English

Ideas, expressed through the written word, are perhaps the most powerful of all things. Creative writers express thoughts, feelings and emotions through words and have the ability to inform, provoke, captivate, inspire and move. You approach creative writing from a variety of perspectives – including fiction, poetry, screenwriting and drama – to explore how writers operate and how you can become an independent writer.

Drawing on our pool of talented, published writers and academics, you accumulate credit towards your chosen award at your own pace. You study towards a postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma or, on completion of a full writing project, a master’s degree. This highly successful course also offers the chance to learn how to teach creative writing in schools or in the community.

What you study

One core module lays the foundation for skills and techniques in creative writing, while another addresses writing for career development. Option modules make use of imaginative writing, creative visualisation and commentary elements to cover such topics as writing novels and short stories, working with poetry and lyrics, producing copy for drama and performance, scriptwriting for film and screen, and teaching creative writing. Some modules involve traditional seminars and workshops, but many incorporate a negotiated learning element.

How you learn

You typically write in a workshop-based environment, with access to the Writer’s Lounge and the resources housed within the Creative Writing Centre. Learning is largely portfolio-driven, with twice-weekly timetabled groups and tutorials to support the learning process. As an enterprising, self-motivated student you work both independently and collaboratively with your peers using the extensive resources and facilities available to you. You are encouraged to reflect upon your own learning in the context of career development and the opportunities open to you.

How you are assessed

Your achievement is assessed mainly through project and portfolio work, including evidence of the research and development process as well as the production and presentation of draft work and peer assessment. Other assessment methods include written reports, presentations, oral performances and reflective commentaries.

Career opportunities

Typically graduates go on to roles in freelance writing, teaching, publishing, arts and humanities, media, performance and/or the creative industries.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree in English or a related discipline, or have other writing experience or equivalent qualifications.

For additional information please see the undergraduate and postgraduate entry requirements in our admissions section

More information

• English
  More information and courses in English