MA in Creative Writing

Harness the power of language and develop your distinctive voice as a writer.

Why this MA?

It was Hull where Philip Larkin lived and worked at the University's Brynmor Jones Library for 30 years, writing most of his best work. A seafaring city that connected outwards and brought some of the exotic back to northern England.

Embracing Hull's global-facing outlook, MA Professor and accomplished author Martin Goodman describe the University's MA Creative Writing as an inspiring and collegial environment for online students who want to develop their distinctive voice as a writer.

Taught by academics who are published writers, you will expand your reading of literature, navigate literary circles and critique the work of your peers.

There is also the option to attend face-to-face events, as you seek public recognition and become a valued, active member of a vibrant international writing community.

Find out what life’s like as a part-time distance learning student during our Virtual Open Evening.

Transform your passion for reading into the ability to produce prose worthy of public recognition. Whatever your genre of preference, be it literary fiction, nonfiction, or the likes of fantasy, mystery or romance – you will have the opportunity to hone your writing skills and discover the techniques seminal writers have used to a significant effect.

• Push your creative boundaries and give shape to a strong and original creative voice.
• Expand your knowledge of the literary canon and acquire the art of reading as a literary writer.
• Gain an in-depth knowledge of structure which will help you towards a deeper understanding of your writing process.
• Become conversant with a range of textual elements such as the use of dialogue, point of view, perspective and sensory detail and apply learned technique to your preferred writing genre.
• Take your place within the international writing community. Critique the work of others and engender the view of published writers as colleagues from who you can learn.
• Develop your practice as a writer, understand the editing and re-drafting process necessary to produce prose of a publishable standard.

By studying this course, you'll gain valuable transferrable skills which are in-demand across the creative industries and beyond.

MA Creative Writing graduates often go into successful careers in a broad range of industries, such as:

• Professional writing/authorship
• Marketing and PR
• Heritage and tourism
• Journalism and broadcasting
• Museum curating
• Banking
• Education

This masters degree allows you to develop your confidence and craft as a writer within a supportive, creative environment.

You study the following compulsory modules.

The Writer’s Craft (30 credits)

Because writing takes fire in the readers' mind, in this module, you will examine a wide range of literary works. Focusing primarily on textual elements including; sentence length and flow, perspective, choices of tense you will develop an understanding of how writers achieve their effects. Presented with sections of exemplary writing, you will move from your own visceral responses (e.g., excitement, intrigue, fear) to tracking how the writer deploys elements of craft to trigger desired emotions and atmosphere.

Writing the Short Story (30 credits)

Short stories allow emerging writers to complete narrative arcs and establish a reputation through published works before tackling the longer form of a novel. In this module not only will you develop an appreciation of short stories from a range of international writers, but you will take the short story form and make it your own. Note that this module will also cover two sub-genres within the form; micro-fiction and flash fiction.

Writing from Life (30 credits)

This module will introduce you to a wide range of nonfiction prose with a particular focus on travel writing, essay, memoir, nature writing, and true crime. You will produce your portfolio of work while practising a range of narrative nonfiction forms within a supportive, peer-driven environment.

Writing the Novel (30 credits)

What is it about an opening chapter of a novel that makes it virtually impossible to put it down? Throughout this module, you will improve upon your novel writing skills. The critique of your writing in a workshop setting will help you develop a keen awareness of narrative and narration along with a deep understanding of archetypes as an essential part of storytelling. As you develop plot and structure, you will employ editing and redrafting techniques to produce work you are proud to publish.

The Writer’s Portfolio (60 credits)

Creative writing is a rewarding process that requires immense personal discipline. In this module, you will receive guidance on how to structure your writing practice in this respect. Your prose portfolio (up to 16,000 words) represents the culmination of your MA Creative Writing programme. Here you will demonstrate your originality of ideas, grasp of technique and craft, presenting a unique and accomplished body of work to a publishable or near publishable standard.

How you're assessed

All assessments for the course are based on coursework and submitted online. Your performance on the course will be assessed through a range of methods including:

• Practical work, including group projects and discussion forums;
• Written work, including case studies, reports and essays.

You will also receive tutor and peer feedback to help you improve your work.