English literature and creative writing

Why study with us

Explore fresh perspectives across the rich chronological span of English literature, or develop your talents in the field of Creative Writing, taught by professional writers respected within their chosen fields.

Top 100 worldwide

Globally, we’re positioned in the top 100 universities for the study of English Language and Literature (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020).

Research with impact

Nationally, we’re ranked in the UK top 10 for English Language and Literature, with 86% of our research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2014).

Employability

92% of our graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after the end of their course (HESA data).

Our talks and videos

English Literature

Find out more about our MA English Literature.

Creative Writing

Find out more about our MA Creative Writing.

Discover our School

Get a glimpse of what it might be like to study with us in Cardiff.

The MA in English Literature at Cardiff was a great preparation for PhD study. The weekly Research Methods workshops and the MA Dissertation helped me to hone my critical voice. Similarly, the vast array of modules on offer introduced me to everything from the first poem written in English to a novel published in 2001. So, I’d recommend the MA to anyone!

Ethan Evans MA English Literature

Learn more about us

Cardiff BookTalk

We are committed to sharing the relevance of our research by bringing together academics, students and the local community. Our book group with a difference sparks a lively exchange between a community audience and academics who offer thought-provoking perspectives on chosen texts.

Trailblazing Creative Writing

A trailblazer for Creative Writing in the UK, we nurture new talent with Open Mic nights. We regularly host Creative Writing Visiting Writers Series and curate an exciting Creative Industries Day each year.

Postgraduate research

Make your original contribution to knowledge in a thriving, internationally renowned research community. Our PhD offers a diverse range of research training plus the opportunity to gain teaching experience through our HEA-accredited ‘Learning to Teach’ programme.

Centrally located

Study in the heart of our leafy city centre campus at the John Percival Building, with easy access to the University’s magnificent Special Collections and Archives in the adjacent Arts and Social Sciences Library.

Explore Cardiff University

Female students studying in single booths

Your campus experience for 2021/22

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, we've worked hard to ensure students have a safe and enjoyable time with us. Find out what we've been doing and what you might expect when you join us.

Postgraduate students applying for a postgraduate loan

Funding your studies

Learn more about the scholarships, UK government support packages and student loans available to you.

Browse our accommodation

All postgraduate students arriving in September are guaranteed a single occupancy room.

Student support

Get free, impartial and confidential advice on disability and dyslexia, money, careers, counselling and more.

Next steps

View our English literature and creative writing postgraduate taught courses

Explore our programmes for 2021 entry.

View our English literature and creative writing postgraduate research courses

Explore our programmes for 2021 entry.

Contact us

Ask a question via our enquiry form, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

How to apply

Everything you need to know about our application process.

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Philosophy

Explore intriguing contemporary issues, focussing on topics at the forefront of our specialisms.

HESA data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2020. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18, published by HESA in June 2020.