MA Creative Writing

In this introductory module, we’ll orient you with foundational knowledge and appropriate research methods. You’ll be challenged to reframe your practice, charting your journey as a writer-researcher and proposing a research paper at a student-led Research Symposium. This starting point will give you a clear focus for the rest of the programme. 

Together, we’ll deep-dive into all the practical elements of the writer’s craft – from notebook use and idea generation to drafting and exchanging feedback. You’ll also interrogate the concepts surrounding the lore of the writer – from ‘inspiration’ to ‘writer’s block’. This will encourage you to break down your methodology and reflect on it intensively. 

In this module we’ll take a wider view, looking at where the writer fits into the culture and society around them. This will involve considering their ethics, culture, activism, and public image. You’ll then develop a public-facing platform which articulates your emergent identity as a writer. 

Together, we’ll explore a range of imaginative genres across the full spectrum, from the grittily realistic to the wildly fantastic (e.g., science fiction, weird, speculative, solarpunk). You’ll explore how these often-subversive stories challenge geopolitical leadership and cultural norms, creating a space for intellectual growth and inclusive representation. With a profound understanding of these stories, you'll develop your own prose narrative sample. 

The Anthropocene is the current geological age, where human activity predominantly impacts the climate and environment. In this module, we’ll explore how the climate crisis and the UN’s sustainability goals can be woven into your literary vision. Together with your cohort, you’ll look at both classic and contemporary works to see how they engage with these pressing issues. 

Through current trends, emergent forms, and new opportunities, we’ll examine what distinguishes a 21st Century publication from literature that precedes it. With input from a variety of industry professionals – including agents, editors, publishers, book designers, and booksellers – you’ll learn about print and publishing culture from a multi-faceted perspective. 

In this module, we’ll explore the power of linguistic nuance, individual word choices, and layout choices. Through the lens of current trends, emergent forms, and both classical and contemporary poets, you’ll develop a deep understanding of the current poetry scene. We’ll also help you cultivate your communication skills in online open mics, sharing your poetry and critical feedback with fellow students. 

With a focus on script-writing and emerging technologies, we’ll encourage you to think far beyond traditional literary formats. We’ll consider screenplays, podcasts, audio drama, graphic novels, interactive fiction and role-playing games, to name just a few. You’ll also hear avant-garde perspectives from guest speakers at the forefront of contemporary practice. 

We’ll support you in developing a professional proposal for what will be not only your Major Project, but also a real-world industry submission. You’ll research available markets and emergent publishing trends to identify a focus. By the end of this module, you’ll be capable of confidently pitching substantial creative ideas – an essential skill for flourishing in your future career. 

This module is the culmination of all the rigorous self-reflection, skills, and knowledge you've acquired throughout the course. You’ll produce a final written piece in a format of your choice (e.g., novel extract, short fiction, poetry, audio drama, stage script), accompanied by a critical reflective essay.