Creative Writing and English

Want to study in a place that’s been called the UK’s “most poetic city”? You’ve found it. Hull has inspired literary luminaries such as Philip Larkin, J.R.R. Tolkien, Winifred Holtby, Tom Paulin, Stevie Smith, and many more.

Experience stimulating conversations with published experts, lively meetings with like-minded English Society members, and breathtaking, writers-block-banishing views from our seven-storey library. You'll hone your writing skills on real-world projects, studying medieval to contemporary global literature in our vibrant, buzzing faculty.

On this course, you’ll develop creative thinking skills and the ability to express them effectively, leading to a broad range of career opportunities.

Why study at Hull?

• 1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction¹: We’ve been teaching English for nearly 100 years. You’ll learn from published poets, fiction writers, scriptwriters and scholars.

• 1 million books on your shelf: Access an incredible trove of materials in our seven-storey library, home to over one million books and extensive digital resources.

• Publish your work on and off the page: Join our student-led English Society, perform your work at HUWrites, and publish with our in-house magazines, Document 1 and Hull Scribbler.

Where could this take me?

Poets Douglas Dunn and Roger McGough are just some of the University of Hull’s notable alumni. But a literary career is not the only route available to Creative Writing and English graduates.

Creative thinking is a highly rated skill in today’s job market. Our graduates have gone on to work for public and private sector organisations like East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Sainsbury, Marks and Spencer, the Ministry of Justice, and more.

¹ (Creative Writing) The Complete University Guide 2025.

Core modules include:

The Writer’s Toolkit
Poetry, Past and Present
Exploring English
Drama, Conflict and Identity
The Storyteller’s Art
Creative Writing Portfolio

Optional modules include:

Scriptwriting
Writing Poetry Now
Dystopian Fiction
Love, Desire, Death
Writing the Novel
The Short Story
Gothic Imagination

You'll be assessed through a combination of written, practical and coursework assessments throughout your degree.

Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.