English and Creative Writing (Undergraduate)

ENGLISH AND CREATIVE WRITING

MAKE YOUR MARK IN

ENGLISH AND CREATIVE WRITING

Whether you have a love of reading and analysing the written word, or you dream of creating great works of your own, you’ll find we’ve the perfect course for you. In fact, we offer a range of exciting and flexible degrees to set you on the path towards a successful future.

Alternatively, choose our joint honours award, BA (Hons) English and Journalism for the opportunity to study English Literature and also work with our team of top journalism professionals, to gain the skills and knowledge essential for an exciting career in journalism.

Our BA (Hons) English degree (choose to study over three years or by two-year Fast-track learning) will help you to develop the critical skills and creative intelligence that employers value. BA (Hons) Creative Writing will introduce you to writing prose and poetry for pleasure and professionally. Taking BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing will provide the opportunity for you to develop your skills in both the creation and analysis of literature.

Whichever degree you pick, you’ll benefit from highly practical teaching, access to our superb library facilities and outstanding levels of support. With published writers and acclaimed journalists on our team, we know exactly how to equip you for career success.

Dr Mark Brown, Course Leader for English

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Over the following pages, you can read all about our English degrees. To find out more, please visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/jhss

I ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF MY TIME ON THE PROGRAMME; IT EQUIPPED ME WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND THE CONFIDENCE I NEEDED TO PURSUE MY GOAL OF TEACHING CREATIVE WRITING MYSELF. Louise Coquio, BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing

CONTENTS:

BA (Hons) Creative Writing UCAS code: W800

2 4 6 12 14 16 18 19

BA (Hons) English UCAS code: Q300

BA (Hons) English Literature and Journalism UCAS code: PQ53

BA (Hons) English (Two-year Fast-track) UCAS code: Q320

BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing UCAS code: QW38

Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate

t: 01782 294400

Introduction Key Facts Why Staffs?

Our Brilliant People A Better Campus Choose More Open Days Application Process

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HERE ARE JUST A FEW REASONS WHY WE BELIEVE YOU SHOULD STUDY WITH US. TO REALLY FIND OUT IF WE’RE RIGHT FOR YOU, PLEASE COME ALONG TO ONE OF OUR OPEN DAYS. WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU.

KEY FACTS WORK-READY WORLD-READY

Study with us and we’ll equip you to become ‘The Staffordshire Graduate’ – a world-ready professional, with the knowledge, attributes and expertise that employers look for.

FROM POETS TO PUBLISHERS

For the broadest possible learning experience, you’ll also be taught by visiting writers and scholars. You’ll learn from novelists, poets, editors and publishers. Our English lecturers are also published critics who write books and journal articles on their specialist areas.

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BE TAUGHT BY REAL EXPERTS

You’ll be taught by award- winning, published writers and practicing literary critics. Highly qualified and experienced in creative writing, your tutors know exactly how to equip you with the skills necessary for a rewarding future as a professional writer. Our English literature lecturers are at the forefront of their fields, contributing to scholarly debates through publication and at conferences.

ACHIEVE YOUR FULL POTENTIAL

English truly is about being able to express yourself. For that reason, we’ll use essays, group presentations, critical analyses, class tests and (just a few) exams to help you reach your full potential.

AWARD WINNERS

Our Creative Writing graduates have gone on to win awards such as The Manchester International Fiction Prize, and to become editors and act as judges for other awards.

FACT AND FICTION

We’ll give you a thorough understanding of fiction and narrative, poetry and literary theory, as well as creative non-fiction. You will explore your ideas alongside those of other writers, artists and thinkers.

ENGLISH IN EMPLOYMENT

Employers value highly articulate graduates. By helping you secure work placement opportunities with our partners in education, the theatre, publishing and other sectors, we’ll encourage you to boost your employability skills.

UNDERSTANDING HOW TEXT WORKS

From the subtleties of poetry to the nuances, plots and power of novels and dramas, we’ll introduce you to structures, intentions, impact and reverberations – and show you how to use them to great effect.

