English, Writing and Publishing courses

If you’ve got a way with words, or an appreciation for those who do, perhaps a writing degree is for you. Turn your passion into practical, professional skills that’ll unlock new career opportunities, and build a unique portfolio that’s sure to attract attention from potential employers.

Joint #5 in the UK

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

Joint #7 in the UK

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

Single honours courses

A writer works in a sunny conservatory

Hone your craft, find your niche and build an attention-grabbing portfolio under the guidance of award-winning published writers.

Related careers:

  • Copywriting 
  • Marketing 
  • Social media 
  • Advertising 
  • Publishing 
  • Journalism
Course details
A number of books laid partially open on a table

Combine the academic study of literature with practical, skills-based modules designed to prepare you for the workplace.

Related careers:

  • Teaching 
  • Librarianship 
  • Marketing 
  • Copywriting 
  • Journalism 
  • Public relations
Course details
A journalist interviews a businessman

Develop a nose for what makes a good story, then discover what it takes to communicate it effectively across a variety of print and digital platforms.

Related careers:

  • Journalism 
  • Publishing 
  • Public relations 
  • Social media 
  • Graphic design
Course details
A writer works in a sunny conservatory

Hone your craft, find your niche and build an attention-grabbing portfolio under the guidance of award-winning published writers.

Related careers:

  • Copywriting 
  • Marketing 
  • Social media 
  • Advertising 
  • Publishing 
  • Journalism
Course details
A number of books laid partially open on a table

Combine the academic study of literature with practical, skills-based modules designed to prepare you for the workplace.

Related careers:

  • Teaching 
  • Librarianship 
  • Marketing 
  • Copywriting 
  • Journalism 
  • Public relations
Course details
A journalist interviews a businessman

Develop a nose for what makes a good story, then discover what it takes to communicate it effectively across a variety of print and digital platforms.

Related careers:

  • Journalism 
  • Publishing 
  • Public relations 
  • Social media 
  • Graphic design
Course details

Combined courses

Learn by writing, making, producing, performing, directing and collaborating – and complete your projects, your way, with our support.

Course details
Two students look through a library book

Follow your passion for literature and writing with an exciting combination of creative practice and critical thinking, led by expert researchers and award-winning authors.

Course details
An actor recites lines from a script

Find your voice as you immerse yourself in theory, criticism and the relationship between film, media and culture.

Course details
A student using a wheelchair reaches for a library book

Explore the assumptions, beliefs and values which shape human behaviour, and apply your newfound practical skills to contemporary challenges, issues and debates.

Course details
An open notebook on a table

Join our vibrant community of award-winning writers, publishing professionals and creative practitioners as you turn your passion for writing into practical, professional skills.

Course details
An actor reads a script in a theatre

Explore the diversity of literature and drama to develop your own critical and creative work, from performances and devising plays to essays, digital work and producing podcasts.

Course details
A teacher helps two secondary school pupils

Pursue your passion for English Literature while developing the knowledge, skills and experience you need to become an educator across diverse settings.

Course details
Two people recording a podcast

Gain real-world experience as you respond to briefs and manage projects, while building practical skills to prepare for a successful communications career.

Course details
Diverse group of students working together on a project

Acquire specialised subject knowledge while developing practical and professional skills that you can apply to contemporary challenges, issues and debates.

Course details
A student reaches for a library book

Study literature though diverse perspectives and discover how to successfully communicate ideas and information in engaging and creative ways.

Course details
An employee leads a marketing meeting

Prepare for a professional career in the thriving communications sector – whether in publishing, marketing, PR or education.

Course details

Learn by writing, making, producing, performing, directing and collaborating – and complete your projects, your way, with our support.

Course details
Two students look through a library book

Follow your passion for literature and writing with an exciting combination of creative practice and critical thinking, led by expert researchers and award-winning authors.

Course details
An actor recites lines from a script

Find your voice as you immerse yourself in theory, criticism and the relationship between film, media and culture.

Course details
A student using a wheelchair reaches for a library book

Explore the assumptions, beliefs and values which shape human behaviour, and apply your newfound practical skills to contemporary challenges, issues and debates.

