Creative Writing

Take an active role in literature with a creative writing degree from the University of Reading.

• art
• English literature
• film, theatre and television.

No matter which course you choose, you will learn from prize-winning authors and visiting writers as you explore fiction, drama, poetry and creative-non-fiction.

In your final year of study, you will also have the opportunity to specialise in either prose or poetry through one of our creative writing masterclass modules. In these advanced modules you will read and discuss recently published texts, identify and write about the themes that are currently popular, and pursue publication yourself.

Creative writing studies at Reading are hosted by our Department of English Literature, a research-active academic community with access to superb resources and literary treasures.

Our Department’s focus on student success is illustrated by the fact that 96% of graduates from English Literature are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes first degree English Literature responders.)

Your learning environment

Our creative writing lectures concentrate on specific, practical issues, such as how to construct a character, or how to write historical fiction.

You will be assigned novels, short stories or poems to read beforehand, and your lecturer will draw examples from these to illustrate their advice.

We are committed to teaching through the workshop model. These small group sessions are the heart of Reading’s writing community. Guided by one of our lecturers, you and your fellow students will gain confidence as your share your writing and help each other improve through practical writing exercises.

In the latest National Student Survey, 100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, responders from the Department of English Literature).

You will also have the opportunity to publish your work – and gain experience in editing and publishing – by participating in our online creative writing magazine.

Find out more about our creative writing studies, including information about our academics, on the Department of English Literature’s creative writing webpage.