BA (Hons)
Creative Writing

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Key Information

Campus

Brayford Pool

Typical Offer

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Duration

3 years

Part-time

Part-time study is available.

UCAS Code

W801

Academic Year

Course Overview

Live the Writing Life at the University of Lincoln. If you love to read and write and want to explore the boundaries of your own creativity, Creative Writing at Lincoln can provide you with a new appreciation of literature.

Students can develop their own distinctive voice as an author and philosophy of composition, as well as explore the theory and practice of building a diverse portfolio of work across forms and styles. As a Creative Writing student at the University of Lincoln, you have the opportunity to work with, and become part of, an international community of writers who will aim to help you develop your skills in genres as diverse as prose fiction, psychological thrillers, scriptwriting, poetry, creative non-fiction, audio dramas, young adult fiction, multi-modal writing and the graphic novel. Our aim is to help you to develop your writing in innovative and exciting ways, becoming the best writer you can be.

The course has a strong focus on employability and aims to prepare you for a professional writing or publishing career. Our teaching team consist of highly experienced and enthusiastic professional writers whose work has been internationally published, broadcast, and staged. They include science fiction writer Chris Dows, poet and literary translator Daniele Pantano, novelists Guy Mankowski and Robert Weston, and Amy Lilwall; playwright Sue Healy; and multi-modal author Sherezade Rangel, most of whom are award-winning in their own genres and writing formats.

You may also have opportunities to take part in readings, workshops, masterclasses, and events; to serve as editors for 'The Lincoln Review' (www.lincolnreview.org), an international literary journal edited exclusively by undergraduate and postgraduate students; and to benefit from the experience of a range of writers, editors, dramaturges, producers, and directors who come to the University of Lincoln as visiting lecturers, such as Ann Cleeves, Andrew Graham-Dixon, Chris Packham, and the former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, who became a Visiting Artist at the University in 2015 and regularly visits Lincoln to engage with students and read a selection of her works.

Why Choose Lincoln

Subject ranked 2nd overall in the UK*

Staff include active professional authors in a variety of genres

Option to study abroad at a partner university

Active research community of staff and students

Hear from guest speakers including published authors

Build your portfolio of creative writing pieces

*Guardian University Guide 2025 (out of 27 ranking institutions).

A student sat in front of a laptop in the Great Central Warehouse Library with exposed brickwork in the background

How You Study

The BA (Hons) Creative Writing programme concentrates on the practice and theory of developing a portfolio of work across a diverse array of forms and styles.

As well as discovering your own voice, you will have the opportunity to explore a range of techniques and practices which come from a wide range of historical and contemporary literature, both popular and classic, across poetry, prose, and scriptwriting.

Teaching and learning is centred on the writer's workshop, where there is a strong emphasis on participation. You will have the opportunity to learn the habits of a professional writer, including keeping a writer's journal, research and observation, redrafting and editing and presenting work to a high standard. The drafting process of creative texts and development of critical analyses will require a significant self-study commitment for the work to fulfil its potential. This is particularly true of the third-year Final Major Project, the most significant creative text a student will produce and worth a quarter of the entire degree classification.

Throughout the three years, you can build up your portfolio and discover the commercial and social contexts of publishing in the 21st Century.

Delivery is predominately via seminars where tutor feedback and peer review is actively encouraged. Second and third year modules feature lecture programmes on which workshops aimed at practising the creative, technical, and academic topics explored in the lectures are based.

While some modules include presentations, there are no examinations on this course at any level.

