From Scribbles to Stories: My Creative Writing Journey at the University of Greater Manchester

04/06/2025

By Finn Chapman, BA (Hons) Creative Writing

Hi, I’m Finn Chapman, and I’m in the final stretch of my Creative Writing degree at the University of Greater Manchester. This summer, I’ll be graduating—and as I reflect on the past three years, I’m 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 Bolton to pursue what I loved: writing. I remember stumbling across the Creative Writing course page during my A-levels—almost by accident—and 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’ve been a writer and a reader all my life— 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’t feel like a chore—it feels natural. Yes, there are the occasional essays or poems that test my patience, but the overall experience has been creatively liberating.

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

Learning by Doing—And Sharing

In my first year, I took a scriptwriting module that embodied the collaborative spirit of the course. Each week, we read each other’s scripts aloud and held open, constructive discussions. It felt less like a university class and more like a writer’s 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’ve had the opportunity to share my work publicly. I read my short story, The Bookshop, at the University’s annual Creative Writing Showcase, which was later published in The Bolton Review. These experiences were both nerve-wracking and rewarding—seeing 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—part of a novel I’ve been developing with guidance from my supervisor, Valerie O’Riordan. 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’s been the people—the lecturers and staff—who’ve made all the difference. Whether it’s 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’ve represented the university at open days, UCAS fairs, and other events—sharing my journey and encouraging others to find their own. It’s helped me grow in confidence, develop communication skills, and feel part of a wider creative community.

If you’re a writer at heart—whether that means novels, poetry, scripts, or stories—and you want a course that gives you the space, structure, and support to grow, then I can’t recommend Creative Writing at the University of Greater Manchester enough. You’ll be challenged, encouraged, and given the freedom to find your voice—and that, to me, is what education should be all about.

Valerie O’Riordan, Senior Lecturer – English Studies said “Finn 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.”