exeter english literature and creative writing

For students

• Current Students website
• Email web access
• Make a payment
• MyExeter (student app)
• Programme and module information
• Current staff website
• Room Bookings
• Finance Helpdesk
• IT Service Desk

Popular links

Accommodation

• Job vacancies
• Temporary workers
• Future Leaders & Innovators Graduate Scheme

New and returning students

• New students website
• Returning Students Guide

Wellbeing, Inclusion and Culture

• Wellbeing services for students
• Wellbeing services for staff
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East

Undergraduate Study

BA English and Creative Writing - 2025 entry

• Undergraduate home
• Courses - 2025 entry
• English and Creative Writing BA

With Study Abroad

With Employment Experience

With Employment Experience Abroad

• This degree offers an exciting opportunity to study both English Literature and Creative Writing at undergraduate level.
• In English Literature, you’ll develop your knowledge in subjects ranging from medieval to contemporary literatures. We offer diverse optional modules so you can build a programme reflective of your literary interests.
• In   Creative Writing , our team of prize-winning and best-selling authors will help you develop your writing skills, in response to the new work of a diverse range of cutting-edge contemporary writers.
• Whether you are interested in fiction, non-fiction, prose, poetry, drama, life-writing or screen writing, Exeter offers you a thriving and supportive writing community.
• Excellent facilities on campus include our Special Collections relating to world-renowned writers, The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum which is a unique film and popular culture resource and our Digital Humanities Lab. Exeter has also recently been awarded   UNESCO City of Literature   status.
• Participate in events involving internationally acclaimed authors, actors and filmmakers.

View 2024 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open Days and visiting us

How to apply

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Top 10 in the UK for English

9th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Top 50 in the world for English Language and Literature

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

A thriving and supportive writing community - our team of prize-winning and best-selling authors will help you develop your creative writing skills

Opportunities for Study Abroad and Employment Experience in the UK or abroad

Entry requirements (typical offer)

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

I found kindred spirits in my peers and mentors in my professors, people who loved what I loved and wanted to discuss it. The English and Creative Writing community is tight-knit as well - I often feel like everybody knows everybody. You are never alone at events, because you always have someone looking out for you.

BA English and Creative Writing

Course content

You will explore the work of some of the giants of English literature as well as discovering more unusual works from the past and engaging literary and cultural works from the contemporary moment.

At Streatham, our team’s vast expertise offers plenty of choice so you can develop an understanding of many different genres and forms of writing. As well as covering the full breadth of the English literary landscape from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, our degree programmes give you the opportunity to learn about the history of cinema, study creative writing (poetry, prose and screenplays), and you’ll also encounter global literatures and digital media.

Indeed, the range of media we cover on our modules is vast: as well as plays, novels, poetry, and short stories, we engage with film, television, video games, graphic novels and the creative industries.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules

Compulsory modules

a – you must pick at least one of these modules; you may pick both

Optional modules

60 credits of optional English modules and 60 credits of optional Creative Writing modules

Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:

a - select 60 credits from this list of optional Creative Writing modules. You must choose one of EAS2031 or EAS2032 (you may choose both modules).

b - select 0-30 credits of optional modules from this group (subject to choosing 60 credits in total from groups 1, 2 and 3 of English options).

c - You may select 0-30 credits of optional modules from this group (subject to choosing 60 credits in total from groups 1, 2 and 3 of English options).

d - You may select 0-30 credits of optional modules from this group (subject to choosing 60 credits in total from groups 1, 2 and 3 of English options).

NB EAF2510 Adaptation: Text, Image Culture can be taken as either Creative Writing or English credits.

Placement year (if taken)

Typically, any  placement year  will take place in Year 3. If you are not taking a placement year please see the Final Year modules for year 3.

30 credits of compulsory dissertation modules, 90 credits of optional modules ensuring you take 60 credits of Creative Writing module and 60 credits of English modules.

e - select either EAS3003 or EAS3122 or EAS3510 (you can only select one of these modules). If you select EAS3003 or EAS3510 you must take 60 credits from this list of optional Creative Writing modules. If you select EAS3122, you must take 60 credits from this list of optional English modules.

f - select 30-60 credits from this list of optional Creative Writing modules (if you select EAS3003 you must take 60 credits from this list of optional Creative Writing modules; if you select EAS3122, you must take 30 credits from this list of optional Creative Writing modules).

g - select 30-60 credits from this list of optional English modules (if you select EAS3122 you must take 60 credits from this list of optional English modules; if you select EAS3003, you must take 30 credits from this list of optional English modules).

