COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Creative Writing programme offers a comprehensive and supportive learning experience that helps students develop their creative voice, technical expertise, and professional understanding of the writing industry. The Core Skills and Techniques module provides an introduction to creative practice by encouraging students to explore and express ideas in a collaborative environment while building confidence, identifying strengths, and expanding their knowledge of writing techniques. Students experiment with a variety of forms, styles, and approaches while developing important skills in drafting, editing, and critical reflection through workshops and peer feedback. The Writing and the Self module examines the relationship between creativity, identity, and the writing process by exploring concepts drawn from autobiography, life writing, autofiction, narrative theory, and the psychology of creativity. Through writing exercises and reflective activities, students gain a deeper understanding of their own creative process, overcome creative barriers, and develop greater flexibility and imagination in their work. The Writing Specialism module allows students to focus on their chosen area of interest, selecting either Poetry or Prose and Fiction, which may include life writing, memoir, and creative non-fiction. Working closely with practising writers and specialist tutors, students develop advanced skills tailored to their preferred genre and intended audience. The Professional Writer in the World module prepares students for careers in the literary and creative industries by exploring publishing, self-publishing, marketing, community engagement, and professional writing opportunities. Students also develop practical strategies for building sustainable careers and may create professional projects such as websites, workshops, podcasts, events, or festivals. The programme concludes with the Creative Writing Project, an independent research and writing portfolio completed under academic supervision, where students produce a substantial body of publishable creative work alongside a reflective critical analysis that demonstrates their development as professional and creative writers.