Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,155 per year -
How long will I study?
3 / 4 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
W800
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When do I start?
September 2025
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Placement year available?
Yes
Number 5 in the UK
We're the 5th best university in the UK for creative writing in the Guardian University Guide 2025.
Course summary
- Learn from award-winning staff on one of the top three courses in the UK
- Experience guest masterclasses from internationally acclaimed writers and creatives
- Sharpen your writing and editorial skills with work placements and live briefs
- Network with publishers, build your profile and develop as a professional writer
- Join Sheffield’s thriving creative community and take part in UK-leading literature events
This BA Creative Writing course is for those who want to harness the power of the written word and hone creative skills to connect with audiences. You’ll develop your individual writing style and understand the fundamentals of good style, structure and character development, in both traditional and future-facing writing formats.
You’ll graduate with the skills, confidence and contacts you need to thrive as a writer in all its professional forms.

Come to an open day
Visit us to learn more about our gold-rated teaching and why we were awarded the highest possible rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Student view
How you learn
You’ll join a dynamic and collaborative writing community, working alongside illustrators, graphic designers and filmmakers to explore possibilities and challenge conventions.
Our team of award-winning writers will help you become confident and skilled in everything from prose fiction to publishing. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our professional partners, so you can gain real-world experience of the creative industries and make the most of Sheffield’s vibrant cultural scene.
You learn through:
- Lectures, seminars and individual tutorials
- Workshopping your writing
- Modules focused on specific forms and styles
- Working with different organisations and audiences
- Generating and pitching ideas
- Live readings and performances
- Masterclasses from guest writers
- Writing trips and retreats
Course topics
In your first year you’ll learn the basics of a variety of forms – from poetry and fiction to script and creative non-fiction. You’ll think about what it means to be a writer and start to connect your writing with the real world by responding to a live brief from a publisher.
In your second year, you’ll continue to hone your skills across all the main forms of writing, developing your style as you find your audience and explore genres. During this time, you’ll workshop your writing with students and academics to develop essential skills in drafting and revising your work.
The final year of your course is your opportunity to focus on your creative future. In addition to refining your craft and developing your creative voice, you’ll explore different audiences and purposes for creative work. You’ll also develop and carry out a creative project that brings your passions and creativity together.
Course support
You’ll be supported at every step of your student journey, with:
- Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development
- Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources
- Student-led social initiatives and feedback
- Career support for up to five years after graduating
Course leaders and tutors

Dr Shelley Roche-Jacques
Senior Lecturer in Creative WritingI bring to my teaching my interest in dramatic action and the spatio-temporal elements of texts. This approach often helps students unpick ideas around genre, narrat … Read more
Applied learning
We think the best way to learn something is to do it in the real world. Studying in Sheffield puts you at the heart of a vibrant cultural scene, where you can put learning into practice through placements and live projects with our rich community of publishers and creatives.
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to complete a placement year between your second and third years – either a 25-week placement or multiple shorter placements. These give you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career – as well as an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV. You could also take the time to collaborate with external partners or develop your own creative enterprise.
Previous students have taken the chance to work at children's literacy charity Grimm and Co, exhibit work at Sheffield Museums, and create their own digital magazines.
Field trips
We run regular local, regional and international field trips – from writing retreats to festivals and theatre visits. There’s also an opportunity to experience a writing retreat closer to home. Previously, this has included a residential in the Peak District – the stunning national park right on the border of Sheffield.
Networking opportunities
We work with renowned festivals held in the city, such as Off the Shelf literary festival and Doc/Fest, an international documentary film festival.
These events attract literary agents, publishers and high-profile writers. Past students have volunteered as delegates – gaining experience working at the festivals while growing their professional network. Plus our innovative Masterclasses and alumni network will give you a headstart in the writing and publishing industries.
Competitions and galleries
Take advantage of regular opportunities to showcase your knowledge and skills to our industry and community partners – such as schools, museums, theatre companies and charities. You’ll work independently and in groups, bringing your ideas to life in response to real-world briefs.
