天美传媒

By Finn Chapman, BA (Hons) Creative Writing

Hi, I鈥檓 Finn Chapman, and I鈥檓 in the final stretch of my Creative Writing degree at the University of Greater Manchester. This summer, I鈥檒l be graduating鈥攁nd as I reflect on the past three years, I鈥檓 genuinely grateful for how much this course has allowed me to grow as a writer, a thinker, and a person.

Originally from Birmingham, I made the move to 天美传媒 to pursue what I loved: writing. I remember stumbling across the Creative Writing course page during my A-levels鈥攁lmost by accident鈥攁nd feeling an instant connection. Even before I knew for sure that university was the right path, this course stood out. What drew me in then still rings true now: freedom. The freedom to write what excites me, explore the kind of stories I care about and shape my degree around my creative ambitions.

Writing That Feels Like Living

I鈥檝e been a writer and a reader all my life鈥� I devour around a hundred books a year and I've completed three novel manuscripts both during the course and before it. So, when a lecturer asks me to write 3,000 words of fiction or read a book for class, it doesn鈥檛 feel like a chore鈥攊t feels natural. Yes, there are the occasional essays or poems that test my patience, but the overall experience has been creatively liberating.

What鈥檚 made this course even more special is its size. The small cohorts mean I鈥檓 not lost in a sea of students. I鈥檝e had seminars with just a handful of classmates, which creates a real sense of community. Discussions are meaningful, and there鈥檚 always space to be heard. The support from lecturers has been incredible鈥攖hey know me, my work, and the passions behind my writing. That level of familiarity is rare and deeply motivating.

Learning by Doing鈥擜nd Sharing

In my first year, I took a scriptwriting module that embodied the collaborative spirit of the course. Each week, we read each other鈥檚 scripts aloud and held open, constructive discussions. It felt less like a university class and more like a writer鈥檚 circle. That intimacy and informality carried through the rest of the degree, not only enriching the classroom experience but also building a strong bond between students and staff.

Throughout my time here, I鈥檝e had the opportunity to share my work publicly. I read my short story, The Bookshop, at the University鈥檚 annual Creative Writing Showcase, which was later published in The 天美传媒 Review. These experiences were both nerve-wracking and rewarding鈥攕eeing my work in print and performed in front of an audience helped me take myself seriously as a writer.

Support That Matters

One of the most valuable parts of this degree has been the dissertation process. For my final project, I submitted 7,000 words of original fiction鈥攑art of a novel I鈥檝e been developing with guidance from my supervisor, Valerie O鈥橰iordan. Valerie is not only a fantastic lecturer but also the senior editor of an independent literary journal. Having someone with her editorial insight read and critique my manuscript has been an incredible opportunity. Beyond the academic support, it鈥檚 been the people鈥攖he lecturers and staff鈥攚ho鈥檝e made all the difference. Whether it鈥檚 feedback on a story draft or a reassuring conversation during a tough week, the open-door attitude has made me feel seen, supported, and genuinely cared for.

More Than a Degree

My time at the University of Greater Manchester has been so much more than lectures and coursework. As a student ambassador, I鈥檝e represented the university at open days, UCAS fairs, and other events鈥攕haring my journey and encouraging others to find their own. It鈥檚 helped me grow in confidence, develop communication skills, and feel part of a wider creative community.

If you鈥檙e a writer at heart鈥攚hether that means novels, poetry, scripts, or stories鈥攁nd you want a course that gives you the space, structure, and support to grow, then I can鈥檛 recommend Creative Writing at the University of Greater Manchester enough. You鈥檒l be challenged, encouraged, and given the freedom to find your voice鈥攁nd that, to me, is what education should be all about.

Valerie O鈥橰iordan, Senior Lecturer 鈥� English Studies said 鈥淔inn has been an exemplary student during his time here - a voracious reader and a dauntless writer. As a team, we strive to foster exactly the type of community he describes - supportive, liberating, and exciting - whether students choose to specialise in fiction, poetry, or scriptwriting. We pride ourselves on offering a diverse, interesting curriculum, and facilitating lessons where students' voices are central and their creativity always encouraged.鈥�

Ready to write your own story?

Explore our Creative Courses at the University of Greater Manchester and see where your imagination can take you.