difference between journalism and creative writing

Career Advice

Dec 02, 2016

What’s The Difference Between Journalism And Creative Writing? | FAQs

Whether you enjoy reading the news or getting lost in a work of fiction, there’s something to love about both journalism and creative writing. There are also a number of similarities between them: Both are mediums of writing stemming from a writer and his/ her stream of consciousness, for the reception of a more or less active audience.

But what are the key differences between journalism and creative writing?

As Andre Wiesner, Head Tutor of the  UCT Feature Journalism online short course , points out in this short video, the difference between journalism and creative writing goes beyond the fiction versus non-fiction distinction.

Looking for an industry that bridges the gap between journalism and creative writing?

Consider feature writing, or “creative journalism”, and get ahead with the UCT Feature Journalism online short course .

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Transcription There are several major differences between journalism and creative writing; at the same time, there can also be major overlaps between them. One of the key differences is that creative writing is usually understood to mean the writing of fictional novels. By contrast, journalism is centred on reportage – reporting on actual people and events. As a journalist, you don’t, or shouldn’t, make things up; as a fictional novelist, inventing alternative versions of reality is essential to the art. Another difference is that creative writing is usually about your self-expression, in one way or another. By contrast, journalism is other-directed – concerned with other people’s views, perspectives and lived realities. There are also overlaps. There are such things as creative nonfiction, narrative journalism, and indeed feature journalism. In these forms of writing, basically speaking, the content you work with is factual – but the way in which you write it (the form) is literary and creative. In other words, you use the tools of “fictional” creative writing to tell accurate, true-life narratives.

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Creative Writing Vs. Journalism

Are you torn between the worlds of creativity and facts? Do you find yourself yearning to express your imagination while also seeking to uncover the truth? In the battle of Creative Writing vs. Journalism, both majors offer unique opportunities to explore your passion for words.

Each path has its own curriculum, writing skills to develop, and career prospects to consider. Join us as we dive into the differences, similarities, and factors to consider when choosing between these two captivating writing majors.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• The choice between creative writing and journalism depends on passion and career goals.
• Journalism offers more stable job prospects compared to creative writing.
• Creative writing allows for more creativity and exploration, while journalism follows strict guidelines and ethical standards.
• Career options for creative writing majors include publishing, editing, and content creation, while journalism majors have opportunities in news reporting, investigative journalism, and a wide range of media organizations.

Overview of the two majors: Creative Writing and Journalism

If you’re trying to decide between creative writing and journalism, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two majors.

In terms of job prospects, both fields offer unique opportunities. Creative writing allows you to explore your imagination and pursue careers in writing novels, poetry, or screenplays. However, the competition can be fierce, and the demand for creative writers may not be as high as that for journalists.

Journalism, on the other hand, offers a more stable career path, with job opportunities in newspapers, magazines, and online media. While creativity is still essential in journalism, the focus is on reporting facts and delivering accurate information to the public.

Both majors require strong writing techniques, but creative writing emphasizes storytelling and literary devices, while journalism emphasizes objective reporting and effective communication.

Ultimately, the choice between creative writing and journalism depends on your passion and career goals.

Overview of the curriculum and requirements of the two majors

To understand the differences between the two majors, you should consider the curriculum and requirements of each program. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from a creative writing or journalism major:

• Creative Writing: Pros: Opportunity to explore and develop your unique writing style, freedom to express yourself creatively, and potential to pursue a career in various writing fields such as fiction, poetry, or screenwriting. Cons: Limited job prospects compared to journalism, less emphasis on practical skills like research and reporting.
• Journalism: Pros: Develop strong research and communication skills, gain practical experience through internships, potential for job stability and a wide range of career options in media organizations. Cons: Adapting to the evolving digital landscape, competition for jobs due to technological advancements.

Both majors are impacted by technology. Creative writing has seen the rise of self-publishing platforms and online writing communities, while journalism has been influenced by the shift towards digital journalism and the rise of citizen journalism. Understanding the curriculum and requirements of each major will help you make an informed decision on which path to pursue.

Overview of coursework, assessments, and assignments

The coursework in both majors includes a variety of assessments and assignments that are designed to develop your skills and knowledge in the field. In creative writing, you will engage in workshops, where you will receive feedback on your writing from both peers and instructors. You may also be required to analyze and critique published works, as well as complete writing exercises to enhance your creativity and mastery of different writing styles. In journalism, you will learn about news writing, investigative reporting, and multimedia journalism. You will be tasked with conducting interviews, writing news articles, and producing multimedia content. To give you a clearer picture, here is a table outlining the coursework, assessments, and assignments in each major:

Both majors offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing you to develop the skills necessary for success in either creative writing or journalism.

Comparison of Writing Skills Developed

Developing your writing skills in both majors will involve different techniques and approaches. In creative writing, you will focus on honing your creativity and imagination to craft compelling narratives and explore different literary devices. On the other hand, journalism requires a more factual and objective approach to writing, with an emphasis on accuracy and clarity.

To help you better understand the differences in writing styles between creative writing and journalism, here are two sub-lists:

• Use of descriptive language to create vivid imagery
• Freedom to experiment with different narrative structures and formats
• Emphasis on concise and informative writing
• Adherence to journalistic ethics and standards, such as fact-checking and unbiased reporting

When it comes to industry demands, creative writing skills are sought after in fields such as publishing, advertising, and content creation. Journalistic writing skills, on the other hand, are essential for careers in news reporting, broadcasting, and media.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the right path and develop the necessary skills for success in your chosen field.

Comparison of Career Opportunities and Job Roles in Writing

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in writing, understanding the different job roles and opportunities available in the industry can help you make an informed decision. When it comes to job stability, there is a notable difference between creative writing and journalism.

Journalism offers more stable job prospects due to the demand for news reporting and the presence of established media organizations. On the other hand, creative writing careers, such as being a novelist or poet, can be more unpredictable and dependent on individual success.

In terms of technology, both creative writing and journalism have been significantly impacted. The rise of digital platforms and social media has changed the way news is consumed, leading to the decline of traditional journalism outlets. However, this shift has also created new opportunities for freelance journalists and content creators.

Similarly, technology has opened avenues for self-publishing and online platforms, giving creative writers more control over their work and access to a wide audience. Overall, while both fields face challenges, technology has also brought forth new possibilities for writers in both creative writing and journalism.

Comparison of Salary Potential in Writing Careers

When it comes to salary potential, there can be a significant difference between various careers in writing. If you’re considering a career in writing, it’s important to understand the potential salary range for different paths.

Here are a few key points to consider:

• Long term job stability : Some writing careers, such as journalism, offer more stability in terms of employment. With a steady demand for news and information, journalists often have more consistent job opportunities compared to other writing fields.
• Potential for freelance work : On the other hand, creative writing careers, like novel writing or scriptwriting, may offer more potential for freelance work. As a freelancer, you have the flexibility to choose your projects and potentially earn higher rates for your work.

Keep in mind that salaries in writing can vary greatly depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. It’s important to research and understand the specific salary expectations for the career path you’re interested in pursuing.

Similarities between Creative Writing and Journalism Majors

Keep in mind that as a journalism major, you can expect to develop strong writing skills and gain valuable experience in researching and reporting news stories.

The skills you acquire during your studies will not only be relevant to the field of journalism but can also be transferable to other industries.

The demand for individuals with strong writing skills is high across various sectors, including marketing, public relations, and communications.

As a journalism major, you will learn how to effectively gather information, conduct interviews, and write compelling stories that capture the attention of readers.