In a recent exhibition at Sheffield’s Millenium Galleries, students on the BA and MA Creative Writing courses worked together to curate an exhibition that more than 30,000 people attended.
Some of our students have also taken part in the Festival of Debate and we encourage students to enter competitions like Sheffield’s New Poet’s Prize and the Hive Young Writers Competition.
Future careers
As well as written and spoken communication skills, you’ll develop the skills to understand different audiences and frame a persuasive argument.
Our students have gone on to exciting careers in:
- Creative industries, such as theatre and media
- Teaching and education
- Journalism
- The charity sector
- Arts organisations
- Marketing, PR and communications
- Local and regional government
- Social work
- Postgraduate study and academia
Our famous Hallam graduates include:
- Marina Lewycka – author of the prize-winning novel, A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian
- Ben Wilkinson – renowned poet, critic and freelance writer
- Frances Leviston – award-winning poet and novelist
- Cherie Jones – author of How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House (shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, 2021)
Student's success story

Abi Milner, a BA Creative Writing student, has always loved to use words and language in a creative way. Find out how she used poetry to reimagine the past and raise awareness about the future climate crisis. Read more
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour

Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
You’ll study in world-class learning facilities across the university campuses – including a 24-hour learning centre, Students’ Union, cafes and eateries, lecture theatres, exhibition spaces and more.
You’ll have access to specialist facilities, such as:
- The Culture and Media Lounge – an open space with flexible desks, large screens, laptop library, individual and collaborative workspaces, and a shared kitchen
- An extensive collection of specialist books, databases and journals
- Our award-winning iLab enterprise centre, with free studio and office space, freelance opportunities and a vast business network ready for you to tap into
Media Gallery
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 112 - 120
This must include at least 2 A Levels or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:
- BBC-BBB at A Level.
- DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- Merit overall from a T level qualification
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies.
GCSE
- English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
• Access - at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2 from a relevant Open College Network accredited course.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent
Meeting the qualifications on the entry criteria does not guarantee you a place. You should ensure that you submit a personal statement and reference as these will also be considered as part of the selection process. Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website.
We welcome applications from people of any age.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
This module introduces you to the skills needed to write compelling fiction, poetry, script and creative non-fiction. Looking closely at a range of texts from a writer’s point of view, you will engage workshop exercises and hone your skills in areas such as dialogue, characterisation, imagery and structure. You will also learn the essential skills of editing and revision through workshopping your draft work with tutors and fellow students.
Indicative Content:
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Form, technique, structure, and style
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Critical self-reflection
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Editing, revision, and redrafting
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Workshopping and collaborating on feedback and peer review
Module Aim:
Engaging with the diverse and exciting creative scene in Sheffield you will gain an understanding of how publishing works and begin to develop your own supportive writing community. Through writing to a series of tasks and projects with our creative industry partners, you will explore and reflect on what kind of writer you want to be whilst fostering collaborative connections.
Indicative content:
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Contemporary issues in publishing, such as ownership, diversity, and representation
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The different roles involved in taking writing from draft to end product
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The role of social media in publicising literature
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Professionalism and authorship
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Industry standards and expectations for different forms
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Self-fashioning and understanding the role of the author or writer
Module Aim:
Finding an effective structure is crucial in long form writing. In this module, you’ll explore various approaches such as the Hero’s Journey and the Three-Part Structure, as well as considering other aspects of plotting and pacing. You’ll be reading and discussing a range of examples to inform your understanding of how these techniques can be applied to different literary forms, such as novel, narrative poetry, script and creative nonfiction. As well as developing critical skills in recognising and evaluating narrative strategies and structures, you’ll put the ideas into practice in your own writing.
Indicative content:
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Students will study a range of texts from a variety of forms, paying particular attention to narrative structure
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They will develop a critical language to consider these structures
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Developing script, prose and poetry storytelling structures in the forms of annotated plans and treatments for example identifying key story beats and incidents
Module Aim:
This module introduces you to the writing industry and allows you to start thinking about professional creative practice. Working in small groups, you will be set a brief by an external industry professional, such as a publisher or literary agent. You will respond to this with your own writing in any genre and learn about the processes of collaboration, attending to industry standards and drafting and editing accordingly. Industry professionals will be involved, responding to your work as it develops.
