Creative Writing MA

Program Overview

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The Creative Writing MA at Queen Mary University of London immerses students in contemporary writing theories and practices, fostering critical thinking and experimentation across fictional, non-fictional, and poetic genres. Through compulsory modules and a choice of dissertation or alternative creative projects, students develop advanced writing skills, critical analysis abilities, and a distinctive authorial voice, preparing them for diverse careers in the creative and cultural industries.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Creative Writing MA - Queen Mary University of London

This program delves deeply into current theories and practices surrounding creative writing and critical thought. Students will develop advanced skills in fictional, non-fictional, and poetic writing, as well as explore how contemporary hybrid forms can blur traditional genre classifications. The program promotes an environment of critical, reflective, and innovative writing, empowering students to develop their own distinctive authorial voice and subject material.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with a sophisticated awareness of contemporary genres, trends, and critical discussions surrounding writing.
• Provide a platform for students to experiment and refine their own written expressions across various genres.
• Cultivate critical evaluation skills enabling students to analyze their own work alongside the works of others.
• Foster independent research skills necessary for developing and completing a substantial creative project or dissertation.
• Instill confidence and competence for a successful career in writing, publishing, or related fields.

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Structure:

The program operates with two compulsory modules per semester during the first and second semesters, followed by a dedicated Creative Writing Dissertation option. Students may also elect to complete an alternative dissertation project, including collaborative practices like publishing a literary journal or other innovative creative venture.

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Highlights:

• In-depth exploration of fictional, non-fictional, and poetic writing formats.
• Emphasis on experimentation with hybrid genres and contemporary writing trends.
• Development of critical and analytical skills for self-reflection and peer evaluation.
• Strong research focus culminating in a substantial dissertation or creative project.
• Preparation for diverse career paths within the creative writing and publishing industries.

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Outline:

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Compulsory Modules (Semesters 1 & 2):

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Creative and Critical Writing 1:

This module aims to provide foundations for understanding critical perspectives within the realm of creative writing. Students analyze different theoretical approaches and their applications to fiction, poetry, and non-fiction genres. Emphasis is placed on developing critical reading skills and applying these skills to both self-reflection on personal written work and analysis of published texts.

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Creative and Critical Writing 2:

This module delves deeper into the theoretical frameworks employed in modern creative and critical writing. Students refine their understanding of established and unconventional forms, further honing their critical and self-reflective abilities through advanced theoretical lenses. Specific attention is granted to exploring the connections between creative and critical writing practices, highlighting the interweaving nature of both disciplines.

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Writing From Research:

This module equips students with diverse research methodologies applicable to their individual creative practices. Students learn how to source and utilize research materials effectively, developing critical engagement with both traditional and emergent research methodologies. The module emphasizes utilizing research to enrich and inform the creative writing process, including various approaches across different genres and formats.

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Collaborative Practices:

This module offers exploration of collaborative creative ventures, particularly focused on the current publishing landscape and emerging formats. Students receive guidance in forming collaborative partnerships while developing skills necessary for project design, implementation, and dissemination; this may include exploring self-publishing initiatives, digital platforms, and innovative marketing strategies.

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Optional Dissertation/Project Modules:

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Creative Writing Dissertation:

Students undertake an independent research project of their choosing, typically culminating in a substantial piece of creative work (80%) accompanied by a critical commentary (20%) analyzing and contextualizing the produced work. This option empowers students to delve deeply into a chosen genre or project, developing their distinctive authorial voice and solidifying their research methodologies.

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Alternative Dissertation/Project Options:

This stream allows students to pursue an alternative creative project (80%) with a critical reflection component (20%), enabling exploration beyond traditional dissertation formats. Possibilities include curating a literary festival, producing a collaborative written work, composing a literary blog or podcast, or creating an online publication platform. These ventures are supervised and assessed according to individual project scope and chosen medium.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary across modules, encompassing individual essays, critical commentaries, creative written outputs, research proposals, group projects, and presentations. Evaluation criteria prioritize a deep understanding of critical theory, adept application of theory to practical writing exercises, and a demonstration of independent thought and originality. Emphasis is placed on both self-reflection on personal writing and critical analysis of established works, fostering both creative confidence and critical acumen.

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Teaching:

The program employs expert academics and experienced authors known for their distinctive voices and contributions to the literary landscape. The teaching team facilitates a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment, encouraging individual expression and creative risk-taking alongside rigorous critical self-evaluation. Learning activities include seminars, workshops, screenings, guest speaker sessions, field trips, and individual tutorials offering personalized feedback and guidance.

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Careers:

The MA in Creative Writing equips graduates for diverse career paths within the creative and cultural industries, encompassing writing, publishing, cultural organizations, education, and media roles. Graduates have successfully pursued careers as novelists, poets, short story writers, scriptwriters, journalists, editors, publishers, academics, educators, and cultural commentators. The program also provides a strong foundation for pursuing further research degrees (e.g., PhDs) in literature and related fields.

• The program welcomes applications from individuals holding a 2:1 or higher undergraduate degree in a humanities discipline such as English, History, Cultural Studies, Media Studies, or related fields.
• Applicants are required to submit a sample of their creative writing of between 1,000 and 2,000 words.
This sample may include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or unclassifiable/hybrid writing; specific formatting guidelines are available on the program's webpage.
• The program welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences, valuing original voices and innovative approaches to creative expression.
Applications from mature and non-traditional candidates are actively encouraged.
• Successful completion of the program equips graduates with valuable transferable skills including research, communication, critical analysis, project management, and creative problem-solving, preparing them for success across professional and personal endeavors.

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Home: £11,950 Overseas: £24,000 EU/EEA/Swiss studentsThe course fee is charged per annum for 2 years.