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UK universities for Creative Writing guide.
Table of Contents

From Strathclyde down to Royal Holloway, the UK boasts some excellent universities for creative writing, each with its own strengths, values, and unique qualities to offer you. Unfortunately, this can make it a struggle to narrow down your options-it takes a lot of work and research to determine which university to apply to.

Where do you begin? How do you know if a renowned university offers Creative Writing courses? We understand your struggles which is why we ensure our Creative Writing Summer School participants have access to 1:1 personalised consultations with expert writers to help direct their next steps in education.

We’ve also gathered some of the Top Creative Writing Universities in the UK, listed below.

list of top ranked UK universities for creative writing

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

As well as being ranked number #4 in the Complete University Guide 2025 for Creative Writing, it’s also a member of the prestigious Russell group due to its high-quality research.

Their core value? Collaboration. By working with others, it aims to address local and worldwide challenges, especially in:

  • Promoting social justice
  • Reducing inequality
  • And helping to execute the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The spirit of collaboration doesn’t stop there and Leeds wants its students to experience a sense of belonging. Through your unique talents and expertise, there are contributions that only you can bring and Leeds wants you to feel valued for them.

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

If you value collaboration and are 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.

What core values serve as the foundation of Strathclyde’s excellent reputation?

  • People-oriented
  • Collaborative
  • Innovative
  • Bold
  • Ambitious 

Do you know that the Complete University Guide 2025 ranks Strathclyde #8 in the UK for Creative Writing? With just a few of the undergraduate courses available below, it is a wonder why!

Let’s take a closer look at English and Creative Writing & Journalism, Media, and Communication (BA Hons.) Discover Uni states that 100% 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

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

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 #6 on the Most Targeted University by UK’s Top 100 Graduate Employers list according to The Graduate Market in 2024.

The UK government’s 2018 Longitudinal Education Outcomes also ranked Warwick within the Top 10 UK schools because its graduates have some of the highest earnings over 11 subjects 5 years after graduation.

Warwick’s impactful research distinguishes it from others in the field. 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? Discover Uni reports that a whopping 94% of graduates proceed to work or study further within 15 months after graduation.

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Warwick’s English Literature and Creative Writing BA graduates 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

The University of Birmingham is known as the original ‘redbrick’ university and 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 2025 ranking it #13 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 2025 ranks it #6 in the UK for the subject. While the Complete University Guide 2025 ranks it #3.

There are two options in their Creative Writing courses for undergraduates:

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.

Discover Uni reports that 90% of Birmingham English Literature and Creative Writing graduates 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 

For help from expert, practising writers, try out Birmingham.

University of Chichester

Be original. Be you. The University of Chichester’s aim is for you to achieve and be inspired by who you are.

The Complete University Guide 2025 declares it #47 in the UK for Student Satisfaction.

Why study Creative Writing at the University of Chichester? Because the Guardian University Guide 2025 ranks it #16 for the subject. There are several Creative Writing courses available at Chichester for undergraduates, including:

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

Success in your future writing career starts at the University of Chichester.

University of Central Lancashire

As its motto states: ‘from the earth to the sun’, the University of Central Lancashire will aid you in going above and beyond to reach your potential.

What’s more, the 2022 Student Welfare League Table ranks Central Lancashire #3 for mental health support.

Why is the University of Central Lancashire one of the best universities for Creative Writing? Because The Guardian 2025 ranks it #1 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 84% 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

Thanks to strong links with schools in the region, Central Lancashire is a terrific option for finding a teaching position. 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 applied knowledge. Aside from its immense diversity, Sheffield Hallam is dedicated to providing opportunity; 53% of its students are the first in their families to attend university.

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.

The Guardian 2025 ranks Sheffield Hallam #5 for Creative Writing in the UK. Discover Uni reports that 88% 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

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!

Discover Uni reports that 90% of its students are employed or enrolled in further study within 15 months after graduation. Edge Hill is also Top 3 in the UK for University Facilities, according to the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023.

Why is Edge Hill University one of the Top Creative Writing schools in the UK? The Guardian 2025 ranks Edge Hill #12 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:

A closer look at the Creative Writing BA (Hons) shows that it 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 #129 in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. 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 graduates were employed or enrolled in further study within 15 months after graduation. In addition, Newcastle graduates benefit from career support up to three years after graduation.

The aspirations of Newcastle are clear: it aims to be people-focused by 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 2025 ranks Newcastle #1 in the UK for Creative Writing. And the Complete University Guide 2025 ranks it #5 in the same category.

Listed are some of the employability skills you’ll learn on 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

Maximise your employability with Newcastle University today!

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 2025 ranks it #38.

Royal Holloway is 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 2025 declares it #2 in the UK for Creative Writing. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 declares Royal Holloway #3 in the UK for Creative Writing.

There are 3 undergraduate Creative Writing degrees you can choose from:

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.

Major skills you will 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!

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?

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