Are you looking to establish yourself as a writer, with no previous experience, but a talent for writing? Wish to make the transition from being an English student to being a published author?
If so, you may be wondering which universities in the UK offer the best opportunities for you to do so.
Thankfully, we’ve got you covered on this front. Here, we’ll list the top universities in the UK for Creative Writing, which – if you are fortunate enough to get in – can help you achieve your goals.
Which Is The Best UK University For Creative Writing?
When deciding where to study to be a writer, you’ll want to consider many things.
Do you want to be in a city? Or would you prefer the peace and quiet of a countryside campus? How about culture? Would you like to be near famous literary sites or renowned art galleries?
All these considerations make a difference, but perhaps one of the most important factors is the quality of the education you’re going to receive. If you are fortunate enough to get into one of these top-rated universities, you can be sure that you’ll be getting an excellent education.
But which is the best UK university for Creative Writing?
As we noted above, there are a number of considerations you need to make when choosing a university.
Luckily, we’ve got you covered on this front. Here, we’ll consider the following factors and tell you which UK universities are the best for you.
Accommodation
Accommodation is one of the most important aspects of studying at a university. After all, you’ll be living there for the duration of your course. So, you want to be near to your accommodation, which is nearby to the various departments you are interested in.
Depending on how long you are planning on staying in the UK, you may also want to consider whether you want a shared house, or would you prefer to pay for a private room?
There are numerous high-quality, hostel-type accommodation options in the UK. So, you don’t have to settle for just one, or two, choice. Take your time to research the best hostels for students near your preferred university. This way, you can rest assured you will find something to suit your needs.
Library
Another important aspect of studying at a university is the library.
You’ll be relying on the library for a lot of your studies. So, you want to make sure it’s a place you enjoy coming back to. Also, the library shouldn’t be your only source of study – for example, if you’re looking for a subject that isn’t available at the library, you may have to do a lot of research on your own.
However, you’ll be pleased to know that most libraries now provide a digital card that allows you to borrow eBooks and research materials from anywhere in the world. This is especially beneficial for those who don’t have access to books from the library.
Fellowships & Grants
Fellowships and grants are also important aspects of a university education.
Fellowships are simply connections you make with people who can help you get ahead in your chosen field. For example, if you are a writer and you want to be published, you may want to apply for a fellowship at a literary agency. These kinds of agencies match authors with suitable commercial publishers.
Grants are money given to students by the university, often for specific activities, projects or events. These activities can range from helping to run sport clubs, to paying for your travel to visit friends and family, to paying for a tutor or supervisor for an independent study. Grants are usually awarded on the basis of need, with an emphasis on helping students from low-income families to achieve their full potential. So, you may be eligible for a UK Government grant, if you’re from a low-income family.
If you’re lucky enough to be awarded a fellowship or grant, you can apply for additional funding – often called ‘overseas payments’ – to cover the additional costs of traveling to the UK to study. Just make sure you notify your bank and credit card companies of your upcoming travel.
Culture
You’ll be based in the UK for the duration of your studies, so consider what kind of culture you want to be a part of. If you’re an arts fan, you may prefer to study at a university that has a good reputation for its culture. If you’re more of a sports fan, you may prefer a campus that supports your favorite team.
Not all degrees lead to a successful career. Some of the most popular degrees you can get in the UK are in Creative Writing, Graphic Design and Photography. If you’re passionate about these subjects, but don’t have the economic stability to support yourself, you might want to consider doing an online graduate program. This allows you to get a suitable education without the worry of finding a job, once you graduate.
If you’re really determined to go to university in the UK, but don’t want to study in a city, you can always look into applying to a satellite campus. These campuses are based in a city, but they provide a better quality of education, and allow you to make the most of your studies, while enjoying the benefits of a university education.
Which Is The Best City For A Creative Writing Degree?
If you’re looking to study Creative Writing in the UK, you’ll want to consider which city is the best for you.
As we’ve established, not all degrees lead to a successful career. If you’re looking to make the transition from being an English student to being a published author, perhaps consider the following cities:
- London
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Newcastle
- Liverpool
- Sunderland
- Glasgow
- Cardiff
Do you want to study in a city? Or would you prefer the peace and quiet of a countryside campus? How about culture? Would you like to be near famous literary sites or renowned art galleries?
All these considerations make a difference, but perhaps one of the most important factors is the quality of the education you’re going to receive. If you are fortunate enough to get into one of these top-rated universities, you can be sure that you’ll be getting an excellent education.
Hopefully, this article will have helped you identify the best UK universities for Creative Writing. If so, congratulations! You may now proceed to apply for a place at one of these prestigious universities to further your studies, and establish yourself as a talented writer.