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BA CREATIVE WRITING AND ENGLISH

Qualification : BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

CAO/PAC code : MH111

CAO Points : 999

Closing Date : 01 July 2025

View QQI details

Degree Overview - this is a new degree - beginning in September 2025. Points will not be known until the Round 1 offers in August 2025.
The BA in Creative Writing and English offers you the opportunity to develop critical and creative skills within one programme, which is innovative not only for its integration of two intertwined subjects, but for its industry links and its teaching practices.
As a student of Creative Writing and English, you will learn:
>how to develop your creative writing (fiction/poetry/ memoir/creative non-fiction) through intensive workshops;
>the practicalities of creative literary industries;
>about the development of literary genres and practices;
>about the conditions that shape literature – from history and geography to questions of gender, race, sexuality, and class.

1st year 
Semester 1
Take 3 x 7.5 credit modules of Creative Writing and English:
>Introduction to Creative Writing
>Foundational English 1 (Prose)
>Climate Fiction

PLUS choose 1 other subject, which may include Critical Skills, from the available Subject Groups 1, 2, 4 or 5.

Semester 2
Take 3 x 7.5 credit modules of Creative Writing and English:
>Introduction to Creative Writing
>Foundational English 2 (Poetry and Drama)
>Literary Criticism and Theory

Continue with your other subject.

2nd year
Creative Writing and English modules

Optional 10 credit Elective in 2nd year

Erasmus/Study Abroad option after 2nd year

Course Duration: 3 years (4 with Erasmus/Study Abroad)

Conrad Brunstorm

Head of Department

Department of English

After Graduation
>Graduates of the BA in Creative Writing and English will be equipped with: skills in creative thinking; the ability to
formulate, present and disseminate complex issues; excellent communication skills; a highly-tuned sensitivity to language usage; the ability to tell and organise stories in compelling ways; an understanding of how to inhabit alternative viewpoints and outlooks. As such, graduates of the programme will be well- prepared for the world of work and will have the capacity to be flexible, inventive and adaptable in their chosen careers.
>Maynooth University’s Department of English includes award- winning creative writers as well as internationally acclaimed scholars of Irish, American, Arab, African, and global literatures. We offer MA programmes in Literatures of Engagement and in Creative Writing, and also offer PhDs in Creative Writing and in critical literature.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
Subject Required Ordinary Level Grade Higher Level Grade
Irish Yes O6 H7
English Yes N/A H5
Language Yes O6 H7
Math No N/A N/A
Science No N/A N/A

International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements

Mature Students

Mature Applicants 

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21. 

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination support for any written tests that may be required, please submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025 to the Access Office.  Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications for alternative examination accommodation after this deadline. 

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

01 February 2025

Additional Information

Leaving Certificate Applicants 

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish & 3rd language & H5 English required. MH111 Round 1 Points 2024: New in 2025

HEAR and DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways. 

APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students
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