English Literature with Creative Writing (Placement Year)

On this course you will immerse yourself in the creative acts of reading and writing. You will explore literary works from ancient myth to the contemporary graphic novel and you’ll read widely, closely, and deeply, experiencing literature in a host of new and engaging ways.

From the sonnet to the novel, and from theatre to flash-fiction, you will hone your craft with extensive professional support from our many celebrated novelists, poets, and playwrights.

You will develop a creative and critical mindset where the interaction between both activities lead to new and surprising discoveries and inventive creative productions.

You’ll be part of a vibrant culture with literary events in the city’s Castle Quarter, multiple student-run literary journals, visiting authors, and opportunities to present your writing live.

Why Lancaster?

• Develop your creative voice while also studying literature from classical civilisation to the present day

• Enhance your writing through both text-based writing experiments and workshops focusing on your own writing

• Explore the professional dimensions of Creative Writing

• Get involved with our four student-run literary journals

• Be inspired by our rich programme of literary events on campus, online, and in the city’s historic Castle Quarter

• Gain experience writing for graphic novels and comics thanks to our connections with the Lakes International Comics Arts Festival and our unique graphic novel collection in our campus library

• Enjoy the benefits of our partnership with the archive-rich Wordsworth Museum

What will I study in English Literature?

You will also have the chance to explore texts from ancient civilisations to the present day studying the great names in literature, as well as voices that have been forgotten or overlooked.

We are pioneers in experimental or creative forms of literary criticism as well as encouraging the study of established forms of literary scholarship, such as archival work, historicism, close reading, and literary theory. We support our students to dive deep, and experience literature in transformational and innovative ways.

How will I develop my writing?

You will be able to explore traditional forms such as the short story, the novel, poetry as well as newer forms such as game writing, screenwriting, fantasy, and writing for young adults.

As you progress though the course, alongside your core Creative Writing modules, you'll be able to choose from a range of English Literature modules depending on your own interests.

Join a vibrant cultural community

We run many special literary events both on campus but also in spectacular locations such as the medieval Lancaster Castle, the awe-inspiring Priory or the archive-rich Wordsworth Centre at Grasmere in the Lake District. These events include:

• Talks from visiting scholars and authors

• Study retreat day in the Lake District

• Social events such as the October Lecture and May Gathering

We were the first institution to ever appoint a Professor in Graphic Fiction and Comic Art and our students can also benefit from our connection to the Lakes International Comics Art Festival which offers them professional and networking opportunities to develop their work in this field.

You can also take the opportunity to be more involved in organising, marketing and hosting these events. You will get to feel a part of something and develop your professional skills at the same time.

Gain valuable professional experience

You could choose to get involved in one of our four student-run literary journals. You might volunteer to help at Lancaster’s Literature festival which attracts well-known authors from around the world. You could also apply for one our residential internships at Wordsworth Grasmere.

Your Placement Year

Sometimes known as a year in industry, your placement year will take place between your second and final year of study and this will extend your degree to four years.