Course variants

Ba english and creative writing with study abroad.

UCAS code:  Q318

Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.

Why Study Abroad?

Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.

Where can I Study Abroad?

We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the  Study Abroad website .

Does it count towards my degree?

Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your   Study Abroad co-ordinator   for further details.

How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?

For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our  fees pages . If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your Study Abroad year.

BA English and Creative Writing with Employment Experience

UCAS code:  Q319

Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.

Why choose to include Employment Experience?

Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.

Where will I do my work placement?

The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.

How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?

For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our  fees pages . If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.

Find out more

Visit our website to learn more about   employment experience   opportunities. 

BA English with Employment Experience Abroad

UCAS code:  Q320

Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements as part of your degree.

Why choose to include Employment Experience Abroad?

Spending up to a year living and working in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. By carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements abroad you can demonstrate to employers your adaptability, cultural awareness, independence and resourcefulness and, depending on where you stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language.

The sector and country you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.

How does it affect my tuition fee?

Is the placement paid.

You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.

Tuition fees for 2024 entry

UK students: £9,250 per year International students: £23,700 per year

* Please note that the fees for students starting in 2023 have yet to be set. The fees provided above are the fees for students starting in 2022 and are for guidance only. We will post the fees for 2023 entry shortly.

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships *. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details .

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Learning and teaching

How will i learn.

The nature of learning at university involves considerable self-guided study and research. You will be taught through a combination of lectures and discussion-based seminars. We also support the development of team-based learning by organising students into study groups, and we make full use of both traditional learning resources and our virtual learning environment. Lecturers and tutors are all available to provide further support in one-to-one consultations.

Most of your work will be done in group and self-directed study: reading or viewing module material, writing essays or preparing for your seminars. Active participation in seminars develops important transferable skills such as good verbal and visual communication and effective interaction with other people. You will also develop a range of professional abilities, such as time management and team working, plus valuable critical, analytical and communication skills.

We are actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching, including the increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning. Through our virtual learning environment, you can access detailed information about modules, and interact through activities such as discussion forums. You will also have access to online subscription databases and websites, such as Early English Books Online (EEBO), Eighteenth Century Collections Online (ECCO), MLA FirstSearch and JSTOR.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed in a variety of ways but primarily through exams and coursework. Coursework includes essays, a dissertation and presentation work. The ratio of formal exam to coursework is on average 40:60. Your first year doesn’t count towards your final degree classification, but you do have to pass it in order to progress.

Other/extra-curricular opportunities

We provide an exciting range of special lectures and seminars by visiting academics and renowned writers, actors and film directors. In addition to your academic work, the student-run English Society organises book and poetry readings, film screenings and social events, providing an opportunity to meet students who share a love of literature, culture and the arts. Students from the English department are always active on the University student newspapers, radio and TV station and in the University’s drama groups.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

• A Foreign Language
• Data Science
• Entrepreneurship
• Social Data Science

Find out more about proficiency options

Expand text

Your future

Employer-valued skills this course develops

An English degree puts you in a great position to succeed in a range of careers. Oral and written communication is at the heart of our programme and you will learn to present your ideas in a variety of formats. You will also develop strong research and analytical skills and the ability to problem solve and make informed decisions. Through a balance of independent study and teamwork you will learn to manage your time and workload effectively.

Professional experience

With practical modules on offer and opportunity to undertake professional placements, a degree in English will give you plenty of opportunity to develop your professional portfolio which will give you the skills and experience needed to be successful in your chosen career.

Career paths

Our students have progressed to a broad range of work sectors including education, arts management, publishing, journalism, marketing, finance and events management, working for companies such as:

Recent Graduates are now working as*:

• Assistant Brand Manager
• Assistant Director
• Data Analyst
• Policy Adviser
• Product Manager
• Radio Producer
• Youth Worker

Recent Graduates are now working for*:

• European Parliament
• Rolls Royce
• Oxford University Press
• Estee Lauder

Other recent graduates have progressed to postgraduate courses in:

• MA Cultural Heritage Management
• MA English Literary Studies
• PGCE English primary
• MA Magazine Journalism
• Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Skills

* This information has been taken from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Surveys 14/15, 15/16, 16/17  and 17/18 . Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.

