BA (Hons) Writing and English Literature

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.

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.