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Exploring 1: The Creative Arts 2025-26CAR1001Level 42025-26In this module, students will explore creative arts disciplines through the lens of cultural themes, ideas and principles. This will encompass Creative Writing, Dance, Drama, Fine Art, Music, Musical Theatre and Technical Theatre and highlight the commonalties which connect these disciplines, as well as the nuances and differences that make them distinct.CoreIntroduction to Scriptwriting 2025-26CRW1006MLevel 42025-26This module is an introduction to scriptwriting and is designed to aid students in their initial exploration of scripts. With an initial focus on writing for the stage and live performances, students may discover ways to generate ideas and turn them into stories, how to write dialogue to aid character development and how visual narrative storytelling works. The course also provides a broader insight into the script industries and how to pitch projects.CoreIntroduction to Writing Formats 2025-26CRW1001MLevel 42025-26This module aims to introduce students to a wide range of writing formats offered at the University of Lincoln. Students will be encouraged to try different forms to establish good writing habits, with an emphasis on routine and discipline, and by providing clearly structured creative writing exercises that draw on their reading (textual interventions). The module will establish points of contact between creative and critical writing, and encourage students to develop their ideas while understanding their creative process.CoreWriting Narrative 2025-26CRW1004Level 42025-26This module introduces students to the core skills and ideas involved in writing stories along with the fundamentals of good research. The module examines the nature of story and narrative, how to create a character, and it introduces the idea of the character in action as a fundamental ingredient in building a dramatic story. Focussing on how to blend fact and fiction, the student will be expected to create a historically accurate sequence that utilises all of the previously considered concepts and in-class writing exercises.CoreWriting Poetry 2025-26CRW1002MLevel 42025-26This module is an introduction to poetry writing and allows students to develop as writers and readers of poetry. Students can read a variety of texts and study various poetic forms and techniques by a range of contemporary poets. The close reading and the innovative application of language will enable students to develop their own skills in these areas and help them to craft their own poetry, paying close attention to the mechanics of poetic writing. Emphasis is placed upon journal writing and workshop practice.CoreWriting Portfolio 2025-26CRW1003MLevel 42025-26This module gives students the freedom to work within whatever genres and written formats they choose and put together a portfolio of their own work. This might take the form of one long piece or of several shorter pieces. The notion of ‘work in progress’ that is developed through to completion will be the basis of this module. Students have the chance to employ the skills gained in previous modules to undertake a more challenging and larger piece of creative work through a series of workshop-based classes that include detailed peer and tutor reviews of students’ work-in-progress.CoreIntroduction to Prose 2025-26CRW1005MLevel 42025-26Prose is fundamental to understanding narrative whether in fiction or non-fiction. This module aims to give students an understanding of how stories work, using the insights that have originated and developed from narrative theory and prose techniques. Contemporary writers in both the short story and non-feature writing will be used to introduce a set of critical concepts for the analysis of all forms of prose writing.OptionalProject Space Plus 2025-26ART1019Level 42025-26The module provides students with opportunities to develop their practice in response to critical spatial practices. This includes: writing a proposal that responds to a Live Brief theme; creating an artwork for a public exhibition/event; writing a contextual statement; utilising appropriate documentation techniques of creative practice; and disseminating responses to the contexts of spatial practice. This Module asks students to create a proposal and a new artwork for a curated exhibition/event in the University’s Gallery, Project Space Plus. Students will learn about curatorial issues through lectures and workshops, which will then be put into practice through the curation of an exhibition/event that will include all students on the module. Artworks are specified here as being considered in the widest sense to include creative media including but not restricted to: dance, digital, drawing, installation, music, painting, performance, print, sculpture, sound, text, video, virtual reality). Students are introduced to established and alternative models for spaces where creative arts take place. Students are encouraged to create work that imagines alternatives to the fixed, institutional space of an exhibition and how artwork can effectively engage a public audience through its situation.OptionalScreen Performance 2025-26DAN1022MLevel 42025-26Screen Performance gives students the opportunity to explore multi-disciplinary approaches to acting, choreography, music, and technical skills for screen. This module focuses on the creation of a screen work that provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in acting, directing, dance for screen, composing, technical production and scriptwriting. Students will have the opportunity to create storyboards as part of the planning process, shoot and edit a short film, as well as document this process in a production folder. Students will work in production teams to achieve a final video.OptionalSolo Performance 2025-26MUS1018Level 42025-26This module establishes and focuses on the need for students to develop as solo performers and professionals. Students will explore the possibilities within performance workshops. Regular reflection of performance practice, and programme design for a specific audience/event will encourage students to draw on a wide range of genres, eras and industry expectations.OptionalStaging a Musical 2: Another Opening. Another Show 2025-26MST1007MLevel 42025-26This module gives you the chance to collaborate as a company to rehearse and stage a book musical. Through this experience, you will