Get inspired - study BA Creative Writing

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A degree in Creative Writing can open a lot more doors than you might have imagined. Professional writers work within almost every company on the planet. From creative copywriters in marketing departments to communication specialists working to manage a company brand, the written word is so important.

Needless to say, there are loads of career options waiting for the Creative Writing graduate. But what are some of the more unusual stories from the world of writing? Who are the people who took writing to unexpected and amazing places?

Let’s think about speech writers. Famous speeches throughout history, as impressive as they were when read by huge figures like Winston Churchill or JFK, have almost always been the work of speechwriters. Without the right words and the right focus, any one of those great speeches could have been little more than a dull ramble.

In recent history, three speech writers with an amazing talent for creative writing stand out. Barack Obama is well known for his inspirational deliveries, but it was actually the work of Jon Favreau, Tommy Vietor and Jon Lovett that elevated those speeches to the next level.

This dynamic trio did more than just create the words of course, because being in such trusted positions their own thoughts and feelings had a real impact on policy. Jon Lovett, married to fellow extraordinary writer and journalist Ronan Farrow, was an important influence in the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell”, the outdated rule that forced gays and lesbians in military service to hide their sexuality.

Being a skilled writer with the ability to motivate and convince others has real power. In the case of Favreau, Vietor and Lovett, it allowed them to work in the most powerful political office in the world, and from there they’ve all continued to have brilliant careers.

Still using their creative talents, they now produce the Pod Save America podcast, a platform with a huge following that helps guide the political debate in America.

That’s pretty amazing, and that’s where a degree in Creative Writing could take you. If you love the written word and have a passion for issues, you could make a real difference on the biggest questions in life.

The University of Bolton English and Creative Writing department is ranked second in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2020. The course supports students to creatively appreciate the great works of literature and contemporary writing while also helping you discover your literary potential.

Learn more about BA Creative Writing at the University of Bolton and find out how you can apply now.