This MA is designed for students who already have experience of writing creatively. It covers the genres of fiction, short story, poetry and drama although students have the freedom to experiment beyond those borders.
The MA in Creative Writing is a taught postgraduate programme, which is specifically designed to link theory to practice at several levels. Students have the opportunity to practise different genres of creative writing as they compile a portfolio of their own work and will be required to write a piece of work which will be produced as a pamphlet and also published electronically. Side by side with creative work, students study a core strand from the MA in English Studies programme, designed to provide a theoretical understanding of literary practice. Final assessment takes the form of a 15,000 word dissertation of creative writing in the style and genre of the student’s choice.
During the course students get the chance to listen to and talk with guest writers and others involved in the publishing business. Guests have included David Belbin, Tracey Warr, Brendan Cleary, Robert Etty, John Jarrold, Pat Borthwick, Robert Powell and Cathy Feeny.
The group usually consists of about 12 students, with a good mix of recent graduates, mature students and others who may have been out of the education system for a couple of years.
Course Tutors: Dr Phil Redpath, Course Leader; Michael Blackburn, Tutor and Unit Co-ordinator.