English, Creative Writing and Publishing Undergraduate Courses

Prepare for a career in the literary world and beyond with one of our critical and creative programmes ranked 1st for student experience in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Develop your writing skills as you explore a range of literature from across the world, draft inspiring and engaging narratives, or learn the process behind publishing books.

Why study English, Creative Writing and Publishing at Derby?

• learn from our team of experienced writers and academics, including award-winning and internationally respected published authors
• interactive learning experiences where you will have opportunities to gain highly transferable skills such as debating, presenting, critical thinking, writing and teamwork
• one-on-one tutorials in addition to scheduled classes to ensure students receive support that is tailored to their needs and interests

Industry connections

Your learning is underpinned by industry engagement, meaning you will have opportunities to respond to live, real-world briefs set by cultural, educational and heritage institutions.

You can experience the workplace through collaborating with local arts centres, publishers, museums and book festivals on exciting projects and enjoy guest lectures delivered by leading novelists, poets, scriptwriters, editors and publishers.

A day in the life of our English, Creative Writing and Publishing students

Our degrees will inspire you to build new perspectives, create inspiring and engaging copy, and change the way you think about language. Take a look at a day in the life of our English, Creative Writing and Publishing students.

Career opportunities

Our graduates go onto careers including:

• media
• journalism
• publishing
• marketing
• teaching

“Definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made”

“I wanted to do something different, that would challenge me, that I would enjoy, and that would take my career in a different direction. I chose to do an English degree at Derby because I have always enjoyed reading, the course looked stimulating and I found the University campus welcoming. It was definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made.

“I can honestly say I have enjoyed every lecture I have attended over the course of my English degree. I have been introduced to such a wide range of literature, from Greek mythology to existentialism; we have covered a fascinating variety of topics.”

Beth Cutts, BA (Hons) English