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NEW for 2013-14:  Creative Writing MA Modules in Fiction and Poetry

We are delighted to announce that our English Literary Studies MA  now enables students to undertake creative writing modules alongside modules on literary criticism, and indeed on hybrid or critical-creative writing, thus providing a rare opportunity to combine creative and critical writing at Masters level.    One or both of the two creative writing modules (one in fiction and one in poetry) may be taken alongside any other two modules from the English Literary Studies MA  and it is expected that students will also, if they wish, request to undertake an extended piece of creative writing as their dissertation.   Qualification for the two creative writing modules will be subject to the submission of  a 300-500 sample of creative writing; this, though, does not need to be submitted until after acceptance for the whole MA.

For details of the two creative writing modules see below :

Writing Fiction   

This module explores the practical demands of writing fiction. It engages with these demands in both critical and creative ways. Through seminar discussion of published fiction it examines the challenges faced and the decisions made by writers in bringing their work to completion. Students are enabled to further develop this understanding through its creative application in practical exercises, and through the workshop development of an extract of fiction. A critical exegesis allows the student to reflect upon the decisions made and the effects sought in their creative project.

Visualising the Poem

This module aims to do two things: to encourage the student to think about contemporary poems in several different visual dimensions but always from the viewpoint of the practitioner; and it offers an opportunity for them to develop their own work in progress, while at the same time actively promoting their critical reflection upon the process of writing and the visual dynamics a poem can activate. The module admits that the ‘how to’ approach might be of less use when it comes to writing poetry, and instead explores a wider sphere of influences from across the arts and sciences, encouraging experiment and engagement. A critical exegesis allows the student to reflect upon the decisions made and the effects sought in their creative project.

To apply, see our 'How to Apply' page