MA Creative and Script Writing

Overview of the Programme

The University has an excellent track record for the study of Creative Writing.  Masters’ programmes in Creative Writing have been offered here since 1997 and have attracted students from a range of backgrounds and experiences – from recent graduates to those who have retired and wish to write about their lifetime adventures.  These programmes are designed for committed writers who wish to complete significant pieces of work and generally broaded their experience as writers.

There are two linked programmes available – the MA in Creative Writing and the MA in Creative and Script Writing.  Each programme offers participants an opportunity to work with internationally recognised writers with expertise in a number of genres, and a range of academic staff and visiting staff.  The overall aim of the MA programmes 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 schemes will enable students to pursue careers as professional writers, editors and publishers as well as those roles which command an excellent command of language . Students will also become able to apply the knowledge and skills acquired on the courses to teach others these skills, whether it be in schools, colleges or in the community.

In addition to the programmes themselves the School and the University support a number of reading and social events in which students would be able to participate. We also support the creation and publication of an Annual Anthology of work and associated reading tour taking in venues such as the Hay Festival and the Dylan Thomas Boathouse as well as forming a key part of the University’s own cultural festival; and the publication of the on-line journal The Lampeter Review. As a result of this activity several former students now work in publishing and we are proud of our track record of student publishing success – at least one a year.

Module Content and Structure

Modules focus on acquiring an understanding of creativity and genre, research skills for writers, and self-determined projects. The dissertation element of the course allows students to develop work of a publishable standard with an individual tutor. The MA in Creative and Script Writing offers additional modules in Script Writing.

Modules comprise:

Part 1:

  • Approaches to Creative Writing
  • Writing Workshop: Research and Writing
  • Writing Workshop: Writing and Context
  • Writers World
  • Screenwriting

Part 2:

  • Creative Project (Dissertation)

Mode of Study

The programmes are residential and are based 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 work-shopping, 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.

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 is provides the opportunity for students to develop a substantial piece of work to publishable standard.

Entry Requirements

Applicants may have achieved a 2:1 degree in Creative Writing or a cognate discipline (those with a 2:2 may be considered for entry to a Postgraduate Diploma in the first instance). Other applicants without a first degree but with a level of experience are also encouraged to apply. In all cases a writing sample and interview will form the major part of the application process. 

Career Development

  • Professional Writers
  • Editors
  • Publishers
  • Marketing

Key Features

  • Expert tuition from professional writers, poets, novelists, dramatists, script-writers
  • An opportunity to contribute to an annual anthology
  • An opportunity to read your work at such events as the Hay Festival
  • Residential programme based on our beautiful and inspiring campus in Lampeter