STUDY

This module provides you with the main theoretical approaches and methodological frameworks that underpin the MA. In interactive seminars and workshops, students will engage in the discussion and production of creative and critical writing. They will be encouraged to reflect on these interconnected fields and to develop their writing practice through the discussion of key concepts in critical theory. The module runs in Block 1, with alternating sessions in creative and critical writing respectively. Sessions in creative writing will focus on the development of practical skills and contextualise the themes and topics taught in critical writing seminars.

This Block 2 module explores the sources of inspiration behind acts of creative and critical writing. Experimenting with their early ideas, you will be invited to ask important questions such as: Where do our story ideas come from? Is all writing a form of rewriting? What sources might we adapt as writers? What can be known of the past and what can be imaginatively created? The module examines a range of inspirations, foregrounding personal experience, practical research, and the adaptation of existing narratives. In seminars, you will discuss examples of memoir writing and historical fiction and apply concepts from adaptation theory to help contextualise the production of creative and/or critical writing in workshops.

This module introduces you to the practice of writing and researching popular genres such as crime, science fiction, and children’s/YA fiction. Each genre will be debated critically through seminar discussions and accompanied by a series of creative workshops, which will help you to hone their writing skills through practical tasks and formative feedback. Addressing, challenging and subverting audience expectations will be considered alongside industry requirements and writing for particular markets. This Block 3 module draws on a selection of contemporary novels but encourages you to read widely and explore their own genre-related case studies when developing their creative or critical work.

This Block 4 module adopts a professional focus to address employment opportunities for creative and critical writers through targeted sessions on writing residencies, industry and self-publishing, public engagement, performance and pedagogy, and conference, grant, and PhD applications. These sessions, delivered alongside talks from industry experts, will be combined with a series of writing workshops, providing you with a supportive space for peer and tutor feedback on their developing MA projects. The module will guide you toward more informed knowledge and understanding of professional contexts, inviting reflection on the initiation and organisation of a writer residency and/or the completion of a short piece of writing for publication in the MA course anthology.

This module supports you in the preparation and submission of their Masters Project in Creative and Critical Writing. This assessment comprises of a 12,000-word writing project and a 3000-word reflective commentary. You may use a multi-focussed approach to fiction/non-fiction or creative/critical writing. This might be either part of a longer project, such as a novel or screenplay, or a collection of shorter pieces, such as short stories or poems, critical essays, creative responses to critical thought or a combination of both. You will develop rigorous editorial skills and work with established writers and supervisors to edit, draft and polish their work.

This module provides you with the main theoretical approaches and methodological frameworks that underpin the MA. In interactive seminars and workshops, students will engage in the discussion and production of creative and critical writing. They will be encouraged to reflect on these interconnected fields and to develop their writing practice through the discussion of key concepts in critical theory. The module runs in Block 1, with alternating sessions in creative and critical writing respectively. Sessions in creative writing will focus on the development of practical skills and contextualise the themes and topics taught in critical writing seminars

This Block 2 module explores the sources of inspiration behind acts of creative and critical writing. Experimenting with their early ideas, you will be invited to ask important questions such as: Where do our story ideas come from? Is all writing a form of rewriting? What sources might we adapt as writers? What can be known of the past and what can be imaginatively created? The module examines a range of inspirations, foregrounding personal experience, practical research, and the adaptation of existing narratives. In seminars, you will discuss examples of memoir writing and historical fiction and apply concepts from adaptation theory to help contextualise the production of creative and/or critical writing in workshops.

This module introduces you to the practice of writing and researching popular genres such as crime, science fiction, and children’s/YA fiction. Each genre will be debated critically through seminar discussions and accompanied by a series of creative workshops, which will help you to hone their writing skills through practical tasks and formative feedback. Addressing, challenging and subverting audience expectations will be considered alongside industry requirements and writing for particular markets. This Block 3 module draws on a selection of contemporary novels but encourages you to read widely and explore their own genre-related case studies when developing their creative or critical work.

This Block 4 module adopts a professional focus to address employment opportunities for creative and critical writers through targeted sessions on writing residencies, industry and self-publishing, public engagement, performance and pedagogy, and conference, grant, and PhD applications. These sessions, delivered alongside talks from industry experts, will be combined with a series of writing workshops, providing you with a supportive space for peer and tutor feedback on their developing MA projects. The module will guide you toward more informed knowledge and understanding of professional contexts, inviting reflection on the initiation and organisation of a writer residency and/or the completion of a short piece of writing for publication in the MA course anthology.

This module supports you in the preparation and submission of their Masters Project in Creative and Critical Writing. This assessment comprises of a 12,000-word writing project and a 3000-word reflective commentary. You may use a multi-focussed approach to fiction/non-fiction or creative/critical writing. This might be either part of a longer project, such as a novel or screenplay, or a collection of shorter pieces, such as short stories or poems, critical essays, creative responses to critical thought or a combination of both. You will develop rigorous editorial skills and work with established writers and supervisors to edit, draft and polish their work.