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

On our English and Creative Writing degree you will learn a range of writing skills to equip you for a career as a writer, including novels, plays, poetry, film scripts, and non-fiction.

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.

You will explore a range of styles and genres, as well as studying the history, traditions and theory of English Literature.

You will be taught by experienced writers whose works have been widely published, broadcast and performed, as well as academic staff internationally recognised for their research.

You can also spend a semester studying in the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong or Singapore.

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 20 in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025)
  • Top 101-150 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

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.

Your English Literature with Creative Writing with a Foundation Year 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.

The English with Creative Writing course also allows you to explore a variety of English Literature topics including gothic and genre fiction, gender and culture, renaissance literature, national and global literatures, and contemporary writing.

Teaching is through creative writing workshops and you will have the chance to pursue a personal project in an area that especially interests you.

You will be taught by experienced writers with established reputations whose works have been widely published, broadcast and performed and by academic staff internationally recognised for their research.

You will also have a personal tutor for any pastoral and academic support you may need, and the English Student Society at Swansea organises a range of literary, social and cultural events.

English Literature with Creative Writing with a Foundation Year Employment Opportunities

Students on this course typically develop excellent oral and writing skills and you will learn to present your ideas in a range of formats, along with strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Our graduates enter careers in a wide range of sectors including:

  • Education
  • Journalism
  • Media and public relations
  • Project administration

Modules

In your first (foundation) year, you will explore what it means to be human – studying a range of humanities and social science topics to prepare you for the degree itself.

When you move on to the degree, your early studies will introduce you to English Literature, as well as writing styles and genres.

You will then choose your pathway with modules to suit your own interests. In your final year, you have the opportunity to focus in depth on your chosen research project to produce your final dissertation.  

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)