Creative Writing: The Novel MA

You will take four taught modules including at least one industry-oriented module and then you will be able to work one to one with a tutor to prepare your dissertation of between 20,000 and 40,000 words.

The MA consists of both compulsory and optional modules, a typical selection can be found below. Modules can vary from year to year, but these offer a good idea of what we teach.

Compulsory Modules

Elements of Fiction
In this module you will analyse and explore the different elements of fiction. Each week the teaching session will begin with a discussion by one of your lecturers on a specific aspect of fiction writing. You will then divide into workshop groups and continue to explore the topic in presentations and seminar discussion of the books set the previous week. After a short break, the students will respond to each others’ writing in a workshop setting.

Planning a Novel
In this module we will study different approaches to planning and structuring a novel together with the advanced writing techniques which are particularly important in specific genres of fiction. We normally adapt the content of this module to the specific interests of each year's group. You will be able to try each genre in turn and will continue to discuss your writing in workshop groups.

Paths to Publication
In this module you will study and learn to understand the creative industries through which authors reach their readers. These industries are changing very rapidly so this module also emphasizes the process of change and prepares you to become part of this ongoing process. We will also examine the strategies which authors have used successfully to navigate the creative industries and we will hear industry professionals give their view of authors and the way they market their writing. We believe that this is the best possible help we can offer you to get your novel published.

After the taught section of the module, we will organise short work placements for students in these industries. Students will then share their experiences through their assessed presentations, in order to build up a comprehensive picture of the entire process. If you are not interested or are unable to take up a placement, you may choose to deliver a presentation on an individual company within the creative industries instead.

Optional Modules

• Writers at Work
• Features and Screenwriting

Dissertation
You will be able to work one-to-one with your dissertation tutor to write a novel extract of up to 40,000 words and a related a critical commentary.