BA Hons Education & English and Creative Writing

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Education & English and Creative Writing at the University of Strathclyde combines literary study, creative practice, and educational theory, making it ideal for students who want to explore storytelling while understanding how people learn. The program suits individuals who enjoy reading, writing, and analysing ideas, while also wanting to understand the social and cultural contexts of education.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, the student is introduced to core areas of English, Creative Writing, and Education. They study a wide range of literary forms — novels, plays, short stories, and poetry — while learning the basics of creative writing and academic essay skills. In Education, they explore themes such as poverty, social class, childhood, and community, and complete an early placement working with children aged 0–14 to develop practical insight.

Year 2

Year two deepens literary knowledge through core classes such as Writing Through Time 1 and Writing Through Time 2, which trace the development of English literature across major historical periods. Students also choose thematic options such as The Construction of Scotland: Text and Context or Making the Modern Human to broaden their perspective. In Education, they focus on how people learn at every stage of life and select an interest-based module that supports their intended pathway.

Year 3

In the third year, Creative Writing becomes more prominent with modules in areas such as drama or fiction, complemented by options in Renaissance, Victorian, American, or 20th-century literature. Students may also undertake a work placement to experience professional environments beyond the classroom. On the Education side, they study the history and philosophy of education and explore themes such as adult learning, while engaging with research-led teaching.

Year 4

In the final year, students complete a Creative Writing dissertation, producing an original piece alongside a critical commentary, and select advanced modules in literature and writing. In Education, they explore topics such as Educational Representation in Film and Literature and complete a dissertation that allows them to research a chosen educational theme in depth.

Focus Areas:

Literary history, creative writing (fiction, poetry, drama), sociocultural perspectives on education, learning across the lifespan, educational philosophy, research skills, interdisciplinary thinking.

Learning Outcomes:

Students graduate with the ability to critically analyse literature, produce original creative writing, understand educational systems and social contexts, conduct independent research, and communicate ideas effectively in written and spoken form.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The degree provides an academic foundation that enables students to progress into postgraduate professional pathways such as teacher training (PGDE) or further study in Education, Creative Writing, or English Studies.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

English and Creative Writing at the University of Strathclyde is consistently recognised for excellence, including top-tier rankings in UK subject tables. Graduates pursue careers in teaching, publishing, journalism, creative arts, public relations, civil service, and roles that value strong communication and analytical skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In this programme, students gain hands-on experience by combining creative writing practice with educational theory and real-world teaching experience. They actively develop their literary skills, analyse educational systems, and work directly with children in school placements. The degree provides access to modern teaching resources, dedicated libraries, and a specialized Education Resources Centre.

Students engage with experiential learning through:

School placements: From the first year, students work with children aged 0–14, completing approximately 70 hours over the year to gain practical insight into classroom environments.
Creative writing workshops: Students collaborate with published novelists, poets, and screenwriters to refine their craft across genres such as fiction, poetry, and drama.
Research and independent projects: Later-year students produce creative or analytical dissertations, combining personal creativity with academic rigor.
Interactive and collaborative learning: Modules like “Designing Educational Research” include small-group projects that provide practical experience in qualitative and quantitative methods.
Access to dedicated resources: The Education Resources Centre and Andersonian Library offer extensive print and digital collections, supporting research, assignments, and creative projects.
Professional development opportunities: Students can participate in outreach programs, learn British Sign Language, or engage in community education projects.

Program Structure and Focus

English & Creative Writing

Students study a broad range of literature, including novels, plays, poetry, short stories, and screenplays, from classic to contemporary works.
Modules cover literary history, critical theory, and creative writing in tandem, with options such as drama, fiction, and American or Victorian literature.
In the final year, students complete a creative-writing dissertation, producing original work complemented by a critical commentary.

Education

Year 1 introduces foundational topics, exploring how social, cultural, and economic factors influence learning across the lifespan.
Year 2 deepens understanding of learning theories, informal education, and optional modules focused on education policy and practice.
Year 3 includes specialized studies such as philosophy and history of education, adult education, and representations of childhood in literature and media.
The final year offers modules in educational policy, social justice, and societal issues in education, preparing students for careers in education, social policy, or advocacy.
Students gain hands-on experience through placements and projects, developing both professional and practical skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates typically move into school-based roles, publishing, journalism, or creative industries, combining classroom-ready educational knowledge with strong writing and communication skills. Over time, many also progress to professional teacher training or research/creative postgraduate study:

University services that support employment: The Strathclyde Careers Service provides internships, placements, international internship databases, and year-in-industry support, while the Faculty runs a Student Placement System for school experience. Students may also use the university’s study-abroad and disability & wellbeing services to widen placement and work-readiness options.
Employment stats & salary figures: Graduate Outcomes reporting shows high regional employment for Education graduates, with typical early-career median salaries around £22,500–£26,500.
University–industry connections: The School invites industry speakers from broadcasting, publishing, and digital media and benefits from research partnerships and funding links with bodies such as Creative Scotland and the AHRC, helping students meet editors, producers, and commissioning professionals.
Long-term accreditation value: Graduates who wish to teach can progress to the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) — an internationally recognised, regulated route that enables application for qualified teacher status and entry to Scotland’s Teacher Induction Scheme.
Graduation outcomes (typical roles): Common graduate roles include Secondary or Primary Teacher (after PGDE/induction), Working Writer/Author, Journalist or Content Producer, and Roles in Publishing/Marketing/PR — reflecting the blended training in education and creative/critical writing.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA (Hons) Education & English and Creative Writing, students may choose postgraduate routes at Strathclyde such as the PGDE (for initial teacher professional qualification), taught Masters (Education or Creative Writing MLitt), research degrees (MRes/PhD in Creative Writing or Education), or other Masters programmes in related fields — all offered within the university’s Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences and designed to build on classroom practice, research skills, and professional specialisms.