Creative Writing BA (Hons)
Birkbeck, University of London
Key Course Facts
Student Reviews
Below you can see course specific reviews of 10 graduates of Creative Writing BA (Hons) and other courses in Creative Writing at Birkbeck, University of London for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Creative Writing.
Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.
All Creative Writing courses of Birkbeck, University of London
Salary
Salary of all UK Graduates of CAH19
| 15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median salary | £20738 | £17423 | £20425 |
| 25-75 percentile range | £18446 - £26123 | £12846 - £22039 | £15406 - £26500 |
All CAH19 courses in the UK
Course Description
The BA Creative Writing is an exciting programme of study that gives you the opportunity to explore a range of disciplines, from fiction to poetry, scriptwriting to creative non-fiction.
You will be taught by some of the UK’s leading writers, including playwright David Eldridge (Beginning), screenwriter Daragh Carville (The Bay) and writer and critic Katherine Angel (Tomorrow Sex Will Be Good Again). Under the guidance of these and other practising, award-winning writers, you will:
- build an understanding of the craft of writing
- hone your authorial technique
- learn the vital skills of reading as a writer.
Through practical projects and engagement with visiting professionals, you will broaden your understanding of the many aspects of the writing industry. You will also complete an extended creative project in a specific genre in your final year.
This creative writing course provides you with a basis of skills necessary to pursue writing as a profession. It also equips you with expertise transferable to many careers in the arts, education and the media. And you will be studying right in the heart of literary London, walking in the footsteps of Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group.
If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.
Highlights
- Birkbeck was ranked 2nd in the UK for its English Language and Literature research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
- You will be eligible to submit work to the annual Birkbeck creative writing journal, The Mechanics’ Institute Review.
- Birkbeck is located in the heart of literary London, in Bloomsbury, WC1. You could be studying in a building that was once home to Virginia Woolf and frequented by members of the Bloomsbury Group. The building houses our own creative hub which includes the Peltz Gallery, the Gordon Square Cinema and a theatre and performance space.
Careers and employability
Graduates can pursue career paths in creative writing, journalism, education or media production. Possible professions include:
- author
- journalist
- higher education lecturer
- screenwriter.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.
Jobs & Career Perspectives
15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.
This particular course
Current jobs
All courses of Birkbeck, University of London
Required skill level of job after 15 months
All Creative Writing courses of Birkbeck, University of London
Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)
Example below based on all graduates of Creative Writing BA (Hons) at Birkbeck, University of London
| 20% | Business and public service associate professionals |
| 15% | Elementary occupations |
| 10% | Sports and fitness occupations |
| 10% | Administrative occupations |
| 10% | Finance Professionals |
| 10% | Sales occupations |
| 10% | Business, Research and Administrative Professionals |
| 5% | Teaching Professionals |
| 5% | Media Professionals |
| 5% | Artistic, literary and media occupations |
Grading & Study Time
Entry Requirements / Admissions
UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for English Studies
All English Studies courses of Birkbeck, University of London
Requirements for international students / English requirements
IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)
-
- 6.5
- Mphil / PhD
Costs
Average student cost of living in London
| Rent | £518 |
| Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) | £50 |
| Supermarket shopping | £81 |
| Clothing | £35 |
| Eating out | £33 |
| Alcohol | £27 |
| Takeaways / food deliveries | £30 |
| Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) | £24 |
| Holidays and weekend trips | £78 |
| Transport within city | £17 |
| Self-care / sports | £20 |
| Stationary / books | £13 |
| Mobile phone / internet | £13 |
| Cable TV / streaming | £7 |
| Insurance | £51 |
| Other | £95 |
| Average student cost of living | £1092 |
London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.
How to apply
Application deadline:
January 1, 2025
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Possible Entry Points:
- year 1 (Default entry point)
University Rankings
Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.
See all 17 university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London
About Birkbeck, University of London
Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.
List of 197 Bachelor and Master Courses from Birkbeck, University of London - Course Catalogue
Student composition of Birkbeck, University of London
-
Total number of students enrolled at Birkbeck, University of London by level Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
- undergraduates:
- 4800
- postgraduates:
- 2810
- Total:
- 7610
-
Number of students enrolled in courses of subject “Creative Writing”: Academic year - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
Where is this programme taught
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City | ||
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|
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English Literature and Creative Writing BA (Hons) | Aberystwyth University | 100% | 5% | 0% | £9000 | £16520 | 120 | Aberystwyth | On campus Full-time |
|
|
Creative Writing and Theatre BA (Hons) | University of Reading | 83% | 0% | 10% | £9250 | £22350 | 145 | Reading | On campus Full-time |
|
Creative Writing BA (Hons) | Liverpool John Moores University | 89% | 10% | 20% | £9250 | £16100 | 135 | Liverpool | On campus Full-time |
|
|
Childhood & Youth and Creative Writing (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons) | Liverpool Hope University | 78% | 10% | 5% | £9250 | £12500 | 112 | Liverpool | On campus Full-time |
