BA (Hons) Creative Writing in UHI · UHIBachelor's degree · 4 years
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University of the Highlands and Islands · Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Creative Writing in UHI Bachelor's degree at UHI

BA (Hons) Creative Writing in UHI at UHI. You'll engage with core theory and research methods alongside specialist options and independent projects, developing both the craft and critical thinking essential to contemporary writing.

BA (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
100%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

BA (Hons) Creative Writing in UHI is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at UHI, based in UHI Argyll,UHI Inverness,UHI Moray,UHI North West Hebrides,UHI Orkney,UHI Shetland. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.

For Language and area studies graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for English & Literature, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

9.1
/ 10
Exceptional
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent87

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional100

Stronger evidence Published sample: 470. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent85

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 85% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year 1 - CertHE 6 modules
  • First draft: proposal
  • First draft: reflection
  • Introduction to creative writing skills: journals
  • Reading as a writer
  • Writing for film: Introduction to screenplay
  • Writing poetry
Year 2 - DipHE 8 modules
  • Creative project: literary competitions
  • Creative project: peer assessment
  • Developing creative writing skills
  • Introduction to publishing
  • Writing from the north: context and criticism
  • Heroic literature: epic from classical to contemporaryOptional
  • Writing for children and young peopleOptional
  • Writing for film: writing a screenplayOptional
Year 3 - BA 7 modules
  • Authors and audience
  • Creative non-fiction
  • Creative project: researching your writing
  • Creative project: writing what you know
  • Writing experience placement
  • Branching narratives for interactive content developmentOptional
  • Scottish writingOptional
Year 4 - BA (Hons) 5 modules
  • Crime pays
  • Final creative project: literary anthology (double credit)
  • Publishing practice
  • Social media skills for writers
  • Writing in the marketplace

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

This degree emphasises creative writing practice within the study of literature and language. You'll typically begin with foundations in close reading, critical analysis and literary history, from medieval texts through to contemporary work. As you progress, you'll develop workshop-based writing craft and explore critical theory, the interpretive frameworks that shape literary understanding. In later years, a course like this normally moves toward specialist options such as creative writing, Shakespeare and early modern literature, contemporary fiction, critical theory, world literature, and publishing pathways, culminating in an extended independent project that combines research and creative practice.

Who it's for

This course suits you if you write regularly and want to deepen your understanding of craft, whether you're drawn to fiction, poetry, scriptwriting or hybrid forms. You'll thrive if you're curious about how language shapes meaning, enjoy giving and receiving feedback on work-in-progress, and see writing as both personal exploration and communication. The four-year full-time programme works well if you prefer sustained engagement with a subject, and the dispersed locations across UHI mean you may study close to home.

Careers & job market

Across English and Literature nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Among those working, 55% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries typically between £23,000 and £30,000 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £24,650–£34,800 by five years out. Your own trajectory will depend on the role, sector and location you pursue.

University & format

This BA (Hons) is delivered by the University of the Highlands and Islands across multiple locations: UHI Argyll, UHI Inverness, UHI Moray, UHI North West Hebrides, UHI Orkney and UHI Shetland. It is a full-time degree programme taught in English, lasting 4 years. The University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so the award is nationally recognised.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
90%
Learning opportunities
87%
Assessment and feedback
91%
Academic Support
94%
Organisation and management
85%
Learning resources
93%
Student voice
71%

Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 91%.

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Published entryEnglish at grade B or above

Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent65% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 80 - 95 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check UHI's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

UCAS tariff of entrants

Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent65%
a previous degree15%
Other15%
another higher-education qualification5%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.

Will you get in? Plot your grades

Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.

Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesA*A*A*+A-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask UHI whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

UHI publishes tuition by domicile, award level, study mode and delivery. Use the individual course page for the exact year-by-year fee.

Published UHI fee framework

Scotland-domiciled, 2026/27Degree £1,820/year; HNC or HND £1,285/year
Rest of UK, 2026/27Degree £9,790/year; HNC or HND £7,886/year
Part-time and onlineCharged by module or credit; the rate depends on domicile and award level
InternationalEligibility and fees are course- and delivery-specific
StudyKit · free

Still deciding what to study?

StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What English & Literature graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£25,000£22,000 – £29,000470
3 years after£24,000£18,000 – £28,00025
5 years after£25,000£21,500 – £33,50025

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 470. Cohort 2021-22.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

100%
in work or further study 15 months on
50%
in highly skilled work or study
85%
continue past their first year
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in english & literature · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs English & Literature nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£25,000
£23,000 – £30,000
After 3 years LEO
£24,000
£19,975 – £28,200
After 5 years LEO
£25,000
£24,650 – £34,800
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £18,500 – £36,000

National figures for English & Literature graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

100 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

70% working15% working and studying15% in further study50% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 470. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with English & Literature courses at the same study level.

UK occupations graduates enter

Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.

  • Media ProfessionalsSOC 2020 249 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,895
  • Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
  • Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
  • Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
  • Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
  • Health associate professionalsSOC 2020 321 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £28,155

Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 20; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Job market & outlook

How English & Literature graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across English & Literature courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
55%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine information gathering
  • First-draft writing and summaries
  • Standard analysis and admin
  • Repetitive processing tasks

More human than ever

  • Judgement and original thinking
  • Working with and leading people
  • Owning and sense-checking AI output
  • Ethics and accountability

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where English & Literature graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Publishers
  • Media & broadcasters
  • Marketing & PR agencies
  • Charities & public sector

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Fees and funding

UHI publishes tuition by domicile, award level, study mode and delivery. Use the individual course page for the exact year-by-year fee.

📈

Where graduates go

100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

🎯

Your entry chances

Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.1 out of 10: NSS 87.3% · in work or study 100% · continued 85%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

University of the Highlands and Islands

All students8,685
International2.1%
Aged 25+57.7%

Language and area studies across the UK

Students75,355
Aged 25+23.7%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Is English & Literature right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 208 - 223 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by UHI. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Language and area studies graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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