Creative Writing - MA - Full time

If you want to make a career in writing, this course is for you. You already have the talent and ideas – we will add the knowledge you need to approach your chosen market with confidence, originality and skill. We take an innovative approach to the training and support of aspiring writers, focusing on three key areas: narrative technique, vocational skills and cultural context. Uniquely, the course also offers a dynamic range of cross-disciplinary options and commercial specialisms, including graphic fiction, screenwriting, creative non fiction and genre fiction.

If you want to make a career in writing, this course is for you. You already have talent and ideas: we will add the knowledge you need to approach your chosen market with confidence, originality and skill. This course takes a fresh approach to the training and support of aspiring prose writers. In class you'll practice narrative technique, develop vocational skills and analyse the cultural context of your work. As your writing takes shape you'll have the opportunity to specialise in commercial genres, including crime fiction, science fiction, fantasy and horror. Uniquely, the course also offers a dynamic range of cross-disciplinary options. In the second trimester, you can choose to extend your skills with options in creative non-fiction and writing for graphic novels, or a module in screenwriting at Screen Academy Scotland. Your own creative work will receive ongoing attention, with regular one-to-one mentoring sessions. The course also hosts an exciting programme of lectures and master classes from award-winning visiting writers and high profile industry experts. Each year, an internationally recognised practitioner joins us for twelve months as Writer in Residence, to develop new work alongside students, share experience, and offer one-to-one consultations on any aspect of craft and the writing life. Our Reader in Residence is also on hand to create personal reading lists, and to make sure that your influences match your ambitions. The MA in Creative Writing is approved by PSAS as eligible for funded assistance. A limited number of funded places is available each year. Writing is a freelance occupation, and building a sustainable career requires versatile professional skills. As well as working intensively on your own writing, you be trained in a variety of vocational techniques, including fiction editing, adaptation, abridgement and collaborative work. Equally importantly, you will develop the range of intellectual skills required to ensure that your future creative practice is original, purposeful, and of genuine cultural value. Writer Media View Full Screen

What's involved The course is studied full-time over one year and is divided into three trimesters with attendance of approximately two days per week. You'll learn through a variety of teaching methods including lectures, in-class exercises and discussions, group challenges and debates, and guided independent study. Regular one-to-one mentoring sessions will support the development of your individual creative work and encourage you in critical self-reflection. You will also benefit from the expertise of a wide range of visiting speakers, through a programme of tailored sessions with successful writers and publishing professionals. Trimester 1 The three key strands of the course are introduced: vocational skills, cultural contexts and writing practice. Creating Narrative – Writer’s Toolkit: Introduces the practical skills used by authors and screenwriters to develop their ideas into compelling narratives. This module takes you on a journey from initial inspiration to fully developed outline, with practice in self-editing. Innovation – Concept and Technique: Investigates the culture, practice and purpose of innovative writing, with a range of experimental techniques to try, and a final challenge: what will you do that’s new? Writing Practice – First Person Narrative: In this module you’ll get to grips with the technical demands of first-person prose, with intensive writing exercises in both memoir and fiction. On successful completion of trimester 1 you will be eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate. Trimester 2 Narrative Practice – Vocational Skillset: Introduces the practical skills that can help you build a portfolio career from working with narrative, including editing, abridgement and adaptation. Authorship – Culture and Practice: Current developments in technology and narrative practice challenge conventional definitions of the role of the author. Through a combination of analytical, creative and practical work, this module equips you with the critical awareness and industry knowledge you need to shape your own role in the culture. Writing Practice: For intensive writing practice, you'll choose one of the following - Writing for Graphic Novels, Writing Genre Fiction, Screenwriting, or Creative Non-Fiction. On successful completion of trimester 2 you will be eligible for a Postgraduate Diploma. Trimester 3 With mentoring and editorial support, you will work on your Major Project. This is typically around 20,000 words of creative work with an accompanying reflective essay and personal development plan. After successful completion of the three trimesters, you will be awarded your masters degree.

Requirements at a glanceEntry to the courseAs this is a postgraduate qualification, a first degree in any discipline is desirable. If you do not have a first degree, relevant experience will be taken into account. Applications should be made to the University in the first instance.Once your application is received, you may be contacted by the Programme Leader with an invitation to submit a sample of writing: this is the second stage in selection. Please do not send writing samples with your initial application, as a detailed brief and deadline will be provided. The final stage in the selection process is an interview: for international applicants, this is conducted by telephone.Fees Table2012/3 2013/4 Scotland £3,750 £3,750 European Union £3,750 £3,750 Rest of UK £3,750 £3,750 Overseas £10,350 £10,760 Fees displayed are correct at the time of publication but the University Court reserves the right to make changes in fees at any time, and without notice, before or after the student's admission to the University.Tuition fees are reviewed annually and will rise each year during your programme of study, at least in line with inflation.