Swansea University

What you'll study

This honours degree blends literary study with creative practice. Core modules introduce close reading, literary history and theory, covering periods from medieval and early modern to Victorian, modern and contemporary writing. Creative-writing modules focus on fiction, poetry, scriptwriting and hybrid forms, emphasising revision, workshop feedback and the development of a distinctive voice.

Typical topics and modules include:

• Introduction to Literary Study and Critical Methods
• Shakespeare and Early Drama or Renaissance Literature
• Romanticism and the Novel
• Victorian and Modernist Literature
• Contemporary British and Global Literatures
• Creative Writing: Short Fiction and the Short Story
• Poetry: Forms, Techniques and Performance
• Writing for Stage, Screen and Radio
• Publishing Studies and Digital Literacies
• Dissertation or Major Project combining critical research or a sustained creative portfolio

Teaching typically mixes lectures, small-group seminars and creative workshops. Assessment is through a combination of essays, creative portfolios, presentations, and a final-year research or creative dissertation. Students can often tailor their pathway by choosing elective modules in areas such as gender studies, postcolonial literature, environmental humanities, or media and cultural studies.

Entry requirements

Swansea looks for evidence of strong written and analytical ability. Typical applicants present A-levels or equivalent qualifications in relevant subjects; a strong grade in English language or English literature is usually expected at GCSE/Level 2 or equivalent. Mature students and those with vocational qualifications (for example Access to Higher Education or BTEC) are considered; international applicants will need recognised secondary qualifications or an International Baccalaureate diploma.

Other useful application elements include a clear personal statement demonstrating enthusiasm for reading and writing, and a portfolio or examples of writing where requested. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's standard English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates develop transferable skills valued across many sectors: critical thinking, research, clear written communication, editorial judgement and project management. Common career paths include teaching, journalism, publishing and editorial work, creative writing and script development, arts and cultural management, public relations and marketing, and roles in charities or policy organisations.

Many alumni build freelance careers as writers, editors or content producers; others progress to postgraduate study in literature, creative writing, publishing studies or related professional qualifications such as teaching. Swansea’s careers service and departmental connections also support placements and internships in regional and national cultural organisations.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea combines a supportive departmental culture with research-led teaching. The university’s School of Arts and Humanities places emphasis on close supervision in final-year projects and on practical workshops that mirror professional creative environments. Students benefit from access to reading and archival collections, guest-lecture programmes, and partnerships with local theatres, literary festivals and publishing initiatives.

The university’s location offers a balance of campus-focused student life and access to coastal and city cultural resources, while dedicated student support services and a careers centre help with personal development, work placements and progression to employment or further study.