COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of the Creative Writing and English Literature degree at UEA, students embark on an exciting and intensive creative journey, building a strong foundation in both their writing practice and literary studies. The structure of the year is designed to encourage exploration, experimentation, and collaboration. Across three bespoke Creative Writing modules, students engage with the core disciplines of prose, poetry, and scriptwriting. In the autumn semester, the focus is on developing craft, pushing creative boundaries, and using practical exercises to generate material. By spring, students are encouraged to experiment with genre and form, while reflecting critically on their own creative processes.A significant highlight of the year is the interdisciplinary nature of the “New Forms: Writing in Collaboration” module, which enables students to work with peers from other subject areas such as environmental science, medicine, and media. This fosters not only creativity but also professional skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and communication.Alongside creative modules, students also study English Literature, beginning with “Reading Literature in History,” “Reading Now,” and “Slow Reading.” These modules hone the critical reading and analytical skills necessary to understand the historical, political, and cultural contexts of literature. Students are encouraged to read both closely and broadly, examining the intricacies of language and the evolution of literary forms.Together, the creative and critical components of Year 1 establish a vital interplay between reading and writing, one that underpins the rest of the degree. Students begin to shape their writerly voice while gaining insight into the power and possibilities of language. This year not only equips students with foundational academic and creative skills but also helps them discover the kind of writer and thinker they wish to become.