Indicative content:
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Professional standards and industry expectations for different forms of writing (poetry, prose, script)
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Collaborative practices and strategies
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Responding to a commission/brief
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Planning, pitching, and revising proposals
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Research for creative practice
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Contemporary issues in publishing
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Evaluating ideas and constructive feedback
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Incorporating feedback and drafting
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Editing and revision
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Self-reflection and self-evaluation
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
You will discover how short forms provide the writer with a unique canvas to practise brevity, precision and the art of suggestion. You will learn how craft skills such as characterisation, narrative voice and dialogue can be used effectively in concise storytelling, like flash fiction, and explore a diverse range of short forms, developing your understanding of how these rich, condensed forms can lend themselves to experimentation and innovation. You will also learn about markets and publishing opportunities for your work, as short pieces are highly sought after by literary magazines and can serve as excellent ‘calling cards’ for agents and publishers.
Indicative Content:
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Audience and target markets
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Editing, revising, and drafting
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Contemporary short forms
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Workshopping and peer review
Module Aim:
Following on from ‘Becoming a Writer,’ this module allows you to develop your writing interests and bring work of any genre or none into the space of the Creative Writing workshop. Having acquired a variety of craft skills in the first year, here is where you can begin to think about what your individual specialism and voice might be and even start to work towards your final year portfolio. You will deepen your understanding of the purpose of workshopping, offering editorial advice to others and learning to receive feedback and revise effectively accordingly.
Indicative Content:
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Students will build on self-reflection skills introduced in level 4
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Self-reflection, critical self-commentary, and evaluation
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Responding to feedback and providing constructive and productive feedback
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Writing on writing: author statements, poetics, and manifestos
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Formal innovation and experimentation
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Paratextual research: reading around the text
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Author-text relationships
Module Aim:
In this module, you will refine your craft and personal voice by examining and responding to a range of genres, such as science fiction, comedy, and thriller. The module might focus on specific genres each year, or a specific element that’s found in many genres (a particular setting, technique, or character type). You’ll be able to explore genres that particularly interest you – as readers and writers – and will be reflecting on your own creative practice. You’ll also be considering the historical development and contemporary publishing trends in genre writing, situating your work and ambitions as a writer.
Indicative Content:
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Definitions of genre
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Literary value and cultural assumptions about genres
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Reader expectations and critical perspectives
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Writing ‘in’ a genre: parameters, structures, and tropes
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Innovation and experimentation within genre
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Creating, drafting, and revising original work
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Researching publishers and markets
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Responding to feedback and providing constructive feedback
Module Aim:
Building on the work you will do in your first year, this module goes a step further into the writing world and industry. You will work with a local external organisation to respond to a brief, using both your understanding of professional practice and writing skills. This module provides further experience of working in the creative industries, allowing you to produce a creative response to a professional commission and enabling you to see the skills and knowledge you have gained so far in action.
Indicative Content:
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Working with external partners and organisations
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Generating ideas and incorporating feedback
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Professional expectations and skills
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Responding to a brief; understanding parameters, expectations, and timescales
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Researching audiences, communities, and contexts for creative projects
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Evaluating ideas, strategies, and proposals
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Self-reflection and development
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Project management and presentation
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Communicating with diverse audiences
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Creative and cultural industries
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Engaging creatively with external communities
Elective modules
This module is for undergraduate students to study abroad in their second year, Semester 2 (only for courses that offer this option). With this module, you can spend a semester at one of the University’s approved partner institutions worldwide – from Europe to the Americas, Asia Australia or Canada.
Study Abroad plays an important role in the University's commitment to an engaging, challenging, and thriving learning culture. It offers opportunities to experience other academic cultures and foster intellectual maturity while enhancing co-curricular skills and students' long-term employability.