These skills are highly sought after in today’s digital age, where the ability to communicate effectively and engage audiences is essential.

Difference between Creative Writing and Journalism Majors

Contrary to popular belief, the focus of journalism majors is on reporting news stories, while creative writing majors focus on expressing their artistic ideas through writing. Here are the key differences between creative writing and journalism programs:

• Creative writing programs emphasize the development of writing skills, including fiction, poetry, and non-fiction writing, while journalism programs focus on news reporting, investigative journalism, and feature writing.
• Creative writing majors have more freedom to explore their creativity and experiment with different writing styles, while journalism majors follow strict guidelines and adhere to journalistic ethics.
• Creative writing programs often offer workshops and critique sessions, allowing students to receive feedback on their work, whereas journalism programs focus more on practical experience, such as internships and reporting assignments.
• Graduates with a degree in creative writing can pursue careers in various fields, such as publishing, editing, and content creation, while journalism graduates typically work in media organizations, newspapers, or broadcasting companies.

Pros of pursuing a degree in creative writing: opportunity for self-expression, development of writing skills, and versatility in career options.

Cons of pursuing a degree in creative writing: limited job opportunities, potential for financial instability, and subjective evaluation of work.

Pros of pursuing a degree in journalism: practical experience in news reporting, opportunities for investigative journalism, and potential for career advancement.

Cons of pursuing a degree in journalism: high competition for jobs, long working hours, and ethical challenges in reporting sensitive topics.

Factors to consider when choosing between Writing Majors

One important factor to consider when choosing between different writing majors is the potential career opportunities available in each field. When it comes to pursuing a creative writing major, there are both pros and cons to consider.

On the positive side, a creative writing major allows you to explore your passion for writing and develop your own unique voice. It also allows for more freedom and creativity in your writing process.

However, the downside is that career prospects can be more limited compared to other writing majors. On the other hand, a career in journalism offers a wider range of job opportunities, including roles in news reporting, editing, and broadcasting. It also provides a more structured and fast-paced work environment.

Ultimately, the decision between a career in journalism or creative writing depends on your personal interests, goals, and desired lifestyle.

Congratulations! You have now reached the end of this informative journey comparing creative writing and journalism.

Like two branches on the same tree, these majors offer unique perspectives and skills.

Creative writing allows you to paint with words, crafting stories that transport readers to new realms.

Journalism, on the other hand, empowers you to navigate the ever-changing tides of truth, capturing the essence of the world around us.

So, whether you choose to soar through the skies of imagination or dive into the depths of reality, the choice is yours.

May your writing journey be filled with endless possibilities and captivating tales!

Creative Writing vs. Journalism

What's the difference.

Creative writing and journalism are two distinct forms of writing that serve different purposes. Creative writing is focused on imaginative storytelling, where writers have the freedom to create fictional characters, settings, and plots. It allows for artistic expression and often explores complex emotions and themes. On the other hand, journalism is rooted in factual reporting and aims to provide accurate and unbiased information to the public. Journalists rely on research, interviews, and investigation to present news and current events. While creative writing encourages imagination and personal interpretation, journalism emphasizes objectivity and adherence to ethical standards. Both forms of writing require strong writing skills, but they cater to different audiences and serve different purposes in the literary world.

Further Detail

Introduction.

Creative writing and journalism are two distinct forms of writing that serve different purposes and require different skill sets. While both involve storytelling and communication, they differ in terms of their objectives, styles, and approaches. In this article, we will explore the attributes of creative writing and journalism, highlighting their unique characteristics and discussing the skills required for each.

The primary objective of creative writing is to entertain, inspire, and evoke emotions in the reader. It focuses on imaginative storytelling, often using literary techniques such as metaphor, symbolism, and vivid descriptions to create a rich and immersive experience. Creative writing encompasses various genres, including fiction, poetry, and drama, allowing writers to explore their imagination and express their unique perspectives.

On the other hand, journalism aims to inform, educate, and provide factual accounts of events and issues. Journalists strive to present unbiased and accurate information to the public, adhering to ethical standards and journalistic principles. They conduct research, interview sources, and report on current events, politics, social issues, and more. Journalism plays a crucial role in keeping the public informed and holding those in power accountable.

Style and Tone

Creative writing allows for a wide range of styles and tones, depending on the genre and the writer's intention. It can be poetic, lyrical, or experimental, with a focus on language, imagery, and the exploration of emotions. Writers have the freedom to create their own unique voice and experiment with different narrative techniques. The style and tone in creative writing are often subjective and can vary greatly from one writer to another.

In contrast, journalism follows a more standardized style and tone. Journalistic writing aims to be clear, concise, and objective. It prioritizes facts, evidence, and balanced reporting. Journalists strive to present information in a neutral and unbiased manner, allowing readers to form their own opinions based on the facts presented. The tone in journalism is typically formal and professional, focusing on delivering information rather than evoking emotions.

Research and Sources

Both creative writing and journalism require research, but the nature of the research differs. In creative writing, research is often focused on enhancing the authenticity and believability of the story. Writers may research historical events, cultural practices, or scientific concepts to create a realistic backdrop for their narratives. However, creative writing also allows for imagination and the freedom to deviate from reality.

Journalism, on the other hand, relies heavily on research to gather accurate and reliable information. Journalists must verify facts, interview sources, and cross-reference information to ensure the credibility of their reporting. They adhere to strict ethical guidelines and strive to present a balanced view by including multiple perspectives. Journalists must also be skilled at identifying credible sources and distinguishing between reliable information and misinformation.

Structure and Format

Creative writing offers more flexibility in terms of structure and format. Writers can experiment with different narrative structures, such as nonlinear storytelling or multiple points of view. They have the freedom to break traditional rules and conventions to create a unique reading experience. The format of creative writing varies depending on the genre, ranging from novels and short stories to poems and scripts.

Journalism, on the other hand, follows a more standardized structure and format. News articles typically follow the inverted pyramid structure, presenting the most important information at the beginning and gradually providing additional details. Journalistic writing also adheres to specific style guides, such as the Associated Press (AP) style, which provides guidelines for grammar, punctuation, and formatting.

Skills Required

Creative writing requires strong imagination, creativity, and the ability to craft compelling narratives. Writers must have a deep understanding of language, literary techniques, and storytelling elements. They need to be able to create well-developed characters, build immersive worlds, and evoke emotions through their words. Additionally, self-discipline and perseverance are crucial for completing longer works, such as novels or screenplays.

Journalism, on the other hand, demands strong research and investigative skills. Journalists must be able to gather information from various sources, critically analyze data, and present complex issues in a clear and accessible manner. They need to have excellent interviewing skills, the ability to work under tight deadlines, and a commitment to accuracy and objectivity. Journalists also need to stay updated on current events and possess a strong ethical compass.

In conclusion, creative writing and journalism are distinct forms of writing that serve different purposes and require different skill sets. Creative writing focuses on imaginative storytelling, aiming to entertain and evoke emotions, while journalism aims to inform and provide factual accounts of events. The styles, tones, research methods, structures, and required skills differ between the two. Both forms of writing, however, play important roles in society, allowing individuals to express their creativity and providing the public with essential information.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

Truth And Creativity: Journalism Vs. Creative Writing

• https://thoughtcatalog.com/?p=379384

Journalism and creative writing are two opposite ends of the literary rope. Their difference is grounded on the fact that journalism relies heavily on the truth, facts, current events, and knowledge. Creative writing, on the other hand, comprises much on art, fiction, and imagination. This is why these two ends don’t meet.

