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English with Creative Writing

Study level:
Undergraduate

Course summary

English with Creative Writing at Aberdeen gives you all the advantages of a highly-rated teaching, research and creative hub, teaching by acclaimed writers and poets at Scotland's top centre for creative writing, and the opportunity to develop your own writing in the wonderful environment of a historic university with an award-winning library and priceless literary treasures, and a vigorous calendar of literary events.

Aberdeen is a leading centre for the study of literature, language and creative writing, rated second in the UK for its research output and top in Scotland for creative writing. You’ll study the craft of writing creative prose, poetry and screenplays under the guidance and support of widely published, award-winning writers including the internationally renowned novelist Alan Warner, poet and critic David Wheatley, short story writers Helen Lynch and Wayne Price, and film-maker Alan Marcus.

Your Creative Writing studies will develop your understanding of - and practical skills in - the writing of original work in any genre you choose to focus on. Through masterclasses, seminars and regular practical workshops you will gain a thorough, practice-based understanding of the creative process and technical challenges involved in developing your own original ideas into completed literary works.

You’ll develop your own folio of creative work in either poetry or prose, exploring and extending your creative ambitions in writing and a practical awareness of some of the key stylistic, formal and expressive possibilities available to the skilled creative writer.

You’ll graduate ideally prepared for a career in creative writing, publishing, journalism, teaching, or in applying your highly-developed skills in core writing, analysis and communication to a wide range of career options.

English is ranked third in Scotland for creative writing (Complete University Guide 2021).
94% Overall Satisfaction for Linguistics and Creative Writing. The Complete University Guide 2021.

Modules

View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.

Assessment method

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; Written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

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How to apply

Apply by
31 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
3500
Institution code:
A20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - BBB

For First Year Entry a minimum of 3 A Levels at BBB. For Second Year Entry a minimum of an A in the subject selected for Single Honours plus BB, or AB in the subjects selected for Joint Honours plus a further B. GCSE in English or English Language is also required.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM

Minimum entry requirement: DDM in related subjects.

Scottish Higher - AABB

Applicants who achieve AABB or better over S4 and S5 are likely to be made an offer of admission. This may be unconditional or it may be conditional, dependent upon academic profile. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers may be required. Note: we do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B at Adv Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher. National 5 English at minimum grade C

Scottish Advanced Higher - ABB

Second year entry may be possible in most school based subjects. A minimum of ABB overall in Adv Higher is required. Adv Higher at A in the subject selected for Single Honours or AB in the subject selected for Joint Honours.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

For entry into First Year, a minimum of 32 points required, including at least 5,5,5 at HL. For entry into Second Year, a minimum of 36 points, including at 6, 6, 6 at Higher level in subject(s) selected. English at a minimum of Standard level required.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H3, H3

A minimum of 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB, obtained in a single sitting. (The grading within band B must be at B2 or above). Also required: O in English or English Language

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted.
TOEFL (iBT)78TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above.
PTE Academic59Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted.
Trinity ISEPassPass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills.
Institution's Own TestAcademic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year)
Cambridge English AdvancedCOverall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.
Cambridge English ProficiencyCOverall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.
To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.

Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades students were previously accepted with - learn more. It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course and 26 other language and area studies courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

BBC Most common
  1. AAA
  2. Highest grades
  3. CCD
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

93% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

60 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

85 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Republic of Ireland£9250Year 1
EU£20800Year 1
Scotland£1820Year 1
England£9250Year 1
Northern Ireland£9250Year 1
Wales£9250Year 1
Channel Islands£9250Year 1
International£20800Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

EU/International Applicants: When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country, and arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.

Sponsorship information

View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be able to apply for.

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