BA Creative Writing and English with Foundation Year (Part-Time)

This part-time foundation year programme is designed for students who want to pursue a career in creative writing or English literature, but may not have the traditional qualifications to enter directly into an undergraduate degree. The programme provides a supportive environment for students to develop their writing skills and knowledge of literary theory and critical analysis. Students will study a range of modules that cover both creative writing and English literature, including poetry, fiction, drama, and non-fiction. By the end of the programme, students will have gained the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in an undergraduate degree in creative writing or English literature.

Additional Information

The foundation year is designed to provide a bridge between school and university, and it is ideal for students who are unsure about their academic ability or who may have non-traditional qualifications. The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual tutorials, and students will have access to a range of resources and support services. Applications are welcomed from students of all ages and backgrounds.

Unlock Your Creativity at Birkbeck University of London

Birkbeck University of London is a world-renowned institution for the study of creative writing and English literature. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen career. Birkbeck's location in central London provides students with access to a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and literary events within easy reach. The university's commitment to social justice and equality means that it is an inclusive and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds.

The BA Creative Writing with Foundation Year is a unique and exciting program of study that gives you the opportunity to explore a range of disciplines, from prose fiction to poetry, scriptwriting to creative non-fiction. Under the tutelage of practicing published, award-winning writers with a reputation for excellence in their field, you will not only build an understanding of the craft of writing and hone your authorial technique, but you will also learn the vital instinct for reading as a writer. Through practical projects and engagement with visiting professionals, you will broaden your understanding of the many aspects of the writing industry. You will also complete an extended creative project in a specific genre in your final year. The degree provides you with a basis of skills necessary to pursue writing as a profession. It also equips you with expertise transferable to many careers in the arts, education, and the media. Before proceeding to the main degree, you will spend your Foundation Year preparing yourself for a degree in the arts by improving your study and research skills and gaining arts-related knowledge and understanding. You will also have the opportunity to study a language, should you wish to. Our part-time Foundation Year degrees allow you to spread out your Foundation Year studies over two years. As the 'Foundation Year' is made up of 120 credits, as a part-time student you can take 60 credits in each of your first and second years before starting the main four-year BA Creative Writing. This means that you can take six years to complete the part-time degree with Foundation Year.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge, and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on the judgment of academic potential.