I am a writer. Although I haven’t exactly labeled myself in any specific genre yet, I consider myself a writer. Apart from publishing my novellas on Wattpad and posting free-verse poetry on my blog, I am also a student of Journalism in college and was once a campus journalist for the university publication. As an aspiring novelist and a student of Journalism, I have gained keen insights on the major differences between writing journalistically and writing creatively.

Let’s focus on journalism first. News articles, feature stories in magazines, sports news, and many others found in broadsheets and tabloids belong to journalism. In this side of writing, the writer must gather credible sources to write informational truth behind current issues. The issues should contain reliable facts that tell the masses any ongoing circumstance or situations happening in the community, country, and the world. It’s typical news. It should be informative, honest, and un-biased.

Now let’s turn our heads to creative writing. Poems, novels, plays, and short stories are all under this category. Creative writing allows the writer to delve deeper into his imagination to bring out the story that he desires to write about. In creative writing, the writer uses words to paint pictures and create worlds, situations, and characters that are fictitious but related to life. Creative writers usually incorporate the art of literature into their works.

In the history of written works, journalism was first conceived during the 1400s in Italy and Germany. That was the time when people started chronicling daily events to disseminate the information in their town. It was popularized throughout Europe in the 1600s when the printing press was invented. By the dawn of the 20th century, journalism spread worldwide and became a profession.

Looking back in the ages past, creative writing already existed way before the term was coined. Our ancestors already practiced this form of literature in the early days of human civilization. Even before language was invented, creative writing already existed. The proof stems on the carvings of ancient caves – paintings and symbols that tell lores of life. Poetry existed long before the existence of Christ. Tales of myth and legend were inscribed on primeval papyrus. Folk tales, fairy tales, ballads, and epics — these are the earliest forms of creative writing that serve inspiration to modern novels, short stories, and plays.

In the context of profession, journalists and creative writers are barred from each other. Their writing styles are far from similar. Based on my experience as a campus journalist, whenever I write a news article, it has to be concrete, understandable, and straightforward. My editor would always advise me to choose words that are easy to comprehend by the readers. Moreover, ideas are rarely used freely since a journalist has to rely solely on facts (except for opinion articles). It’s like writing something that isn’t yours. If you’re a journalist, you are the medium of information. Not to mention, the space on the newspaper or magazine is sometimes limited, so you have to be cautious in using concise words. Additionally, once you’re a journalist, you need to update yourself about any gist of the trending issues or the juicy news. How else can you write informatively to your readers if you don’t know what the news is about?

In creative writing, I always find freedom in exploring my mind and expressing my thoughts. Whenever I discover new ideas, I always find the time to write them down. Eventually, they will evolve into a story. Creative writing relies mostly on self-expression. It gives you the chance to write your testimony of everything around you. It is limitless, entertaining, and sometimes informational (some novels are based on facts but they are still considered fiction since the writer has added his personal ideas into them, thus taking part in the novel’s creation). If you’re a creative writer, you can use a multitude of words as long as they all create the art that magnifies your story. Furthermore, creative writing takes you to places you’ve never known existed, acquaints you to characters more interesting than anyone you know in real life, and introduces you to devices more extraordinary than the tools used in this world. The fiction you create comes from your head. Isn’t it amazing that creativity allows this?

Angelo Lorenzo

Keep up with Angelo on Twitter and Website

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Distinguishing Journalism from Creative Writing

Key Takeaways

• Journalism is the activity of writing on real-world events and conveying news and information, while creative writing involves using imagination to produce an original work.
• Journalists often have to work under time constraints and use simple, concise language, whereas creative writers have more freedom in their use of language and have no time constraints.
• Journalism is focused on the public domain, while creative writing is focused on the private domain, although it may draw inspiration from public settings.

Journalism and creative writing are two distinct forms of writing, with a number of differences between them. Journalism involves writing about events that occur in the world, encompassing all forms of news and information. A person who practices this art is known as a journalist. Journalism can be a challenging profession. In contrast, creative writing is an activity where the writer has the freedom to be creative and produce an original piece of writing. The main difference between journalism and creative writing is that journalism reports on real-life events, while creative writing is based on the writer’s imagination. As a result, the element of truth is not as important in creative writing as it is in journalism. This article will explore the differences between these two forms of writing.

What is Journalism?

Journalism refers to the activity of writing about events that occur in the world, including all forms of news and other information. A journalist is someone who engages in this activity. Becoming a journalist requires a great deal of commitment. A journalist must adhere to the truth of the events that occur in their area or country and be able to write about them in an engaging manner that captures the attention of the reader. However, this does not mean that journalists can use their imagination to make stories more interesting. Instead, language and words are the only tools a journalist has to reach their readers. Therefore, to keep readers engaged, journalists use simple yet powerful language.

What is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is an activity in which the writer has free rein to be creative and produce an original piece of writing. To become a creative writer, one must have a talent for words and an interest in understanding human life and experiences. Creative writers should seek inspiration not only from the world around them but also from their own imagination. Becoming a creative writer is an exciting profession, as it allows the individual to create and live within their own works. Creative writing encompasses many different forms, including poetry, drama, plays, and fiction. A creative writer should develop their language skills to create a new world through their work. This is not an easy task and can sometimes be quite tedious. However, becoming a creative writer can be a very rewarding profession.

What is the difference between Journalism and Creative Writing?

Definitions of Journalism and Creative Writing: Journalism: Journalism refers to the activity of writing about events that occur in the world, including all forms of news and other information. Creative Writing: Creative writing is an activity in which the writer has free rein to be creative and produce an original piece of writing. Characteristics of Journalism and Creative Writing: Time Constraint: Journalism: In journalism, the writer or journalist often has to struggle with time constraints, as they need to meet deadlines. Creative Writing: In creative writing, the writer does not face any time constraints. Domain: Journalism: The journalist is at the heart of the public domain. Creative Writing: The creative writer is in the private domain, although they may seek inspiration from public settings. Use of Language: Journalism: A journalist typically uses simple, concise language to convey the message as clearly as possible. Creative Writing: In creative writing, the writer can use language to bring their imagination to life.   Image Courtesy: 1. “CBC journalists in Montreal” by Conrad Poirier  [Public Domain] via Commons 2. “Stipula fountain pen” by Power_of_Words_by_Antonio_Litterio.jpg: Antonio Litterioderivative work: InverseHypercube [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Commons

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Creative writing vs. journalism.

When we discuss creative writing and journalism, people often think they are completely separate styles of writing. People do not think the two styles of writing have similarities, which for the most part this is true. Creative writing is used when we are writing fiction, while journalistic writing describes news stories and real events. However, professional writers should not just be good at either one or the other. A professional writer should be comfortable writing both from a journalistic standpoint and a creative writing standpoint. Why might you ask? Why should you be good at writing creatively if you are a journalist and why should you be good at writing journalistic works if you are only a fiction writer?

The Two Are Not So Different

While on the surface level the two styles of writing seem to have nothing to do with each other, this is a falsely assumed notion. When you are writing as a journalist, while you are writing fact, you also need to include creative elements to your story. Now we are not referring to making anything up, but we are referring to story and sentence structure. When you are writing a journalistic piece, it is important to hook a reader and have them maintain a constant interest throughout the story. Again, this does not mean making things up to make the story seem more interesting, but it does mean how the story flows in a manner that not only makes sense, but also captivates the reader. Both creative writers and journalists write stories . A journalist writes fact and a creative writer writes fiction, but all stories share a key element. That key element is the natural flow of the story. That also includes a hook and a plot that creates a cohesiveness that your reader can follow. This concept takes creativity, so in a way if you are writing a journalistic story, you need to understand how to creatively tell that story.

