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University of Nottingham Malaysia

Course overview

The Bachelor of Arts with Honours in English with Creative Writing at the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) is an immersive programme that combines literary studies with creative writing. Over three years, students will explore diverse literary traditions, linguistic theories, and cultural narratives, developing critical, analytical, creative, and communication skills highly valued in global industries.

The programme offers a dynamic curriculum, starting with foundational modules such as Studying Literature, Introduction to Linguistics, and Beginning Creative Writing. Students then progress to specialised areas like Writing for Performance and Literary Linguistics, culminating in a creative writing dissertation.

With a focus on independent research, critical analysis, and professional communication, graduates will be well-prepared for careers in media, publishing, education, and the arts

Why choose this course?

  • Critical and Theoretical Approaches: Explore the critical and theoretical study of literature and performance. Analyse texts within their cultural, literary, and historical contexts, using advanced terminologies to deepen your understanding of English studies.
  • Creative Writing Practice: Develop your creative voice through prose, poetry, and performance writing. Refine your technical skills in diverse writing forms, culminating in an advanced creative dissertation that showcases your unique style and vision.
  • Research and Analytical Expertise: Strengthen your independent research skills through access to scholarly resources and databases. Engage in critical analysis of complex ideas, applying them to literary questions and real-world challenges.
  • Professional Communication Skills: Master effective communication by developing an understanding of style and register. Enhance your ability to articulate knowledge clearly in written and spoken forms, preparing for diverse collaborative and professional environments.
  • Versatile Career Opportunities: Gain transferable skills in organisation, self-reflection, and teamwork. This degree opens pathways to careers in publishing, media, education, creative industries, and beyond, equipping you to excel in a dynamic, competitive world.

Modules

Core Modules

This module offers an introduction to key issues and skills in the discipline for those making the transition to studying English at the university level in the School of English at UNM. Whereas the other modules necessarily concentrate your attention within closely defined disciplinary boundaries (with a focus that is essential to learning specific skills and acquiring specialist knowledge), this module emphasizes points of intersection between the diverse disciplines contained within the study of English. Taught in small groups, students are encouraged to explore critically and reflectively what it means to be a student of English, and are supported in developing a toolkit of study, writing, critical thinking, theory, research and communication skills which can be transferred to other modules.

This module introduces students to the process of writing fiction and creative non-fiction by engaging in a variety of forms of reading and writing practice. Activities include creative and analytical responses to published writing, writing exercises in fiction and creative non-fiction, and revision of work written over the course of the module. The content includes character, narrative, and point of view.

This introductory module allows students to gain a broad and basic understanding of linguistics as an academic discipline. It is designed to equip students for further studies in the field of linguistics as a whole, and to develop individual specialisms in the future. Ideally, students should be well prepared to become more specialised in any of the areas covered, and take initial interests further. At the end of this module, students should be able to define the discipline, and the main pre-occupations of its sub-fields. Students will be expected to have developed an understanding of linguistic contrasts, from the phonological to the pragmatic level, and of the types of analyses open to students of those fields. This module introduces students to the core areas of linguistics, discourse, language acquisition, and pragmatics, focusing on several broad areas pertaining to linguistics and its methodological issues in phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.

This module introduces students to some of the core skills for literary studies, including skills in reading, writing, researching and presentation. The module addresses topics including close reading, constructing an argument, and handling critical material, as well as introducing students to key critical questions about literary genres, production and reception. These elements are linked to readings of specific literary texts, focused on poetry and prose selected from the 20th and 21st century literature. 

This module examines the influence of English as an international language. It provides students with an overview of the historical, literary, and social development of English including its spread as a global language through the processes of colonisation and globalisation. It also considers how English continues to evolve in the 20th and 21st centuries as an international lingua franca and focuses on its prominent role in global communications and as a resource for the shaping of identities and knowledge across the world. This module draws from a range of analytical approaches including historical linguistics, stylistics, sociolinguistics, multimodality, and globalisation theories.

This is a full-year module that introduces students to a range of core texts in the literary canon from the medieval to 21st century. It aims to provide students with a background to the history of English literature and drama, and provide a broad overview of the key developments in terms of genre, subject matter, style and reception. Students will explore a range of texts including Beowulf and Dream of the Rood, and works from authors including Chaucer, Shakespeare, Wycherley, Henry Fielding, Laurence Sterne, Wordsworth, Jane Austen, Dickens, Wilde, and Virginia Woolf to twenty-first century novel and poetry. The authors will be situated within their socio-historic context, and we will consider the relationship between culture, history and literature.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

A Level BCC (excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies).
IB Diploma 24 points overall.
STPM BC+C+, excluding Pengajian Am.
UEC 3 B3s and 2 B4s (excluding Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese Language).
Australian Year 12 ATAR 78, with consideration for relevant subjects.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 75% average across 6 subjects.

