Creative Writing

Entry requirements

A good first degree (2:1 or above, or the international equivalent) in English literature, language, linguistics, or a related discipline (eg history, philosophy, modern languages).

A portfolio submission of 2,000 words of prose/drama or 5 poems (or equivalent, roughly 100 lines), to be sent along with the application form.

Months of entry

September

Course content

You’ll study contemporary creative writing and develop your skills in different genres and styles. You’ll also develop and explore your own writing through practical workshops.

You’ll complete two core modules, optional modules and a dissertation. Your final portfolio of work may take the form of short stories, a novel extract, script or poetry.

Core modules

Choose two from:

• Creative Writing: Fiction 1
• Creative Writing: Fiction 2
• Creative Writing: Poetry 1
• Creative Writing: Poetry 2

Examples of optional modules

May include:

• ‘Tales of the City’: the living space in contemporary American fiction
• Contemporary British Poetry
• Memory and Narrative in Contemporary Literature
• Language and Literature in the Workplace
• Study of Texts or any from the many modules listed under the general MA in English Literature.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching takes place through workshops and seminars. You’ll be assessed on your essays, a creative writing dissertation and portfolio.

Fiction writers and dramatists: 12,000 words of creative work.

Poets: 50 poems or equivalent.

All students complete a 3,000-word critical essay.

Information for international students

Overall IELTS score of 7.5 and a minimum of 6.5 in all other components.

Qualification and course duration

MA