About Writing, MA, PG Dip, Postgraduate Certificate - at Sheffield Hallam University
The MA in Writing at Sheffield Hallam is a distinctive course with annual intakes in September and February. It is taught by practising writers and addresses both aesthetic and commercial concerns in writing. It is one of the top Creative-Writing post-graduate courses in the U.K.
In addition to a core unit, 'What is Contemporary?', there is a choice of two further workshop units from: novel, scriptwriting, short-story, poetry, literary editing, the writer as teacher, and 'writing for children'.
Under individual supervision, MA students complete a full-length work, whether a novel, a collection of poems or short stories, a full-length play, TV radio script, or a substantial editing project.
The course will suit prospective and practising writers and editors who would welcome the opportunity to work in a professional environment towards the production of substantial finished work.
Current teaching staff include: Lynne Alexander (novelist); Lesley Glaister (novelist); Mike Harris (playwright); E. A. Markham (poet and editor); Livi Michael (novelist); Sean O'Brien (poet); Jane Rogers (novelist).
Course AimsThe course provides opportunities for the practice and study of creative and professional writing at an advanced or publishable level. It is intended to appeal to graduates in arts, to teachers with a professional interest in creative writing, and to practising writers who need contact with their peers in an environment that pays attention not only to the craft but to the business of writing: editing, manuscript preparation, marketing etc.
Course Structureone year full-time/two year part-time taught postgraduate course programme leading to an MA in Writing. If taken part-time the MA must be submitted within six years
the course has a unit structure and follows the approved University semester structure
the MA involves 180 M level points and there are intermediate awards, namely: Postgraduate Certificate (60 points) and Postgraduate Diploma (120 points).
The course consists of a combination of productive and analytical work. Six units of study are undertaken over a two year period. Three units will be completed through seminar related work and three through the completion of a project. The project will consist of a completed original work to be written under the direction of individual supervision. The seminars are designed to function as a series of arts laboratories; testing assumptions and practices against those disciplines.
Mandatory ModuleThere is a core module, 'What is Contemporary?', in which students will be invited to review and assess current writing.
Optional ModulesIn addition students will have the opportunity of choosing two further workshop based modules one of which will be designated the student's main subject (e.g. the genre in which he or she wishes to specialise). The following optional modules are offered:
Poetry
Novel
Short Stories
Scriptwriting
Writing for Children
Literary Editing
The Writer as Teacher - Working in the Classroom
The core plus two options comprise the workshop-based part of the course. The other half will be the completion under individual supervision of a full-length creative project, e.g. a novel, a collection of short stories, or poems, a full-length play or TV script, or a substantial editing project. In order to facilitate the production of a full-length work there will be an optional writing-up period of an additional year.
Course DefinitionsMain SubjectThe optional unit chosen in the area of the student's specialism is designated the 'Main Subject'. The creative work-in-progress submitted for the Main Subject at Certificate Level will normally form the basis submissions at Diploma and MA Level. Non-creative writing units cannot be designated Main Subjects.
Main Subject (Diploma level) A supervised folder of writing. For the project there will be four hours of individual tutorial supervision or equivalent. Successful completion of the project will lead to the award of the Postgraduate Diploma.
Main Subject (MA award) Subject to satisfactory progress, the Main Subject (Diploma) can be extended to the Main Subject (MA). Successful completion of the Main Subject (MA) will lead to the award of MA Writing (Main Subject), e.g. MA Writing (Novel).
Entry RequirementsNormally a first degree in English or related discipline, or other appropriate qualification plus a folder of original work. Professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be acceptable as a qualification. Relevant details should be entered on the application form.
The Portfolio/FolderCandidates are invited to submit their strongest work in sufficient quantity for the assessors to reach a decision. As a rough guide, candidates might submit three short stories, or three chapters from a novel, or fifteen poems, or a script of a one act play or radio play. Given the postgraduate nature of the course the assessors will be looking for signs of the ability to write at a professional level.
There are always two entry points each year; February and September. Enquiries and applications are welcome all year round and there is no formal deadline for applications. Seminars are held on Wednesday afternoons each week (with the exception of Literary Editing which is on Friday morning). We do not offer a distance learning format.
Full-time, the MA in Writing is usually a one year taught course, with a further year for ‘writing-up’ the final part, the Professional Project. Application Forms and further details can be obtained from Jane Leadston, School of Cultural Studies, Psalter Lane, Sheffield, S11 8UZ. Tel: 0114 225 2607; Fax: 0114 225 2603; e-mail: cspgenquiry@shu.ac.uk