gain valuable insight into the development and rehearsal process involved in a professional show.OptionalTechnical Theatre Technology 2025-26TTH1006MLevel 42025-26This module is a practical exploration of the many technologies available for use in technical theatre and the contexts in which they are used. From lighting consoles to sound mixers and QLAB software. This module will teach the fundamentals of setting up and programming equipment for stage productions.OptionalThe Physical Performer 2025-26DRA1052Level 42025-26In this module students explore a range of approaches to the constantly evolving field of Physical Theatre. Through a series of workshops, they investigate different techniques, styles, methodologies ranging from classical traditions to contemporary performance, and are offered the opportunity to gain a practical and analytical insight into the countless possibilities of the body in performance - in relation to other bodies, to the space, to the audience. Students will work to develop skills that will equip them to use the body expressively, imaginatively, communicatively, collaboratively. They will engage with and draw inspiration from a variety of stimuli - words, images, sounds, scents, objects, culture and society - in order to devise original performances, using the body as the primary vehicle to generate, express and communicate meaning.OptionalContent & Copywriting 2026-27CRW2014Level 52026-27In this module you will discover current content and copywriting forms and techniques to help you develop your own writing skills. You will learn and practice a range of effective content and copywriting techniques adaptable to different situations and themes. You will develop an informed critical and creative understanding of the role of the content and copywriter in an exciting and changing marketplace. You will learn to strategise like a content writer and produce a portfolio of content and copywriting to expand your writing skills and practice. This module will enable you to develop a professional understanding of content and copywriting, audiences and how to respond to your own content needs for projects, as well as to briefs. In this module students are given the conceptual terms required for an understanding of how content and copywriting works, how to deploy creative writing skills to tackle professional writing and how to connect with and persuade audiences.CoreExploring 2: Place and Space 2026-27CAR2001Level 52026-27In this module students will practically interrogate interdisciplinary arts practices and investigate creative arts practitioners that utilise ‘site’ in innovative ways. In multidisciplinary groups they will conduct their own experiments to explore the challenges and possibilities of working in unconventional spaces. This will culminate in a final presentation of their work.CoreStory and the World 2026-27CRW2015Level 52026-27In this module students are given the conceptual terms required for an understanding of how narrative works, and how narrative constructs our idea of ourselves and our social relationships as well as informs our ability to create stories. In lectures and workshops, students will be studying the analysis, practice and enjoyment of narrative and will be asked to consider a wide range of texts across a range of forms and genres, literary and popular, visual as well as verbal, as examples of story telling.CoreActing the Song 2026-27MST2001MLevel 52026-27This is a practical module which explores the techniques of singing and acting a song. You will work on vocal technique, character development, and acting approaches to prepare solo numbers for performance. The module will equip you with the skills to begin to put together a rep portfolio appropriate for your voice. This will be invaluable if you are planning to apply for postgraduate study at drama school or begin auditioning for shows. Assessment will be part practical, and part based on a portfolio detailing your exploration of acting and vocal techniques through the module.OptionalArts and Health 2026-27ART2021Level 52026-27Arts and Health, an optional 30 credit module in Semester B, is a live brief project that offers students the opportunity to work in a professional public setting to facilitate artwork with participants. This may be a community, charity, educational, public or private sector setting in Lincoln or elsewhere. You will be given the opportunity in this module to facilitate artwork with service users, communities or clients in organisations such as We Are With You / Double Impact / NHS / YMCA / HMS or another charity or community setting. We have successfully worked with We Are With You / Double Impact Lincoln for the past 7 years, a national drug and alcohol charity offering support to people to enable them to make positive behavioural change. Their work encompasses community support, education, help for those in the criminal justice system, mental health services, family and employment support. In recent years we have also started to grow our community settings to provide students with further professional facilitation experiences such as working with adults with lived experience within the NHS and local communities at Doddington Hall, that draw upon community arts, participatory arts, arts psychotherapeutic methods and occupational health approaches. Students considering a career in arts-led intervention or community arts practices, will gain invaluable experience of planning, training for, delivering and evaluating a participatory art process within a community setting.OptionalContemporary Performance Technologies 2026-27TTH2009Level 52026-27This module will cover the latest technologies used in theatre and live events, from contemporary lighting and innovative live sound technology to holographic performance and virtual reality. The module will explore how this technology is used and will encourage students to consider how contemporary technology can be used or developed to create a performance. The module will research and analyse case studies from innovative contemporary productions and manufacturers from around the world.OptionalContemporary Production Practices 2026-27TTH2002Level 52026-27This module aims to enable students to understand the landscape for potential employment post-University. The module runs alongside the Placement module and will have the scope to feature guest talks from industry professionals.OptionalCreative Audio Technologies 2026-27MUS2018Level 