COURSE CURRICULUM

The Professional Writing MA is designed to help writers develop a broad and adaptable skill set, preparing them for a range of opportunities in the writing and publishing industries. From the beginning, students are supported in exploring different forms of writing while gaining the creative, practical, critical, and intellectual tools needed to succeed professionally. The course encourages independence and critical thinking, enabling students to complete ambitious writing projects to professional standards. The module Telling Good Stories introduces the structure and techniques of storytelling, such as character development, point of view, and genre conventions, through both analysis and creative writing. Making a Living 1: Professional Contexts covers the skills needed for a portfolio career in writing, including interviewing, pitching, reviewing, public performance, writing workshops, and using social media. In Creative Writing Careers: Building a Portfolio, students develop a project idea for potential publication and create a professional submission package that includes a synopsis, chapter outlines, cover letter, and audience analysis. Making a Living 2: Writing for Business focuses on commercial and editorial writing across various formats such as press releases, magazine features, and web copy. The course concludes with the Final Project, where students create a significant piece of written work under supervision, accompanied by an essay that places the work in a professional and theoretical context.