The new MA Creative Writing: Writing the City is the first to focus entirely on the city of London. The course will allow you to explore the city as subject matter from a range of perspectives and across all genres. Taught by professional writers and researchers, the course will also offer plenty of opportunities to network with other writers, agents, TV producers and performance poets.

The course aims to provide a theoretical and practical platform to enable you to develop your understanding and become part of the London writing scene. The course is hosted by the Department of English, Linguistics and Cultural Studies and is based in the University of Westminster’s flagship building at 309 Regent Street. This means you will be writing about the city in the heart of London with ready access to the capital’s excellent academic, social and cultural opportunities, including the vibrant West End theatre scene.

Course Content

If studying full-time, you will normally take three modules in Semester 1 and three modules in Semester 2. Part-time students take two modules in each semester. The availability of option modules is subject to overall demand and staff availability. You will normally be provided with detailed information regarding the availability of option modules at the beginning of your course.

You will begin your writing project during the first semester, complete it by the beginning of the following September and submit it after all other modules have been attempted. You may choose one 'free choice' option from modules hosted by other Masters programmes at Westminster (subject to timetabling constraints and the written approval of the Course Director). Other relevant postgraduate subject areas offered at Westminster include English Literature, Linguistics, Visual Cultures, and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

You will study seven modules (worth a total of 180 credits), as outlined below.

Core modules

In the first semester you will choose two modules from:

• Conflict and the City
• Language and the Imagination
• Tales of the City

In the second semester you will take the following modules:

• Creative Practice
• Mapping the City
• The Writing Business
• The Writing Project

Option modules

In addition you will choose a third module from the first core module list or
one of the following:

• History of the Language
• London Vortex: 20th Century Literature and the City
• Reading Contemporary Culture
• Reading London
• Reading the Nation
• Sociolinguistics
• Urban Cultures
• Written Discourse Analysis

Not all option modules will necessarily be offered in any one year.

Awards

The MA Creative Writing: Writing the City comprises modules that run for one semester and are valued in terms of credits. To receive the MA award, you will need to complete six modules (five core modules plus one option module) worth 20 credits each, and the 60 credit Writing Project (giving a total of 180 credits). If you do not meet the requirements for a Masters award, you will be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma or a Postgraduate Certificate.

Teaching and Assessment

The workshop-based structure of the programme will allow you to learn through interactive practice. You will also be assigned an academic tutor from among the academic staff with whom you will have at least one timetabled session in the first semester. Modules are taught by one two-hour or three-hour seminar/workshops per week, depending on the subject. Sessions are focussed on student-centred learning, with use of non-assessed writing exercises and in-class projects to encourage student participation. Teaching will also include visits to select London institutions to support certain aspects of writing; additionally, the programme will encourage the directed use of various archives, theatres and galleries. Assessment methods include coursework in the form of portfolios allowing students to experiment in a variety of genres, reflective logs, essays, workshop leadership, as well as the final 10,000-12,000 word writing project. There are no formal examinations. Through your course of study, you will be offered support in developing appropriate learning skills so as to derive maximum academic benefit from your studies.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are normally required to have a good first degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. If your first language is not English you must have an IELTS certificate with an overall score of 7.0, or be able to demonstrate an equivalent level. You will also be required to give two academic references and to submit a portfolio of creative writing, which should not exclusively include poetry. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview.

Scholarships

The University offers a number of scholarships for postgraduate courses two of which are specifically for the MA Creative Writing: Writing the City. Please visit the scholarship page for further information.

How to Apply

Applications should be made via UKPASS

Course leader: Dr Monica Germanà