The Pros and Cons of Studying a Creative Writing Degree
Unless you're my family or my friends from secondary school and you are reading this, chances are you like to write. If this is you, I'm right with you! Ever since I could string a sentence together, I've been obsessed with creating my own worlds and stories, spending a lot of my childhood walking around with my head in the clouds. Nearly twenty-four years later, I have a bachelor's degree in creative writing from the University of Lincoln, and I am due to graduate with a master's degree in May. As someone who's experienced two creative writing degrees, I want to give an honest breakdown regarding the pros and cons of studying this versatile, and ever-developing subject.
Pro: Good networking opportunities and a strong community feel
In my experience the people, whether they're your peers, your lecturers or any guest speakers your university hosts, are the best thing about studying a creative writing degree. The opportunity to receive feedback, advice and encouragement from fellow writers is one to treasure, and navigating your course alongside like-minded people makes the journey feel a whole lot easier.
Con: Your writing is graded
On the flip side, having your writing graded can feel like a punch to the gut if your mark is lower than you expected. Constructive criticism and learning to accept it is a key part of being a writer, though in my opinion one of the most challenging. Having a percentage define your work can suck the fun out of it, although in my experience this is mostly temporary.
Pro: Writing is your primary focus
Something I loved about studying creative writing was the freedom to focus on multiple writing projects without having to worry about fitting in time for your studies, as the projects I was working on were all assessments for my modules. Doing what you love as a degree, and writing every day (or however you choose to structure your workload), is a really effective way of creating a writing routine and getting into the habit of getting words down on the page.
Con: It's not necessarily a 'respected' degree
Although the stigma associated with studying creative writing has lessened over time, there are still those who see it as a waste of three years when you could have done a more conventional degree such as English. Jobs in the publishing and writing industries are incredibly competitive and difficult to get, however there is some good news. A study in 2024 showed that 63% of creative writing graduates are employed after 15 months, and out of the remaining 37%, only 8.2% were unemployed.
Whether or not to study creative writing is a decision that needs careful thought, and consideration. If you're someone who wants to write professionally as your main source of income, I would highly recommend it. My advice to those who want to write as a side job, or for fun, I would opt for a combined honours or to focus on a similar subject like English to keep your options a little more open. This subject is a gamble but I think the risk is worth taking.