For example, let's take a look at 60 Minutes. 60 Minutes is a journalism driven show that portrays stories and in a fantastically creative way.The journalists on 60 Minutes do not simply interview someone for the entire show. What they do is they dive deep into the story, putting themselves into the field to show you exactly what is happening with an interview tied in to explain the event from a different perspective. The coordinators of the show specifically do this in a creative way to attract audiences.

Now, while we are talking about writing and not broadcasting, this example carries over just as well as any other. Take a look at autobiographies, everything in an autobiography is nonfiction, journalistic work. However, the author tells you their story in a creative way in order for you to not only follow, but enjoy what you are reading and yet still learn something.

From a creative writer’s perspective, journalistic writing might feel out of your wheelhouse. However, it is not that far off from what you are already good at. A creative writer already understands how to creatively portray a storyline. This is a concept that some journalists have a hard time with. Some creative writers make up stories purely from their imagination, but some creative writers also base their story on their real life experiences. Journalism is simply a creative way of portraying real life , timely events that have occurred. With basic training in the field, a creative writer will theoretically have all of the elements that they would need to write a story based on what they have witnessed and gathered in the field. This act is not all that different from forming a story in your head. The difference is simply writing what you see versus what you come up with. Then, you would just write the story based on what you saw. Like mentioned prior, both journalists and creative writers write stories.

All stories have a hook, a plot, and a conclusion. It is important for creative writers to also understand that not everything has to come from one’s imagination. Real life events can also have an impact on your writing. While for journalists this is all they write about, creative writers need to have this skill in their wheelhouse as well to be the best writer they can possibly be. A true professional writer should understand this phenomenon and be comfortable doing both journalistic and creative writing work.

Career Opportunities

You may only want to be an author or you may only want to be a journalist, but sometimes life throws some curveballs at you and it can be hard to do one or the other. Having the capability of writing both journalistic and creative writing works will benefit your career tremendously. How many times have you seen a journalist release a book? It happens all too often. Being a jack-of-all-trades is something not only writers should look to achieve, it is something everybody should strive to become.

Now that you understand how similar the two styles of writing are, it is not impossible to do both. Why limit yourself to be one or the other when you can do both? If you only wanted to be a creative writer, it would be great for you to write amazing fiction novels that fly off the shelves and possibly even land a movie deal of some kind. However, it is extremely hard to do, not everyone can be JK Rowling. It would also be great to be a journalist that skyrockets to the top early on and become an anchor for a big-time network, but again it is extremely hard to do. Having the ability to write creatively and journalistically opens all kinds of doors for your career.

If you decide to take on this challenge and strive to be a jack-of-all-trades, it is still important to pick a focus. Much like how when you go to college, you have to decide on a major and a minor, the same goes here.You have to decide between journalism and creative writing which would be your major and which would be your minor. That doesn't mean that they won't get a similar amount of attention, it just means that you have to decide which career path you would rather put more energy into.

For instance, your day job can be a journalist at a local station or paper trying to work your way up the pendulum. While in your off time, you are working on a creative writing piece-- whether that is a book, a screenplay, or poetry. On the flip side, if you decide you really want to  dive headfirst into the world of creative writing, your side hustle would be to do freelance work for a local paper or a magazine of your choosing. Either way it is important not to limit your possibilities . The world of writing, both on the journalistic and creative side, can be a hard place to find success.

Though, when you are working hard to perfect your craft in the two styles of writing, success will eventually come in time. And sometimes, this success is not in the field that you expected it to be. Maybe you wanted to write great fiction novels and end up finding success with your coverage of sports or politics. Maybe you wanted to find great success in your coverage of up-and-coming bands or the music industry and you somehow find your way through the fiction novels that you have been writing on the side. That does not mean to give up on one or the other. It is simply a wake up call that says, “You are good at this, your other stuff needs some work, but keep going.” The point being, be as open minded as possible and accept all challenges, and hurdle every obstacle thrown your way.

Comfort Will Come

An important word in this article is “comfortable.” Professional writers should feel comfortable writing journalistically and creatively. What you decide to do with this ability is completely up to you. All we are saying is that it is important to write in both ways no matter your career path. Also, it is important to understand that if you are good at one or the other now, that you won't be great at the other form of writing right away. Do not expect to jump from journalism to creative writing and vice versa and feel comfortable doing so immediately. That comfort will come in due time, as will the recognition for your work.

At first, your writing will be subpar and that is more than okay. As writers we need to soak in all the information that is thrown at us and adapt, learn from our past experiences and through our peers. This means you have to take a leap of faith knowing that if you act as a sponge, that you will eventually find comfort in both writing in a journalistic and creative way.

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• A Companion to Creative Writing by Graeme Harper (Editor) ISBN: 9781118325797 Publication Date: 2013-03-14
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• Great Stories Don't Write Themselves by Larry Brooks; Robert Dugoni (Foreword by) ISBN: 9781440300851
• Jump start: how to write from everyday life by Robert Wold ISBN: 9780199938001
• The Making of a Story by Alice LaPlante Call Number: NYU Shanghai Library (China) Main Collection (PE1408 .L31887 2007) ISBN: 9780393061642
• The Portable MFA in Creative Writing by New York Writers Workshop Staff (Contribution by) Call Number: NYU Shanghai (China) Main Collection (PE1408 .P665 2006 ) ISBN: 9781582974408
• Screenwriting Is Rewriting by Jack Epps Call Number: NYU Shanghai (China) Main Collection (PN1996 .E66 2016) ISBN: 9781628927399
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• The Writing Experiment by Hazel Smith Call Number: NYU Shanghai (China) Main Collection (PQ1408 .S657 2005) ISBN: 1741140153

• The Art of Creative Research by Philip Gerard Call Number: NYU Shanghai (China) Main Collection (PN146 .G47 2017 ) ISBN: 9780226179773
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• Keep it real : everything you need to know about researching and writing creative nonfiction by Lee Gutkind & Hattie Fletcher Call Number: NYU Shanghai (China) Main Collection (PN3377.5.R45 K44 2008 ) ISBN: 9780393065619
• Real feature writing: story shapes and writing strategies from the real world of journalism by Abraham Aamidor ISBN: 9781410614070
• Storycraft : the complete guide to writing narrative nonfiction by Jack Hart Call Number: NYU Shanghai (China) Main Collection (PN3377.5.R45 H37 2011 ) ISBN: 9780226318141
• To show and to tell : the craft of literary nonfiction by Phillip Lopate Call Number: NYU Shanghai (China) Main Collection (PN145 .L67 2013 ) ISBN: 9781451696325
• The Science of Story by Sean Prentiss (Editor); Nicole Walker (Editor) ISBN: 9781350083882
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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Journalism and Journalistic Writing: Introduction

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Journalism is the practice of gathering, recording, verifying, and reporting on information of public importance. Though these general duties have been historically consistent, the particulars of the journalistic process have evolved as the ways information is collected, disseminated, and consumed have changed. Things like the invention of the printing press in the 15 th century, the ratification of the First Amendment in 1791, the completion of the first transatlantic telegraph cable in 1858,   the first televised presidential debates in 1960, and more have broadened the ways that journalists write (as well as the ways that their readers read). Today, journalists may perform a number of different roles. They still write traditional text-based pieces, but they may also film documentaries, record podcasts, create photo essays, help run 24-hour TV broadcasts, and keep the news at our fingertips via social media and the internet. Collectively, these various journalistic media help members of the public learn what is happening in the world so they may make informed decisions.