Study abroad for credit is permitted on existing university-approved courses only. Students are awarded credits and grades at the partner institution, which are converted into Sheffield Hallam credits and grades on return and included in the Sheffield Hallam degree classification.
Please check and refer to the webpage How study abroad works. You must submit a Learning Agreement outlining the modules you will be taking at the partner institution. The Learning Agreement will be signed off by your academic tutor to ensure that the Learning broadly covers the Learning Outcomes set out in your course curriculum during your study abroad.
Year 3
Optional modules
Module aim:
The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).
A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting. The placement will:
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Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course
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Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc.
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Grow their student network and relationship building skills.
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Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs
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Help student make informed graduate careers choices.
Indicative Content:
In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.
To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work.
Final year
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
In this module we continue our focus on audiences and professional practice, with an eye to preparing you for your final project (Creative Writing Portfolio in semester 2). You will consider how to write for specific audiences, how to perform market research, and how we as writers engage with the wider world. You will reflect on the form and genre of your proposed portfolio and think critically about the place of your work in the contemporary literary marketplace.
Indicative content:
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Creative Industries – destinations for creative writers and practitioners
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Festivals, events, and public projects
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Audience expectations; finding audiences; proposing creative projects
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Professional working
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Developing and maintaining a professional profile
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Networking and pitching projects and ideas
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Responding to specific aims and requirements
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Self-reflection and self-leadership
Module Aim:
Writers have always broken the rules, as this is how they create new and innovative works. Here is the place where you can find your own avant garde artist. You'll be introduced to the concept and creative practice of innovative writing and engage in a series of workshops designed to promote experimentation, and to enable you to think deeply about originality, process, hybridity and cross-disciplinarity. Out of this experimentation, you will produce and develop work which may engage with any of these ideas and may be in any form including hybrid genres, handmade, digital, performative, visual or cross-disciplinary forms.
Indicative content:
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Schools of experimental writing
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Subverting expectations; rewriting assumptions
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Bricolage, assemblage, erasure
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Self-positioning: the avant-garde and you
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Originality, hybridity, and cross-disciplinarity
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Interdisciplinary creativity
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Digital and other mediations
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Experimenting from established forms
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Challenging ideas; developing new practice
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Drafting, workshopping, and revising
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Incorporating and providing feedback
Module Aim:
This module is an exciting opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your own long-form creative project, be that novel, script, short stories, a collection of poetry, creative non-fiction, or an innovative or experimental form of your design. This module brings together the skills, knowledge, and interests that you’ve developed over your degree and supports you to produce a piece of ‘industry-ready’ work. You’ll continue to develop your workshopping skills, honing the ability to give and take onboard feedback (and learning to assess and weigh up critical opinion). You’ll continue to learn how to reflect meaningfully on process and practice, and will conduct further research on publishers, audiences, and the market for your work. You’ll work closely with an individual supervisor to develop your idea. You will also be part of our vibrant community of writers, giving and receiving feedback on draft work and networking with a range of external partners and visiting industry professionals.
Indicative content:
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Self-leadership and reflection
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Audience and market research
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Understanding professional expectations and industry standards
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Project development and management
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Working with feedback
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Research for creative practice
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Providing and responding to feedback from a range of sources
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Engagement with creative events and workshopping
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Critically responding to creative work
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Understanding creative outputs, events, and programmes
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Engaging audiences
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Drafting, revising, and preparing manuscripts
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Preparing professional supplementary documents for submission packages
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Varieties of publishing or production
Module Aim:
How should writing respond to the contemporary environmental crisis? In this module you will answer this question by responding to and evaluating a diverse range of writing across various forms and genres. You will produce your own writing by engaging with your local environment through a variety of approaches which will provoke, inspire and further hone your craft skills and personal voice.
Indicative Content:
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Nature/culture connections
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The human and more-than-human world
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Creative writing and crisis
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‘Anthropocene’ creativity/critique
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Eco-critical and eco-ethical writing
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Creative Industries Institute (PDF, 268.6KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.