MA Creative and Critical Writing

at University of Suffolk

Year 1
 

Dissertation Project (Mandatory)
This module supports students in the preparation and submission of their Masters Project in Creative and Critical Writing. This assessment comprises of a 12,000-word writing project and a 3000-word reflective commentary. Students may use a multi-focussed approach to fiction/non-fiction or creative/critical writing. This might be either part of a longer project, such as a novel or screenplay, or a collection of shorter pieces, such as short stories or poems, critical essays, creative responses to critical thought or a combination of both. Students will develop rigorous editorial skills and work with established writers and supervisors to edit, draft and polish their work.
 

Creative and Critical Writing Workshops (Mandatory)
This module provides students with the main theoretical approaches and methodological frameworks that underpin the MA programme. In interactive seminars, students will be encouraged to reflect on the interconnected fields of creative writing and critical thinking and to develop their writing practice through the discussion of key concepts in critical theory. The module runs in semester 1 and semester 2 with alternating seminars in creative and critical writing respectively. The seminars in creative writing will be devoted to the study of specific fields and genres of contemporary writing, explicitly contextualising the themes and topics taught in the critical writing workshops. 

Academic Requirements

• Minimum second class honours degree in relevant, cognate discipline. Relevant work and life experience will be considered.
• Cannot make standard offer. Applicants must provide (1,500-2,000 words) sample of recent, unpublished writing (creative or critical) with their application, plus a personal statement including their resons for applying, their life experiences and the types of literature they aspire to write.
   

• UK full-time tuition fee: £8,496 p.a.
• UK part-time tuition fee: £944 per 20 credits (please contact the Student Centre for further information)
• International tuition fee: £12,996 p.a.

The MA in Creative and Critical Writing is designed to support you in a number of professional contexts such as teaching, publishing, editing, and professional writing, as well as enhancing life skills and providing access to doctoral-level study. The course addresses the needs of regional professionals in the creative industries seeking the next generation of writers in Suffolk and responds to an increasingly complex job market which prioritises creative approaches.
 

The English team has established partnerships with a number of organisations including the New Wolsey Theatre, the Red Rose Chain, the Ipswich Institute, and the Suffolk Book League. The development of the Hold and ties with Suffolk Record Office also provide greater opportunities for students to access local information and collaborate with the initiatives of the Suffolk Archives. Our partnerships aim to be mutually beneficial, always ensuring a greater quality of experience for our students while supporting local organisations and giving back to the community.
 

Any of our optional modules can be completed individually as CPD opportunities prior to course enrolment. This includes our 'Writers in Residence' module, which invites you to build fruitful relationships within a chosen residency, community or environment. As the potential for residences is rapidly growing and extremely varied across the UK, our course encourages you to think and act autonomously in planning and engaging with the role of the writer in the community.