BRINGING ENGLISH TO LIFE

We’ll use exciting workshops, seminars, lectures and one- to-one tutorials to bring learning to life.

Guiding you through the major movements, writers and texts – from Shakespeare to Irvine Welsh and from Romanticism to Postmodernism – we’ll both inspire and engage you.

WELL EQUIPPED

Our library is well stocked with all the books and materials you’ll need. It also has useful high-tech aids, such as JSTOR (an online resource with over a million scanned documents) and Ebrary (an e-book and learning resource).

Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate

t: 01782 294400

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WHICH ENGLISH DEGREE

IS RIGHT

FOR YOU? Torn between BA (Hons) English with its focus on texts, and the solid grounding in expression that BA (Hons) Creative Writing provides? Then again, perhaps you’d prefer to study both subjects by taking our combined degree – or you like the idea of BA (Hons) English and Journalism for its variety and the breadth of career opportunities that it could provide? Whatever the case, you’ll find comprehensive descriptions for each of our degrees later in this guide. But, for now, here are just a few pointers to help you decide...

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BA (Hons) ENGLISH Taking this degree will encourage you to think about the relationship between texts and the societies in which they are written and read. This exploration will take you from the traditional to the contemporary, from high to popular literature, and from Shakespeare to postcolonial writing.

The course also develops skills crucial for employment.

‘English in the Workplace’ modules, for example, allow you to apply your learning and gain valuable experience and skills for the world of work. Through wide-ranging assessment methods, you’ll acquire and develop the kind of critical and creative intelligence that employers value.

Career paths include: journalism, teaching, personnel management, social work, the Civil Service, the media and many other professions.

BA (Hons) CREATIVE WRITING This degree will give you a solid foundation in fiction, poetry and scriptwriting, with some essential literary studies alongside. This is a course to boost your confidence, hone your techniques and widen your skills and knowledge in a rewarding and fast-growing subject.

It will give you insights into storytelling and poetics, characterisation, writing dialogue, theory and the skilful editing required to bring your work up to a professional and publishable standard. Guided by professional writers

Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate

from the University and beyond, you will explore your own style, your subjects, and where your strengths in writing lie. Your degree will also be supported by English Literature, where you may study works from Shakespeare to the present day. Why? Because knowledgeable readers make the best writers!

BA (Hons) ENGLISH AND CREATIVE WRITING Choosing this option will give you the chance to combine the analytical precision of English with your own flair and passion for creating literature.

BA (Hons) ENGLISH AND JOURNALISM (joint honours) Take English and Journalism and you’ll study two main subjects, which will lead to a joint honours degree. In English, the course will cover a variety of types of writing, such as novels, poetry, drama and autobiography – from Shakespeare and Romanticism to Victorian writing, Modernism and postcolonial literature. The Journalism element of the programme is built on the foundation of core skills, understanding and the enthusiasm demanded in the news industry. Practical modules take place in our dedicated journalism newsroom. It is equipped with industry-standard Apple computers and software and has a live feed from the Press Association.

t: 01782 294400

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WHY STAFFS? LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS

PRACTICAL TEACHING

Our Creative Writing lecturers are published writers with specialisms in the short story, as well as contemporary novels, experimental poetry and poetics.

Our English lecturers all hold PhDs. Their research interests span a variety of areas of literary criticism, including: Shakespearian Studies, American Literature, Victorian Literature, Literary Modernism, Literature and Philosophy, Postmodern Fiction, and Ecocriticism in Contemporary Literature.

On the Creative Writing course, you’ll learn through plenty of creative writing workshops. On every degree, we combine lectures, seminars, one-to-one tutorials and small group work so that you learn in a varied way. Because English can involve a lot of independent reading, writing and studying, we always encourage good communication between you and your lecturers to discuss progress, particularly as deadlines approach.

LINKS WITH INDUSTRY Some of the modules you’ll study are workplace-based and involve a research project in an industry environment of your choice. In addition to developing realworld skills, this gives you the chance to establish valuable links with organisations that you might want to work for later on, such as schools, publishers, media companies or even advertising agencies.

