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English literature and creative writing

Dive into the diversity of English literature and discover connections across popular culture and theory or hone your Creative Writing talent with our professional writers.

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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.

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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 2025).

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Research with impact

Placed 4th in the UK for research impact and 5th for research power in English Language and Literature (REF 2021).

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Employability

93% of our postgraduate taught 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. (Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21)

Courses

Creative Writing (MA)

Full time

Develop your portfolio of writing while extending your knowledge and understanding of the practice of creative writing.

English Literature (MA)

Full time, Part time

Pursue your passion for English literature, inspired by experts at the forefront of world-leading research.

Creative and Critical Writing (PhD)

Full-time, part-time

Cardiff was one of the first universities in the UK to offer a PhD in Creative and Critical Writing and over two decades we have prepared graduates for careers as writers and for positions in the publishing and communications industries, academia and arts administration.

Critical and Cultural Theory (PhD)

Full-time, part-time

Students on the PhD Critical and Cultural Theory receive supervision from academic staff with a long-standing commitment to excellence and diversity in research, who work at the forefront of pioneering research in critical and cultural theory.

English Literature (PhD)

Full-time, part-time

Make a substantial and innovative contribution to knowledge about, and understandings of, literature and culture.

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English Literature

English Literature

Find out more about our MA English Literature.

Creative Writing

Creative Writing

Find out more about our MA Creative Writing.

Discover our School

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

ENCAP student

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.

ENCAP students

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.

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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.

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Student support

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

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Funding your studies

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

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Browse our accommodation

We have a variety of halls and houses to suit your preferences, interests and budgets.

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Living costs

See how far your money goes by using our living costs calculator.

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View our English literature and creative writing postgraduate taught courses

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View our English literature and creative writing postgraduate research courses

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Contact us

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

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How to apply

Everything you need to know about our application process.

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

Source: Contains HESA Data: Copyright Jisc 2023. Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.