COURSE CURRICULUM

The first year of the MA Creative Writing at Surrey is structured to provide a balanced combination of practical writing experience, theoretical study, and creative exploration. In the first semester, students undertake compulsory modules including Creative Writing Workshop I and Research and Writing Skills, which focus on developing foundational techniques, refining their writing practice, and enhancing critical research abilities. Alongside these, students can select from a range of optional modules such as Open Writing I, 21st-Century Literary Studies, Beyond Tolkien – Rewriting Fantasy, Queer Ecologies and Environmental Literature, and Cultural Encounters in the Nineteenth Century, allowing them to explore specialized areas and expand their understanding of literature and narrative forms. The second semester continues this integration of practice and theory, with compulsory modules Creative Writing Workshop II and Forms and Genres, which further develop narrative techniques and encourage experimentation across different literary forms. Optional modules in this semester include Open Writing II, Translation for the Creative Industries, Writing Gaming, Medieval Women’s Writing, Screenwriting, and Travel Writing Past and Present, giving students the flexibility to pursue their specific interests. Throughout both semesters, all students complete the Creative Writing Portfolio, consolidating their work and progress. This structure ensures that graduates develop both the practical skills and critical knowledge needed to succeed in creative writing and related professional fields.