Introduction
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.
Course options
Key facts
Accents
A 60 second seminar from Dr Bettina Beinhoff, Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics and English Language at ARU
Wherefore Art Thou Romeo?
A 60 second seminar from Professor Eugene Giddens, Skinner-Young Professor of Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature at ARU
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Facilities and showcase
Outstanding student support
Join our student community and:
- benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
- learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
- access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
- make the most of studying in the picturesque city of Cambridge, with its wealth of literary connections and opportunities
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Colette Paul
Course Leader and Senior Lecturer, BA (Hons) Writing & English Literature and BA (Hons) Writing & Film
Tiffani Angus
Course Leader, MA Creative Writing; Senior Lecturer, Creative Writing and Publishing
Cassie Gorman
Senior Lecturer and Course Leader, BA English Literature
Tory Young
Associate Professor, English Literature
Eugene Giddens
Skinner-Young Professor of Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature Course Leader, MA Children's Literature
Sarah Annes Brown
Professor of English Literature Course Leader, MA Science Fiction and Fantasy
John Gardner
Professor of English Literature; Admissions Tutor; International Exchange and Study Abroad Partnerships and Erasmus Coordinator
Jeannette Baxter
Research Convenor in English Literature
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 continue your studies, developing your specialisms or starting an exciting career in research with our Masters degrees in English Literature, Children's Literature, and Creative Writing and Publishing. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Jennifer Walne
"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 Walne
BA (Hons) Writing and English Literature student
Jennifer's storyWant to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. We're here Monday-Thursday 8.30am-5pm, and Friday 8.30am-4.30pm. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
Life in Cambridge
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about CambridgeFoundation year available
This 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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