Postgraduate Study

MA Creative Writing

"Studying Creative Writing at Essex has led me to explore all kinds of expressive avenues that I was unfamiliar with, such as Psychogeography and writing for the stage. The eclectic nature of the course - the mix of so many different types of form and style - allows one to choose contrasting modules that push you in unexpected directions as a writer. It really is a triumphant smorgasbord of a course, and one which I have thoroughly enjoyed. " (David Felton)

"The MA in Creative Writing has really boosted my self confidence in my writing - especially the creative writing workshop where the group shared work and gave feedback, something I’d never done before. Choosing the Oulipo course as an option has opened my mind to the unlimited possibilities of writing when playing with constraints. My writing has changed during the course of the first year of the part-time MA in Creative Writing - I am looking forward to seeing what I can do in the second. I wish it was longer!" (Emma Kittle)

This new MA programme began in October 2009, building on a strong tradition of creative writing at Essex in the department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies.

The MA offers a unique approach to the practice of writing, with an emphasis on innovation and experiment. A wide variety of courses concentrate on deepening students’ knowledge of literary tradition and different modes and genres in order to develop practical skills of expression and invention. With planned readings and writing exercises in class, students expand their techniques as well as critical judgement of their own work.

All students will take the core Workshop, in combination with three other taught modules, chosen from options, including: The Tale, Creative Playwriting, Poetic Practice, Memory Maps: Practices in Psychogeography, Writing Art, Oulipian Practice and The Novel. The course culminates with a 20,000 word project--prepared for by a compulsory fifth module, Research Methods--which enables students to develop a work over a period of six months. See Module Directory for details of current individual modules (search for 'LT9' in the keywords box).

The Creative Writing teaching team has a breadth of experience in the literatures of different cultures and different forms. Current teaching staff include:

Elizabeth Kuti
Jonathan Lichtenstein
Glyn Maxwell
Adrian May
Rebecca Prichard
Paul Sirett
Philip Terry
Marina Warner

Less formally, there are readings, talks and visiting writers. The Department currently hosts two Royal Literary Fund Fellows, professional writers who are on hand to help students develop their writing on a one-to-one basis.

Further information

Informal enquiries may be made to:
Jane Thorp, Postgraduate Administrator
Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Telephone: +44 (0) 1206 872624
E-mail: thorj@essex.ac.uk