Writing and English Literature
Develop as a creative and professional writer while exploring the writing that has shaped, and been shaped by, different societies.
ARU Spotlight Podcast - Sam Millar
Hear graduate Sam talk about his poetry collection Retail Park, published by Querencia Press, as well as his inspirations and how our course helped him develop his work.
Listen to Sam's interview
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Why study Writing and English Literature at ARU?
- Join a course that ranked 12th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025, and scored 100% for “The Teaching on my course”, “Academic Support” and “Freedom of students to express ideas, opinions and beliefs”, 96% for “Learning Opportunities” and “Assessment and Feedback”, and 93% for “Communication of mental well-being support” in the National Student Survey 2024.
- Get invaluable feedback on all your written work from professional writers, including our teaching staff and Royal Literary Fund fellows, as well as your fellow students.
- Learn about many other subjects, including history, politics, religion, psychology and history of art, all of which will enrich your writing.
- Become part of a community of professionals with expertise in drama and performance, film, games development, journalism, publishing, and digital media.
- Attend guest lectures by visiting authors, editors, agents, and other writing-industry professionals, as well as events organised by our Cambridge Writing Centre, where you can showcase your writing and make new contacts.
- Prepare for your future career – our Careers in Writing module helps you develop skills wanted by industry and the professional environment, while The Business of Being a Writer will help you understand the path to getting published.
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 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.
Course options
Key facts
Entry Requirements
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Fees and Paying for University
Student experience
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Created by ARU Writing, Film Production, Acting and Drama students for the Imperial War Museum’s D-Day commemorations. Brian Butler was a local Sightsetter in one of Belfast’s main gun turrets.
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Created by ARU Writing, Film Production, Acting and Drama students for the Imperial War Museum’s D-Day commemorations. Captain Parham was remembered by Belfast’s sailors as a very gentle and humane leader.
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Created by ARU Writing, Film Production, Acting and Drama students for the Imperial War Museum’s D-Day commemorations. Bob Shrimpton was part of HMS Belfast’s ASDIC (sonar) equipment team.
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Created by ARU Writing, Film Production, Acting and Drama students for the Imperial War Museum’s D-Day commemorations. Charles Simpson was one of Belfast’s five Engineering Lieutenants.
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Dr Jon Stone considers how poetry is changing in the digital age in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Prof Eugene Giddens discusses one famous line and two things you may not realise in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Dr Tory Young discusses the use of second-person in Ali Smith's short story 'May' in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Facilities
Join our student community and benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources. You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Our Royal Literary Fund Fellows can give you advice and guidance on with all your writing, whether it’s academic or creative.
Lecturers
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Colette PaulAssociate Professor
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Dr Cassie GormanAssociate Professor
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Dr Tory YoungAssociate Professor
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Professor Sarah Annes BrownProfessor
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Professor Jeannette BaxterProfessor
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Dr Jon StoneLecturer
Careers
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.
Employability and personal career development
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.
ARU Spotlight: Kiera Hewitt
English Literature graduate Kiera now works as Customer Service Advisor for Cambridge University Press and Assessment on their Cambridge English exams.
Meet KieraApply for Writing and English Literature
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