COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Creative Writing and Publishing at ARU is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their academic interests and career goals. Supported by a personal tutor, students are encouraged to shape assignments and projects around areas that matter most to them, with opportunities for self-directed learning and independent research throughout each module. The course culminates in the Masters Major Project, where students can either develop a substantial piece of creative writing or focus on a publishing project aligned with their professional aspirations. Core modules include Creativity and Content in Publishing, Patterns of Story: Fiction and its Forms, The Business of Publishing, and Into ARU, providing a balance of creative practice and industry knowledge. Students then select from a range of major projects, including a workshop on the novel, a special topic in creative writing or English literature, a creative writing master’s project, or a publishing-focused project. Assessment methods are designed to support professional development and may include essays, creative work with critical commentary, book proposals, or marketing plans. The course structure allows students to graduate with a PG Cert by completing one module, with the option to continue to the full MA through the Major Project.