Creative and Professional Writing BA Honours

Program Overview

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The Creative and Professional Writing BA Honours program at the University of Westminster nurtures students' writing abilities across various platforms, including digital media, to prepare them for careers in writing, communications, and beyond. Emphasizing the evaluation and enhancement of both human and AI-generated content, the program equips students with the skills to navigate the evolving landscape of writing and communication. With a focus on active learning and practical application, students are guided by experienced tutors to develop their distinctive writing voices and prepare for a wide range of employment opportunities.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Creative and Professional Writing BA Honours program at the University of Westminster is designed to equip students with the skills needed to develop their creative writing abilities and pursue a career in writing. The program embraces the interconnected nature of writing in today's world, including the challenges and opportunities presented by AI-generated content.

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Objectives:

• Translate a love of writing into a career.
• Develop a distinctive writing voice.
• Prepare for a wide range of employment opportunities requiring enhanced communication skills.
• Gain expertise in evaluating, critiquing, and enhancing communications produced by both humans and AI.
• Develop a practical understanding of publishing, production, and curation across digital and offline platforms.

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Outline:

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Level 4:

• Reflective Writing 1: This module focuses on developing reflective writing skills, which are essential for academic and professional writing.
• Storytelling Across Platforms: This module explores the art of storytelling across various platforms, including traditional media and digital formats.
• Working with Texts 1: This module introduces students to the critical analysis and interpretation of texts.
• Writing the City: This module examines the role of writing in shaping and representing urban environments.
• Genre, Style, and Form: This module explores different genres, styles, and forms of writing.
• Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication: This module focuses on effective communication in diverse contexts.

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Level 5:

• Forms of Writing: This module explores various forms of writing, including creative writing, professional writing, and academic writing.
• Reflective Writing 2: This module builds upon the skills developed in Reflective Writing 1, focusing on advanced reflective writing techniques.
• Working with Texts 2: This module continues the exploration of critical analysis and interpretation of texts, focusing on more complex and challenging texts.
• Language in the Public Space: This module examines the role of language in shaping public discourse and opinion.
• Screenwriting: This module introduces students to the principles and practices of screenwriting.
• Working With Data: This module introduces students to the use of data in writing and communication.

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Placement Year:

• Students have the option to undertake a professional placement year in industry between Years 2 and 3.
• Completing the placement year leads to the award of Bachelor of Arts with Honours – Creative and Professional Writing with Professional Experience.
• Alternatively, students can choose to study abroad at one of Westminster's partner institutions.
• Successful completion of a study abroad year leads to the award of Bachelor of Arts with Honours – Creative and Professional Writing with International Experience.

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Level 6:

• Individual Writing Project: This module allows students to develop and complete a significant piece of writing in their chosen genre or area of interest.
• Professional Writing Project: This module focuses on the development of a professional writing project, such as a marketing plan, a website, or a business proposal.
• Publishing, Producing, Curating: This module explores the processes of publishing, producing, and curating creative and professional writing.
• Writing Life: This module examines the lives and works of prominent writers.
• Issues in Culture: This module explores contemporary cultural issues through the lens of writing.
• Professionalising International Communication: This module focuses on the challenges and opportunities of communicating effectively in a globalized world.
• Social Change: This module examines the role of writing in promoting social change.
• Special Topic: Genres in Writing: This module delves into specific genres of writing, such as poetry, fiction, or non-fiction.
• Work Placement for Humanities: This module provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a humanities-related field.

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Assessment:

• The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Practical assessments: presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artifacts
• Written exams: end-of-semester exams
• Coursework: essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertations

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods across all undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Problem-based and blended learning
• Practical application where appropriate

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Careers:

• The program prepares students for a variety of roles in areas such as:
• Copywriter
• Journalist
• Bid writer
• Marketing executive
• Communications officer
• Policy officer
• Digital content producer
• Scriptwriter
• Fiction/poetry writer
• Teacher
• The skills gained on this course are applicable to traditional writing careers, as well as other fields like:
• Science or art communication
• Data presentation
• Reviewing
• Digital content creation
• Subtitling
• Script editing
• PR
• Story-telling for business

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Other:

• The program features guest speakers from across the creative industries, providing valuable careers advice.
• The Employing Humanities Programme develops work readiness and highlights the applicability of humanities skills in working life and careers.
• The program includes workshops run by industry experts, providing networking opportunities with professionals in London's creative industries.
• All creative writing tutors are practicing poets, dramatists, or novelists, offering valuable insights into a career in writing.
• The University of Westminster offers a Westminster Employability Award, which allows students to formally document and demonstrate their personal and professional development activities.
• The University provides international study and work experiences, including semester or year-long exchanges, international summer schools, field trips, and volunteering or work placements abroad.

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UK Fees: £1,540

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International Fees:

£2,830