Creative Writing courses are growing in popularity, particularly within the UK.
The study of Creative Writing offers students a wide skillset which can attract a range of potential employers after graduation. But why should you study creative writing?
This article will explore:
- What you can learn during the course
- The potential careers that graduates go on to
- What studying Creative Writing at Bangor University is like
What is Creative Writing?
Creative writing is seen by many as the ‘softer’ cousin to an English Literature degree, which may be perceived as a more academic discipline. However, this looks at it too simply and misses the benefits of studying creativity as a part of your degree.
English Literature is the study of what has already been written, whereas Creative Writing is the study and practice of new works. It explores prose, poetry, screenwriting, songwriting, short stories, journalism and experimental writing. Many universities offer Creative Writing as a course minor or as a joint honours degree, particularly in the UK.
Why Study Creative Writing?
Creative Writing degrees allow students to analytically look at existing works of literature, as you would during an English degree. Students then use this analysis to inform the creation of their own creative works.
Modules in creative writing are generally quite diverse and are often assessed through creative works. These tend to be submitted as weekly assignments, portfolios and supporting essays, rather than one long analytical essay at the end of a module.
Is Creative Writing for you?
If you are a practical person who enjoys creating original works such as stories, poems, writing a blog or contributing to magazines then Creative Writing may be right up your street. The skills that you learn whilst studying Creative Writing can make you highly employable in a wide range of disciplines including:
- Journalism
- Creative Industries
- PR & Marketing
- Content
- Social Media
Creative Writing at Bangor University
So, what’s it like to study creative writing at university? At Bangor University, creative writing falls into two schools – The School of English and The School of Creative Studies and Media. This means that students who are taking a course involving Creative Writing can enjoy a range of joint honours courses. You can choose to study modules with either school, depending on how you wish to focus your studies.
Creative Writing through the School of English combines more traditional analysis of prose and poetry with author studies and historical writing modules e.g. Renaissance and Reformation. The School of Creative Studies and Media offers modules including:
- Writing for Film and TV
- Digital Journalism
- 21st Century Writing and Publishing
You can mix and match modules from both schools. However, for your final year Undergraduate dissertation, you will have to choose which school you wish to write your dissertation. This will affect who is chosen as your supervisor.
For your final project, you can choose to write an analytical piece or a creative portfolio with supporting analysis. It will be the biggest project that you have worked on until that point, so it is important to write about something you’re passionate about. It will also be up to you to find a suitable supervisor to guide you through your project.
If you are looking to carry on studying after your undergraduate degree, your dissertation will be a big selling point to prospective institutions. The School of Creative Studies and Media also offers prizes for the best critical and practical dissertations.
Find out more about studying at Bangor University.
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