The most important difference between journalism and other forms of non-fiction writing is the idea of objectivity. Journalists are expected to keep an objective mindset at all times as they interview sources, research events, and write and report their stories. Their stories should not aim to persuade their readers but instead to inform. That is not to say you will never find an opinion in a newspaper—rather, journalists must be incredibly mindful of keeping subjectivity to pieces like editorials, columns, and other opinion-based content.

Similarly, journalists devote most of their efforts to working with primary sources, whereas a research paper or another non-fiction piece of writing might frequently consult an encyclopedia, a scholarly article, or another secondary or tertiary source. When a journalist is researching and writing their story, they will often interview a number of individuals—from politicians to the average citizen—to gain insight into what people have experienced, and the quotes journalists collect drive and shape their stories. 

The pages in this section aim to provide a brief overview of journalistic practices and standards, such as the ethics of collecting and reporting on information; writing conventions like the inverted pyramid and using Associated Press (AP) Style; and formatting and drafting journalistic content like press releases.

Journalism and Journalistic Writing

These resources provide an overview of journalistic writing with explanations of the most important and most often used elements of journalism and the Associated Press style. This resource, revised according to The Associated Press Stylebook 2012 , offers examples for the general format of AP style. For more information, please consult The Associated Press Stylebook 2012 , 47 th edition.

The meeting point between Journalism and creative writing

By Moses Okocha

Journalism in the 21st century has been viewed differently by individuals. While some see it as short writing or report, others have regarded it as one that has little or no element(s) of creativity in it.

Whichever way Journalism has been conceived, it is sacrosanct to note that there is a converging point between Journalism and creative writing; that is,  Journalism goes beyond just short stories and report.

This school of thought expresses this as LONGFORM JOURNALISM.

At LightRay Media Training, the converging point between Longform Journalism and Creative writing was explored and discussed between the convener Ejiro Umukoro (Award-Winning Investigative journalist and Youth/Children Advocate) with over 100 participants at the event.

The Convener Ejiro Umukoro, began the session with an exposition of two sample writings (Samples 1&2) to explore and reveal the elements of Creative writing and Journalism.

Participants like Collins Odigie, Menoveg and Vee amongst others, having examined the two Samples gave their views about the Samples.

According to Collins, Sample 1 being a report, is straight to the point, with no form of imagery created in the mind of the reader. Sample 2 on the other hand – a creative writing piece, makes use of imagery with well structured literary devices that make everything look real.

Vee who also made some observations said Sample 1, just like a news report, makes use of inverted pyramid whereby the most important part of a story is played up while the body is built around other details.

“In the media parlance, especially in the broadcast industry, it is often said that content is king. However, from my experience as a broadcaster, journalist, speaker and writer, I have come to know that Context Is Queen” –  (Lady E, 2005).

As such, there is no story without context; without a story, there is no creative writing and no Journalism. This simply means that there’s an interwoven relationship that exists between Creative writing and Journalism. This cobweb-like relationship helps to bring life to information, truths and facts which are used in Journalism. In other words, both creative writing and Journalism makes use of the art of storytelling to give life to a given point of view, facts and information.

The Convener Umukoro, also went further to state that a creative writer has the license to imagine, concoct, create and write stories, while a journalist on the other hand cannot do the same. This is where the Ethics of journalism which includes objectivity, accuracy, truthfulness, fairness amongst others comes to play – making it impossible for a journalist to imagine or make up a story. Journalism relies on facts, truths, anecdotes.

The meeting point between Journalism and creative writing is that both make use of the art of creativity in writing.

Umukoro also stressed that one (Journalism) is more factual than the other (Creative Writing).

She also examined the genres of Journalism that makes use of the Creative and literary tools

These includes :

-Creative non-fiction Longform

-Narrative Journalism

-Feature Journalism

-Documentary Journalism.

Umukoro concluded by advising the participants to choose a form or style before writing that will make a story matter and create the impact needed.

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Creative Nonfiction and Literary Journalism: What’s the Difference?

Mar 21, 2017 by Kayla Dean published in Writing

When I was in high school, my AP English teacher had our class read essays from names like Annie Dillard, David Foster Wallace, and Virginia Woolf. Back then, I didn’t know who any of these people were. I fell in love with “Death of a Moth” when I had to write a one-page analysis of it back in the day, but it wasn’t until my last year of college that I really understood what these authors were doing: writing creative nonfiction.

Yes, I know. You’ve heard the term already. Everyone on the blogosphere seems to have something to say about it. All the articles you click on now almost always have a storied way of telling you basic information. Writing advice blogs mention the word here or there. And have you seen that Creative Nonfiction magazine at Barnes & Noble (i.e., one of THE DREAM magazines for our genre)?

This is the beginning of another endeavor: I’m going to explain creative nonfiction, its genres, and how you can write your own creative nonfiction essays in this new column.

Don’t try to tell me that you aren’t interesting enough. That you haven’t been to Venice yet, and you don’t think that at twenty-something years old you could possibly have enough life experience to write anything interesting. You don’t feel like enough of a person yet. I am all of the above. Your experiences are enough to figure out this whole writing-about-real-experiences thing. First stop? Let’s break down the difference between creative nonfiction and literary journalism.

What Creative Nonfiction Actually Means

Creative nonfiction was coined by Lee Gutkind in the ‘90s. Simply stated, it’s “true stories, well told.” At least, that’s the slogan for his magazine. Gutkind has written several books on the genre, like this one , which is incredibly helpful for getting started in the genre. But if you’re looking for a more precise definition, creative nonfiction is essentially a narrative that deals in factual events. Meaning that whatever you write about, whether in essays or long-form, must be based in reality.

But there’s also something unique about this genre: it’s extremely important that you tell a narrative that has a literary language about it. In other words, you want your prose to be compulsively readable because it’s real life told in a human voice that strays away from the technical or academic.

Some consider creative nonfiction to be an umbrella term for a genre that includes things like personal essays, memoir, travel writing, and literary journalism. You probably know what the first three are, but why is the last one different from creative nonfiction?

How Literary Journalism Fits In

Some people say there isn’t a difference. But here’s my take: literary journalism is often rooted in heavy research. For example, a biologist could write about the problems they see in an endangered population of turtles in the Pacific. A journalist could write about their experiences reporting in the Middle East, exposing a problem they encountered while in the field. Both of these are real examples. But they aren’t necessarily based on the storyteller’s life so much as the facts that they uncover on their journey. A writer can use figurative language to weave a narrative, but they can’t just engage in solipsism for 300 pages.

Not that creative nonfiction allows this. However, there’s a bit more freedom in the way that a writer can arrange facts. Some writers have even gotten in trouble when readers discovered they hadn’t told the story exactly as it had happened. You don’t want to stir up controversy, but there is a freedom in how you collapse or expand events. You can even re-order them to fit a narrative arc.

How to Pick the Right Non-Fiction Genres

Some writers object to writing this way. You may even find that there are two different camps of writers who completely disagree with one another’s prose. This may seem divisive. But there may be another option.

Literary nonfiction is another term I’ve seen thrown around, but not as often as the first two. It usually operates as a blanket term for both creative nonfiction and literary journalism. This one combines the essence of both into a style that works in many contexts. For a literary nonfiction piece, you’d do a bit more research than for a piece that is creative nonfiction. The latter form does allow you to simply write about your life. You may fact check dates or places, but many writers of creative nonfiction write things as they remember them. Implicit in some writing is even a type of subjectivity because the experiences are so personal that they’re more difficult to really verify.

