Creative Writing

You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) or a degree with additional academic support, such as a diploma or comparable qualification, in a professional field. Academic training in an arts subject is an advantage but a commitment to writing as a practice (at whatever stage in a writing career) is more important. A general willingness to participate and be self-critical and analytical is also important. A key part of the entry process is the presentation of a portfolio of your creative work (5,000 words of fiction or a group of 10-15 poems).

What does it take to be a professional writer in the twenty-first century? As a writer with some experience, you’ll work with our team of professional writers and other creative professionals to refine your skills. We’ll help you develop your own philosophy of writing as you improve your craft. You’ll study contemporary forms. You’ll learn to read as a working writer. You’ll try new techniques and explore the relationship between writing and society. Your main focus will be working towards a final manuscript. You’ll develop a deep understanding of your creativity and your craft as you reflect on your progress. Uncover the hidden workings of the literary industry. Discover how to submit a piece to publication and prepare for a writer’s life on our MA Creative Writing.

You will present your creative writing with a short example of poetics relating to the piece. You will write about works of contemporary literature and about the poetics of these writers, though you will approach these tasks from the perspective of a fellow-writer. All this work will help you develop towards the final piece of work, The Manuscript. The professional development audit and logs will be marked on a pass / fail basis.