BA (Honours) in Creative Writing in Colchester United Kingdom | University of Essex

Discover the passion for crafting and constructing new realms, sharing language and narratives with fellow writers. Our program focuses on honing writing skills through diverse genres, spanning fiction, poetry, nonfiction, psychogeography, performance writing, and more. At Essex, we take a unique approach to writing, blending innovative and traditional techniques to refine your craft, sharpen critical judgment, and broaden your expertise across various styles. The Centre for Creative Writing fosters a culture of experimentation and creativity, helping you become part of a vibrant writing community.Delve into the history and theories of writing by studying works ranging from Ovid's Metamorphoses to Wordsworth and Kae Tempest, alongside unconventional texts—from modern fairy tale reimaginings to nature writing, science fiction, and the experimental wordplay of the French Oulipo movement.Expand your abilities through diverse methods, exercises, and creative opportunities, including:Examining how ideas travel and evolve through translationDeveloping an independent creative project over eight months in your final yearExploring the psychological roots of creativity in mythSurrealism and defamiliarization techniquesCreative social media writingScriptwriting for radio and theaterEssex boasts a rich legacy of influential writers who have shaped literature, from iconic figures like Robert Lowell and Ted Berrigan to contemporary voices such as Dame Marina Warner and Booker Prize winner Ben Okri.Our flexible and distinctive curriculum sharpens your writing skills while allowing you to explore complementary subjects in literature, filmmaking, journalism, and drama within our Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies.A typical schedule includes weekly one-hour lectures and seminars, or two-hour seminars, with variations depending on the module.Study abroadEnhance your education by spending a term or year at one of our partner universities. The four-year degree option includes a third year abroad or on an international placement, mirroring the three-year course structure.Placement yearUpon joining Essex, you can opt to integrate a placement year into your studies. While securing the placement is your responsibility, our department and Employability and Careers Centre offer guidance and support.