Maybe this feels a little confusing. But if you’re looking to write about your own life, you’ll likely fall in the creative nonfiction camp. If you want some great essays to read on just about anything, check out online publications like Ecotone, Longreads, Literary Hub, or The Millions. These are great places to start if you want to read some creative nonfiction ASAP. And, if you’re a personal essay person, check out these tips from The New York Times on writing great creative nonfiction.

Those essays you read in high school English class can be a great start for your first foray into creative nonfiction, but they’re just the beginning. The realm of nonfiction may feel intimidating, especially if you’re not sure you have a shocking tale to put into a memoir just yet. That’s the great thing about creative nonfiction: you really can write about just about anything. The best part? No sensationalism required.

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Journalism vs. Fiction: What’s the Difference?

What’s the difference between journalism and fiction, and why should you care? Well, if you’re a writer in this day and age, you’re likely to do more than one kind of writing. Long-form journalism often pays. Fiction rarely does. Or, at least, it can take time for people to find you and buy your books. That’s why fiction writers today pen articles for online magazines. Some magazines expect you to write for free. Others pay for your guest post. The pay is good, but there’s another reason you might want to think about going back and forth between fiction and journalism. An insightful essay can boost a writer’s visibility. It can drive readers to your blog, and wouldn’t it be amazing if your essay went viral? In this post I’m going to discuss the differences between the two kinds of writing.

Image from Open Clip Art via

Journalism vs. Fiction

Let’s start with a quick compare-and-contrast of the two forms.

Journalism and Its Uses

Here’s when you might want to think journalistically:

• When presenting newsworthy information (scientific breakthroughs or archaeological discoveries)
• When writing about historical events (perfect for writers of historical fiction)
• When pitching a guest blog to a national, online newspaper
• When you have multiple sources whose perspectives enlighten and inform
• When you want to get paid for your writing
• When writing a newsy press release
• When providing copy for a local paper featuring your book

Sites that welcome the kinds of articles fiction writers would be likely to write include Slate , Salon , The Atlantic , Vox , New Republic , The American Prospect , Mother Jones , The Daily Beast , FiveThirtyEight , Grantland , Medium , Aeon Magazine , and Huffington Post . If they like your idea, make sure they’ll link to your blog.

Why Should You Explore Opportunities in Journalism?

Let me state the obvious. Writing a novel takes quite a while. If you can begin developing a following by writing articles for online magazines, that will help you develop a platform and get your name out there. At the Pima Writers’ Conference two years ago, agent Michael Carr (of Veritas Literary  in San Francisco) told me that he sits up and takes notice when a writer has published in Slate or Salon . (For more on agents and publishing, read this article .)

Many journalists write fiction. One of them is Ronald E. Yates, former Dean of the School of Journalism at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Here’s a blog post about how he used his skills as a journalist when writing historical fiction. He’s written two books in his Billy Battles’ series, and third is about to come out.

While I’ve known many journalists who’ve made the leap into fiction, I know only a couple of fiction writers who’ve gone in the other direction. In case you decide to try your hand at nonfiction, here are a couple of things you should know.

Stylesheets for Journalism

One of the main differences between journalism and fiction/creative nonfiction may seem trivial to those who’ve never gone through an editorial vetting of your words. Journalists typically use the AP Stylebook , updated yearly and available online. For a quick overview, take a look at this page from the Purdue Online Writing Lab .

In contrast, literary writing takes its cues from the Chicago Manual of Style  , otherwise known as CMOS. I like the online version because of its search capability.

If you’re into the fine points of writing, take a look at the stylesheet used by The Kansas City Star . Hemingway write police and emergency-room articles for the Star and commented that the stylesheet provided “the best rules I ever learned in the business of writing.”

Straight Journalism

In straight journalism, you must check your facts and confirm them with input from multiple, credible sources. Your sources must be willing to “go on the record,” meaning allow you to quote them. If they demur, then you’d better have other sources that can confirm. Such are the ethics of journalism: straight journalism. Your name will be mud and you will never get a job at a reputable paper if you fail to adhere to these guidelines.

Not everyone does. Rick Bragg and Jayson Blair were two New York Times’ reporters who bit the dust after they filed false stories.  These two writers alleged that they were reporting factual information. More recently, three members of a CNN investigative team were let go when the network discovered they’d only used a single source  and had not “followed procedures.”

Subjective Journalism

Hunter Thompson, on the other hand, spent much of his life reporting stories, but they were stories in which he was personally involved. To get a sense of his style and viewpoint, read this article from The Paris Review .

Similarly, two other Western writers, Edward Abbey and Wallace Stegner, moved back and forth between writing fiction and writing for magazines. Here’s Abbey’s essay “Cowburnt,” published in Harper’s .

Wallace Stegner–Stanford professor, author of Angle of Repose , a novel, and Beyond the Hundredth Meridian , a biography of John Wesley Powell, the one-armed former general who was the first to risk a watery ride through the Grand Canyon–used the power of the pen to advocate for environmental causes. Here’s one of Stegner’s essays: “ The Sense of Place .”

In my spreadsheet above, I noted that fiction is not the place to advocate for a cause. That’s why Stegner leapt from fiction to journalism. He wanted to “say his piece” about preserving Western lands.

For many years, James Baldwin lived as an ex-pat in Paris. He came home see his family and friends and write about race, culture, and politics. One of his best known books was THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MALCOLM X. Marlon Brando is on the right.

James Baldwin, of course, wrote amazing essays about race, culture, and the craft of writing . However, in his fiction, such as the emotionally evocative  Another Country , he allowed the characters to live their lives. Readers could draw their own conclusions.

More recently, Roxane Gay, feminist and culture critic, has swung back and forth between fiction and essays . Like Stegner, she, too, teaches Creative Writing.

Each kind of writing has pros and cons. For me, fiction is all about placing the reader in a situation and letting the reader experience how it is to stand in that character’s shoes and live the character’s life. It’s a way to try to get at a truth even I may not be able to fully explain.

And journalism? The kind of journalism I did for many years falls in the category of “how to” writing. That training comes in handy when I’m writing blog posts.

Possibly, I’m a little afraid of the effort it would take to pitch one of the magazines above. I’d need sources. I’d need to fact-check. It would take time.

I actually have an essay on my hard drive. Maybe I should give it a second look.

Where are YOU in all of this? Do you have journalistic skills that might come in handy?

Please share this!

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Journalistic writing compared to academic writing.

Selena Martinez

Elizabeth Kolbert’s novel The Sixth Extinction presents a collection of scientific material and personal narratives that draw attention to the mass loss of plants and animals through anthropogenic cause in a journalistic style. Although this book reads more like a story, there is a valid scientific argument with credible sources listed. This essay will focus on the contrast between academic and journalistic writing by comparing various components used to construct The Sixth Extinction and Chapter 4: Playing in industrial ruins -Interrogating teleological understandings of play in spaces of material alterity and low surveillance. Idea: how journalistic writing can serve as a bigger advantage to serve to a broader audience despite it not being academic or the contrast between the two styles and how they serve both audiences.

Identifying differences between journalistic and academic writing:

Journalistic

• Definition of journalism according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: “the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media”
• Second definition: “writing designed for publication in a newspaper or magazine”
• Journalism is meant for a broader audience to read.