Related courses

English with study in north america ba.

Streatham Campus

English and Drama BA

English and film & television studies ba, flexible combined honours ba/bsc (exeter).

View all English courses

Why Exeter?

Student life

Our campuses

International students

Open Days and visiting

Scholarships and funding

Connect with us

Information for:

• Current students
• New students
• Alumni and supporters

Quick links

St Luke's Campus

Penryn Campus

Truro Campus

• Using our site
• Accessibility
• Freedom of Information
• Modern Slavery Act Statement
• Data Protection
• Copyright & disclaimer
• Cookie settings

Streatham Campus in Exeter

The majority of students are based at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers a unique environment in which to study, with lakes, parkland, woodland and gardens as well as modern and historical buildings.

Find out more about Streatham Campus.

St Luke's Campus in Exeter

Located on the eastern edge of the city centre, St Luke's is home to Sport and Health Sciences, the Medical School, the Academy of Nursing, the Department of Allied Health Professions, and PGCE students.

Find out more about St Luke's Campus.

Penryn Campus near Falmouth, Cornwall

Our Penryn Campus is located near Falmouth in Cornwall. It is consistently ranked highly for satisfaction: students report having a highly personal experience that is intellectually stretching but great fun, providing plenty of opportunities to quickly get to know everyone.

Find out more about Penryn Campus.

Module details

For students

• Current Students website
• Email web access
• Make a payment
• MyExeter (student app)
• Programme and module information
• Current staff website
• Room Bookings
• Finance Helpdesk
• IT Service Desk

Popular links

Accommodation

• Job vacancies
• Temporary workers
• Future Leaders & Innovators Graduate Scheme

New and returning students

• New students website
• Returning Students Guide

Wellbeing, Inclusion and Culture

• Wellbeing services for students
• Wellbeing services for staff
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East

Undergraduate Study

BA English and Creative Writing - 2024 entry

• Undergraduate home
• Courses - 2024 entry
• English and Creative Writing BA

With Study Abroad

With Employment Experience

With Employment Experience Abroad

• This degree offers an exciting opportunity to study both English Literature and Creative Writing at undergraduate level.
• In English Literature, you’ll develop your knowledge in subjects ranging from medieval to contemporary literatures. We offer diverse optional modules so you can build a programme reflective of your literary interests.
• In   Creative Writing , our team of prize-winning and best-selling authors will help you develop your writing skills, in response to the new work of a diverse range of cutting-edge contemporary writers.
• Whether you are interested in fiction, non-fiction, prose, poetry, drama, life-writing or screen writing, Exeter offers you a thriving and supportive writing community.
• Excellent facilities on campus include our Special Collections relating to world-renowned writers, The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum which is a unique film and popular culture resource and our Digital Humanities Lab. Exeter has also recently been awarded   UNESCO City of Literature   status.
• Participate in events involving internationally acclaimed authors, actors and filmmakers.

View 2025 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open Days and visiting us

How to apply

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Top 10 in the UK for English

9th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Top 100 in the world for English Language and Literature

61 st in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023

A thriving and supportive writing community - our team of prize-winning and best-selling authors will help you develop your creative writing skills.

Opportunities for Study Abroad and Employment Experience in the UK or abroad

Entry requirements (typical offer)

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

Whilst my studies here at the University of Exeter have been incredible (I cannot speak highly enough of my English course), my time at Exeter has been defined by what I do away from the books.

I have taken managerial roles within societies, broadening my circle of peers and allowing me to develop my leadership skills. Not only have I been involved in voluntary positions, the University’s broad internship programme has allowed me to take paid work in the Digital Humanities Labs, assisting academics on world leading research and pioneering and fostering new relationships between the University and the rest of the world.

This internship has let me interact with texts like the first edition of William Golding’s ‘Lord of the Flies’ (with the rarely seen first chapter) and even taken me to Canada, all of which is incredible experience, and will stand me in good stead for further study. I chose the study abroad option at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, as I believe that having international experience is key to success as work between countries continues to become more globally significant and the world is becoming smaller through communication and travel,’ 

Read more from Connor

BA English with Study Abroad (Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia)

Course content

You will explore the work of some of the giants of English literature as well as discovering more unusual works from the past and engaging literary and cultural works from the contemporary moment.

