Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Creative Writing, Level 4, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
Welcome to your Creative Writing course! We hope that you will settle into the course very quickly. This handbook provides you with information that you will need on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice about your studies here. You will also receive a module handbook for each module you study on your course.
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful.
On behalf of our University and the whole course team I would like to wish you well in your studies.
Dr Alison Taft
Course Director, Creative Writing
Whether you are joining us for the first time, or returning to your course, we welcome you at the start of what we are sure will be a stimulating, challenging and rewarding year of study with us.
Our aim is to provide all our students with a research- informed, innovative and relevant curriculum that informs understandings of the world we live in. Our courses are highly valued by employers, and our approach to student learning and support places you at the heart of everything we do. In addition to offering a diverse range of teaching approaches and a variety of different methods of assessment, we attach the greatest importance to providing you with constructive feedback on your work so you can develop your future learning.
Our learning environment is student-centred, and we value your opinions. We want to know about the things you enjoy and think we do well, and also to hear about ways in which you believe we can improve your experience with us. You can share your views with us through course representatives, evaluation of modules, or constructive comments to staff. Whichever route you choose, we are always interested in what you have to say.
Staff across the School of Humanities and Social Sciences will provide you with all the support we can to help you succeed on your chosen course, and we look forward to working with you as you achieve your academic ambitions. I hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding year.
Professor Andrew Cooper, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
Your Academic Advisor will be selected from lecturing staff and you will be introduced to him or her in induction week.
Skander El Fadhel
EnglishAdmin@Leedsbeckett.ac.uk
For the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Admin Office Opening Hours please see Appendices section at the end of the Course Handbook.
Course Reps are elected at the start of each academic year. Once elected, an announcement will be made via MyBeckett.
Your Academic Librarian team can be contacted on HSSLibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
To find out the key resources for your subject and to book an appointment with the Library's Academic Support Team, see your Subject Guides: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/schools/humanities_and_social_sciences
Level 4 Lead
Dr James McGrath
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook)
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations. This will be done in a variety of ways: via an announcement via MyBeckett or an email to your student email address.
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Your course team will advise how Microsoft Teams will be used on your course and make guidance available as required.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.
Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.
Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31st July and during induction week for new students via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
The aims of the programme are to:
- Acquire and develop the necessary practical, technical and intellectual skills to perform successfully as professional and creative writers in the medium of your choice.
- Allow sufficient time, space and creative freedom to develop your writing practice through exploratory and experimental enquiry
- Identify and engage with a range of texts and media, in order to develop a range of practical skills as appropriate to your writing practice and needs
- Locate and situate your practice within the wider literary, contemporary and cultural context of your chosen field or genre
- Develop a reflective approach in order to be able to make critical and contextual evaluations of your own work and that of other writers
- Develop the independence and transferable enterprise skills that are applicable to a broad range of post-graduate opportunities, including professional writing practice, further study and wider employment possibilities.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
No. | Learning Outcome |
1 | Understand how to create compelling, impactful pieces of creative writing that engage the reader. You will understand how to structure your writing, where your strengths and weaknesses lie, the themes that emerge through your writing, and the unique hallmarks to your writing style.You will be able to reflect on your own creative process and recognise the conditions you need for sustained creative practice. You will have a developed portfolio of industry-aware writing and a plan for how to implement your learning post-graduation. |
2 | Deconstruct texts to understand how and why stories and/or poems work. You will be able to recognise and articulate good writing and good writing practice and will have a broad knowledge of a diverse range of genre and forms of writing. You will demonstrate awareness of the cultural contexts within which a source text sits. You will be able to apply learned knowledge to your own creative work in order to strengthen and improve your writing. |
3 | Share work with other writers on the course, as well as with a wider audience, giving and receiving constructive verbal and written feedback designed to help yourself and others improve. You will be confident in communicating your ideas to others and you will be able to work in small groups to create, collaborate and problem-solve. |
