PhD Creative Writing

Program Overview

The PhD in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University combines a publishable-quality creative manuscript with a 20,000-word supporting research component, fostering both creative writing skills and critical thinking abilities. Emphasizing the integration of practice and research, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills for a successful career in writing or academia. International students may opt for a low-residency option.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University is a research-based program that combines a creative manuscript with a supporting research component. The program aims to foster the development of both creative writing skills and critical thinking abilities.

• Objectives: The program aims to:
• Develop a publishable-quality creative manuscript (e.g., novel, short story collection, poetry, playscript, narrative non-fiction, digital writing).
• Produce a 20,000-word supporting research component that contextualizes the creative work.
• Integrate the creative and research elements to make a new contribution to knowledge.
• Equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in writing or academia.
• Program Description:
• The program emphasizes the integration of creative practice and contextual research.
• Both the creative manuscript and the supporting research must be of publishable quality.
• The program offers a low-residency option for international students.
• The program is highly selective, with a focus on the viability of the proposal, the strength of the creative writing sample, and the applicant's academic and creative writing experience.

Outline:

• Structure:
• The program is structured around two main components:
• A creative manuscript of publishable quality.
• A 20,000-word supporting research component.
• The program emphasizes the integration of these two components.
• Content:
• The creative manuscript can be in any genre, including fiction, poetry, playscript, narrative non-fiction, and digital writing.
• The supporting research component should contextualize the creative work and contribute to knowledge in the field of creative writing.
• Course Schedule:
• The program is an independent research program with no timetabled modules.
• Students are required to attend supervision sessions with their supervisors.
• Monthly specialist PhD in Creative Writing forums are held throughout the year.
• The frequency of supervision sessions varies depending on the stage of research and whether the student is full-time or part-time.

Assessment:

• Methods:
• The PhD thesis is assessed by an examination team consisting of one internal examiner and one external examiner.
• An oral examination (viva) is conducted by the examination team.
• Criteria:
• The thesis must demonstrate original, rigorous research and be of publishable quality.
• The thesis must make a new contribution to knowledge.

Teaching:

• Methods:
• The program is primarily research-based, with no regularly occurring modules or classes.
• Supervision sessions are a key component of the program.
• Students participate in monthly PhD in Creative Writing forums.
• The program offers a range of research training events, including workshops, master classes, and presentations at conferences.
• Faculty:
• The program is taught by a team of published creative writers and literary scholars.
• Students work closely with two or three supervisors, who are experts in their respective fields.
• Unique Approaches:
• The program emphasizes the integration of creative practice and contextual research.
• The program offers a low-residency option for international students.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Successful careers as writers.
• Academic jobs.
• Publishing.
• Teaching.
• Opportunities:
• The program provides opportunities for students to publish their work.
• The program offers a range of research training opportunities.
• The program provides opportunities for students to network with other writers and industry professionals.
• Outcomes:
• The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in writing or academia.
• The program aims to help students develop their creative writing skills and critical thinking abilities.

Other:

• Research Environment:
• The program leader organizes training events exclusively for Creative Writing PhD students and their supervisors.
• The program offers Writing Workshop Forums and Master Classes, where students can workshop their writing with other students, supervisors, and published writers.
• Location:
• Students are expected to live within reasonable travel distance of the University.
• The program is residency-based, with one residency period per year at the Corsham Court campus.
• Low Residency Option:
• The program offers a low-residency option for international students.
• The low-residency program is intensive, with video tutorials every two to three weeks and major submission points six times a year.
• The low-residency program aims to integrate the campus-based and low-residency streams of the PhD program.
• South, West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership (SWW DTP):
• Bath Spa University is a member of the SWW DTP, an AHRC-funded consortium.
• The DTP offers studentships to applicants from the UK and EU.
• DTP applicants must identify two supervisors from two different DTP institutions.
• Adobe Creative Campus:
• Bath Spa University is one of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK.
• All Bath Spa students have access to the full Adobe Creative Suite.
• Open Lectures and Readings:
• The School hosts an annual series of Open Lectures and Readings.
• Speakers include PhD students and contemporary writers.
• PhD by Publication Option:
• The program offers a PhD by Publication route for writers with a substantial publishing record.
• The PhD by Publication is no less rigorous than the traditional route.
• Candidates must demonstrate an independent and original contribution to knowledge through a critical commentary and an extensive portfolio of creative work or publications.