At Streatham, our team’s vast expertise offers plenty of choice so you can develop an understanding of many different genres and forms of writing. As well as covering the full breadth of the English literary landscape from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, our degree programmes give you the opportunity to learn about the history of cinema, study creative writing (poetry, prose and screenplays), and you’ll also encounter global literatures and digital media.

Indeed, the range of media we cover on our modules is vast: as well as plays, novels, poetry, and short stories, we engage with film, television, video games, graphic novels and the creative industries.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules

Compulsory modules

a – you must pick at least one of these modules; you may pick both

Optional modules

60 credits of optional English modules and 60 credits of optional Creative Writing modules

Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:

a - select 60 credits from this list of optional Creative Writing modules. You must choose one of EAS2031 or EAS2032 (you may choose both modules).

b - select 0-30 credits of optional modules from this group (subject to choosing 60 credits in total from groups 1, 2 and 3 of English options).

c - You may select 0-30 credits of optional modules from this group (subject to choosing 60 credits in total from groups 1, 2 and 3 of English options).

d - You may select 0-30 credits of optional modules from this group (subject to choosing 60 credits in total from groups 1, 2 and 3 of English options).

NB EAF2510 Adaptation: Text, Image Culture can be taken as either Creative Writing or English credits.

Placement year (if taken)

Typically, any  placement year  will take place in Year 3. If you are not taking a placement year please see the Final Year modules for year 3.

30 credits of compulsory dissertation modules, 90 credits of optional modules ensuring you take 60 credits of Creative Writing module and 60 credits of English modules.

e - select either EAS3003 or EAS3122 or EAS3510 (you can only select one of these modules). If you select EAS3003 or EAS3510 you must take 60 credits from this list of optional Creative Writing modules. If you select EAS3122, you must take 60 credits from this list of optional English modules.

f - select 30-60 credits from this list of optional Creative Writing modules (if you select EAS3003 you must take 60 credits from this list of optional Creative Writing modules; if you select EAS3122, you must take 30 credits from this list of optional Creative Writing modules).

g - select 30-60 credits from this list of optional English modules (if you select EAS3122 you must take 60 credits from this list of optional English modules; if you select EAS3003, you must take 30 credits from this list of optional English modules).

Course variants

Ba english and creative writing with study abroad.

UCAS code:  Q318

Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.

Why Study Abroad?

Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.

Where can I Study Abroad?

We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the  Study Abroad website .

Does it count towards my degree?

Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your   Study Abroad co-ordinator   for further details.

How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?

For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our  fees pages . If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your Study Abroad year.

BA English and Creative Writing with Employment Experience

UCAS code:  Q319

Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.

Why choose to include Employment Experience?

Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.

Where will I do my work placement?

The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.

How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?

For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our  fees pages . If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.

Find out more

Visit our website to learn more about   employment experience   opportunities. 

BA English with Employment Experience Abroad

UCAS code:  Q320

Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements as part of your degree.

Why choose to include Employment Experience Abroad?

Spending up to a year living and working in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. By carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements abroad you can demonstrate to employers your adaptability, cultural awareness, independence and resourcefulness and, depending on where you stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language.

The sector and country you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.

How does it affect my tuition fee?

Is the placement paid.

You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.

Tuition fees for 2024 entry

UK students: £9,250 per year International students: £23,700 per year

* Please note that the fees for students starting in 2023 have yet to be set. The fees provided above are the fees for students starting in 2022 and are for guidance only. We will post the fees for 2023 entry shortly.

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships *. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details .

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Learning and teaching

How will i learn.

The nature of learning at university involves considerable self-guided study and research. You will be taught through a combination of lectures and discussion-based seminars. We also support the development of team-based learning by organising students into study groups, and we make full use of both traditional learning resources and our virtual learning environment. Lecturers and tutors are all available to provide further support in one-to-one consultations.

Most of your work will be done in group and self-directed study: reading or viewing module material, writing essays or preparing for your seminars. Active participation in seminars develops important transferable skills such as good verbal and visual communication and effective interaction with other people. You will also develop a range of professional abilities, such as time management and team working, plus valuable critical, analytical and communication skills.