52026-27Creative Audio Technologies encourages students to embrace and create using technology to facilitate an audio-based project, by exploring some of the creative tool available at the cutting edge of digital work. Students will be introduced to a spectrum of technological tools designed to enhance and record audio, before creating their own project incorporating these techniques. Existing original audio-based work – along with alternative uses of technologies – will be critically analysed in ways that embraces multiple genres, art forms and approaches to technology.OptionalDigital Performance 2026-27DAN2019MLevel 52026-27This module focuses on the interdisciplinary field of digital performance. “We define the term 'digital performance' broadly to include all performance works where computer technologies play a key role rather than a subsidiary one in content, techniques, aesthetics or delivery forms” (Dixon, 2007, p3). It examines the intersection of digital media and performance in various contexts, such as interactive media on stage, biosensors and the body in performance, and social media and performance opportunities. By working with various digital technologies students can engage and explore practically how to make performance using these tools and new technologies.OptionalIndustry Placement 2026-27CAR2005Level 52026-27This module is part of the University's commitment to academic programmes that encourage a high level of vocational relevance. This module encourages students to think beyond their University life, reaching into the wider community to hone their skills and target future employment possibilities. The module aims to enable students to examine how arts-based organisations, educational and non-traditional arts-based establishments function and provide students with valuable workplace experience.OptionalLSCA Study Abroad 2026-27CAR2003Level 52026-27Study Abroad is an optional module which enables students to spend a semester studying abroad at one of the University’s approved partner institutions. Eligible students must have completed their first year of study to a satisfactory standard and successfully completed the application process for the study abroad scheme. During the semester spent abroad, students share classes with local students and study on a suite of locally-delivered taught modules which have been approved in advance by the University. Upon their return, as part of the assessment for this module, students are required to critically reflect upon their experience of living and studying in a different cultural environment and the skills acquired.OptionalMusical Theatre Futures 2026-27MST2014Level 52026-27This module considers the current moment in musical theatre, and anticipates new innovations. It will focus particularly on musical theatre in the British and digital contexts, identifying new dynamics, new emergences, and new opportunities for and within the musical theatre industry.OptionalStage Combat 2026-27DRA2037Level 52026-27This practical module teaches the fundamental techniques of armed and unarmed theatrical combat. Students undergo stage fight training designed to enable them to act out physical conflict in a safe and technically proficient way, while maintaining characterisation and creating a convincing illusion of reality. Throughout the semester, students work in pairs under the combat coach’s supervision. At the end of the module, they engage in an assessment by performing a fight scene that they have selected and rehearsed. The exam gives students the option of obtaining a stage combat certificate issued by The Academy of Performance Combat.OptionalTeaching Practices 2026-27CAR2004Level 52026-27Throughout this module you will develop and deepen your knowledge and practice of teaching and delivery in a your chosen discipline. you will practice, analyse and discuss various possible strategies for working in a variety of environments, including more challenging environments, such as integrated settings and with hard-to-reach groups. In addition to the practical exploration of teaching and delivery, you will investigate the key policies and legislation surrounding the teaching profession. This module has a strong industry-facing element, and will provide key knowledge and tools for students wanting to move toward teaching and delivery as part of their career.OptionalThe Craft of Creative Non-Fiction 2026-27CRW2003MLevel 52026-27While students are introduced to prose fiction writing and essential narrative techniques at level 1, the field of prose writing is much wider than short stories or novels. In areas such as travel, historiography, literary journalism and biography, writers frequently employ similar techniques to those used by novelists to make events and characters more vivid. This module will encourage students to use their creative and technical skills to write non-fiction, including but not limited travel writing, life writing, articles, reviews and journals. Particular attention will be paid to balancing the need to convey factual information with the creative potential of narrative, language and form. This module will allow students to research a field they wish to investigate such as current events, the arts, history or some aspect of science. Students will learn both how to conduct research (through archival research, observations, and interviews) as well as the fundamental techniques of telling a true story. Extended over two semesters, it will enable students to engage more deeply with a chosen field of non-fiction, for example to produce chapters that would contribute to a book as well as features.OptionalThe Craft of Fiction 2026-27CRW2006MLevel 52026-27This module will explore the role of fiction writing with an initial emphasis on the short story. Many writers begin with the short story. Through writing short stories they are able to experiment, learn the fundamentals of narrative composition, and have the satisfaction of completing something to a high standard in a relatively short period of time. This module will introduce students to the work of a range of fiction writers, whilst helping them to develop their skills in crafting prose. They will be asked to study particular stories each week, but also expected to pursue their own interests in reading. The skills required for writing short stories are also key to working in other forms, so this module will help students to develop as writers, whatever their