Do you want to explore the treasures of literature while also training yourself as a writer?
This flexible course will enable you to do both at the same time. Learning within a strongly creative community, you’ll be set for an intellectually stimulating experience that also develops valuable transferable skills.
In Literature modules you will cover topics from Shakespeare to contemporary fiction, fostering your appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of literary texts. You will produce independent interpretations of texts and concepts, and share your insights with others confidently.
In Creative Writing modules you will hone your craft as a writer with an emphasis on voice, structure and critical reflection. Workshops will allow you to reflect on your practice as you develop your own creative projects.
The course combines academic rigour with a concern for employability skills such as communication and analysis.
Why choose Northumbria to study English Literature and Creative Writing?
The uniqueness of our Literature degree lies in how it brings together the study of stories and how we tell them across hundreds of years, with a contemporary focus on your career, helping you take your cultural understanding into the twenty-first century world of work.
Research Power: English at Northumbria is ranked 21st for research power in the UK, out of 92 institutions (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 5 places since 2014.
Student Rated: Over 92% of students studying English Literature and Creative Writing at Northumbria believed their course positively challenged them to achieve their best work, and thought their course enabled them to develop knowledge and skills needed for their future (NSS, 2025).
How does Literature & Creative Writing course help with employability?
Studying Literature and Creative Writing at Northumbria lets you bring together your passion for human stories while making practical steps into your future career.
You will have opportunities to engage with the heritage industry through department field trips, guest lecturers, and academic partnerships. And we introduce you to the world of publishing and book-making, potentially leading to our unique MA in Publishing with partners Hachette and New Writing North.
Meanwhile, for those looking to inspire the next generation of literature lovers, you can opt to begin your teaching experience with a module focused on learning how to be a tutor of students in schools or colleges.
Northumbria's English Literature learning experience
Your voice is vital in our seminar groups and small discussions. We bring students together to read and talk about texts and stories from day one. We introduce you to themes of huge relevance today, such as gender and equality, or the power of poetry to capture a cultural moment or a new social obsession. All your work leads up to your major creative writing project or dissertation, where you make your own mark in the world of literary studies and showcase your creativity.
Students will also have the option to extend their studies, either taking a placement year in industry or opting to study abroad in the likes of mainland Europe or North America.
Check out similar courses such as our English Literature BA