Develop as a creative and professional writer while exploring the writing that has shaped, and been shaped by, different societies by studying our BA (Hons) Writing and English Literature degree in Cambridge.
Explore professional writing techniques and learn to write compelling narratives whether you want to write poetry, drama, short fiction, news, features, or something else. You’ll improve your writing skills with invaluable feedback from professional writers, and workshops with your fellow students.
You’ll also find out how English literature is shaped by its historical and cultural context, and how, in turn, it influences individual readers and the whole of society. You’ll also learn about many other subjects, including history, politics, religion, psychology and history of art, which will enrich your writing. Your deeper understanding of literary texts will improve your abilities as a writer.
Writing Lecturer Jon talks about poetry in the digital age and the importance of communities for creative writing.
ARU Spotlight Podcast: Jon StoneScreenwriting Lecturer Toby talks about his creative work, including BAFTA-winning Netflix horror film ‘His House’.
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Course Leader and Senior Lecturer, BA (Hons) Creative Writing, BA (Hons) Writing & English Literature and BA (Hons) Writing & Film
Associate Professor of Early Modern Literature and Philosophy; Course Leader, BA (Hons) English Literature
Associate Professor, English Literature
Skinner-Young Professor of Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature
Professor of English Literature
Professor of English Literature; Dean of the Doctoral School; Leverhulme Trust Research Fellow.
Research Convenor in English Literature
Associate Professor of Writing and Digital Publishing Studies
Course Leader, MA Creative Writing / MA Creative Writing and Publishing; Lecturer, Creative Writing
Senior Lecturer, Creative Writing
Our BA (Hons) Writing and English Literature students go on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including journalism, teaching, writing, television, radio, the music industry, gallery work and arts administration.
The literacy, creativity, problem-solving, research, analysis and communication skills our Writing and English Literature students gain are highly valued by employers. You’ll also learn to work well independently and as part of a team.
You could also learn more, develop a specialism or start an exciting career in research with our Masters degrees in English Literature or Creative Writing. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.
You will need to dedicate time outside of your course to develop your employability, through placements, internships or volunteering or through our partner scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). You can evidence this experience on your CV and talk about it in interviews to give you that all important edge.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
"Finding the confidence to send my writing out into the world was a hard step for me, but I pushed myself and I’m proud of that."
Jennifer WalneBA (Hons) Writing and English Literature student
Jennifer's storyDo you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
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Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about Cambridge Watch: Our CambridgeThis course offers a foundation year – an extra year of study to help you prepare for university, and build your knowledge and skills.
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