Develop and refine your critical and creative practice through a study of contemporary and historic literature and the examination of texts as both a reader and a writer. You'll analyse texts to understand the cultures they’re part of and how these reflect, generate, or contradict ideas of their time, and experiment with writing in different literary forms. You will develop your ability to speak to a range of audiences via critical and creative texts, including poetry, fiction and screenwriting.

Throughout your degree you will build key skills in communication, creativity and critical thinking that help to build confidence, develop your analytical and communication skills and shape your writing style. Your studies will culminate in your final-year ‘English Project’ and ‘Creative Writing Project’, where with the support of an academic member of staff with relevant expertise you will complete an extended piece of research, or plan and develop a creative writing project.

Just as we encourage you to make the most of your time at Keele, we also prepare you for life after university, and even help you kick-start your own career. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with projects and placements, drawing on our extensive network of existing placement partners or using our support to find your own opportunity. This allows you to combine your degree programme with practical experience, apply your learning to real-world situations, and enhance your CV. You can also regularly hear from professional writers at Keele Hall’s reading events. There are opportunities to perform or publish your work at open mic events or in Keele's Creative Writing Anthology.

Work Placements

Opportunities to enhance your employability are at the heart of our English and Creative Writing programme and you will have the chance to engage with work placements as part of your degree. This allows you to collaborate with professionals and demonstrate your creative expertise in the workplace, building key skills in communication, analytical thinking and problem-solving.

You also have the option to gain hands-on experience with a placement year in between years two and three of your degree programme and prepare for employment after university at greater lengths. This will enable you to build confidence and demonstrate your abilities in a professional environment, using the skills you have gained throughout your degree programme.

Our foundation year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.