To make sure your learning is always fresh and relevant, we’ll also invite specialists from across the world of writing, publishing, teaching and literature to share their skills with you.

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HIGH LEVELS OF SUPPORT We’ll give you lots of support during your time with us. We also want to help you settle in quickly, so that you thoroughly enjoy and get the very most from your studies. For that reason, you’ll be given a dedicated Personal Tutor. You can also email your teaching team, or pop in to see them during the working week.

CHOOSE HOW YOU STUDY Among our range of courses you’ll find full-time and part- time study options as well as a two-year, Fast-track degree (an ideal choice if you want to enter the workplace even sooner). Through BA (Hons) English and Journalism, we also provide the opportunity to study for a joint honours degree.

CAREER CHOICES Our previous graduates have forged careers in areas as wide ranging as book publishing, marketing, publicity, journalism, library work, the media, and teaching. Some have gone on to study for postgraduate qualifications, such as MAs and PhDs. As a Staffordshire University English graduate, you’ll be creative, literate, independent and articulate, not to mention good at managing time, researching and presenting information.

These transferrable skills can stand you in good stead with prospective employers.

Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate

t: 01782 294400

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BEING ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE YOUR LOVE FOR AND KNOWLEDGE OF BOOKS English is a qualification highly valued by employers. As a Staffordshire graduate with an English degree, potential employers will know that you will be able to communicate effectively with varied audiences through written, oral and visual forms. As well as being able to demonstrate your love for and knowledge of books, you will be able to analyse complex texts; identify key aspects of content, composition and structure; synthesise different types of information; be creative and imaginative; and structure an argument in response to a brief.

The English degree at Staffordshire prepares you for study and for work. The first year provides a solid foundation of subject knowledge and the skills you will need to succeed on your degree. The wide choice of modules at 2nd and 3rd year offers the flexibility to range widely across periods and genres, or to focus on areas of your interest. You will choose from modules such as Shakespeare, Gothic Fiction, Victorian and Modernist Writing, Crime Scene America, Post-colonial writing, women’s writing and Eco-criticism.

In your 3rd year you have the opportunity to produce an extended piece of supervised personal research and critical writing: the English dissertation.

Our graduates go on to further study, to teach, and to careers in marketing, publishing, local government and the arts.

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Creative Writing gives you a solid foundation in writing Fiction, Poetry and Scriptwriting, with some essential literary studies alongside. This is a course to build up your confidence, hone your techniques and widen your skills and knowledge in this rewarding and fast-growing subject. The course will give you insights into storytelling and poetics, characterisation, writing dialogue, theory and the skilful editing required to bring your work up to a professional and publishable standard. What is your style, what are your subjects, where are your strengths in writing?

These are just some of the questions we’ll be asking and you’ll be finding out yourself.

While focusing on Creative Writing, your degree will also be supported by English Literature where you may study works from Shakespeare to the present day. Your modular programme will consist of cores and options that are designed to expose you to a wide range of literary forms, styles of writing and historical periods, thereby developing a broad understanding of the field. Specialisms you will encounter include traditional and contemporary poetry, fiction and non-fiction prose, Crime Writing, Gothic Fiction, Text and Art, Creative Non-Fiction, and Experimental Writing, amongst many others.

Throughout the programme, emphasis is placed on helping you to develop your own approaches to writing and literature and articulate your own arguments based on work practice, analysis, debate and research. To be successful in doing this, you must be open to new ways of interpreting texts and experimenting with your writing. Your workshops, lectures and seminars are all aimed at the development of these skills.

Our graduates go on to become fiction writers, technical and professional writers, to publishing, teaching, marketing and the creative industries.

Take these subjects in combination to make the most of your creativity and interpretive skills – committed readers make great writers.

Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate

t: 01782 294400

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OUR BRILLIANT PEOPLE “The English in the Workplace Module has been a positive experience. I have gained classroom experience and insight in to teaching at KS4 and 5 and had the chance to work with lots of NQTs.” Holly Jukes 2nd Year BA (Hons) English

“The fast track at Staffs is an intensive two-year course requiring aptitude, commitment and motivation. It has given me an excellent foundation to undertake a postgraduate degree.”