Last sentences of the prologue: “In the pages that follow, I try to convey both sides: the excitement of what’s being learned as well as the horror of it. My hope is that readers of this book will come away with an appreciation of the truly extraordinary moment in which we live.”

-      While the entire prologue brushes on topics from each of the following chapters, instead of setting up an argument and persuading the audience that something is right or wrong, she encourages them to instead find appreciation for the information that is going to be presented.

Chapter One The Sixth Extinction: “The town of El Valle De Anton. In Central Panama sits in the middle of a volcanic crater formed about a million years ago. The crater is almost four miles wide, but when the weather is clear you can see the jagged hills that surround the town …” (4)

-      The chapter begins with vivid descriptions which lead towards scientific findings, but the way the sentence is set is more like a story (journalistic aspect, feel of reporting) which draws the reader in to know.  

Academic            

• Definition of academic according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: “a member of an institution of learning”
• Second definition: “ a person who is academic in background, outlook, or methods”
• The audience for an academic paper may be specific which means that might be assumed to have prior knowledge on a certain topic.
• Academic papers usually follow a strict format by presenting the issue and the solution immediately then following through with explaining how that was found.

 In the introduction of chapter 4: Playing in Industrial Ruins: “ In this chapter, we explore the specific uses of these ruins as sites for play, first assessing the material and less tangible qualities that promote the numerous playful practices that are subsequently identified. Following this, we critically examine theories about play and discuss the shared characteristics which allow identification of analogies between play and ruins. Finally, we critically analyze how and why ruins are exemplary realms through which we might adopt a critical perspective that highlights both the limitations and potentialities for play in other kinds of urban space.”

-      This paragraph from the introduction displays a very structured format that explains how this chapter will be examined which leads towards their argument unlike The Sixth Extinction.

First section, Playing in Ruins:  “Before identifying the playful activities that take place in industrial ruins, it is vital to recognize that they are sites for a host of other, ostensibly more utilitarian practices. These include the use of derelict space for sex work, living in a temporary home, growing vegetables, fly-tipping, car-parking and walking the dog; as a resource for building materials, firewood and home furnishings; not to mention the ecological potential that such sites offer as they decay over time …”

-      The first section gets straight to the point with descriptions and does not spend a lot of time focusing on details. There are no narratives present in opening this segment.

on journaling….

Submitted by Anne Dalke on November 17, 2014 - 14:35 Permalink

smartinez-- You’ve done some great work already in pulling out contrasting quotes and beginning to think through the differences between these two styles of writing; I’m going to pair up you up with winter princess (and maybe changing9 ) in class tomorrow, to think through some of this together, since you seem on much the same track (though winter rincess’s “text” is Kolbert’s public talk rather than her book). You might also think about doing something along the lines winter princess sketches out towards the end of her draft: asking how comparing these two writing styles invites you to reflect on the evolution of your own: What qualities of journalism can you use, what qualities of academic writing, are emerging as significant in your own style? What are the dangers and downsides of each, and how might you “mash” ‘em to create something uniquely your own—and compelling in an academic context?

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BA Hons English and Creative Writing & Journalism, Media and Communication

• UCAS Code: QP00

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Our approach to the English & Creative writing course is innovative, modern and friendly, giving you a comprehensive understanding of English literature as a core basis for your creative work. You'll have the opportunity to work with award-winning scholars and creative writers.

The emphasis is on helping you develop a range of skills to grow your future career, including textual analysis and interpretation. With us, you can study everything from poetry, the novel and drama (stage, screen, and radio) as you would expect on an English and Creative Writing degree, but in addition, at Strathclyde, we offer the opportunity to use creative writing skills as part of your approach to literary criticism.

Today’s media industry expands beyond traditional print and broadcast journalism. It includes professional bloggers and vloggers, freelance writers and editors, podcasters, people working in entertainment TV, radio, or film, creators of video games and interactive apps, promoters of ideas and products, and many others. You'll learn the skills and practices of contemporary journalism in a digital, multimedia era. Throughout the course, you'll engage with the media and communication industry in Glasgow and beyond.

The media industry now is as diverse and exciting as it has ever been, and offers tremendous opportunities for fun, successful and diverse careers. The most successful professionals in today’s media are not only highly skilled in reporting, writing, editing and pitching their material, but they are also excellent communicators online and offline, and problem-solvers. They are innovative and entrepreneurial, bold and curious, open-minded and collaborative. These are also some of Strathclyde’s core values, which guide our teaching, research, and public engagement.

[Strathclyde] gave me brilliant contacts and taught me how to look more closely at the world. It also gave me a killer reading list. I’m always grateful for being exposed to writers I would never have learned about otherwise.

We're committed to working with people from other disciplines and walks of life. Each year, we welcome distinguished creative writers and academics to speak about their work and encourage students to come and meet them. The Faculty has hosted numerous international conferences on topics ranging from texts and architecture to cyberculture. We currently host internationally recognised networks on Animal Studies and Stories in Scotland which involve other universities and organisations.

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There is an optional third year work placement module which will allow you to take the skills you have gained from your study at Strathclyde out into the wider world.

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You will be taught by researchers with international reputations. All of our staff not only teach but write books, articles, drama and poetry and appear in the media and on radio programmes. This keeps our students in touch with the latest ideas on the subject.

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Every year, some of our students study abroad at universities overseas, including in Europe and the USA. We also welcome students from all over the world to study with us. We encourage international contact which enables staff and students to remain open to new ideas.

Our location in the Lord Hope building provides a social hub and access to student services such as the library, cafés, meeting areas and exhibition spaces.

The Andersonian Library, directly opposite in the Curran Building, has around a million print volumes as well as access to one million electronic books and over 105,000 e-journals. The library covers all subjects taught at Strathclyde and offers over 550 networked computers with access to the internet, email, a wide range of software and databases and extensive Wi-Fi zones for laptops/tablets.

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In Year 1 and Year 2 core classes, each class involves two lectures and one tutorial per week. In the second year option classes there is one lecture and one tutorial per week.

The rest of your teaching is in your other two subjects.

In Years 3 and 4, most classes involve one lecture and one tutorial per week; some involve two-hour tutorials and no lectures.

A large part of your week will be spent reading in preparation for class.

Our learning and teaching aims to help you:

• develop knowledge and understanding of the professional practices, skills and social contexts of the journalism, creative writing and communication industries
• help you think and work critically and constructively
• become a confident and responsible graduate, equipped to develop your potential throughout your career

Most classes are assessed by a mixture of essays or other written work. For some classes there are exams, and in some cases, oral work is assessed.

Assessment methods include:

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You just can't get that experience without going out and actually doing the work to a distinct deadline.

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Additional information.

Students are required to register with the Scottish Government’s Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme.

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Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.

Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.

In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance which was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.

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We want to increase opportunities for people from every background. Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.

The Flexible BA

With our BA (Honours) degree, you can choose from subjects in Humanities, Social Sciences and Business, with two of your three subject choices taught by the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences.

The BA degree is a four-year course allowing you try new subjects, develop your own ideas, build a broad range of knowledge and enhance your employability.

Subject combinations

Use our subject picker tool to see the combinations available to you in Year 1 of the BA Humanities & Social Sciences degree. Please note that in Year 2 you'll continue with two of these subjects.

Explore the structure of the BA Humanities & Social Sciences degree for detailed information on Single and Joint Honours options.

Degree preparation course for international students

We offer international students (non-EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an  Undergraduate Foundation year programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre .

Upon successful completion, you will be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

Please note:  All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year.  Find out more about fees .

