Writer

Also called Author.

Writers create written work like books, scripts and poems. They also write blogs, articles and reviews, as well as manuals and educational guides.

Potential salary: Variable
Typical hours: Variable variable. Working pattern: freelance / self-employed managing your own hours.
Career area: Creative and design
Where they might work: You could work in an office or from home.
A typical task: choose a subject or genre based on personal interest, or at the request of an agent or publisher
Subjects that may help: 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
Typical route: You'll need a high level of writing skill and talent to be successful. To develop your skills, you could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject, such as:
Interest area used here: Art, design and performance

Career actions

What you might do

choose a subject or genre based on personal interest, or at the request of an agent or publisher
come up with plot ideas, characters and a structure
research information online, through interviews, and in libraries and archives
research and write about developments in technical subjects
redraft sections of your work to refine your story, article or review
submit drafts to a publisher or editor for feedback and revisions

More tasks (3)

upload your work to websites or social media, or look for publishing opportunities
attend signings, readings and discussions of your work
run writing workshops

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

More skills

You'll need a high level of writing skill and talent to be successful. To develop your skills, you could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject, such as:
creative writing
communication and media
English language or literature
creative and professional writing
journalism
You could also do a postgraduate writing course to get into this career.
To work as a technical author , you'll usually need a higher education qualification in the subject you want to write about, for example engineering, technology or healthcare.
You'll usually need:
1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
equivalent entry requirements
student finance for fees and living costs
university courses and entry requirements

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

Creative Writing
Common route. A writing degree is a way to practise. Publication and employment are not guaranteed.
Drama and Theatre
Alternative route. Playwriting may be a module, not the whole degree.
English Language
Common route. A language degree can support writing work. It is not a promise of publication.
English literature
Alternative route. Useful for some writers. A literature degree is not a requirement to write.
Film Production
Alternative route. Script work is only part of a production degree.
Journalism
Alternative route. Journalism is one kind of writing. It is not a creative-writing qualification.
Media Studies
Alternative route. Writing may be part of the course. It is not a writing apprenticeship.
Modern languages
Related, but not enough on its own. Language skill helps writers. It is not a writing qualification.
Philosophy
Alternative route. The writing practice can help. It is not a creative writing or journalism course.

Career progression

You could self-publish in traditional print format, online or through e-books and audiobooks.
You might be able to promote your work and reputation by attending literary festivals, entering competitions, writing book reviews or teaching creative writing in colleges or universities.

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course