Canadian Secondary School Diplomas from other provinces are acceptable and will be assessed based on the University’s requirements.
Gaokao (NCEE) and Senior High School Diploma (China) 68% average in the Gaokao, and a minimum of 70% overall in the Senior High School Diploma.

Gaokao scores are converted from 750 to a percentage scale.
Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE) / Indian School Certificate (CISCE) - Class XII 75% average from the best 4 subjects, excluding the local language, Environmental Education, general studies subjects, and Physical Education.
Advance Placement (AP) 4, 3, 3 in relevant subjects.
Diploma - Local Institutions Entry to Year 2 is assessed on a case-by-case basis, typically requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or higher, along with good grades in relevant subjects.
Foundation - Local Institutions Acceptance is at the School’s discretion and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 and good grades in relevant subjects.
Nottingham's Foundation Programme Successful completion is required.

 

This list is not exhaustive, and we accept a wide range of qualifications. Eligibility will be fully determined upon the submission of a completed application.

Foundation progression options

The Nottingham's Foundation Programme is a 1-year pre-university course that prepares students for direct progression to UNM’s undergraduate degrees. It builds a strong academic foundation while enhancing language, critical thinking, and study skills. Students can also explore elective modules tailored to their chosen degree pathway.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Supervision
  • Practical classes

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Group coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations
  • Presentation
  • Research project
  • Essay
  • Portfolio (written/digital)
  • Reflective review

Applying

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for undergraduate courses.

How to apply

Fees

ResidencyFees
Malaysian studentsRM42,000 per year
International studentsRM50,000 per year

Where you will learn

Malaysia Campus

Semenyih Campus is 48km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and just 45 minutes’ drive from the famous city centre with its iconic Petronas Twin Towers. On arrival, you are immersed in the green jungle backdrop that Malaysia provides with wildlife, sunshine and campus lake.

The campus is home to our business, education, science and engineering schools, which sit alongside a sports centre, library and student accommodation. The University has everything a modern day student could wish for with the added bonus of being located in central Asia allowing you to travel further afield in your free time.

Public transport is plentiful with free shuttle services operating on some routes. Taxi/Grab services in Malaysia are very reasonable and used widely by the student community.

Careers

Laying a solid foundation in this field, this programme enables our graduates to pursue careers in various roles and industries.

  • Editorial Assistant
  • Advertising Executive
  • Copywriter
  • Creative Content Specialist
  • Social Media Manager

Are you ready to embark on an exciting career journey after graduation? At the University of Nottingham Malaysia, our Careers Advisory Service is here to support your career aspirations. We offer a range of professional services, including résumé writing assistance and interview preparation, to equip you with the tools needed to excel in today’s competitive job market. Contact careers@nottingham.edu.my to learn more.

Frequently asked questions

Obtaining a degree in English and Creative Writing equips you with a diverse set of transferable skills, setting the stage for numerous fulfilling career paths.

Here are some job opportunities directly related to an English and Creative Writing degree:

  • Copywriter
  • Content Creator
  • Editor
  • Creative Director
  • Digital Copywriter
  • Journalist
  • Web Content Manager
  • Technical Writer or UX Writer
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Social Media Manager
  • Publishing Assistant
  • Literary Agent
  • Proofreader
  • Grant Writer
  • Scriptwriter
  • Communications Specialist
  • Marketing Executive
  • Media Researcher
  • Translator

Yes, upon completion of this course, you can consider pursuing postgraduate courses such as:

Yes, UNM has various scholarships and financial assistance schemes for deserving students.

This graduate programme offers a wide range of modules that cover various genres and forms of creative writing including writing for performance and poetry writing. These are designed to build a strong foundation in essential writing skills. Those who wish to pursue postgraduate degree in ‘English and Creative Writing’ may have an opportunity to specialise in a module of their choice.

Yes, UNM often organises literary events, or creative writing showcases where students can share their work. There may also be opportunities to submit your writing to university publications or external literary journals.

While prior writing experience is beneficial, it is not a requirement. The curriculum is designed to cater to students with varying levels of writing proficiency and provides guidance and support to help you develop your writing skills. 

Yes, UNM’s BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing programme prepares you for a career in writing and related fields. It equips you with the necessary skills to pursue a professional writing career in social media, publishing, marketing and more.

Yes. UNM often organises guest lectures, author talks, or writing workshops where established writers or authors visit the campus to share their experiences and insights with students.

This content was last updated on 28 February 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.