Keith Mullin Class of 2014, BA (Hons) English Fast Track

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“Because of the great choice of English Literature modules at Staffordshire University, I enjoyed the course from the beginning, which boosted my confidence, and, in turn, my performance.

Thanks to the constant support of my tutors, the accessible content of course material, and the reassurance of the close friends I made, I completed my degree and graduated with a 2:1. The tutors are a credit to the University; they are always more than willing to aid in any way they can. It is obvious that they are committed to the success of their students. It is because of that support that I was able to improve my grades.

I was then lucky enough to find work where I was able to use the skills I gained throughout my degree, literally within weeks of graduating. When I initially applied to universities - a fresh-faced eighteen year old, straight out of college - English at Staffs was my first choice; after completing my course, I know that I made the right decision.”

Hannah Jowett, BA (Hons) English – ‘Class of 2013’

Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate

t: 01782 294400

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A BETTER CAMPUS

AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE’RE COMMITTED TO INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE – LITERALLY. OVER A PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS, WE’RE SPENDING MILLIONS OF POUNDS ON OUR UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES, SO WHEN YOU JOIN US, YOU’LL BE COMING TO A PLACE WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START OPENING DOORS AND BREAKING BOUNDARIES.

In recent years, our Stoke-on-Trent campus has undergone a massive transformation, with the students at the heart of our plans. From the amazing Science Centre to environmental improvements, we’re focused on building the best campus for our students.

But whilst it’s all well and good a university saying they care what students think, we’re putting our money where our mouth is.

This all stems from a decision to make Stoke-on-Trent the main campus of Staffordshire University. In 2016 the majority of students from our Stafford Computing and Technology courses will be

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moving to the Stoke-on-Trent campus. So we’re making sure that when you arrive, you enter a university that is fit for purpose. One with a great mix of study and social spaces. One that feels safe and thrives on the friendly reputation we’ve built.

What we found was that a modern edge-of-city campus is ideal. Close enough to the city for the social life, but far enough away to focus on studying. Great transport links around the city, but also great spaces around the campus.

The best of both worlds.

So, starting in Summer 2015, we’ll be working on the College Road and Leek Road sites of our Stoke Campus.

We’ll be creating great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, venues and teaching rooms.

Bringing the best teaching facilities together with fantastic student areas – making it feel safe and easy to jump between your lectures and your life outside University.

As well as that, we’re also investing £12m in a new Computing and Games facility. This project, called Digital Kiln, will merge beautiful learning space with state-of-theart technology to support all sorts of courses from Cyber Security to Games Design.

This investment is continuing the work we’ve already started to create great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, halls of residence, and other facilities. We’ve committed to doubling the investment that’s already started to create enhanced facilities. Come 2016, it’s going to have the buzz and the feel of the edge-of-city campus that students want.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Gunn Healthcare Centres of Excellence This redevelopment work isn’t just happening in Stoke-on-Trent though. Healthcare and Midwifery students won’t miss out with significant further investment in our Centres of Excellence in Stafford and Shrewsbury – adding new student spaces and learning resources to make these campuses totally self-contained and right up to date.

So, with all this to come, maybe it’s time you joined us at Staffordshire University?

Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate

t: 01782 294400

KEY FACTS WORK STARTS: SUMMER 2015 ADDITIONAL £40M INVESTMENT IN STOKE-ON-TRENT CAMPUS MULTI-MILLION POUND INVESTMENT IN STAFFORD CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE AND SHREWSBURY CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE COMPLETION DATE: AUTUMN 2016.

