MA Creative Writing: Industry and Practice (Full Time)
Taught by practising writers, complemented by guest speakers from the writing industry, you will learn how to market and brand your creative outputs through integrated marketing communications.
Entry level
A good honours degree in a relevant field as well as an interview and portfolio of creative writing.
International students are required to show evidence of their English level as part of their entry requirements. See English entry requirements|.
Career opportunities
Upon completion of this postgraduate course you will be prepared to work as a creative writer and also equipped to work in the publishing industry.
Career paths include:
-
editing,
-
commissioning,
-
sales and marketing,
-
researching.
You can also work in one of the closely related industries such as teaching, public relations, journalism, advertising, theatre, film or radio.
Course overview
The MA Creative Writing: Industry and Practice degree at Southampton Solent University has the support of senior industry practitioners in bridging the gap between creative writing practice and the creative writing industries.
It enables students to see their output from the perspective of agents and publishers and to understand the business of writing. Simon Trewin, from renowned literary agents United Agents, sponsors this new and innovative course.
The programme offers students work experience in the creative writing industries and the knowledge and skills to work not only as writers but in other publishing-related roles. You will be taught by practising high-profile writers, as well as speakers from the writing industry.
|
Course structure
Through this postgraduate course you will study the following units:
Writing the Novel
This unit focuses on the writing process and your own research into critical writing, developing the relationship between your own writing and the literary contexts/theoretical concerns that inform published writing in a chosen genre. You will be expected to critically assess your own and each other’s work and to offer considered advice during workshop sessions. You will each produce a package consisting of your opening chapters and a synopsis.
Cultural Influences on Writing and the Media
This unit offers a broad introduction to late 20
th Century cultural theory framed by the notion of ‘post’ thinking, incorporating postmodernism, postfeminism, postcolonialism, posthumanism and poststructuralism. Drawing upon these theoretical approaches, the unit seeks to examine the triangular relationship between societal discourses (relating to gender, sexuality and ethnicity for example), cultural production and audience.
Writing for Performance
Consolidating the self and peer editing skills acquired on the Writing the Novel unit, you will be encouraged to explore the intricacies of creative language through the implementation of poetic and dramatic techniques. A range of poetic and dramatic models will be used to facilitate an enhanced understanding of both the power of concise, figuratively attuned modes of expression and the value of articulation/performance experience for the composition of non-performative texts.
Professional Practice
This unit has been specifically designed to equip you with an in-depth knowledge of your chosen industry and give you the insight and understanding to enable you to plan your long-term career. This unit will explore and critically analyse the media, publishing & creative industries in the UK and around the world.
Major Project
The Masters Project is where you will design, execute and present an individually demanding piece of work that deploys a systematic and in-depth understanding of the skills and debates relevant to their particular discipline of study. The template for the Project will be negotiated via a proposal that will be discussed with the supervisor to ensure that a researchable project exists.
Assessment
Assessment is through a variety of methods: portfolio, essay, proposal, presentation, exhibition review, research folder, professional articles, major project and reflective report.
Key career skills
Creative thinking, critical analysis, creative writing, presentation, teamwork.
Projects/work experience
You will be required to secure a work placement, freelance assignments or relevant work related experience for one month in order to strengthen your knowledge of the industry and to allow you to refine and perfect your skills.
Solent's special features
-
There is a valuable end of year prize offered by industry sponsors United Agents: one year’s personal mentoring with a view to representation.
-
Work placement projects will also be offered with United Agents and various other contacts within the industry.
Fees
Fees for the 2011/12 academic year are:
Full-time
UK and EU students: £3,625 pa
Overseas students: £9,400 pa
Part-time
UK and EU students: £1,815 pa
Overseas students: £4,700 pa