MA Creative Writing

Overview & facilities

Explore the world of writing and publishing in an exciting new course with three pathways in Fiction (novels and short stories), Science Fiction and Fantasy, and Creative Writing and English Literature. We offer evening teaching and uniquely flexible study modes. On the MA Creative Writing you explore the world of contemporary fiction writing and publishing through critical seminars, talks from writers, agents and publishers, and practical writing workshops in the short story and the novel.

The MA Creative Writing masters degree at Middlesex University offers expert tuition from widely published writers and critics. Critical seminars study the best of contemporary writing. Intensive workshops and one-on-one tutorials give detailed critiques of your own work.

Our unique course offers three pathways

• Creative Writing (Fiction) explores the world of contemporary fiction through a programme of critical seminars and creative writing workshops where we focus on your own writing. Writers studied recently have included J. M. Coetzee, Michelle de Kretser, Kate Grenville, Grace Paley, Rose Tremain and William Trevor. Past students have published successful novels and stories.
• Creative Writing (Science Fiction and Fantasy) is an exciting new offering with no direct equivalent in the UK. You will explore the wide-ranging possibilities of science fiction and fantasy, reaching a deeper understanding of both contemporary and classic fiction in the genre and writing your own original work. We also look at the science fiction and fantasy publishing scene.
• Creative Writing and English Literature allows you to study English Literature in depth while also working on your own creative work. English Literature classes focus on major cultural themes in modern writing, with a particular emphasis on postcolonialism and postmodernism. Texts currently studied range from Lost Horizon to Tintin in Tibet to The Inheritance of Loss, The Damned United to Sexing the Cherry. You will also be able to explore many different pathways in your creative work, drawing on the expertise of Middlesex's Creative Writing team.

Content & modules

Pathways

Modules are normally taken in specified pathways. All students enrolled for the MA study the four 15-credit modules, Voice, Narrative, Character and Place. Students on the Fiction pathway also take two 30-credit modules, in the Short Story and the Novel; students on the Science Fiction and Fantasy pathway take two 30-credit modules on Short Form and Long Form Science Fiction and Fantasy; and students on the Creative Writing and English Literature pathway take two 30-credit modules specialising in the study of literature. To complete the degree, all students produce a final Dissertation, weighted at 60 credits. For students on the two fiction-writing pathways, this will consist almost entirely of students' own creative work.

The normal combinations of modules may be varied at the Programme Leader's discretion. In addition, modules can be taken separately, and also build towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Creative Writing (60 credits) or Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Writing (120 credits). Part-time students may study the modules in any order, except the Dissertation, which is available only on the full MA and must always be taken last. All students, whatever their pathway or final award, must meet the MA Creative Writing admissions requirements.

Entry & applying

Entry requirements

We welcome applications from graduates with a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL (paper based) 575 or TOEFL (internet based) 90 with specified minimum scores for each component. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements

Applying

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. You will need to fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application. Apply now

Fees & funding

September 2010 start
UK-EU
Full-time £5,100
Part-time £46 per credit (£2,760 per year based on 60 credits)
International £10,100

Fees are subject to change.

Careers & placements

Novelists launched by the Middlesex MA include Mia Farlane (Footnotes to Sex, 2009), Susan Irvine (Muse, 2008), Carl van der Merwe (No Man's Land, 2008- shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers Prize), Angela Young (Speaking of Love, 2007), Tracey Fuller (The Silver Vessel, 2005) and Katharine Davies (The Madness of Love, 2004- winner of the Romantic Novel of the Year Award). Other students have won short story contests, been taken on by agents, and been awarded Arts Council grants to continue their creative work.

By the time you complete this course you should feel that your writing has developed greatly and that your powers of critical analysis and literary expression have considerably increased. You should also feel that you have a better appreciation of the realities of the writing profession.

The MA Creative Writing may be followed by further study at Ph.D level. Teachers, librarians or journalists and other media professionals may also take the MA Creative Writing and its associated Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma options, as well as individual modules from the programme, as professional development opportunities.