We are actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching, including the increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning. Through our virtual learning environment, you can access detailed information about modules, and interact through activities such as discussion forums. You will also have access to online subscription databases and websites, such as Early English Books Online (EEBO), Eighteenth Century Collections Online (ECCO), MLA FirstSearch and JSTOR.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed in a variety of ways but primarily through exams and coursework. Coursework includes essays, a dissertation and presentation work. The ratio of formal exam to coursework is on average 40:60. Your first year doesn’t count towards your final degree classification, but you do have to pass it in order to progress.

Other/extra-curricular opportunities

We provide an exciting range of special lectures and seminars by visiting academics and renowned writers, actors and film directors. In addition to your academic work, the student-run English Society organises book and poetry readings, film screenings and social events, providing an opportunity to meet students who share a love of literature, culture and the arts. Students from the English department are always active on the University student newspapers, radio and TV station and in the University’s drama groups.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

• A Foreign Language
• Data Science
• Entrepreneurship
• Social Data Science

Find out more about proficiency options

Expand text

Your future

Employer-valued skills this course develops

An English degree puts you in a great position to succeed in a range of careers. Oral and written communication is at the heart of our programme and you will learn to present your ideas in a variety of formats. You will also develop strong research and analytical skills and the ability to problem solve and make informed decisions. Through a balance of independent study and teamwork you will learn to manage your time and workload effectively.

Professional experience

With practical modules on offer and opportunity to undertake professional placements, a degree in English will give you plenty of opportunity to develop your professional portfolio which will give you the skills and experience needed to be successful in your chosen career.

Career paths

Our students have progressed to a broad range of work sectors including education, arts management, publishing, journalism, marketing, finance and events management, working for companies such as:

Recent Graduates are now working as*:

• Assistant Brand Manager
• Assistant Director
• Data Analyst
• Policy Adviser
• Product Manager
• Radio Producer
• Youth Worker

Recent Graduates are now working for*:

• European Parliament
• Rolls Royce
• Oxford University Press
• Estee Lauder

Other recent graduates have progressed to postgraduate courses in:

• MA Cultural Heritage Management
• MA English Literary Studies
• PGCE English primary
• MA Magazine Journalism
• Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Skills

* This information has been taken from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Surveys 14/15, 15/16, 16/17  and 17/18 . Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.

Related courses

English with study in north america ba.

Streatham Campus

English and Drama BA

English and film & television studies ba, flexible combined honours ba/bsc (exeter).

View all English courses

Why Exeter?

Student life

Our campuses

International students

Open Days and visiting

Scholarships and funding

Connect with us

Information for:

• Current students
• New students
• Alumni and supporters

Quick links

St Luke's Campus

Penryn Campus

Truro Campus

• Using our site
• Accessibility
• Freedom of Information
• Modern Slavery Act Statement
• Data Protection
• Copyright & disclaimer
• Cookie settings

Streatham Campus in Exeter

The majority of students are based at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers a unique environment in which to study, with lakes, parkland, woodland and gardens as well as modern and historical buildings.

Find out more about Streatham Campus.

St Luke's Campus in Exeter

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• BA (Hons) English and Creat...
• University of Exeter

BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing With Study Abroad

At university of exeter.

Qualification

• Bachelor Degree with Honours

Next intake

23 September 2024

Entry Score

About the course

This degree offers an exciting opportunity to study both English Literature and Creative Writing at undergraduate level. In English Literature, youll develop your knowledge in subjects ranging from medieval to contemporary literatures. We offer diverse optional modules so you can build a programme reflective of your literary interests. In Creative Writing, our team of prize-winning and best-selling authors will help you develop your writing skills, in response to the new work of a diverse range of cutting-edge contemporary writers. Whether you are interested in fiction, non-fiction, prose, poetry, drama, life-writing or screen writing, Exeter offers you a thriving and supportive writing community. Excellent facilities on campus include our Special Collections relating to world-renowned writers, The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum which is a unique film and popular culture resource and our Digital Humanities Lab. Exeter has also recently been awarded UNESCO City of Literature status. Participate in events involving internationally acclaimed authors, actors and filmmakers.

• Scholarships View all scholarships
• Internships

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. to get an accurate price.

Duration: 4 Year (s)

Fees: GBP 23700

How to apply

Entry requirements for university of exeter, application deadline.

The application deadline isn't available Speak to an IDP counsellor for more detailed information

Further information

If you aren't eligible for the above entry requirements, you might ant to explore pathway options at University of Exeter . If you want to find out more, speak to our counsellors.

