(MA) Master of Arts
Creative Writing
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time or part-time
None
MA W80012
08/05/2024
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A 2:2 degree in one of the following subjects:
- Art History
- Creative Writing
- History
- Journalism
- Literature
- Media Studies
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Sociology
- Theatre/Drama Studies
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum
component score of 6.5 in writing and 5.5 in all other components.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English
pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to
successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask
for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Tim Atkins
Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing
University of Roehampton
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
- To enhance acquaintance with practice and theory of creative literary production across genres.
- To provide courses that open paths to fertile areas of creative and literary work.
- To provide students with a structured introduction to advanced materials and advanced perspectives in their fields of specialisation.
- To encourage students to work independently as writers and scholars in specific fields of investigation and to formulate and present a reflective and critical view of their work.
- To enhance student career prospects.
- To prepare qualified students for progression to doctoral research, with a view to entering the literary or academic professions.
- To provide students with an introduction to advanced creative and critical material.
- To encourage students to work independently in the field of creative writing.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: A range of literature in special subject areas
A2: Contexts for the study of writers and writing methods
A3: Critical perspective and significant debates on writing practice
A4: The interrelation of the writing studied/practiced with literary and critical thinking
A5: Advanced methods of creative practice
A6: Appropriate research techniques and methodologies
A7: Major cultural domains, literary contexts, and theoretical parameters (e.g. modernism, psychogeography, the novel)
Learning methods
Delivery of A1-7 is through practical workshops and seminars, including reflection on work-in-progress; visiting writers; analysis of key texts, genres and theories of writing; writing workshops and exercises; field trips.
Assessment methods
Formal assessment is by coursework (four pieces) and a dissertation.
Written assignments are usually 5,000 words, combining creative writing and a commentary or an essay.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
Learning methods
B1-B7 are developed through seminars and practical workshops
Assessment methods
B1-7 are assessed through practical writing projects with commentaries, essays and a dissertation.
C: Practical skills
C1: Organise and structure an extended argument, advancing clear critical positions and using theoretical terms correctly
C2: Deploy an advanced array of creative writing skills
C3: Use basic theoretical terms
C4: Compile and present extended bibliographies
C5: Provide references according to accepted conventions
C6: Use libraries and IT to gain access to a variety of creative and critical sources
C7: Work in a creative and professional manner
Learning methods
Students develop C1-7 through independent research, lecturer feedback, peer feedback, and their own critical reflection on writing practice.
Assessment methods
C1 is assessed through the submission of an original dissertation.
C2-7 are assessed through creative assignments, commentaries and essays.
D: Key skills
D1: Communication
D2: Information Technology
D3: Numeracy
D4: Problem solving
D5: Working with others
D6: Improving own learning and performance
Learning methods
Students develop D1-6 in class discussion and workshops and class preparation, as well as writing and interaction outside the classroom.
D3 will be developed through conceits, constraints, referencing, citation prosody and poetics.
Assessment methods
Key skills are assessed through practical writing projects, essays and a dissertation.