Creative Writing BA (Hons)

Program Overview

The University of Sussex's Creative Writing BA (Hons) program empowers students with skills in various genres and mediums. The degree provides a solid foundation for careers in writing-related fields and further education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Creative Writing BA (Hons) at the University of Sussex is a three-year full-time program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become successful writers in a variety of genres and mediums. The program emphasizes the development of both creative and critical thinking skills, allowing students to explore the world around them in new ways and articulate their insights through imaginative writing.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Explore the fundamentals of creative writing: Students will gain a solid understanding of the principles and techniques of writing across various genres, including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, screenwriting, and journalism.
• Develop the powers of imagination and technical skills: The program fosters students' creative potential and helps them refine their writing skills through workshops, individual feedback, and practical exercises.
• Complete a creative portfolio: Students will work on a longer writing project, receiving one-to-one guidance and support to develop their individual writing voice and style.
• Tailor the degree to individual interests: Students can choose electives from other subjects, such as business, law, and modern languages, to broaden their perspectives and enhance their degree.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Autumn:
• Acts of Writing 1
• Critical Approaches
• Special Topic (Writing Workshop Autumn)
• Spring:
• Acts of Writing 2
• Radical Theory
• Special Topic (Writing Workshop Spring)
• Electives: Students choose two electives from other subjects to complement their main subject.

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Autumn:
• Advanced Writing Workshop: Process
• Spring:
• Advanced Writing Workshop: Technique
• Options: Students choose options from a variety of subjects, including:
• Autumn:
• History and Practice of Songwriting
• Media and Crisis
• Screenwriting
• Video Games: Creative & Critical Writing
• Word & Image
• Writing Fiction
• Spring:
• Arts and Lifestyle Journalism
• Communication Design
• Contemporary Stylistics: The Discourse of Film and Drama
• Screenwriting
• Writing on Performance: Critical and Creative
• Writing Poetry

Year 3:

• Core Modules:
• Spring:
• Writing Portfolio
• Options: Students choose options from a variety of subjects, including:
• Autumn:
• Extra-Terrestrial Cultures: Imagining Outer Space and its Alien Inhabitants
• Longform Journalism and Non-Fiction Writing
• Virginia Woolf
• Writing the Environment
• Spring:
• Championing Literacy Placement
• Class, Culture and Contemporary Writing
• Gender, Race and Society in Early Modern Drama
• Modern Nature

Teaching:

• Faculty: The program is taught by a diverse faculty of novelists, poets, screenwriters, journalists, artists, and researchers in English literary studies.
• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including workshops, seminars, lectures, and individual feedback sessions.
Students are also part of the community of research and creative practice based around the Centre for Creative and Critical Thought, which hosts annual events such as the Sussex Poetry Festival and Quick Fictions.

Careers:

The Creative Writing BA (Hons) prepares students for a wide range of careers in fields such as:

• Digital media
• Publishing
• Journalism
• Marketing
• Law
• Education
• Policy research
• Public and charity sectors
• Film and theatre
• Museums
• Care professions
The program also provides a strong foundation for pursuing further studies, such as a Masters degree in Creative and Critical Writing.

Other:

• Study Abroad: Students have the option to apply for a study abroad year, which allows them to gain an international perspective and enhance their career prospects.
• Placement: Students can apply for an optional placement to gain practical experience and increase their employability.