BA Creative Writing and the Publishing Industry at Aberystwyth University

Creative writing is a key skill that enriches all our lives. At Aberystwyth, you’ll be able to develop and refine your creative writing skills in a Department that has a long tradition of leading in this field.

The Creative Writing and the Publishing Industry degree at Aberystwyth University will give you a detailed understanding of the field. You’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at many different creative forms, from poetry to short stories to ekphrastic literature, and in so doing develop the ability to use them purposefully during the creative process. In addition, you’ll be introduced to the broad world of the publishing industry in Wales and beyond.

This course is flexible and exciting. You’ll be able to develop your creative abilities and find your own voice as a writer. You’ll also develop transferable skills that will prepare you for a future in creative writing or editing, and you will have access to a variety of opportuities in those fields. Come to Aberystwyth University to start your creative adventure.

Why study the BA in Creative Writing and the Publishing Industry in Aberystwyth?

• The Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies will lead you into a creative world in a location like no other. On the west coast of Wales between Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains, you’ll be part of a friendly, outward-looking community.
• All our academic staff are active researchers and specialists in their respective fields, including publishing literature, editing and proof reading, and creative translation.
• You will benefit from the support of a Creative Writing lecturer who is a published poet and author.
• The Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies at Aberystwyth University is the oldest department of its kind – a department that has connections with publishing houses and creative bodies and organisations across the country.
• You’ll be able to choose another Celtic language as well as Welsh – Breton, Irish or Scottish Gaelic.
• Public literature experiences will also play an important role in this degree and will provide a lively stage for the activities of the course, eg Kicking the Bar – a quarterly literary event at the Arts Centre, the yearly Noson Llên a Chân (Literature and Song NIght), and the literary magazine, Y Ddraig (The Dragon).
• The Department has strong links with publishers and local literary bodies and is part of a wider creative community for that reason.
• You’ll be able to undertake a relevant work placement, eg with an editor or an editorial service, a publishing house or independent publisher, or with Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru (Books Council of Wales) or Llenyddiaeth Cymru (Literature Wales).
• You’ll be able to benefit from the close proximity of Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru (the National Library of Wales) and its excellent resources.
• This course will be a solid foundation to a career in the creative writing and publishing industries.

With the BA in Creative Writing and the Publishing Industry at Aberystwyth University, you’ll be ready for a career in the writing or publishing industry of your choice.

By the end of the course, you’ll have creative, research and communication skills and will be able to think critically.

Excellent writing and communication skills are highly valued by employers in all areas. To succeed as a writer in today’s world, you’ll need many skills and experiences to enable you to be flexible so that you can make a living as a writer in whatever field appeals to you. 

Here are some of the possible career areas:

• creative writing
• copywriting
• editing
• publishing
• communications
• blog/website content
• corporate communications
• public relations
• the Civil Service.