Career outcomes

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The world ranking.

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Postgraduate Taught

MA English Literary Studies

• Postgraduate Taught home
• English Literary Studies MA

Masters applications for 2023 entry are now closed.

Applications for September 2024 will open on Monday 25 September. Applications are now open for programmes with a January 2024 start. View our programmes »

• Develop an enhanced understanding of literature and media in their historical and cultural contexts, and foster your communication and analytical skills
• Our varied module options allow you to tailor your degree to suit your interests
• Ideal for students wishing to extend and enhance their studies before starting their career and work with the department’s internationally recognised Research Centres and Groups
• Excellent facilities on campus include our Special Collections featuring the papers of internationally important writers, The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum which is a unique film and popular culture resource and our Digital Humanities Lab. Exeter has also recently been awarded UNESCO City of Literature status

Apply online

View 2024 Entry

Fast Track (current Exeter students)

Open days and visiting us

Get a prospectus

Programme Director: Dr Rob Turner

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Discover MA English Literary Studies at the University of Exeter.

Our English research environment is 100% world leading

Based on 4* research environment submitted to REF 2021

Top 50 in the world for English Language and Literature

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

A thriving and supportive writing community - our team of prize-winning and best-selling authors will help you develop your creative writing skills

Unique on-site resources: Exeter’s Special Collections archive and The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above in their first degree in a relevant subject area. While we normally only consider applicants who meet this criteria, if you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.

Applicants will be asked to submit a sample of academic work. We require roughly 2000 - 3000 words of prose (this could be in the form of a critical essay or part of a critical essay that you have already produced for an undergraduate degree).

Entry requirements for international students

English language requirements.

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile E . Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

Course content

The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned 'credits'. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

Our flexible programme enables you to choose from a varied range of modules. The compulsory dissertation is 60 credits, allowing you to tailor your degree to your own interests by selecting the remaining 120 credits from our expansive list of options.

The programme is specifically designed for those seeking high level training prior to embarking on doctoral research, recent graduates wishing to extend and enhance their studies by a year before taking up a career, individuals already in employment who are interested in career development, and those who simply wish to broaden their intellectual horizons.

Please note that this course requires you to read and analyse complex English literary texts, but we do not teach English language skills on these modules. You will need a near-native level of English to participate fully in classes and complete assessments successfully.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

60 credit compulsory dissertation module and 120 credits of optional modules (you may take up 30 credits from the MA Creative Writing)

Compulsory modules

All students must take EASM023 Dissertation

Optional modules

All students must choose 120 credits of option modules (30 credits can come from the Creative Writing options).

2024/25 entry

Uk fees per year:.

£12,000 full-time; £6,000 part-time

International fees per year:

£24,300 full-time; £12,150 part-time

Scholarships

For more information on scholarships, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

*Selected programmes only. Please see the Terms and Conditions for each scheme for further details.

Find out more about tuition fees and funding »

Having studied BA English Literature at Exeter, I knew I had to stay for my MA. The lecturers are always passionate about what they are teaching, but most importantly to me, they are always genuinely keen to discuss my own work.

I did my BA dissertation on post-feminism within Taylor Swift and Beyoncé’s music videos. This year I’ve taken my work on music video even further and have also written on films ranging from Hitchcock to La La Land thanks to the flexible Film modules.

In allowing me to pursue my interests, Exeter has helped me reach my full potential. I want to work in the music industry, so it is really useful that my course has not only given me skills to take into working life, but has also provided me with the opportunity to craft essays which I can talk about in job interviews.

Read more from Ellie

Teaching and research

Learning and teaching.

We believe in collaborative, small group learning and teaching for your modules will be delivered through seminar groups. Each module has one two-hour seminar per week, with independent work set that involves intensive, self-motivated research and writing.

You will be encouraged to discuss your ideas and interact with your fellow students and academic staff through visiting speaker seminar series, postgraduate conferences and Research Centre activities. You will be expected to play an active role in debating and presenting your work. Throughout your programme you will develop and enhance your communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills.

On your modules you will be assisted by the coursework you produce such as critical essays. The final assessment piece will be your dissertation, the culmination of your programme of study. You will conceive, plan, research and write an independent 15,000 word piece that will display your subject knowledge and methodological skills. The dissertation is your opportunity to explore a topic that interests you in greater detail, something which may form the basis of further research or other portfolio.

