English and creative writing

We offer a full range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research opportunities
Young woman with glasses and tattoos laughing while doing creative writing or illustration
Studying on one of our degrees means you’ll learn by doing alongside leading academics, researchers and expert practitioners, equipping you with the most relevant skills and expertise in English and creative writing. We want to give you a flavour of how you’d use your studies in the real world and of the value they bring to everyday life. More than this, we want to give you opportunities to add that value yourself by getting hands-on in the community and with industry partners throughout your degree.

Our core subjects

BA (Hons) English student Shauna
English
Find your voice and immerse yourself in the words that have shaped our world. Engage with English literature across six centuries, from Shakespearean drama to the graphic novel and look at how literature helps us understand and change the world around us.
Female students/women sat at a table writing with coffee cups.
Creative writing
Writing is an age-old craft – and an essential skill in the 21st century. At Plymouth, you will work with poets, novelists, journalists and digital writers to hone your writing with a view to making your way in the field.

Our degrees

Personalise your degree

Find out how our flexible course structures provide you with an opportunity to personalise your studies, feed your curiosity, and help you achieve your career aspirations.
Dive deeper into your subject: choose optional modules within your chosen subject area.
OR
Branch out and explore: take optional modules taught across completely different degrees.
School of Society and Culture students looking out over Plymouth Hoe

Real-world and hands-on

Take your love of reading in new directions
Explore texts that have shaped our world as you navigate the challenges of the future. Gain invaluable experience with INK, our in-house magazine, building skills in desktop publishing, editing and journalism.

Learn how to write poetry, fiction, screenplays and more
You'll have the support of published authors and our partnerships with the Theatre Royal and National Trust, which actively commission work from our students.

Ink journal 2016
INK journal
Charles Seale-Hayne Library –Book shelves
Student on the English field trip to Bath - part of the Jane Austen module

Join the Plymouth Cold Case Unit

The Plymouth Cold Case Unit (PCCU) investigates unsolved missing persons cases. We uncover new evidence which can be used by the police to solve these cases while giving students experience and skills – including investigative, analytical and social – to launch them into rewarding careers.
We are a student-led, expert-guided group with international connections and access to facilities and training at both the University of Plymouth and Locate International.
Applications are open to all foundation and year 1 students in the School of Society and Culture.
Staff and students from the Cold Case Unit work on the Salcombe Man case
humanities book cover

Postgraduate opportunities

Whether you choose a taught masters programme or undertake a research degree, you will be supported and supervised by staff who are international experts in their field.
Their breadth and depth of knowledge mean they are well placed to help you plan towards your future career and give advice based on genuine experience.
PhD Creative Writing - Jamie's Story

Looking for research opportunities?

As a postgraduate research student, you will join a vibrant, supportive and forward-thinking community that is committed to meeting global challenges in creative and imaginative ways.

Find out more about our research areas

Zoe Latham PhD Architecture.
Rainbow colourful image of person walking in data, connectivity and innovation. Getty image 1148091270.