Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
The MA in English (Creative Writing) focuses on prose fiction and scriptwriting; applicants interested in writing poetry are referred to the MA in Poetry: Creativity and Criticism. The programme is designed to equip students to use their literary talents to the best of their ability, encourage development as independent writers and self-reflective lifelong learners, and provide them with a broad understanding of the literary marketplace and of the commercial aspects of literary production.
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Compulsory Modules
Semester 1
(1) Craft and Technique (ENG7093)
(20 CATS; compulsory)
This module is about learning to read as a writer; learning to read in an interrogative way, closely examining various master texts in order to widen skills and learn new methods. The master texts will include novels, plays and screenplays, chosen to illustrate aspects of craft, and examine them for their usefulness in our students’ writing. Taught in a weekly seminar, the module deals with a range of key issues in creative writing, including: aspects of craft; the development of technique; the demands of structure; and approaches to characterisation.
The final assessment is by a creative piece written in response to one of the module’s set texts. By the end of the module, all students will have developed and honed their analytical skills in evaluating prose and drama and will have practised applying new skills in their own creative work.
(2) Creative Writing Workshop 1: Drama (ENG7097)
(20 CATS; compulsory)
This weekly workshop involves students writing scripts to be discussed with the convenor and other students. The workshop is a forum to share work-in-progress in an atmosphere of friendly rigour. At least two students per week present their evolving texts to the group and examine them in detail with a view to providing a set of notes for the basis of the next draft. The module’s fundamental aim is to induct students into the discipline of rewriting, thus provoking writing of real value.
(3) Creative Writing Workshop 1: Prose (ENG7292)
(20 CATS; compulsory)
This weekly workshop involves students writing prose, typically fiction, to be discussed with the convenor and other students. There will be weekly opportunities for the students to receive feedback on their developing prose. The fundamentals of prose writing will form the basis of the course materials: narrative voice, character, narrative, plot, dialogue, setting.
Semester 2
(1) Creative Writing Workshop 2 (ENG7095 / 7096)
(40 CATS; compulsory)
These are weekly two-hour workshop to which students bring their scripts and fiction to be discussed with the convenor and other students. These are writing workshops. The modules are designed for both prose specialists and dramatists; writers in both forms can benefit from the creative cross-fertilisation between these distinct but complementary disciplines. There will be weekly opportunities for the students to receive feedback on their developing work. Various topics underpinning the craft of writing will also be examined and discussed.
Both Prose and Drama workshops are available to all students but you opt to be assessed in one form. Students will move towards greater specialisation as the year progresses, choosing to be assessed either in Prose or Drama for the full 40 CATS points.
Continuing on from the Semester 1 drama workshop, the drama workshop module places greater emphasis on getting work into the marketplace.
The second semester Fiction Workshop has an emphasis on the purpose and value of writing, seeking to identify some of the energies that might drive an author.
Professionalising the MA (TBC)
(20 CATS; compulsory)
In this new module, students are introduced to the professional marketplace through conversations with industry professionals and a focus on the skills and materials fundamental to professional work.
Graduates from these programmes have a good employment record. Professions including publishing, journalism, public relations, teaching, advertising, the Civil Service, business, industry and the media all recruit from our pool of graduates. Some students choose to continue their studies to PhD level on a chosen, specialised topic in Creative Writing.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
Insurance – Single: 300 GBP per year
