Creative writing and spoken word

If you’re a budding writer, poet or spoken word artist, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to pursue your interests at Loughborough. Throughout the year our events programme may include one-off poetry and creative writing workshops with professional writers and paid commissions for student writing. In addition to this, we offer a 10-week long creative writing evening class each semester, which offers a greater depth of tuition. This class is open to students, staff and the general public.

A student performing on stage at an LU Arts Speech Bubble event

Our popular Speech Bubble performance poetry nights in the Students' Union showcase the amazing spoken word talent we have on campus; sit back and enjoy the evenings or take part in our open mic slots. This event also features professional performers and is open to students, staff and the general public.

If you can demonstrate a talent and passion in creative writing or performance poetry then you could apply for one of our annual arts scholarships. In addition to a £100 cash prize you'll get a package of support worth up to £500 to help develop your talent. This could be used for tuition, one-to-one mentoring or attending workshops and events. 

From time to time we promote paid student opportunities in creative writing. Previous examples include writing for an online creative magazine, a campus poetry walk and storytelling, sound art and poetry commissions for The Chronicles of Black Joy podcast.

Each year we provide financial and professional support to the student-led Loughborough Literary Festival. This event is organised by students on the MA courses in Creative Writing and Contemporary Literarure as part of their studies. 

Find out more about Loughborough Literary Festival