plans and ambitions may be.OptionalThe Craft of Poetry 2026-27CRW2004MLevel 52026-27The poetry workshop operates as a series of sessions in which students experiment with a variety of poetic forms with the aim of compiling a collection of their own verse. Students will engage with a number of different poets each week as a stimulus to their own poetic engagement, and will compose and perform their own work as part of a practice of critique.OptionalThe Craft of Scriptwriting 2026-27CRW2007MLevel 52026-27This module develops students' knowledge of the craft of scriptwriting for a wide range of formats, including but not limited to audio drama, graphic novel and moving image (short film). Students will study, watch and listen to a number of texts appropriate to the format they wish to practice and develop their understanding of the relationship between character, script and production. Attention will be given to the nuts and bolts of scriptwriting - dialogue, pace, setting, and story. These are key to all forms of creative writing and literary analysis, as well as to creating successful script-based texts.OptionalExploring 3: Investigating Creative Practice 2027-28CAR3001Level 62027-28This module will provide students with an opportunity to develop their independent practice and explore a project of their own creation. This will allow students to extend their knowledge of practice, scholarship, and praxis as they curate their own project, identifying a topic of interest for further exploration and dissemination.CoreFinal Major Project (Creative Writing) 2027-28CRW3001Level 62027-28The Final Major Project in creative writing provides all L3 CW students with the opportunity to write an extensive piece of creative work of 8,000 words (or equivalent poems/scripted text) and an accompanying 2,000 word analysis of influence, audience, genre and narrative devices over a period of two semesters. The choice of form, style and genre is up to the student, with an appropriate supervisor assigned to them for the duration of the module. Creative , technical and academic skills developed at Level 2 are further enhanced through this creative dissertation; these include the structuring of an extended piece from an initial idea, the drafting process, editing, and mastery of the particular genre in which they have chosen to work. This close engagement with textual production as a practical exercise not only helps students develop an effective writing style but, by placing them in the position of the author, also deepens their understanding of the author-text-audience relationship within critical, creative and commercial contexts.CorePodcasting 2027-28CRW3010Level 62027-28This module will enable you to develop a professional understanding of podcasting creation, production and dissemination. In this module students are given the conceptual terms required for an understanding of how narrative works, and how narrative constructs our idea of ourselves and our social relationships as well as informs our ability to create stories. In lectures and workshops, you will study the podcasting form, its history, its creative techniques, and the practice of how to make and produce an original and innovative podcast. The module will consider elements of audience, genre, aural storytelling, podcast narrative, production and distribution. We will also explore a range of approaches provided by the creative and technical aspects of podcasting.CoreWriting Centre: Editing & Publishing 2027-28CRW3006MLevel 62027-28In this module students will be given the opportunity to specialise in editing and publishing in literary journals to showcase their creative work. Working in small groups and independently students are expected to build on the experience they have gained at Levels 1 and 2 in a range of forms and genres. Using available calls to submission and publication opportunities, students will work on producing work for public consumption in a professional environment. They will take a practical approach to learning aspects of how to get published. An advanced level of editorial and writing skills will be expected.CoreArtist in Residence 2027-28MUS3017Level 62027-28Artist in Residence gives students the opportunity to learn skills required of working in a variety of professional working environments as a professional creative artist. Students will work in roles appropriate to their professional interests, including as performers, conductors, arrangers, composers and workshop facilitators, writers, designers, dancers in groups that are staff-led or external (connected) groups. By being ‘in residence’ with one of more of these groups, students will have the opportunity to guide and lead the groups across a year of programming.OptionalArts and Cultural Industries 2027-28DRA3056MLevel 62027-28 Acknowledging what happens in process and production are is as important, if not more important, than what happens with a final artistic product. This module offers you invaluable opportunities to develop a detailed understanding of the arts as an ecosystem in relation to the wider world. You'll be introduced to the organisational infrastructure of the creative sector, enhancing your core employability skills for life after graduation, and equipping you for a career in the arts. You will learn directly from industry professionals working in a variety of creative contexts who we invite to speak to you in a series of talks and presentations; you can speak to them, ask questions, and develop your professional network. You will also learn though lectures, discussion, group and individual working, and via research tasks designed to provide you with real-world guidance for working in creative and cultural industries. You'll also be encouraged to keep abreast of government policy and issues such as audience accessibility and diversity within the arts, and ask how the current political climate shapes this generation of arts organisations, makers, producers and companies.OptionalDance Management and Production 2027-28DAN3024MLevel 62027-28The module will examine the current dance landscape in which students will explore key questions such as: What dance is being made? How is it being made? Who is it being made for? Students will analyse this information in order to identify gaps and trends within the current market to gain further understanding of what skills and knowledge may be required in order to successfully work within the dance