If you’re looking to take your studies further than just a couple of books per week, a bachelor degree in creative writing may be up your street. The coursework is comprehensive and includes a range of academic and practical disciplines which can all be tied together by one unifying theme – story-telling. The course is designed to equip you with the theoretical and practical tools you need to become a confident and creative writer, whether you ultimately decide to become a teacher, a professional writer, or even just a hobbyist.
Why Creative Writing?
Whether you’re a published author or just starting off on your career path, a bachelor degree in creative writing opens up a wealth of opportunities. The course is designed to equip you with the practical and theoretical skills you need to succeed in a range of creative fields – from advertising to film and television. Most importantly, though, it teaches you how to tell stories, which can be applicable to any area of your life. In a world full of uncertainty, bogging down in factoring in just income and expenditure is easy. Throw in some personal and professional difficulties, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. That’s why finishing a degree in creative writing is such an important step in your life. It could save you a fortune in lost opportunity charges and help you to navigate unknown waters confidently and successfully.
What Will You Study?
The following is a list of the units you will study as part of a bachelor degree in creative writing.
English Language
In order to study creative writing, you will need to have an adequate level of English – either be proficient in speaking the language or have the necessary theoretical knowledge to learn it. If you’re looking to take your studies further than just a couple of books a week, then you might want to consider studying English as a second language (ESL). The English department at most universities offer teaching degrees which can help you gain valuable teaching experience while you continue your studies. If you’re already proficient in English, however, there’s no reason to go back to school to learn it further.
The History of English Literature
The history of English literature is the history of written literature produced in the English language. The discipline of English literature examines both ancient and modern literature, paying close attention to language, style, and content. That content – what is being said – is important, but it’s also important to know how it’s being said. This comes through reading closely, analyzing the language used, and learning to interpret and re-tell the stories and myths that have been passed down through the generations. It’s not just about learning to write, but about understanding the art and craft of storytelling – both in written and spoken form. Most importantly, a good understanding of English literature will give you a firm grounding in the field, preparing you for whatever the future may hold.
General Education
Before you graduate, you will have to complete a general education – sometimes referred to as ‘foundation studies’ or ‘pre-professional studies’. These are studies that are required for all university students, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. The important thing about doing them is that it will help you to better understand the world around you and the people in it. While you’re studying for your bachelor’s degree, you will be required to take part in a range of activities which correspond with your coursework. You will be given the opportunity to explore different cultures and engage with others in meaningful ways that will strengthen your understanding of the world. If you do want to become a fully-fledged, professional writer, then it’s important to have these general education studies behind you.
Creative Writing Theory
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start to specialize in creative writing theory. This is the study of how literature works, how it’s shaped, and how it’s changed over time. It’s important to understand how language, style, and structure interact to create meaning. This is especially important in creative writing, where structure is often used to great effect, weaving in and out of the narrative, changing point of view, or using everyday words in unusual ways to evoke strong emotional responses. Creative writing theory builds on your knowledge of English literature and how it’s been used in the past. What is more, it can help you to put this knowledge into practice and develop a stronger writing voice. While the theory itself is interesting and can help you to further your career, learning how to write and story-telling in particular can help you to become a more effective communicator, equipped with the tools to convince, engage, and challenge readers.
General Studies
Before you graduate, you may be required to undertake a range of general studies, depending on the university. These are often referred to as ‘electives’ or ‘academic enrichment’ studies, and they’re intended to stretch your mind and engage you with new ideas and perspectives. The most important thing about these studies is that they’re optional, so you can continue to focus on your academic workbooks and pursue your studies without distraction. The general studies you will study will depend on your chosen specialization and coursework. However, no matter what you study, you will gain a valuable understanding of the world around you – something which will serve you well in whatever field you choose to go into.
Depending on the college / university you attend, your studies may include anything from Greek mythology to film studies. Your module may even introduce you to a brand new culture and way of life, broadening your horizons and allowing you to see things from a completely new perspective. While the opportunity to study for a bachelor degree may seem appealing, it’s also important to remember the time and effort that is required. It’s not just about earning money, but about carving out a good life for yourself. This, ultimately, is what any post-secondary education is about.
Masters Degree
If you’re looking to take your studies further than a bachelor degree, you may want to consider getting a masters degree in creative writing. The extra year of studies will give you the opportunity to hone your craft and build on everything you’ve learned. During this time, you may well decide that you want to continue writing, embarking on a career in academia or fiction, moving into publishing, or setting up your own writing business. Whatever your plans are, with a decent amount of hard work, you can make them come true.
A masters degree in creative writing can be a valuable asset, especially if you want to further your career. Not only will it give you the opportunity to write more in-depth pieces and study in more detail the theory and practice of writing, but you will also be able to network with other writers and academics, enhancing your knowledge even further. An important part of the process is also self-reflection, identifying what you want from your studies and what you’re willing to put in to achieve it. Decide now what you want to do with your life and how you intend to make it happen.