4 | Edit and redraft work, taking into account the principles of the craft of creative writing and story-telling technique and understanding how these techniques can be applied to improve and refine your work. You will have an applied understanding of basic principles such as showing not telling and creating knowledge gaps (subtext). Demonstrate high-level editorial skills to a professional level. Evaluate creative practices to find solutions to problems. |
5 | Reflect on your own product and processes in order to understand how your work fits within the broader literary and cultural background, to recognise the codes and conventions of genre and form and be aware of the key influences within your particular field. You will have a developing awareness of the relevant audience for your work and how to reach it. |
6 | Through independent, extended project working and presentations, recognise and be able to demonstrate the key enterprise skills of creativity, communication, collaborative problem solving and critical thinking and how to apply them in your future creative, professional life. You will have thought clearly about your future beyond graduation and will be aware of the next steps you need to take to achieve your ambitions. |
Level | No. | Learning Outcome |
4 | 1 | Respond creatively to various prompts in order to produce first drafts of both poetry and prose and be able to develop an idea beyond its initial inception. |
| 2 | Read, watch and listen to texts across a range of genres and modes and begin to be able to describe and recognise some of their identifying features |
| 3 | Share extracts from your work with other writers on the course in a safe and supportive environment |
| 4 | Understand some of the basic principles and debates in the discipline of creative writing, including showing not telling and the difference between passive and active writing styles. You will be able to recognise areas to develop in your own creative produce. |
| 5 | Identify different genres and forms of writing and start to think where you own work might sit. |
| 6 | Reflect on your own creative processes and those of others, and begin to understand the ways in which audiences have an impact on textual production |
5 | 1 | Develop an idea into a sustainable piece of writing and begin to recognise the themes which are emerging within your own work. You will be able to write to a brief and develop your own style and voice. You will be able to write in different forms, including poetry, prose and script and understand the limits and opportunities to different forms. You will be writing regularly and producing industry-aware pieces. |
| 2 | Critically appraise texts across genres, modes and forms and show an understanding of how these texts operate within their cultural contexts |
| 3 | Provide and receive considered, written feedback to and from your peers which is designed to help each other improve and develop in a safe and supportive environment. You will be able to discuss work in small groups and collaboratively problem solve issues in your own and in other writers work in progress. |
| 4 | Articulate and implement approaches that are distinctive to creative writing, such as working with subtext and point of view. You will be able to rewrite first drafts to incorporate these techniques into your own writing. |
| 5 | Describe the methods and approaches that are distinctive to your own creative writing and contextualise them with a more sophisticated reflective practice |
| 6 | Understand how the skills you have learned during the first two years of the course could be useful in an industry setting. You will also be able to research submission points for your own writing and produce work to guidelines and deadlines. |
6 | 1 | Understand how to create considered pieces of creative writing that engage the reader. You will understand how to structure your writing, where your strengths lie and the hallmarks to your writing style.You will understand your own creative process and the conditions you need for sustained creative practice. |
| 2 | You will be able to deconstruct texts to understand how and why stories and/or poems work. You will be able to recognise and articulate good writing practice and will have knowledge of a range of genre and forms of writing. |
| 3 | Share work with other writers and with a wider audience. You will be able to communicate your ideas to others, working in small groups to create and collaborate. |
| 4 | Demonstrate editorial skills to an advanced level. Evaluate creative practices to find solutions to problems. |
| 5 | Reflect on the processes and products of your own creative work and that of others, engaging and communicatingwith diverse audiences. |
| 6 | Recognise and be able to demonstrate some of the key enterprise skills of creativity, communication, collaborative problem solving and critical thinking and how to apply them in your future creative, professional life. |
Assessment & Feedback
Level 4 is assessed by coursework.
Level 5 is assessed by coursework which includes some practical assessment elements.
Level 6 is assessed by coursework which includes some practical assessment elements.
Modules may have more than one component of assessment.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett, on course noticeboards or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations at https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/our-university/public-information/academic-regulations/. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
You are required to submit your written work via Turnitin; further information on Turnitin is available here: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/mybeckett/turnitin
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments.
