COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Creative Writing program offers a comprehensive exploration of narrative, place, social impact, professional practice, theory, and research. The Plot Thickens module introduces students to narrative concepts, storytelling techniques, and plotting, allowing them to experiment with diverse approaches in their own writing. Writing Place focuses on creative engagement with place, examining historical and contemporary texts across genres such as nature writing, fiction, life writing, and eco-poetics, while applying critical frameworks including psychogeography, hauntology, postcolonialism, and cultural concepts. Writing (R)evolution emphasizes the social role of writing, encouraging students to explore personal and collective change through creative projects and community engagement. Paths to Professional Writing develops students’ understanding of the publishing process, professional roles, and opportunities for networking, placements, and practical engagement with the industry. Literary and Critical Theory provides an overview of key twentieth-century and contemporary theories, including structuralism, poststructuralism, feminism, queer theory, psychoanalysis, postcolonialism, and critical race studies, equipping students with analytical and interpretive skills. The Research Methods module offers tools and methodologies for rigorous study, focusing on literature review, ethical considerations, and independent research practice. The Dissertation allows students to undertake an independent, sustained creative project integrated with research, consolidating the skills, knowledge, and critical insight gained throughout the program.