Program Overview
This MA in Creative Writing from Bristol University aims to enhance writing skills through workshops and expand knowledge of contemporary literature through lectures and seminars. The program focuses on industry-related content, featuring guest writers and close collaborations with writing groups. It prepares students for various careers in writing, including teaching, editing, and publishing, as well as portfolio careers and business communications.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MA in Creative Writing at Bristol is designed for writers who would like to begin publishing their work. The program aims to help students improve their writing skills through workshops and enhance their understanding of the industrial and critical contexts of contemporary literature through lectures and seminars.
Outline:
Full-time Program Structure:
- First Term:
- Workshop One (20 credits)
- Critical Issues in Contemporary Literature (20 credits)
- Exploration for Creative Dissertations (20 credits)
- Second Term:
- Workshop Two (20 credits)
- Critical Issues in Contemporary Publishing (20 credits)
- Planning a Creative Dissertation (20 Credits)
- Summer Period:
- Creative Dissertation (60 Credits)
Part-time Program Structure:
- Two Years:
- Attendance at one seminar in the first and second teaching blocks (TB1 and TB2) in the first year.
- Attendance at one seminar in TB1, one seminar in TB2, and tutorials over the summer period in the second year.
- Three Years:
- Attendance at one seminar in TB1 and one seminar in TB2 in the first year.
- Attendance at one seminar in TB1 and one seminar in TB2 in the second year.
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods:
- Workshops
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Faculty:
- Experienced published writers
- Groundbreaking researchers in contemporary critical issues in literature
- Unique Approaches:
- Industry-focused content
- Guest writers and experts from the industry
- Close collaboration with local writing groups and writing initiatives
- One-on-one work with a professional writer
Careers:
- Portfolio careers with creative writing as one element of income
- Teaching
- Workshop delivery
- Proofreading
- Editing
- Publishing
- Business communications
- Marketing
- Corporate social media
Other:
- Twilight teaching and part-time options available to accommodate working or caring responsibilities.
- Strong writing portfolio can allow access without a first degree in a related subject or without a first degree.
- Times of classes will be announced well in advance to accommodate study in busy lives.
UK Fees
- Full time: £12,400 per year
- Part time (two years): £6,200 per year
- Part time (three years): £4,133 per year
Overseas Fees
- Full time: £30,900 per year
Entry Requirements:
Places are offered on the basis of a portfolio of writing. We are looking for writers with potential to soon begin publishing their work. Evidence of prior study in the area, a long-standing writing practice, workshop experience, and extensive reading can also strengthen the application. However, the most essential element of the application is the writing itself. The portfolio should be no longer than 20 pages of fiction or creative non-fiction (double spaced, 12-point font) or 8-10 pages of poetry.