Research areas

When you study on the MA in English Literary Studies, you will join a world-leading English and Creative Writing Department that regularly hosts talks, workshops, and conferences spotlighting prestigious visiting speakers and the Department’s own experts. As members of our learning community, postgraduate students are warmly included in such events. These activities are coordinated by the Department’s many research groups and centres, including the Centre for Victorian Studies, the Centre for Intermedia and Creative Technology, and the Centre for Literature and Archives. You will benefit from staff at the forefront of their fields, stretching from medieval literature all the way up to contemporary culture.

Research Centres

Dedicated research centres and groupings within our department include:

• Centre for Intermedia and Creative Technology
• Centre for Literature and Archives
• Centre for Victorian Studies
• Exeter Screen Studies Research Centre
• Centre for Early Modern Studies

Research Groups

• Medieval and Renaissance
• Restoration to Romantics
• North American and Atlantic
• World and Postcolonial
• Film and Television
• Creative Industries and Technologies
• Creative Writing

You will join a vibrant postgraduate and research community. All our staff belong to one or more research group which plan and develop research initiatives across the humanities. Research activity is carried out collaboratively by staff at our Exeter and Cornwall Campuses.

The Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences also houses the Digital Humanities Lab, a state-of-the-art facility offering unique spaces, equipment and training for staff and students. A specialist team conducts and supports innovative Digital Humanities research, offers training and teaching, and undertakes the digital preservation and display of historic material and artefacts using advanced technologies. For more information view our Digital Humanities Lab page.

At Exeter, research is at the heart of what we do, and we hope you will become an active member of our research community.

To find out more about our staff research interests have a look at our  staff profile pages .

You will be able to use the whole range of Library services during your time at Exeter. We have modern study spaces, an extensive Academic Library, inter-Library loan system, and an extensive Digital Library to all of which you will have full access.

The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, housed within the University’s Old Library, holds a unique archival collection with particular strength in the area of British Film.

The University also houses its own Special Collections which includes original papers relating to important South West literary figures such as Ted Hughes, Daphne Du Maurier, John Fowles, John Betjeman, Agatha Christie, Henry Williamson and William Golding.

The University has invested £1.2 million into Digital Humanities to create a state-of-the-art lab and research space for the examination and preservation of important historical, literary and visual artefacts. The lab will allow you to use high-tech equipment to find out more about our cultural heritage, examine items in greater detail and share discoveries with the public. For more information view our  Digital Humanities Lab  page.

An English degree is a uniquely versatile qualification valued by employers for the combination of communication and analytical skills as well as combining an understanding of literature and media in a historical and cultural context. For some of our students the MA is a step on the path to doctoral study, for others it opens a range of career paths in areas such as teaching, publishing, media, journalism, advertising and communications.

In recent years the positions some of our graduates have gone on to include:

• Marketing Assistant
• Assistant Editor
• Publishing Assistant
• Editorial Assistant
• Freelance Journalist

Careers and employment support

While studying at Exeter you can also access a range of activities, advice and practical help to give you the best chance of following your chosen career path. For more information visit our   Careers pages .

Related courses

Modern and contemporary literature ma.

Streatham Campus

Shakespeare and Renaissance Studies MA

Nature writing ma, creative writing ma, film and screen studies ma, publishing ma, theatre practice ma, media and communications ma.

View all English courses

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Streatham Campus in Exeter

The majority of students are based at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers a unique environment in which to study, with lakes, parkland, woodland and gardens as well as modern and historical buildings.

Find out more about Streatham Campus.

St Luke's Campus in Exeter

Located on the eastern edge of the city centre, St Luke's is home to Sport and Health Sciences, the Medical School, the Academy of Nursing, the Department of Allied Health Professions, and PGCE students.

Find out more about St Luke's Campus.

Penryn Campus near Falmouth, Cornwall

Our Penryn Campus is located near Falmouth in Cornwall. It is consistently ranked highly for satisfaction: students report having a highly personal experience that is intellectually stretching but great fun, providing plenty of opportunities to quickly get to know everyone.

Find out more about Penryn Campus.

Module details

English: which resources do I use?