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CHOOSE

MORE AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE WANT TO GIVE YOU AN EDGE OVER THE COMPETITION. WE WANT YOU TO TAKE AWAY SOMETHING EXTRA. SO WE MAKE SURE YOU’LL GET SOMETHING EXTRA WHEN YOU’RE HERE. A LOT EXTRA ACTUALLY. To help you open doors as well as your mind, we’re spending millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus. When you’re here, you’ll be able to work with brilliant academics and access a whole load of cutting edge facilities; from animation studios to photography darkrooms to surface decoration workshops. Past students have gone on to exhibit at prestigious galleries, museums and festivals across the world.

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You can also get more back with grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study whilst enjoying a cost of living ranked the third lowest in the UK.

MAKE MORE OF YOUR TIME HERE • Improve your skills with online training platform Lynda.com and access over 3,000 online tutorial videos • Want to get fit while you study? Take advantage of our special student rate gym memberships • Don’t just learn while you’re with us, earn. Take a job at the Students’ Union, become a paid Student Ambassador with Unitemps or turn working while you study upside down with a seasonal role at Alton Towers Resort • Then spend. We’re a hop, skip and a short walk from shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and clubs • Catch the latest musicals, opera, drama at the Regent Theatre and Stafford Gatehouse

MORE WAYS TO STUDY YOUR WAY • Grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study • More hands-on, real world learning, fewer lectures • Hit the books whenever you want - access to our 24- hour library • Get all the software you need including access to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and download Microsoft Office 365 on up to five devices for free • Professional guest lecturers - previous presentations included Microsoft, Marvel Comics and Epic Games

At Staffordshire University, you’re in the best place to do more, with City Centre shops, boutiques, restaurants, theatres, bars and clubs all just a short stroll away.

Plus, with student rate gym memberships and over 100 sports, clubs and societies to join – including skydiving, snow sports and our very own Beard Society – you can experience more too.

So, if you’re looking for a place that gives you exactly what you need to succeed (and more), then open the door and your mind to Staffordshire University.

A CAMPUS WITH MORE TO OFFER • We’ve spent and continue to spend millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus • We’re a place literally in the middle of things with easy access to Manchester, Birmingham, London • Get your film fix at our on-campus Film Theatre • Take advantage of our brilliant and friendly Student Support team • Stay fit and well with our NHS Healthcare centre with two doctors • Enjoy a cost of living ranked third lowest in the UK

Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate

t: 01782 294400

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There’s only one real way to experience Staffordshire University, and that’s to come and see it for yourself.

University is where you’re due to spend the next few years of your life, so before you decide on somewhere, it makes sense to have a good look around.

That’s where an Open Day comes in. This is your opportunity to get to know the place. Test it out.

Immerse yourself in every aspect of Staffordshire University and see if it’s right for you.

We’ll give you the chance to see everything, from the Students’ Union and the library to the IT suites and our impressive sports facilities. We’ll also show you the halls of residence, so you can start planning exactly where to put your TV and laptop.

You’ll then meet our expert lecturers, see live demonstrations of lab and studio sessions, and delve deeper into your chosen subject with an informative talk.

Advice is available on managing your student finances and ways to fund your study, as well as tips on writing a strong personal statement to include in your application.

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Best of all, you’ll have time to speak with current students about their experiences of Staffordshire University – which means you can hear exactly what it’s like to be at the heart of things in the centre of the country. It’s the best way to get a real feel for life here.

Our Open Days give you an idea of everything Staffordshire University has to offer, so you’ll be ready to make one of the most important – and most exciting – decisions of your life.

LEARN MORE OR BOOK YOUR PLACE AT

www.staffs.ac.uk/opendays GO ONLINE TO WATCH OUR VIRTUAL TOURS

APPLICATION PROCESS NOT RECEIVED THE OFFER YOU WANTED?

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CLEARING

The UCAS clearing process gives students another opportunity to find a place.

MISSED THE UCAS DEADLINE?

Don’t worry, apply via UCAS until the end of June and if we have vacancies left on your course we’ll consider your application. We accept CLEARING applications from mid July.

Visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/clearing

Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate

t: 01782 294400

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For more detailed information on courses or studying at Staffordshire University, visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate

www.staffs.ac.uk/socialmedia The information in this guide is correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change.

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