Creative Writing - MA

The course invites you to develop your writing strengths by providing a framework within which you can discuss your own and each other’s work. At the heart of the course are small group workshops and a series of seminars by staff, visiting writers, publishers and professors, including internationally acclaimed screenwriter William Ivory. Other guest speakers have included David Almond, Alan Hollinghurst, Kathleen Jamie, Jackie Kay, Alan Jenkins, Alison Moore, Carrie Etter, David Lodge, Michèle Roberts and Miranda Seymour. Establishing important links with the publishing and editing industries, you will work closely with staff and visiting speakers to develop your work to an excellent standard.

The unique flexibility of the course enables students to work in a variety of genres including fiction, poetry, children's and young adult fiction, writing for radio, stage and screen, and creative non-fiction. Advice on getting published and lectures on the writing industry are incorporated into the structure of the course, and there are opportunities to meet publishers, editors and agents. Students are encouraged to build strong links with Nottingham's thriving literature community and are invited to participate in local events, readings and festivals.
Every year our students produce and publish their own high-quality anthology of original creative writing. This gives students invaluable insight into the editorial and publishing industry, as well as introducing their work to a wider public.
Many recent graduates have acquired agents and publishing deals.
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, it is vocationally focused and many recent graduates have acquired agents and publishing deals.

A good honours degree (minimum 2.2); applications are primarily assessed on the quality of the writing sample and statement.
Submit a 3000-word creative writing sample, OR c. 100 lines of poetry, OR an equivalent mixture of poetry and prose/script.
Evidence in personal statement of a commitment to writing.