• Starting point: Library Search
• Literature timeline
• Proquest One Literature
• MLA International Bibliography
• Oxford Handbooks Online
• Gale Literature
• Reference resources
• Shakespeare This link opens in a new window
• Renaissance
• 18th Century
• 19th Century
• 20-21st Century
• Audio-visual resources
• Creative writing This link opens in a new window
• Film This link opens in a new window
• Literary figures
• Literature for children and young adults
• Publishing This link opens in a new window
• Theology and Religion
• Women's, gender and sexuality studies
• World and Postcolonial
• Additional primary sources This link opens in a new window
• Further help

• Gale Literature This link opens in a new window 'Something about the author' includes biographies of children and young adult authors and illustrators

Primary sources

• Children's Literature and Culture This link opens in a new window Rare books, games, ephemera and artwork from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the golden age of children's literature. This resource examines the way in which new concepts were introduced to young readers, encouraging an engagement with the imagination which went on the fundamentally shape established notions of childhood.
• Children's literature association quarterly
• Children's literature
• Children's literature in education
• Bookbird: a journal of international children's literature

Introductions, overviews and encyclopedia entries

Chapter p.114, Children's stories (narratives written for children)

Creative writing resources

Children's literature: world and postcolonial

Chapter 11 'African American women writers of children’s and young adult literature'

Entries on children's literature from various countries and regions.

• << Previous: Literary figures
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• Last Updated: Sep 4, 2024 4:20 PM
• URL: https://libguides.exeter.ac.uk/englishresources

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Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Engagement and Innovation

The English Department is committed to core Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) values for academic and professional services staff and students. The Director of EDI oversees our Department priorities which are spread across all our activities. Reporting and discussion takes place at Department meetings while independent concerns can be raised in confidential one-to-one conversations. The EDI lead reports to the Faculty Wellbeing, Inclusion, and Culture Committee (FWICC). As a Department our core EDI values include: 

• To further embed principles of equity, diversity and belonging into our practices for students at all levels: from recruitment and admission, through their time studying with us, to the point of graduation and beyond, into their lives as alumni to ensure students from all backgrounds are able to thrive during their time at Exeter and beyond. 
• To create learning environments where all feel empowered to contribute and feel part of the learning community, where no one experiences exclusion, denigration or discrimination.  
• To diversify our curricula to better reflect our interconnected world and global social justice priorities. 
• To celebrate difference and create spaces of community where historically disempowered groups can meet, share experiences, and access forms of support.  
• To continue to develop support tailored to the needs of students and staff from under-represented backgrounds.   
• To ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion inform the practices by which we recruit, appoint and induct new colleagues, scrutinising our practices to ensure they are robust and up-to-date, equitable and transparent, so that staff from systemically marginalised groups can thrive, and belong as equal members of the academic community.   
• To further extend EDI considerations in our policies for career development, ensuring that all have an equal chance to succeed and removing obstacles to advancement for particular groups (especially those with protected characteristics).  
• To ensure that physical and digital accessibility are top priorities and that and staff and students accessibility needs are supported and met.
• To continue to develop family-friendly policies which recognise the needs of carers, and to address and mitigate difficulties around the conflicting demands they may experience where it lies in our power to do so.
• To run EDI considerations through our research culture, making sure that we encourage diversity in research itself and that this is reflected in the ways we evaluate and support it.
• To continue to build a supportive culture around mental health and wellbeing.
• To persist with our Anti-Racism action plan in accordance with the university’s Race Equality Charter (REC) Bronze Award.

If you'd like to discuss the Department's EDI priorities, please get in touch with Professor Amina Yaqin (Director of Wellbeing, Inclusion and Culture)

Current EDI priorities include:  

• Neurodiversity  
• Disability and physical access
• Diversifying student and staff recruitment
• Athena Swan application 

EDI funded Department and community project collaborations:

The Roots Resistance

The Roots Resistance, Africa Writes Exeter and Bookbag An Evening of Words, Music & Performance.

The Roots Resistance is a multidisciplinary collective of creatives based in Exeter seeking to engage with the arts as a means of transformative expression. Through creativity, discussion and the exchange of ideas, the Roots Resistance is a project that brings together Black and POC communities, and their allies, in Exeter and beyond.

Find out more

Exeter UNESCO City of Literature film 2023

Annual Teagarden lecture 

Annual Teagarden lecture

This Annual lecture series funded by an anonymous donor features speakers working in UK universities, with a Black British background. The inaugural speaker in 2023 was Dr Josie Gill, Associate Professor in Black British Writing, University of Bristol. 

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