About Creative and Critical Writing, MA - at University of Winchester
Creative and Critical Writing at Winchester offers students the opportunity to develop their creative writing in a stimulating and supportive environment that encourages both creative exploration and critical awareness though workshops, seminars and one-on-one tutorials with the professional writers and academics on our faculty.
Entry requirements: Normally a first or second class Honours degree in a related subject or professional experience in the area of study
If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.5 (including 6.5 in academic writing) or a TOEFL score of 575 (paper-based) or 232 (computer-based) or equivalent
Application process: Direct Entry Application Form (part time applicants only) or via UKPASS (full-time study only)
Programme ContentThe programme offers students the opportunity to develop creative work in progress, give and receive feedback and produce new writing. It also encourages students to discuss the work of established writers and consider the theoretical, social and cultural contexts of contemporary writing. Students undertake four core modules and the independent study modules, if they are completing the Masters programme. They also choose two optional modules taken from the Genre-based modules.
ModulesTheories of Creativity and Writing considers ideas about writing, language, form, narrative and identity. It draws from philosophical, and critical and cultural theories, and is intended to provide a theoretical foundation for the programme as a whole.
The Writers’ Toolkit: Creative Research helps students understand the particular nature of creative writing research, and encourages them to consider how research/knowledge/experience informs their own work.
Publishing Project is a module in which all students develop a writing project to the point of submission for publication; this could involve the development of pieces of short fiction or creative non-fiction, along with cover letters, for submission to appropriate literary journals or magazines; a longer writing project, such as initial chapters of a novel and letters to agents / publishers; or a fully-fledged self-publication or of some kind, such as a blog.
Independent Study Proposal is specifically designed to assist students in devising and refining their proposal for extended independent study. Students discuss their ideas for their project with their tutor and their peers in a supportive environment.
Independent Study modules lead to the completion of the dissertation.
Genre-based modules address specific forms of genres of writing. They each explore the structures and special features of a genre, both creatively and critically, through the experience of the student writing it themselves and through debate about established works.
All students choose two from:
Advanced Writing Workshop
Advanced Poetry Workshop
Advanced Scriptwriting Workshop
Advanced Fiction Workshop
Alternatively, students may choose up to two modules from the MA Writing for Children, which includes modules on writing fiction for children, fantasy fiction, writing in education and writing for early years.
AssessmentModules are assessed by a combination of critical and creative work, either in discussion with a tutor or amongst peers.
DissertationStudents undertake a dissertation of 20,000 words as part of their independent study, along with a 3,000-word critical rationale, with full tutorial support. This can be a creative piece or pieces of work, supported by the creative rationale, or it can be a critical piece in its entirety. Students work independently and meet regularly with their supervisor for feedback and support.
CareersThe programme enhances writing skills and develops critical and creative awareness and understanding. Many graduates have gone on to become published writers and poets. Others have careers within teaching, journalism and the wider media industry as well as within the arts. Employers often favour individuals with excellent writing skills. The programme also provides a firm foundation for undertaking a research degree or further training.
