Modules

The Creative Writing (Nonfiction) MA consists of four core modules.

  • Experiments in Writing (Nonfiction) [35 credits]

  • Literary Criticism (Nonfiction) [35 credits]
    These two modules run in the first two terms of year one, and provide an incubation period for the book. The focus of this initial period is to discover fresh options of style and structure by critically reading nonfiction books past and current. Students then select sections of their book on which to concentrate their research and accumulate enough details to make the writing compelling and rounded. Through each of these sections the ‘voice’ of the book will emerge.
    Students will explore and develop their skills in the key elements of narrative nonfiction writing: eg working practice; research; structure; creation of narrative momentum; the introduction of characters; the embedding of source materials and the use of description. They will also respond critically to their own and other students' writing.

       
  • Own Nonfiction Book [90 credits]
    For many less experienced writers, the problem is not beginning a nonfiction book, but developing and completing it. This module will enable students to develop and complete a nonfiction book to a high professional standard. For the first two terms of year two, students will work on their book in their own time with the support of one-to-one tutorials and workshops.
     
  • The Publishing Industry (Nonfiction) [20 credits]

    In the third term of year two, students will participate in lectures by agents, publishers and other industry professionals. Throughout the programme, students may choose when, or whether, to share their book-in-progress with the group, but they will be expected and taught how to give readings from the finished work.This module will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the publishing industry, and of the business aspects of being a writer. It will also provide them with the skills and understanding to promote a nonfiction book to the media and the public. 

At the end of the programme there will be a showcase of work to which industry professionals and advisory board members will be invited. They will have a chance to publish their creative work, and work in progress, in a course magazine.

 

 

[next: entry requirements and how to apply]