Creative and Professional Writing, BA - 2017/18

If you love words and want to work with them, this is the course for you. We will help you to develop your own creative practice and distinctive voice, and in addition you will study commercial writing – in newspapers and magazines, broadcast media, and business copywriting, for example. You will learn about marketing techniques, so that you can present your best face to employers and the publishing industry. Writing in a variety of styles, voices, and genres, you will hone your skills and explore the rich world of writing, tutored by professional writers with a deep knowledge of their craft and valuable experience of the business of writing. Sessions are largely workshop-based, with presentations and discussions stemming directly from students’ own work. We believe that what makes us truly special is our small, friendly team, which lets us get to know our students as individuals. During your Creative and Professional Writing course, you will learn the skills and techniques required to write poetry, prose fiction, non-fiction (including journalism and memoir), and drama for the stage and screen. You are encouraged to apply these forms of writing to a range of contexts, for example by exploring the effects of genre, engaging with experimental writing or considering the impact of a sense of place in texts. There are opportunities to publish your work in magazines and anthologies, and to perform at group readings. We understand that it is vital for writers to understand the online world, and we include topics such as social media use, creating writers’ websites and combining your writing with images. Great writers are great readers, and the CPW course is underpinned by a thorough grounding in the literature and ideas that have shaped the contemporary writing scene. In addition to discussing texts in class, you can also attend a range of author talks and readings, offering you that crucial contact with inspiring writers and other industry professionals who can help to shape your career plans. We understand that your degree is an investment in your future, and so we take the ‘professional’ part of the course seriously, offering focused learning on topics such as marketing, copywriting and editing, as well as considering the wider opportunities open to our graduates, such as careers in business, the arts or publishing. As a CPW student, you will be eligible to apply to study for a year in North America as part of your degree, and we also offer tailored work experience placements in a range of different settings. Our system of personal tutors means that we can support you in whatever choices you make. In the CPW degree at Christ Church, you will find a community of writers who are passionate about their craft, and actively taking part in their industry. We can help to take your writing from a private passion to a viable career. “The best thing about teaching on the CPW degree is getting to know our students. Each one brings different perspectives, passions and experiences. Our job is to nurture that uniqueness, while adding polish and professionalism.” Katherine May Programme Director Students on this programme are also eligible to apply to study for a year in North America as part of their degree.