School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities

In this section

The School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities is Bath Spa's focal point for teaching and research in Creative Writing, Publishing, English Literature, History and Heritage, Politics, Religions, Philosophy and Ethics and Environmental Humanities.

Based in a thriving world heritage city, our courses are taught by leaders in their respective fields. They will encourage you to take an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to your own studies, whether you decide to focus on a single subject or to explore the connections between them.

#1 in the South West

for Graduate Prospects in Creative Writing (Guardian University Guide 2025)

Joint #5 in the UK

and #1 in the South West for Graduate Prospects in English (Guardian University Guide 2025)

#3 in the UK

for Satisfaction with Feedback in Journalism (Guardian University Guide 2025)

#3 in the South West overall

for English (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)

Joint #6 in the UK

for Value Added in History (Guardian University Guide 2025)

English Literature

Develop a passion for finding and telling stories through study in English Literature.

English Literature

History, Heritage and Politics

Explore the past to inform the future through study in History, Heritage and Politics, from both undergraduate to PhD.

History, Heritage and Politics

Religions, Philosophy and Ethics

How does our own set of beliefs influence how we interact with the world? Our Religions, Philosophy and Ethics courses will help you to challenge your own values and assumptions through the study of other cultures and worldviews.

Religions, philosophy and ethics

Environmental Humanities

How do humanities scholars, artists, writers and scientists explore and respond to their environment? How do we combine, explore and challenge how human creativity interacts with the science of the natural environment?

Environmental Humanities

Our people

Staff in the School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities are experienced teachers, passionate researchers, writers, broadcasters and practitioners. Our students are engaged, energetic and imaginative. Together, we form a thriving community of scholarship, learning and practice.

Gavin James Bower

Alan Marshall

Jonathan Lorie

Maria Nita

Emma Davies

Rachel Bynoth

Megan Farr

Jason Bennett

Tracy Brain

Mike Hannis

Neil Baber

Kyriaki Hadjiafxendi

Gina Blaxill

Paul Reid-Bowen

Lily Dunn

Lucy English

Nicky Lloyd

Sarah Morton

Clifford Williamson

Naomi Alderman

Dashe Roberts

Karen Gregory

Elizabeth Wright

Eleanor Barraclough

Mel Darbon

Gail Simmons

Kate Brooks

Samantha Walton

Faith Binckes

Alexia Casale

Christopher Ivic

Alison Hems

Annalie Grainger

Robin Mukherjee

Steve Hollyman

CJ Skuse

Allyson Edwards

Rachel Hamilton

Lucy Cuthew

Alex Campbell

BSU alumna and lecturer Samantha Harvey crowned winner of the Booker Prize 2024

Renowned as one of the UK’s most prestigious literary awards, the Booker Prize features the most impressive works of sustained fiction and has catapulted exceptional literature into the spotlight for the last 55 years.

Sam’s novel, Orbital, takes place over a single day in the life of six astronauts. During those 24 hours, they observe 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets over their silent blue planet, spinning past continents and cycling past seasons, taking in glaciers and deserts, the peaks of mountains and the swells of oceans.

Read the full story

An Image of a book, Orbital, written by Samantha Harvey, on a plinth next to the Booker Prize trophy

"The tutors were always friendly, encouraging and approachable. It was a life changing experience, and the best thing I have ever done.”
Nicola Tallis, BA (Hons) History graduate

Research

Our research is world leading, innovative and both academic and applied. It embraces traditional scholarship, practice and policy, and local, national and international collaboration.

Explore the work of our research centres:

Projects

Disrupted Histories, Recovered Pasts

Future Pasts

Civic London

Etosha-Kunene Histories

Ambient Literature

Landscaping Change

Adobe Creative Campus

As an Adobe Creative Campus, all Bath Spa students have access to the entire Adobe Creative Suite of elite industry-leading apps, including Photoshop, InDesign, Adobe Express and more.

With the ability to amplify your digital fluency from the moment you join Bath Spa, you’ll have the space to develop a wealth of indispensable skills to help you in your studies, and in the world of work.

Find out more about Adobe Creative Campus

"The passion the lecturers have for the course shines through in the breadth of the modules and assessments available, making you feel supported and confident at every stage of your degree."
Tessa Kerslake, BA (Hons) English Literature graduate