Creative Writing, MA, at University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Course Overview

The MA in Creative Writing is designed for committed writers who wish to expand their range and complete significant pieces of publishable work.

The overall aim of the programme is to equip students with the ability to hone their writing skills and to develop areas of creativity at an advanced level, while the practical benefits offered by the module will enable students to pursue careers as professional writers, editors and publishers A focus on the ability to communicate clearly through precise language prepares students for a range of careers, from writing-based advertising or journalism, to related professions such as publicity or arts administration.

Throughout the programme you will have the opportunity to develop your writing across a range of fields, expanding your repertoire by trying unfamiliar modes and genres.

The MA has responded to the explosion of online publishing by supporting students in publication and promotion. The course is delivered by a mixture of professional writers and academics who prepare you for the realities of a hugely competitive market. You will learn how to prepare manuscripts, to approach publishers, and, increasingly important, to market yourself.

The School and the University support a number of reading and social events in which students are encouraged to participate. We also support the student-led design, production, publication and promotion of the well-received online journal The Lampeter Review. As a result of this activity several former students now work in publishing and we are proud of our excellent track record of student publishing success.

Key Features

The programmes are delivered on the University's campus in Lampeter. They are taught through seminars, small workshops and individual tutorials and supervision that enable detailed and personalised feedback.
Access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) enables additional learning, especially workshopping, to take place outside the sessions and supports the development of a mutually supportive cohort of committed writers. Graduates from the programmes have gone on to become successful and prize-winning authors.
The MA programmes also offer students the opportunity to write and discuss their work through the medium of Welsh should they wish to do so.
The programme is based upon an established pool of expertise in related concerns, and covers a range of projects undertaken over a number of years.
Staff are active publishers and practitioners in their own right.

Modules

Approaches to Creative Writing
Writing Workshop: Research and Writing
Writing Workshop: Writing and Context
Writers' World
Screenwriting
Creative Project (Dissertation)

Course Tutor(s)

Prof Menna Elfyn
Dr Dic Edwards
Dr Jeni Williams
Samantha Wynne Rhydderch

Assessment

There are no examinations. All modules are assessed by original creative assignments supported by reflective and developmental material: logs, journals, treatments, reviews proposals. The Creative Project provides the opportunity for students to develop a substantial piece of work to publishable standard.

Career Opportunities

Professional Writers
Editors
Publishers
Marketing
Expert tuition from professional writers, poets, novelists, dramatists, script-writers
An opportunity to learn about publishing through the design and production of the digital journal, The Lampeter Review
An opportunity to read your work at such events as the Hay Festival
Programme delivered on our beautiful and inspiring campus in Lampeter

Further Information

All classes are delivered in the English language but additional Welsh language tutorials and feedback are offered to students wishing to work in Welsh; students are welcome to submit work and receive personalised assessment and mentoring through the medium of Welsh; students may choose to work in both languages. In all cases the emphasis is on developing the individual student's creative expression. there is no attempt to impose a house style.