Feedback will be offered in two ways: (i) informally and in a continuous way, in seminars, workshops and one-to-one meetings (either online or in person); (ii) through written feedback on assignments, which can be accessed on Turnitin. Module tutors are always happy to discuss feedback with you, so please get in touch if you feel there is anything you wish to discuss.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (e.g., from Level 4 to Level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/.
Results will appear in Results Online within five working days of the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
Scheduled contact time is primarily delivered by means of lectures, seminars and workshops. Seminars and workshops are particularly important as forums in which students work together, developing ideas and working collaboratively and independently with the guidance of a tutor. The Creative Professional Portfolio strand will embed professional practice skills into the course and students will be required to produce industry-aware assignments these modules. An example of this might be pitching your work to a panel of industry professionals, or delivering a presentation to peers and tutors, or publishing your work through online platforms or self-publication options. Learning for this strand of modules is via asynchronous delivery, but with scheduled (timetabled) tutorial support.
The use of digital technology is a key aspect of the learning and teaching in various modules, including in creative writing workshops. Where academic content and good educational practice make it appropriate, student learning will be facilitated through a range of digital technologies and students will be trained in curate their own writing through online platforms. Creative Professional Portfolio modules are delivered primarily by use of digital technologies with support from tutors in person.
Independent learning will comprise guided creative writing tasks and reflective exercises on the creative process, such as keeping a reflective journal as well as producing, and in some cases and where appropriate, publishing to a professional brief. Reading of literary texts and other materials in advance of taught sessions comprises a major element of independent learning. The Creative Professional Portfolio strand is designed to help you think about how to sustain your writing practice beyond graduation.
In addition to the learning that takes place in the modules, students are offered a range of supplementary activities to enhance their experience on the course. Academic Advisors are assigned to all students and offer pastoral and academic support, including academic writing tuition. Further study skills support is offered centrally through Skills 4 Learning and our subject librarians.
This information is correct for students progressing through the programme within standard timescales. Part time students will be supported by the course team to determine an appropriate selection of modules from the level for each year of study. Students who are required to undertake repeat study may be taught alternate modules which meet the overall course learning outcomes. Details of module delivery will be provided in your timetable.
Level 4 (2023/24 for FT students and 2023/24 and 2024/25 for standard PT students) | |||
Semester 1 | Core (Y/N) | Semester 2 | Core (Y/N) |
Writers' Workshop 1 (20 credits)
| Y | Writers' Workshop 2 (20 credits) | Y |
Contemporary Literary Studies (20 credits)
| Y | Adaptation (20 credits) | Y |
Creative Professional Portfolio - Writing Reflections (20 credits)
| Y | Creative Professional Portfolio - The Art of Presentation (20 credits) | Y |
Level 5 (2024/25 for FT students and 2025/26 and 2026/27 for standard PT students) | |||
Semester 1 | Core (Y/N) | Semester 2 | Core (Y/N) |
Writing Fictions (20 credits)
| Y | Writing Poetry (20 credits) | Y |
Screenwriting (20 credits)
| Y | Theory into Practice (20 credits) | Y |
Creative Professional Portfolio - Pitching & Submitting (20 credits)
| Y | Creative Professional Portfolio - Writing Industry (20 credits) | Y |
Level 6 (2025/26 for FT students and 2027/28 and 2028/29 for standard PT students) | |||
Semester 1 | Core (Y/N) | Semester 2 | Core (Y/N) |
Life Writing (20 credits)
| Y | Experimental Writing (20 credits) | Y |
Creative Writing Project (delivered across Semesters 1 and 2) (40 credits)
| Y | Creative Writing Project (delivered across Semesters 1 and 2) (40 credits) | Y |
Creative Professional Portfolio - Your Creative Future (20 credits) | Y | Creative Professional Portfolio - The Writer & Audience (20 credits)
| Y |
A standard module equates to 200 notional learning hours, which may be comprised of teaching, learning and assessment, any embedded placement activities and independent study.
