 ranks it #3 for Creative Writing in the UK.
Also, Central Lancashire regularly invites literary agents, publishers, professional writers, and editors to help students gain valuable insights regarding their future careers.
Where do Central Lancashire Creative Writing students go after completing their course? Discover Uni reports that 80% of Central Lancashire Creative Writing students proceed to employment or further education within 15 months after graduation.
Recent career paths include:
- Writing
- Publishing
- Journalism
- Travel and Tourism
- Media
- Advertising
- Commerce
- Management
- Public Service
- Teaching
The University of Central Lancashire is terrific in helping you find a teaching position. Why? Because they have strong links with schools in the region. So if you’re aiming to be a great writer or you want to become a teacher, consider Central Lancashire!
Sheffield Hallam University
For Sheffield Hallam University, it’s all about knowledge applied. Aside from its immense diversity, Sheffield Hallam is dedicated to providing opportunity. Do you know that 53% of its students are the first to attend university in their family?
Sheffield Hallam is among the best universities in the UK. The UK Social Mobility Awards named it the “University of the Year” because of its impressive work in advancing social mobility by improving access to higher education.
Plus, the most recent QS Stars gave Sheffield a five-star rating overall. And a Top Mark for 7 out of 8 categories, including:
- Teaching
- Graduate Employability
- Facilities
- Innovation
- Inclusiveness
- Hospitality and Leisure Management
Why is Sheffield Hallam University one of the best for Creative Writing? The Guardian 2023 ranks Sheffield Hallam #4 for Creative Writing in the UK. And Discover Uni reports that 91% of students were satisfied with the quality of the course.
The full-time Creative Writing course at Sheffield Hallam aims to help you tell engaging stories in various forms and genres. You’ll learn and gain confidence through a variety of methods, including:
- Writing workshops
- Trips and Retreats
- Lectures, seminars, and personal tutorials
- Collaborating with different audiences and organisations
- Live performances and readings
- Coming up with and pitching ideas
- Masterclasses from expert guest writers
Where do Sheffield Hallam graduates go after completing the course? They go on to have successful careers in the following industries, such as:
- Creative Industries (e.g. media, theatre)
- Arts Organisations
- Journalism
- Marketing
- PR
- Teaching
- Charity Sector
- Social Work
- Government (local and regional)
Are you eager to learn how to tell immersive stories through engaging methods such as workshops, retreats, and masterclasses? Then, go for Creative Writing at Sheffield Hallam.
Edge Hill University
Edge Hill University believes knowledge creates life-changing opportunities. That’s why it has been providing access to impactful knowledge since 1885!
Do you know that Edge Hill is a renowned university in the UK? The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 recently awarded it the “Modern University of the Year” title.
What’s more, the Graduate Outcomes 2019/2020 reports that 95.4% of its students are employed or enrolled in further study within 15 months after graduation. Edge Hill is also Top 2 in the UK for University Facilities, according to the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022.
Why is Edge Hill University one of the Top Creative Writing schools in the UK? The Guardian 2023 ranks Edge Hill #5 in the UK for Creative Writing. And its Creative Writing students have a £17 million state-of-the-art building to thrive and learn in, with features such as:
- IT Facilities
- Seminar Rooms
- Lecture Theatre
- Tutorial Spaces
Edge Hill offers two main Creative Writing courses:
Let’s take a closer look at Creative Writing BA (Hons). The Creative Writing course at Edge Hill is a practice-led course where you’ll encounter modules such as:
- Fiction
- Scriptwriting
- Poetry
- Games Writing
And by working together with creative organisations such as the Crooked Dice Game Design Studio or the Edge Hill University Press, you’ll find your niche soon enough!
Newcastle University
Newcastle University is ranked #122 in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2023. The same league table awarded it the 5-star overall rating for Teaching Excellence.
With such excellent teaching, it’s no wonder that 95% of its UK/EU graduates were employed or enrolled in further study within 6 months after graduation in 2016. In addition, Newcastle graduates benefit from careers support up to three years after graduation.
What does Newcastle aspire to be? It aims to be people-focused. Harnessing the power of innovation, academic excellence, and creativity to benefit individuals and organisations.
Why is Newcastle University one of the UK’s best universities for Creative Writing? The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 ranks Newcastle #2 in the UK for Creative Writing. And the Complete University Guide 2023 ranks it #5 in the same category.
Also, Discover Uni reports that 100% of Newcastle English Literature with Creative Writing students were employed or enrolled in further study within 15 months after graduation. What are some of the employability skills you’ll learn by studying the course?
- Making marketing briefs
- Writing website copy
- Creating captivating fiction
- Coming up with persuasive arguments
- Managing projects
- Analysing complex sources and datasets
- Working independently
Newcastle English Literature with Creative Writing students can take a work placement to develop their professional expertise. Past placements include:
- Journalism and Broadcasting
- Digital Media and Marketing
- Education
- Sustainable Energy
- Museum and Heritage
- Travel and Tourism
- Politics
- Finance
Are you looking to maximise your employability at one of the UK’s best Creative Writing universities? Check out Newcastle University!
Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway aims to nurture a community that inspires individuals to succeed. It’s one of the best universities in the UK, given that the Complete University Guide 2023 ranks it #33.
What’s Royal Holloway most known for? It’s best known as a research-intensive academic institution. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranks it within the Top 25% of UK Research.
What makes Royal Holloway one of the Top UK Universities for Creative Writing? The Complete University Guide 2023 declares it #6 in the UK for Creative Writing. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 declares Royal Holloway #1 in the UK for Creative Writing.
There are 3 undergraduate Creative Writing degrees you can choose from:
- English and Creative Writing (BA)
- American Literature and Creative Writing (BA)
- Drama and Creative Writing (BA)
Let’s take a closer look at English and Creative Writing (BA.) By taking both subjects together, you’ll learn to become a critical reader and a confident writer.
What major skills will you develop by taking the English and Creative Writing course at Royal Holloway?
- Writing using your unique voice
- Literary criticism
- Writing techniques
- Create and refine artistic work
- Research
- Teamwork
- Presentation
- Communication
- Negotiation
Do you want to become a critical reader and a confident writer at one of the best Creative Writing schools in the UK? Check out the Royal Holloway, University of London!
Best UK University For Creative Writing? You now have a solid idea of where you can study to give you the best foundation for your Creative Writing-related career goals. Which ones from the list are your Top 3?