industry.OptionalForming a Company (Musical Theatre) 2027-28MST3002MLevel 62027-28This module sets the challenge of launching a small-scale musical theatre company and taking a production to a venue (or venues) outside the University. This is likely to be students' first independent venture into staging a production, which could be performed in a small-scale venue, in a school context, in a site-specific space, or on tour.OptionalPoetry and Innovative Form 2027-28CRW3005MLevel 62027-28This module enables students to practice advanced techniques and develop innovative strategies for writing poetry. Students will read and reflect upon a range of contemporary works (including emergent forms) in order to further develop their own poetics and poetic practice. Furthermore, the study of poetics as a writerly and speculative discourse will accompany and influence the students' own writing - and the reflection upon the writing - and suggest emergent writing possibilities that students might engage in beyond the module, i.e. various creative environments and cultural economics.OptionalProduction Design and Realisation 2027-28TTH3004Level 62027-28This module combines both practice and study, in which students can work either independently or collaboratively to design and realise a production for the stage or an unconventional performance space. The module requires students to undertake the roles within the creative team for a production, including the production designer, set designer, lighting designer, sound designer, costume designer, prop designer, video designer and more. The module aims to examine the skills and resources available for each of these roles and allow students to explore the avenue that most suits them. Students can opt to work solo or form groups suited to the area of interest applicable to each students' interests and CPD plan. Students can work independently or in groups to propose, plan and design an ambitious theoretical production that utilises the experience gained over their three years on the programme. Embracing a broad spectrum of theatrical design methods to produce a visualised representation and presentation of a theoretical production. Students may form groups and work collaboratively to fulfil all the design elements of a production, including (but not limited to) set designer, lighting designer, sound designer, AV and costume designer. Alternatively, students may choose to work independently and design all scenographic elements themselves. A preliminary seminar aims to introduce the Module and its processes, offering design briefs to be allocated to each group. A supervisor can be assigned to each group to meet with them at key points over the Semester. Supervisors may advise students on the mode of work each group is producing, and give feedback on their Draft Proposal. Groups can then receive formal supervisions during the Semester, including work in progress stages prior to their final assessment and presentation. The module is designed to simulate a real-world design scenario, requiring students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to develop concepts, work collaboratively, and produce quality design documentation.OptionalScriptwriting for Stage and Screen 2026-27 2027-28DRA3060MLevel 62027-28Scriptwriting for Stage and Screen develops students' skills in scriptwriting for film, television and theatre. Through workshop exercises, group feedback, and seminar-based discussion students will study a variety of writing practices, developing the skills to create character, dialogue, and plot for both the stage and the screen. In addition to writing their own script, students will also attain a realistic understanding of theatre, film and television industries, including how to present their work within production contexts.OptionalWriting Contemporary and Historical Fiction 2027-28CRW3011Level 62027-28In this module, students have the opportunity to examine the narrative, technical and aesthetic aspects identified in this broad range of narratives through reference to successful published texts and develop their own narratives. Unrestricted to the format in which they wish to write, students will examine approaches to crafting a successful genre-based novel that will appeal to, meet and potentially challenge the expectations of their respective audiences. With frequent reference to contemporary works, the module is structured in a way that will be guided by the interests of the learners; contemporary fiction can range from literary writing to crime thrillers, and while writing for historical fiction includes its own specific practices (such as the application of appropriate and accurate research), both creative forms share an enduring popularity with readers. As such, this makes these areas of writing attractive to new authors, and this module will encourage students to learn and develop practical, incremental skills and progressively apply these to their final assessment and be given the opportunity to evaluate the how, why and when of its production.OptionalWriting for Children and Young Adults 2027-28CRW3009MLevel 62027-28In this module, students approach writing for children and young adults in a way that reflects the genre’s relationship to literary fiction and traditional storytelling. By examining the narrative, technical and aesthetic aspects identified in these narratives—as well as in their own writing—students are encouraged to craft narratives that appeal to readers of all ages. With frequent reference to contemporary works, the module is structured in a way that encourages students to learn and develop practical, incremental skills and progressively apply these to their final project: the opening passage to a novel-length work, with an accompanying outline for the complete story.OptionalWriting Science Fiction and Fantasy 2027-28CRW3007MLevel 62027-28This module will introduce students to some of the specific elements of writing science fiction and fantasy. Although these two genres only emerged fully during the twentieth century, they have their roots in literature that is as old as the classics in the case of fantasy and the writings of Jonathan Swift and Mary Shelley with regard to science fiction. Frequently a medium for satire and social commentary, this module will explore some of the ways in which science fiction and fantasy authors offer means to develop thought experiments and oblique commentary on contemporary developments.Optional