Modules may have more than one component of assessment.
Overall Workload | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 168 hours | 168 hours | 108 hours |
Independent Study | 1032 hours | 1032 hours | 1092 hours |
Placement | - | - | - |
The above figures are based on 36 hours of contact per module, other than for the Creative Professional Portfolio modules which are based on 24 hours of contact per module, and the Creative Writing Project in Level 6 which is based on 12 hours of contact across both semesters.
Details of School academic staff can be found on the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.
We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.
Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.
Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.
If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.
For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
This course is not accredited by a professional body.
'In Year' Work Placement Information
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
We aim to provide a solid grounding in the study of literature and to equip you with the skills and techniques of a wide range of creative practices, deepening your knowledge and understanding, expanding your intellectual and personal horizons, and providing you with the knowledge and confidence to write in a wide variety of forms and genres. The course also allows you to identify and develop the skills of independent and critical thought, research, self-reflection, evaluation, oral presentation, collaborative working and effective communication - all skills that are highly sought after in the graduate employment market. A distinctive element of the creative writing component of the course is the ability to work flexibly to solve creative problems. We also help you to develop the ability to provide constructive feedback to peers - a skill that is a valuable part of your professional development.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
There are three Graduate Attributes for Leeds Beckett University and these are tailored to suit your course. The three attributes you should achieve by the end of the course are for you to be digitally literate, have a global outlook and for you to be enterprising. Learning about these attributes and being assessed on them as part of your modules will provide you with capabilities which are essential for your future career and wider life as you move on from your studies here. You will be formally assessed on all the attributes in some of your modules at each academic level in each year of your course. For more information on graduate attributes please visit https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/academic-skills-and-advice/graduate-attributes/. Information on your assessment is included in your Module Handbooks.
Being enterprising
The degree programme will help you develop the capacity to use your initiative, to think independently and to solve problems in a creative way. As well as increasing your analytical and investigative skills, you will be able to work effectively with others. This course will also provide you with skills of creative thinking, which is a prized skill and directly used in the wider creative industries. You will be challenged to think of your creative practice as a creative enterprise, and you will be supported to learn the skills needed to run your own business.
Global Outlook
The course will introduce you to the values and practices of a wide range of cultures through the study of English as a global literature. It develops an awareness of how bias, stereotypical thinking, and prejudicial opinion have both shaped literary expression and been challenged by it. The course enables you to understand how identities and practices are historically specific and culturally constructed. You will look at a range of forms, audiences and samples of writing and this will enable you to reflect on these cultural and creative issues they raise. 'Global outlook' also incorporates developing an awareness of the creative industries in literature and creative writing and the literary community beyond the University and the city.
Digital Literacy
The course requires you to curate your own online portfolio, to retrieve information in digital form and to critically evaluate material from a range of on-line sources. You will continue to use the My Beckett VLE portal and functions on the Microsoft Office suite.
Paul Munden, former chair of the National Association of Writers in Education, points out that 'creative writing programmes are often at an advantage when employability is the topic of conversation because they do not need to "bolt on" a careers focus, as transferable skills, creative versatility and entrepreneurship are a part of what all writers are taught as a matter of course at University' (Beyond the Benchmark: Creative writing in higher education, 2013). Our curriculum has placed new emphasis on this point through its Creative Professional Portfolio strand of modules, which demonstrate Munden's point about the seamless link between creative writing and employability. At all three levels of their course, students will be developing skills that transform interest in creative writing into an understanding of its applications to worlds of work.
At Leeds Beckett, there are a range of additional resources available to the students that complement the vocational learning that students acquire as an integral part of their course. The course team works closely with the Student and Graduate Futures team to tailor events that maximise the potential of students from the course to achieve graduate employment. The team is QS Rated 5 Stars for Excellence in Careers Service Support and Employability and was shortlisted for the prestigious AGCAS Award for Excellence in Employer Engagement for their innovative Digital Speed Mentoring initiative that ran as part of our School's Creative and Digital Careers Week.
