Creative Writing (MA)

Creative Writing is an increasingly popular subject at degree level and beyond.

It assists students to develop their passion for creative expression into successful writing (and we encourage and equip our graduates to publish their work).

It also supports independent writing projects that require both flexibility and sustained, self-motivated research - excellent training for a range of working lives and the bedrock of any entrepreneurial career.

The ability to produce good clear writing is an invaluable skill in a world awash with reports, from teaching to management.

Communicating clearly through precise language prepares students for a range of careers, from writing-based advertising or journalism, to related professions such as publishing, publicity or arts administration.

Creative Writing is well established at UWTSD. Our MA in Creative Writing was the first in Wales in 1997 and joint and single honours undergraduate programs soon followed.

As a result of their professional mentoring several former students now work in publishing and associated industries and we are proud of our track record of student publishing and award-winning success - we have at least one a year and many go on to further successful publications.

The course is offered both residentially and through blended (mix of on-campus and online) delivery.

Reasons to study this course

• Study within a supportive but critical community of writers
• Focus on the understanding of publishing
• Wide application of writing skills
• Excellent employability through training in the key skills required for any high-level job
• Flexible delivery, including option to finish course with 12 months

Career Opportunities

Through its links to a host of subjects including Drama, Media, Journalism, Film Studies and Theatre Studies, Creative Writing offers a range of possible writing opportunities. Our location in west Wales enables us to draw on opportunities in a developing area of film and television production here.

Students are introduced to understanding the world of the self-employed writer by being introduced to publishing (from approaching publishers, the steps of publication, the necessity of documents such as AI sheets), self-presentation in readings, collaborative, cross-disciplinary projects, residencies etc,

One of the biggest areas of growth is viral advertising narratives and there are also collaborative opportunities in games design and narrative. Links with Literature or History can lead to other possibilities, for example into careers involving narratives associated with archives and museums.

More widely the focus on both the structure and detail of language develops skills essential to any high-level graduate employment: to formulate and write clear and coherent narratives that present complex information to mixed (or at least varied) audiences. In addition, the programme focus on the respect and listening skills of the workshop is equally valuable. These skills are essential to any of the professions that deal directly with people. These may include social work, probation services, mental health advocates etc.

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.