              What You Need to Know

              We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

              How you are assessed

              The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; but the greatest emphasis is on the production of a creative portfolio. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year, and the University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly. Please note this course has no examinations.

              Guest Speakers

              Teaching is enriched by workshops, readings, and masterclasses with visiting contemporary authors, editors and other industry professionals. Former Poet Laureate Dame Carol Ann Duffy is a Visiting Artist and has visited the University to read a selection of her works. Students have also enjoyed masterclasses with TV presenter and author Chris Packham. The Creative Writing team were delighted to welcome award-winning science fiction writer Robert Shearman as a visiting senior fellow.

              Carol Ann Duffy at a reception at the University of Lincoln

              Staff Expertise 

              Students have the opportunity to learn from active professional authors with interests in fields as diverse as psychological thrillers, creative non-fiction, and graphic novels. Their publications include novels, plays, short films, audio dramas, graphic novels, poetry, and prize-winning short stories.

              I always look forward to the exciting, buzzing atmosphere that the start of each term brings. I can honestly say that studying Creative Writing at Lincoln has been one of the best decisions of my life.

              Philip Dixon-Smith

              BA (Hons) Creative Writing

              Study Abroad 

              An optional year abroad is available for full-time students between the second and third years. A Study Abroad Tuition Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. No extra tuition fee is payable to the host university, but students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs. Travel grants and an overseas rate maintenance loan may be available for eligible students from Student Finance. The University’s Global Opportunities Team can provide further support and guidance.   

              Great Central Warehouse Library

              The University’s on-campus Great Central Warehouse Library is open 24/7 during key times of the academic year and provides access to more than 200,000 journals and 600,000 print and electronic books, as well as databases and specialist collections.

              Two students looking at a book together in the Great Central Warehouse Library

              What Can I Do with a Creative Writing Degree?

              Creative Writing graduates may choose to pursue careers in various literary and creative professions, such as publishing, journalism, advertising, public relations, marketing, the civil service, and communications. Students can choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level or take qualifications in teaching.

              Entry Requirements 2025-26

              United Kingdom

              104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.

              BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM

              T Level: Merit

              Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points

              International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall.

              GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.


              The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

              We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

              International

              Non UK Qualifications:

              If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages
              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

              EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page
              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

              If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

              If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

              Contextual Offers

              At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages. If you are applying to a course that has any subject specific requirements, these will still need to be achieved as part of the standard entry criteria.

              Fees and Scholarships

              Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

              Course Fees

              For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

              Find out More by Visiting Us

              The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

              Three students walking together on campus in the sunshine

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              The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.