The subject area is supported by a dedicated Careers Consultant (School Partner) from the Student and Graduate Futures team. This consultant works with the course team to embed professional development in and beyond our modules.
Students on the course enjoy access to a wide range of initiatives focused upon supporting them to explore and refine their career options prior to graduation. At University level, opportunities include the chance to undertake paid work and gain work experience by accessing the opportunities advertised on MyHub (the online careers and employability support system for students) and via the Job Shop Talent Pool. Students can also use MyHub to access a range of online careers and employability learning, resources and tools, in addition to being able to book one-to-one appointments with a career consultant during their time on the course and for up-to five years after they graduate. The Student and Graduate Futures team also offers regular career and employment fairs throughout the year, including the Annual Graduate and Placements Fair, Get Hired, Get Involved, the Get into Teaching Fair, Part-time Jobs Fair Spotlight On industry events and the Creative and Digital Careers Career Series. Many events are targeted at students on our English courses - and are carefully planned to meet the career aspirations of these students.
The course team works with regional and national partner organisations and employers, which have included Palgrave, Peepal Tree Press, The Tetley, Leeds City Museum, The Leeds Library, First Story, Hallmark Cards, the Yorkshire Food Guide, Leeds Big Bookend, the Northern Short Story Festival and Ilkley Literature Festival to offer work experience placements and opportunities for students to enhance their employment experience alongside their undergraduate studies. Students also have chance to volunteer in supporting events organised by the School, such as literary readings and symposia and conferences. Examples of future possible careers include working in film & TV, advertising, editing, human resources, marketing, publishing, social media, teaching and publishing.
In addition to the employability skills acquired on the course, students also have access to careers and employability support from professional services, which supports students and graduates with all aspects of career planning & decision making, along with helping them recognise and develop your employability skills.
The School has dedicated careers and employability support that enables us to build tailored career development learning into our programme at all levels of study. This allows us to support students with expert career development learning and employability from trained professionals who can help students to make well-informed decisions about student and graduate employment or postgraduate study throughout their undergraduate career.
This is in addition to online careers and employability support via MyHub which includes a live jobs board where students have access to jobs and opportunities ranging from volunteering, placements and part-time work to graduate vacancies. Careers and employability events and workshops are accessible via MyHub, including regular careers and jobs fairs, employers on campus and employer-led initiatives. Practical help and resources are also available to assist students in exploring and researching career options (including self-employment, freelance & business start-up), job hunting and presenting professionally in CVs, applications, online (LinkedIn) and interviews. One-to-one careers guidance appointments with a dedicated School careers and employability professional also enables them to access tailored careers information, advice and guidance for the Creative Writing subject area.
Careers On-line:https://myhub.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/s/careers
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
You can access a range of physical and online resources relevant to your course through the University Library. The Subject Support page (Creative Writing) provide course-specific resources and further information about media loans, books and library facilities. It can be found in the 'Library and IT Support' section below.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
Bachelor of Arts Creative Writing
Diploma of Higher Education Creative Writing
Certificate of Higher Education Creative Writing
Leeds Beckett University
Level 6 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, with 120 credit points at each of Levels 4, 5 and 6 of the UK Credit Framework for Higher Education (360 credits in total).
PT students will be supported by the course team to determine an appropriate selection of modules from the level for each year of study. PT delivery is usually at half the intensity of the FT equivalent course, although there may be flexibility to increase your pace of study to shorten the overall course duration. Some modules may be delivered in a different sequence to that defined within this information set but the modules offered within each level are consistent. Please note that the work placement option is not generally available to PT students.
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
There are no additional or non-standard regulations which relate to your course.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
Dr Sarah Illot (Chief External Examiner and Specific UG modules assigned)
Senior Lecturer in English Literature and Film
Manchester Metropolitan University
Dr Tim Atkins (Specific UG modules assigned)
Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing
Roehampton University
Dr Sondeep Kandola (Specific UG modules assigned)
Senior Lecturer in English and Cultural History
Liverpool John Moores University
Appendices
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