The art of creative writing relies on stimulating the mind and uplifting the generation of new ideas, circumstances, and people. This is a whole new concept whereby authors may let their creativity run wild and create vivid mental images with their words.
Students who can master this competency will have a greater capacity for self-expression and interpersonal interaction. Although practice and guidance in developing this talent are equally crucial, taking courses in creative writing is a terrific approach.
The British economy relies heavily on the inventive sector. The United Kingdom has the longest literary tradition and is at the forefront of literary innovation. Many British authors have become bestsellers in the United Kingdom and globally over the years. Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, and George Elliot are just a few selections of the prominent writers on this list.
Because of its proximity to both established literary canons and modern academic facilities, the United Kingdom is an excellent location to study creative writing.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on studying creative writing in the United Kingdom for international students.
Top Schools Offering Creative Writing in the UK
The United Kingdom is home to a population that consistently ranks among the world’s most intelligent and inventive. Some of its institutions have excellent programs in creative writing. The ones listed here are only a few of the greatest.
1. University of Leeds
- Bachelor’s Program | Graduate Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Bringing you the first highly regarded school in our list, the University of Leeds is ranked among the top universities in the world. Established in 1904 it is among the biggest in the United Kingdom, Leeds attracts students from nearly 170 nations annually. Leeds University, being among the UK’s major research-intensive institutions, has made its name in groundbreaking studies in a wide variety of fields.
The three-year undergraduate program in creative writing at UOL is designed to help students improve their analytical abilities and creative writing skills throughout their education. Stories, poems, autobiographies, and journals will all be among the forms of writing they can develop. In addition, students will read both historical and contemporary works written in English from around the world. These pieces can address issues such as ethnic origin, environmental degradation, sustainability, socioeconomic status, wellness, etc.
Students pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing are obligated to complete an individual dissertation that may focus on one creative topic or serve as a portfolio for their writing, whichever is most appealing to the individual.
The University of Leeds offers several scholarship programs for international students, one of which is the Head of School Excellence Scholarship. It covers 100% of the UK tuition or 50% of the foreign tuition fees.
2. University of Warwick
- Bachelor’s Program | Graduate Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Our second recommendation is a university that has gained a name in the research modernization and tutoring model, the University of Warwick. Warwick University’s courses are accredited by various recognized institutions. It is regularly placed among the top 10 institutions in the UK.
Among other programs, one of the top courses this institute offers for international students is a Bachelor in English Literature and Creative Writing. Earning this three-year degree may broaden a student’s perspective on literature, individual approach, and the world at large.
They’ll be well-equipped to succeed in any field that emphasizes conceptualization, originality, and a knack to get one’s point through clearly and persuasively.
Moving to an Advanced Master’s Degree in Writing from the University of Warwick, encompasses the 1-year full time of collaborating with renowned, working authors of fiction, poetry, and translations of literature.
The university offers generous scholarships awards and grants to international students. The Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship, for example, awards full payment and half payment of tuition fees.
3. University of Strathclyde
- Bachelor’s Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s
Next on our list is the University of Strathclyde, which stands 3rd in English according to Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023. It is AACSB accredited and additionally, more than 90 percent of its research is considered globally outstanding and world-renowned.
The BA Honors in English and Creative Writing takes a fresh, contemporary, and welcoming approach to educating English literature and the dynamic writing method, providing students with a solid grounding in both. Student development in areas like textural evaluation and comprehension is emphasized as a means of preparing them for successful professional lives. The 4-years of this program will offer various core and elective units for foreign applicants.
The cost of tuition for this bachelor’s degree is £17,400 per year. The eligibility requirements of this course include a prior academic excellence record and a passed English Proficiency test. The university also offers a generous number of grants and scholarships for EU and International students alike.
4. University of Birmingham
- Bachelor’s Program | Master’s Program | Ph.D. Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The University of Birmingham, a founding member of the elite Russell Group, is our next stop since it was the first Redbrick institution. Their vibrant student body benefits from a great variety of academic offerings, as well as top-notch campuses and research facilities. The institution is also quite proud of its 10 Nobel laureates who are part of their alumni and made significant contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Their courses expose students to an extensive selection of literary categories as well as historical periods, including a vast array of possible specializations. These include the Middle Ages literature to virtual writing throughout the 21st century. Among others, they also have the Shakespeare Institute, which houses an array of information unmatched anywhere else worldwide.
Students pursuing a Master’s degree in this field will get beneficial knowledge from specialists in the publishing sector, like authors and creators of content, as they participate in professional workshops. Applicants in the Ph.D. program will be given the resources they need to create a substantial artistic piece or series of works. All the fees of the respective courses for international students are mentioned on the pages linked above.
Numerous prominent foreign scholarships are available at the University of Birmingham to recognize exceptional academic achievements and alleviate the financial concerns of potential overseas students. The scholarships vary in offering fee waivers, health insurance coverage travel, and residential costs of students.
5. University of Reading
- Bachelor’s Program | Graduate Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
The final institute on our list is the University of Reading, which for more than 100 years has been the vanguard of UK higher education. The University has evolved into an intellectual and social leader throughout the years, breaking new ground in both areas.
The three-year Creative Writing program encourages students to fully immerse themselves in the inventive process, from brainstorming story ideas to constructing poetry. In the category of creative writing, the university comes in at number 11 in the Complete University Guide 2023. They provide a carefully selected set of English literature courses meant to inspire students’ creative writing.
Their Master’s course in Creative Writing will introduce students to a variety of courses directly connected to the life of writing while assisting them in developing and completing medium-sized artistic assignments, whether they are experienced writers or just beginning in the field.
The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate scholarships for international students. These grants allow full to partial funding for tuition fees and other expenses for qualifying students.
FAQs: Creative Writing Studies in the UK
Which Creative Writing Schools Offer Scholarships for International Students?
Possibilities thrive in the United Kingdom for overseas students, and the country’s institutions are exceptionally generous in providing financial help in the form of scholarships. Numerous scholarships and awards are accessible to students to encourage the growth of their creative skills. The purpose of their efforts is to foster the careers of both aspiring and established writers.
The University of Leeds‘ Head of School Excellence Scholarship and the University of Warwick‘s Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship are two of the most distinguished scholarships offered to qualified students. Financial aid from these sources may be used to defray the cost of tuition with full and partial funding along with funds for health insurance, transportation, and basic living expenditures.
The above-mentioned universities are highly regarded universities in the United Kingdom offering programs leading to this kind of degree. This article was created to help you decide where to apply for creative writing programs and make a well-informed decision.
We hope you liked the article. Feel free to explore the Study in the UK Guide and more Available Programs for International Students.
About the Author: Hyun Lee
