School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities

Making sense of the world and our interactions within it. Explore the diversity of the human experience through our compelling programmes of study.

In this section

The School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities is Bath Spa's focal point for teaching and research in Creative Writing, Publishing, English Literature, History and Heritage, Politics, Religions, Philosophy and Ethics and Environmental Humanities.

Based in a thriving world heritage city, our courses are taught by leaders in their respective fields. They will encourage you to take an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to your own studies, whether you decide to focus on a single subject or to explore the connections between them.

#2 in the UK

and #1 in the South West for Satisfaction with Teaching in History (Guardian University Guide 2026)

#4 in the UK

and #1 in the South West for Value Added in Journalism (Guardian University Guide 2026)

#1 in the South West

in the overall rankings for Journalism (Guardian University Guide 2026)

#4 in the UK

for Value Added in Creative Writing (Guardian University Guide 2026)

#7 in the UK

for Graduate Prospects in Creative Writing (Guardian University Guide 2026)

#6 in the UK

and #1 in the South West for Graduate Prospects (Outcomes) in English (Complete University Guide 2026)

English Literature

Develop a passion for finding and telling stories through study in English Literature. 

English Literature

History, Heritage and Politics

Explore the past to inform the future through study in History, Heritage and Politics, from both undergraduate to PhD. 

History, Heritage and Politics

Religions, Philosophy and Ethics

How does our own set of beliefs influence how we interact with the world? Our Religions, Philosophy and Ethics courses will help you to challenge your own values and assumptions through the study of other cultures and worldviews.

Religions, philosophy and ethics

Environmental Humanities

How do humanities scholars, artists, writers and scientists explore and respond to their environment? How do we combine, explore and challenge how human creativity interacts with the science of the natural environment? 

Environmental Humanities

Our people

Staff in the School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities are experienced teachers, passionate researchers, writers, broadcasters and practitioners. Our students are engaged, energetic and imaginative. Together, we form a thriving community of scholarship, learning and practice. 

Alan Marshall

Emeritus Professor - History

Gavin James Bower

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Jonathan Lorie

Maria Nita

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Emma Davies

PhD in Environmental Humanities
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Rachel Bynoth

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Megan Farr

Jason Bennett

Tracy Brain

Professor of Creative Writing and English Literature

Mike Hannis

Neil Baber

Kyriaki Hadjiafxendi

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Gina Blaxill

Paul Reid-Bowen

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Lily Dunn

Lucy English

Nicky Lloyd

Sarah Morton

Clifford Williamson

Naomi Alderman

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Dashe Roberts

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Karen Gregory

Elizabeth Wright

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Eleanor Barraclough

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Mel Darbon

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Gail Simmons

Samantha Walton

Faith Binckes

Alexia Casale

Alexia Casale

Christopher Ivic

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Annalie Grainger

Robin Mukherjee

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Steve Hollyman

Level 5 Leader and Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing

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Allyson Edwards

Rachel Hamilton

Rachel Hamilton

Lucy Cuthew

Lucy Cuthew

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Alex Campbell

David Coast

Sian Sullivan

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Helen Cobby

BSU alumna and lecturer Samantha Harvey crowned winner of the Booker Prize 2024

Renowned as one of the UK’s most prestigious literary awards, the Booker Prize features the most impressive works of sustained fiction and has catapulted exceptional literature into the spotlight for the last 55 years. 

Sam’s novel, Orbital, takes place over a single day in the life of six astronauts. During those 24 hours, they observe 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets over their silent blue planet, spinning past continents and cycling past seasons, taking in glaciers and deserts, the peaks of mountains and the swells of oceans.

Read the full story
An Image of a book, Orbital, written by Samantha Harvey, on a plinth next to the Booker Prize trophy

"The tutors were always friendly, encouraging and approachable. It was a life changing experience, and the best thing I have ever done.”

Nicola Tallis, BA (Hons) History graduate

Projects

Disrupted Histories, Recovered Pasts
Repeat photographs of the Khan River crossing in the Namib Desert. Future Pasts
Handwritten historic document Civic London
Three figures greet and gift their ancestors and anonymous spirits of the dead, looking across the Giribes plains towards their home area of Purros in west Namibia Etosha-Kunene Histories
Ambient Literature
Landscaping Change

Adobe Creative Campus

As an Adobe Creative Campus, all Bath Spa students have access to the entire Adobe Creative Suite of elite industry-leading apps, including Photoshop, InDesign, Adobe Express and more.

With the ability to amplify your digital fluency from the moment you join Bath Spa, you’ll have the space to develop a wealth of indispensable skills to help you in your studies, and in the world of work.

 

Find out more about Adobe Creative Campus

"The passion the lecturers have for the course shines through in the breadth of the modules and assessments available, making you feel supported and confident at every stage of your degree."

Tessa Kerslake, BA (Hons) English Literature graduate

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