Creative writing is a broad field, but it basically covers all aspects of fiction, non-fiction, and screenwriting. If you’re looking to get a degree in creative writing, then you should probably consider a few different things before you make up your mind. Here are some of the things you should be thinking about.
Degree vs. Certificate
It’s important to note that creative writing is a major, not a degree. Just because you have a degree in creative writing doesn’t necessarily mean you will end up writing for television or films. There are many opportunities out there for writers who aren’t necessarily looking for a career in fiction or screenwriting. For instance, you could become a magazine journalist and write articles for a publication. Or, you could go the extra mile and get a masters in English literature, which would give you a better chance of getting a job at a publishing house.
How Do I Want My Career To Go?
It’s important to ask yourself how you want your career to go, and consider what you want out of life. If you want to be a published author, then you should probably go for an English degree with a literature specialization. Alternatively, if you want to pursue a career in journalism, then a degree in journalism would be ideal. But, if you’re looking to make a career within the creative sector, then a degree in creative writing could be a great option.
Where Do I Need To Study?
If you’re looking for a creative writing degree, then you should probably study in Britain. The likes of Oxford and Cambridge are world-class universities which offer degrees in English literature, and you could even look for a double degree which allows you to gain valuable teaching experience alongside your studies. If you do decide to study in Britain, then you should also consider whether you want to study at a private or a public university.
Career Prospects With A Degree In Creative Writing
If you get a degree in creative writing, then your future will be promising. The global market for fiction and non-fiction is worth about US$18.9 billion, and in 2022, the most in-demand occupations are expected to be:
- Fiction Writers (45,200 new jobs)
- Non-fiction writers (38,800 new jobs)
- News journalists (25,500 new jobs)
- Scriptwriters (22,100 new jobs)
- Copywriters (19,800 new jobs)
- Poets (15,100 new jobs)
- Short story writers (12,600 new jobs)
- Playwrights (10,400 new jobs)
- Drama critics (9,600 new jobs)
- Novelists (8,700 new jobs)
- Authors (7,100 new jobs)
The list above is from Statista, a firm which provides market research for businesses and government agencies. What does this mean in practice? Well, if you get a degree in creative writing, then you will be in high demand and be able to command a decent salary. You will also have a diverse range of job opportunities available to you. In 2022 alone, there are expected to be over 200,000 new jobs in the creative sector, so if you can get a foot in the door, then you will have plenty of opportunity for progression.
Specialties
If you get a degree in creative writing, then you will have a choice of specialties. You could study literature, which is the study of great works of fiction and non-fiction. You could also choose to study journalism, arts administration, or advertising. Once you have your degree, then you will be in a better position to specialise in a field which interests you. If you go for a journalism degree, for example, then you can continue your studies in an advanced journalism degree, which focuses on online publication and social media. A degree in arts administration could lead you to study contemporary art, or you could even go the extra mile and specialize in museum administration. If you go for an advertising degree, then you will be equipped with the skills necessary to work in an agency or in-house marketing department.
Job Locations
If you get a degree in creative writing, then you’ll be in high demand and have plenty of opportunities for progression. But where you choose to study and work will play an important role in your job search. If you get a degree in creative writing, then you should probably look for jobs in Britain, as most of the publishers, editors, and agents which exist in the sector are based there. Some of the most prestigious agencies and publications are based in London, including the renowned Faber & Faber, GAP, and Waterstones. If you get a degree in creative writing, then you will be able to find a job in journalism, a field which is currently experiencing a boom, or in advertising. Some of the most in-demand agencies in the UK are based in London, specifically the M&C Saatchi group and the JWT (Javish-Wagstaff-Totansky) group. If you get a degree in creative writing, then you should probably study in Britain and look for work in London or other major cities.
Average Salary
One of the most important things to consider if you get a degree in creative writing is how much you will be paid. If you get a degree in literary studies, then your prospects will be promising, but you will have to do some research to find out how much you will be paid after graduation. The average salary for a literature graduate in 2022 is £27,300 per year, according to research conducted by the NUS (National Union of Students). The salary figure for non-English majors is lower at £21,600. Of course, this is an average figure and doesn’t account for differences in location and degree level. If you have a dream of becoming a published author, then get an English degree with a literature specialization. But if you want to be in the creative sector, then a degree in creative writing could be a good option – as long as you can find a job in your chosen field. The decision you make will largely depend on how important you find your dream of becoming a writer over a stable income.