Creative Writing Pathway

You can take modules in Creative Writing throughout your undergraduate study at Keele - and Keele also offers an M.A. in Creative Writing and a Summer School, the Summer School.

The purpose of the Creative Writing Pathway is to guide students in developing an awareness of the principles of effective writing in poetry and prose fiction, and to develop their own original writing. The modules draw on the experience of academic staff with a critical interest in the subject, and established writers who help you with the development of your own writing.

In order to qualify as a pathway within your degree you need only take one module option in a given subject at each level (i.e. three modules in total), though you may, in consultation with your personal tutor, take more should you wish.

Central to the teaching of Creative Writing is the writers' workshop - an arena in which ideas about writing are discussed and in which constructive critique is exchanged on one another's creative work. This method of teaching replaces the seminar/lecture format of most other modules.

At Level One, two introductory modules (Poetry Through Practice / Fiction Through Practice) introduce you to the key characteristics of poetry and/or prose fiction, and provide an insight into literary traditions - forms and modes - which might influence your own writing. The courses are taught through a combination of tutorials and workshops in which you will discuss selections of literary work, and compose work of your own.

Level Two concentrates on ideas of creativity and technique. The module is based around seminar-workshops, led by published writers of prose fiction and poetry. You will produce writing throughout the module, and learning how to give and take constructive critique on your work from your peers and other writers - which will help you shape your writing through revision. At the end of the module, you submit a Portfolio of original writing and a reflective essay on theories of creativity, your creative process and the techniques on display in your Portfolio.

Level Three  allows you to work on an extended Writing Project. You will usually choose to concentrate on poetry or prose fiction, and produce a Portfolio of writing around a particular genre, mode, technique or theme. The writer's workshop remains central to the development of your writing project, and there will be input and discussion of ideas about writing which are designed to make you a more critically aware writer. At the end of the module, you submit a Portfolio of writing and a critical essay on the area of literature in which your own writing is located.

The wider culture of Creative Writing at Keele is an important feature of following this 'pathway' during your time here. Keele has a vibrant culture of events, groups and additional workshops, and undergraduates studying Creative Writing are encouraged to participate in these and contribute to them. You can get some flavour of what is on offer here.

Some Quotes from Students

"I am feeling very thankful that I took Creative Writing and met such a great bunch of people and really, honestly enjoyed every workshop and every event...It will boost your confidence, develop your writing and critiquing skills and probably earn you some excellent friends too. I strongly recommend Creative Writing for anyone who loves to write. Amy S., 3rd Year

The workshop teaching format is encouraging and enlightening, and writing itself becomes completely addictive, as several of us would agree! I would urge students with even a small interest in the subject to have a go, as it has turned me from a begrudging undergrad to a hopeful Master's candidate in less than a year. Alex F., 3rd Year

Creative Writing challenges and encourages the student to progress whilst offering activities (to aid this encouragement) which are both imaginative and original. I have found it to be the most rewarding of all modules I have taken.Orla W., 3rd Year

Firstly, my writing itself improved as I was encouraged to explore literary themes, genres and styles throughout both years two and three. Constructive criticism from others helped me to look at my own work critically, whilst assessing other peoples work helped me to understand, on a practical level, the factors which make great writing great. Secondly, this practical, critical ability has helped me in my other degree modules, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of other literary works with the full understanding of how and why the text is successful or not. Jackie J., 3rd Year

Any work submitted can be examined for literary merit, so openly harsh criticism is not something you need to fear; improvement is brought about encouragingly and respectfully. I have made close friends through the course, and I think that this has something to do with the atomosphere during seminars. I enjoy being a member of the Keele Creative Writing Society, which has come about this year through shared enthusiasm for the course. Louise R., 3rd Year

Having never even written anything before, I was initially very apprehensive about taking a module in Creative Writing. However, the workshops and tasks we participated in each week enabled me to become more confident in my writing ability and although it may sound daunting to have your own work criticised by others, I found the relaxed and friendly environment of the class helped me take on board people's opinions and thoughts on my work so that I was able to improve my stories for the portfolio. Amy C., 3rd Year