Course details
An open notebook on a table

Join our vibrant community of award-winning writers, publishing professionals and creative practitioners as you turn your passion for writing into practical, professional skills.

Course details
An actor reads a script in a theatre

Explore the diversity of literature and drama to develop your own critical and creative work, from performances and devising plays to essays, digital work and producing podcasts.

Course details
A teacher helps two secondary school pupils

Pursue your passion for English Literature while developing the knowledge, skills and experience you need to become an educator across diverse settings.

Course details
Two people recording a podcast

Gain real-world experience as you respond to briefs and manage projects, while building practical skills to prepare for a successful communications career.

Course details
Diverse group of students working together on a project

Acquire specialised subject knowledge while developing practical and professional skills that you can apply to contemporary challenges, issues and debates.

Course details
A student reaches for a library book

Study literature though diverse perspectives and discover how to successfully communicate ideas and information in engaging and creative ways.

Course details
An employee leads a marketing meeting

Prepare for a professional career in the thriving communications sector – whether in publishing, marketing, PR or education.

Course details

What can you do with a writing degree?

“I was able to tailor my course to the exact career I was looking for”

The Publishing course enabled me to specialise in science writing and I found work experience as a science reporter during my third year, interviewing leading researchers and tech businesses.

Amy Barrett, BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Publishing

“Bath Spa allowed me to choose a career with confidence, as I learned what I was good at and what I enjoyed doing”

The best thing about the course is the support, the module choices (which can really inform your path) and the work experience offered with local publishers or events and festivals.

Laura Garcia Moreno, BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Publishing

Why study at Bath Spa?

Lake at Newton Park campus

You’ll be based at Newton Park, where you can take a stroll through the woodland, find inspiration at our beautiful lake, or head to the bustling heart of the campus – our state-of-the-art teaching space, Commons.

Three students around a table with laptops on it.

Utilise our extensive Library, hire out cameras and audio recording equipment free of charge, and get free access to Adobe Creative Suite to familiarise yourself with a range of elite industry-leading apps. 

Students talking in a shared student kitchen

Whether you prefer accommodation in Bath's vibrant city centre or the tranquility of Newton Park halls, your new home awaits. 

Smiling student standing at a shop counter

From grants and short-term loans to low-cost hot meals, free period products and on-campus food larders, we’ve got a range of services and support to help you manage your money.

A happy student graduating from university

Need someone to critique your CV? Looking for a part-time job while you study? Want a mentor? Our Careers team have you covered.

Four students walking on campus with mature trees in background

Whatever you need, our Student Wellbeing Services team is here to signpost you in the right direction. Access a range of 24/7 services, as well as long-term support.

A Student Ambassador helps a visitor at an Open Day

Not sure if BSU is right for you? Visiting us at an Open Day is the best way to find out!

  • Meet our students and staff 
  • Tour our facilities and accommodation 
  • Learn more about your chosen course
Book now
Lake at Newton Park campus

You’ll be based at Newton Park, where you can take a stroll through the woodland, find inspiration at our beautiful lake, or head to the bustling heart of the campus – our state-of-the-art teaching space, Commons.

Three students around a table with laptops on it.

Utilise our extensive Library, hire out cameras and audio recording equipment free of charge, and get free access to Adobe Creative Suite to familiarise yourself with a range of elite industry-leading apps. 

Students talking in a shared student kitchen

Whether you prefer accommodation in Bath's vibrant city centre or the tranquility of Newton Park halls, your new home awaits. 

Smiling student standing at a shop counter

From grants and short-term loans to low-cost hot meals, free period products and on-campus food larders, we’ve got a range of services and support to help you manage your money.

A happy student graduating from university

Need someone to critique your CV? Looking for a part-time job while you study? Want a mentor? Our Careers team have you covered.

Four students walking on campus with mature trees in background

Whatever you need, our Student Wellbeing Services team is here to signpost you in the right direction. Access a range of 24/7 services, as well as long-term support.

A Student Ambassador helps a visitor at an Open Day

Not sure if BSU is right for you? Visiting us at an Open Day is the best way to find out!

  • Meet our students and staff 
  • Tour our facilities and accommodation 
  • Learn more about your chosen course
Book now