How can I fund my studies?

Students from scotland.

Fees for students who meet the  relevant residence requirements in Scotland, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.

For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page .

• England, Wales & Northern Ireland

Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland

We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:

• Strathclyde Access Bursary
• Strathclyde Excellence Scholarship
• Strathclyde Accommodation Bursary

You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility.  Have a look at our scholarship search for any more funding opportunities .

• International

International Students

We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.

Scholarship search

Graduates from our English programmes have gone on to have success in a very wide range of careers including in publishing, the civil service, management, marketing, journalism, creative writing, administration and teaching. Employers value our graduates’ ability to express themselves well and think critically.

Chat to a student ambassador

If you want to know more about what it’s like to be a Humanities & Social Sciences student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!

Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.

Please note that you only need to apply once for our BA degree programme.

For instance, if you have applied for BA Honours English and are considering your options for a Joint Honours degree, e.g. a BA Joint Honours in English and French you only need to apply for one or the other on UCAS.

If accepted on to the BA programme, you can study one of the many available subject combinations.

Start date :

English and creative writing & journalism, media and communication ( 1 year entry), start date : sep 2024, ucas applications.

Apply through UCAS if you are a UK applicant . International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University.

Direct Applications

Our Direct applications service is for international applicants who wish to apply to Strathclyde University at this time.

Prospective student enquiries

Telephone: +44 (0) 141 444 8600

The data you provide will be used by the University to process your request. Further information is available in our Privacy Policy

Dean's International Excellence Award

This scholarship is for new international students who will begin a full-time undergraduate course in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in September 2024. The award is a £5,000 scholarship per year for the duration of their degree (total of £20,000 for a four year course). All offer-holders are eligible for this scholarship.

Discover Uni

Discover Uni includes official statistics about higher education courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities and colleges about all their students.

Our faculties & departments

Engineering.

• Faculty of Engineering
• Architecture
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical & Process Engineering
• Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management
• Electronic & Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
• Naval Architecture, Ocean & Marine Engineering

Humanities & Social Sciences

• Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
• Centre for Lifelong Learning
• Government & Public Policy
• Psychological Sciences & Health
• Social Work & Social Policy
• Faculty of Science
• Computer & Information Sciences
• Mathematics & Statistics
• Pure & Applied Chemistry
• Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences
• Strathclyde Business School
• Accounting & Finance
• Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship
• Management Science
• MBA & General Management
• Strathclyde Executive Education & Development
• Work, Employment & Organisation

Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – Journalism Captivate Your Readers

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total

Expand Your Reporting and Writing Skills with an Online Journalism Degree from Liberty University

Have you ever wanted to write for a magazine, news journal, or website? If so, then this program might be for you! At Liberty, you can learn how to compose original text with your own creative flair. Our journalism degree can help you gain the research and writing skills needed to craft compelling pieces that captivate your reader and move them emotionally.

Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Creative Writing – Journalism is an exciting and dynamic degree program that can help prepare you for a career in the media industry. With a focus on writing for social media, news and print, and multimedia storytelling, this journalism major can help equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to excel in a variety of fields.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s BS in Creative Writing – Journalism Degree?

There are many reasons why you might choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – Journalism. One of the main benefits of this degree is that it is 100% online, making it convenient and accessible for students with busy schedules. Additionally, this program is designed to be completed in just 120 credit hours, allowing you to earn your degree quickly and start your career sooner.

Furthermore, the Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – Journalism program is unique in its focus on both creative writing and journalism. This means you’ll gain a well-rounded education that can provide a great foundation to begin a career in news media and content writing. Whether you want to be a journalist or branch out into other areas of writing, this degree can provide a pathway to accomplishing your goals.

Liberty’s online journalism degree is taught by experienced writers and journalists who have a wealth of knowledge to share. They’ll provide you with guidance and feedback as you develop your skills and work on your writing.

What Will You Study in Our Online Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism?

In the Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – Journalism program, you can learn competencies that are essential for success in a variety of journalism and creative writing industries. From writing novellas to writing for theater and film, you have the opportunity to develop many abilities that can help boost your marketability. Some of the skills you can develop include:

• Writing and Storytelling : You can learn how to craft compelling stories that engage and inform your audience, whether writing news articles, feature stories, or multimedia content.
• Journalism Fundamentals : You will explore the basics of journalism, including how to conduct interviews, fact-check information, and write in a style that is appropriate for different types of media.
• Print and Digital Publishing : In today’s media landscape, digital skills are essential. You can learn how to use a variety of digital tools and build platforms that focus on maturing your writing skill and brand.
• Professional Skills : In addition to creative and technical skills, you can also develop the professional skills you need to succeed in the workplace – including teamwork, communication, and project management.

Additionally, you can learn how to write for cultural engagement and convey nuanced meaning in your work. Your studies will culminate in a senior capstone that will synthesize the knowledge and training you have gained over the course of this journalism degree.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Professional blogger
• Social media coordinator

Featured Courses

• WRIT 201 – Introduction to Creative Writing
• WRIT 400 – Editing for Publishing
• WRIT 404 – Print and Digital Publishing*
• WRIT 417 – Writing for Cultural Engagement*

*Course guide coming soon

Degree Information

• This program falls under the College of Arts and Sciences .
• View our Undergraduate Arts and Sciences Course Guides (login required).

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

To continue our mission of providing affordable education,  electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Undergraduate Online Degrees

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Students may be allowed to enroll in up to 12 credit hours with Liberty with the submission of an unofficial high school transcript and our High School Self-Certification Form .
• Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form .

Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

*Official high school transcript requirement may be waived with college transcripts from an accredited college/university showing at least 12 earned credit hours with an acceptable GPA.

Note: A 2.0 or above cumulative GPA is required for admission in good standing.

Transcript Policies

High school transcript policy.

Applicants may submit an unofficial high school transcript with a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of a final official high school transcript in order to enroll in up to 12 credit hours at Liberty University.

• Applicants may submit a college transcript showing 12 or more credits from an accredited institution and a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of high school transcripts.

Students must submit official high school transcripts, or official college transcripts showing at least 12 credit hours earned with an acceptable grade point average (GPA) from an accredited institution, in order to register for additional courses.

The official high school transcript, GED requirement, and unofficial high school transcript with a High School Self-Certification Form can be waived if the applicant has earned an associate degree or higher.

Final transcripts must reflect all coursework and final grades received for grades 9-12, a graduation date, and an overall GPA. (Mailed transcripts must be in a sealed and unopened envelope.)

Unofficial College Transcript Policy

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

• Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
• Cumulative GPA
• A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
• Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Military Transfers

If you have military-only transfer credits (completed basic training and enlistment), you must request an official military transcript. Please go to the Military Transfer Credit webpage to request your military transcript.

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, you may be required to have your international transcripts reviewed. Information regarding the transcript evaluation process for international students can be found by visiting NACES .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9595 Fax

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected] Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course) *
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
• Potential college credit for military training

*Not applicable to certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does liberty partner with and bestselling authors.

Liberty University has partnered with New York Times bestselling author and Christian novelist, Karen Kingsbury, to create the Karen Kingsbury Center for Creative Writing. Your curriculum includes content developed by Karen Kingsbury herself.

Is Liberty University accredited by anyone?

Liberty University holds institutional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ).

Who teaches the classes in this degree program?

This online journalism bachelor’s degree is taught by experienced professionals who are experts in the fields of journalism and creative writing.

Inner Navigation

• Why Choose Liberty?
• What Will You Study?
• Admission Information

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