MA Creative Writing

Overview & facilities

Explore the world of writing and publishing in an exciting new programme with pathways in both mainstream Fiction (novels and short stories) and Science Fiction and Fantasy. We offer evening teaching and uniquely flexible study modes.

Individual modules may also be taken separately, or students may accumulate modules from the programme towards the awards of Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Creative
Writing.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Character (15 Credits) - Compulsory

  In this module students will consider a range of exemplar texts in order to study and experiment with different ways of thinking about character, creating character and locating character within the text. In looking at contrasting texts, the issue will not good versus bad, but that of technique for purpose.

  Dissertation (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  In this module students will plan, realise and edit a sustained piece of independent writing short stories, novelette, novella, or novel or conduct independent literary research and produce critical commentary at an advanced and professional level.

  Fiction: The Novel (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to deepen and advance students critical understanding and technical awareness through a range of contemporary novels. It also aims to develop their own creative writing to an advanced professional level through the opening and developing of their own novel.

  Fiction: The Short Story (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module will explore the possibilities of the contemporary short story, through close analytical reading and discussion of two stories each week by major twentieth and twenty-first century short story writers. The focus is on technique: identifying issues as outlined in the syllabus below, deepening and consolidating students critical vocabulary to an expert and professional level. The module will to develop, through practical writing workshops, students own advanced writing practice and mastery of the art of the short story.

  Narrative (15 Credits) - Compulsory

  In this module students will consider a range of exemplar texts in order to experiment with different forms of story telling and modes of narrative. Students will be asked to consider major genres of narrative, the role of time to manipulate the narrative, and the ideological consequences of chosen narrative forms.

  Place (15 Credits) - Compulsory

  In this module students will consider a range of exemplar texts in order to explore and experiment with the evocation of place in fiction. This module will see the evocation of place as one of the most political aspects of creative writing and will explore the relationship between the creative techniques employed and the ideologies of location and ownership.

  Science Fiction and Fantasy: Long Form (30 Credits) - Optional

  In this module students will explore and experiment with the long forms of science fiction and fantasy: novellas of 17,500 to 40,000 words and novels of 40,000 words and upwards length in this field being determined by the Hugo Award categories , along with graphic novels and scripts for different media. Students will consider and apply techniques useful for the construction of worlds and contexts in the sf and fantasy long forms, as well as looking at the variants and sub-genres common to sf and fantasy, sources and materials of use to the sf and fantasy writer, narrative techniques and structures associated with the sf and fantasy long forms, and arguments about character common to sf and fantasy.

  Science Fiction and Fantasy: Short Form (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module will explore and experiment with the short forms of science fiction and fantasy: poems; short stories up to 7500 words; and novelettes between 7000-17,500 words lengths in this field being determined by the Hugo Award categories . Students will consider and apply techniques useful for the speedy construction of worlds and contexts, as well as exploring sub-genres common to sf and fantasy, sources and materials of use to the sf and fantasy writer, narrative techniques and structures associated with the sf and fantasy short form, and arguments about character common to sf and fantasy.

  Voice (15 Credits) - Compulsory

  In this module students will consider a range of exemplar texts through the prism of narrative voice. Students will be asked to consider the differing tones and styles and the effects these create on the reader. Narrative voice will be positioned as a conscious choice on the part of the author, and a crucial element in the creation of the fiction.

Our unique programme offers two 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
include Peter Carey, Jonathan Safran Foer, Jane Gardam, 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. Students 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 their own original work. We also look at the science fiction and fantasy publishing scene.

Attendance

All classes run during the evening at our Hendon campus. Classes consist largely of text-based seminars and practical workshops. Assessment on creative writing modules typically includes a rationale and critical piece along with original creative work; on English modules the assessment is based on literary essays. The concluding dissertation takes the form of an extended, individually supervised project, consisting largely of either original fiction or literary criticism depending on the chosen pathway.

A part-time student attends on one evening a weekfor three hours. A full-time student attends on two
evenings a week, three hours each evening.

Entry & applying

Standard entry enquirements

To be accepted to study on the MA Creative Writing, we normally require 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.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas university, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country.

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 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

How to Applying

Apply now

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. The quickest way to apply is by making an online application, once you have created your account and completed your application, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. Alternatively, you can 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.

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for MA Creative Writing for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £6,000
Part-time students: £50 per taught credit

International Students

Full-time students: £10,600
Part-time students: £93 per taught credit

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), 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.

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.