English Literature with Creative Writing with a Foundation Year, BA (Hons)

Explore a range of English Literature topics and Contemporary Writing

Study English Literature with a Foundation Year and Develop Highly Valued Skills

Course Overview

More than ever before, the world needs writers. People who can communicate ideas clearly, cleverly, and thoughtfully. Our BA in Creative Writing and English Literature offers a rich and distinctive academic experience resting on four key pillars: reading, writing, reflection, and rewriting. This single honours degree is designed to develop you as a writer, a critical thinker and an adaptable professional ready for a wide variety of careers.

The foundation year gives you an exciting introduction to higher education, exploring the humanities and social sciences before progressing to the full degree programme. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education or if you are returning to education after a gap.

Why English Literature with Creative Writing with a Foundation Year at Swansea?

Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula;

English at Swansea is ranked: 

  • 11th in the UK for Research Impact (REF2021)
  • Top 15 in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • Top 101-150 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
  • 18th in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025) - assessed under  'Literature in English'*

Swansea is the birthplace of Dylan Thomas, one of the 20th century's most influential lyrical poets, and you will have the opportunity to be involved with projects with the Dylan Thomas Centre and the National Theatre Wales.

You will also have the option of a semester in the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong or Singapore, further improving your student experience and career prospects.

*Based on the overall positivity score for questions 1 -26 in the NSS 2025, when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide  

Your Creative Writing Experience

During your foundation year, you will explore what it means to be human, studying a range of humanities and social science topics to introduce you to university-level study.

You will start the degree course in your second year, when you can tailor your degree to your own interests, learning how to write novels, write for the stage, screen and broadcast, write short stories and non-fiction, write poetry, writing as a career and exploring styles and genres.

At the heart of our programme is the belief that good writing begins with good reading. You will learn to read attentively and analytically through a variety of carefully selected English Literature modules and learn to analyse how texts influence subsequent generations of writers through innovative use of idea and style. This close reading practice directly informs the work in our Creative Writing modules, allowing you to experiment with techniques drawn from established writers while developing your own voice across a range of genres.

You will have the opportunity to produce original work in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, and stage drama, guided by published writers with notable professional profiles. You will learn to reflect on our own work, developing the ability to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for growth, leading to a repeated process of returning to the text for rewriting. We treat rewriting as a core part of the creative process, redrafting work following of supportive and encouraging feedback from tutors and peers.

Creative Writing Employment Opportunities

Beyond the classroom, our programme offers a range of enriching opportunities. You could choose to spend a semester or a full year abroad, broadening your cultural and literary horizons, or opt for a year in industry to develop professional experience and apply your skills in a workplace setting. These options allow you to enhance your academic and personal development, as well as employability.

Some of our creative writing students have taken up placements with independent Welsh publishers like Parthian, Seren, Honno, brought on either directly by the publisher or through programmes like SPIN placements. Others have had the opportunity to be extras on film sets and learn firsthand what goes into a production. These opportunities give crucial industry insight to students on an incidental basis, but are extraordinarily valuable not only for the insight, but for the assistance they provide when students begin to think of employment.

Graduates of our programme leave with a versatile skillset—analytical precision, imaginative thinking, persuasive communication, and an understanding of audience—all of which are highly valued across many sectors. Whether pursuing careers within the creative industries, such as publishing, screenwriting, arts administration, or journalism, or in fields like public relations, marketing, education, or political work, you will be well prepared to succeed.

 

 

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical A level Offer

CDD-DDD

English Literature with Creative Writing with a Foundation Year, BA (Hons)