Creative and Life Writing

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Comparative study of literatures, in a recently globalized world, is a vibrant aspect of our profile. Postcolonial literary studies features strongly alongside our concern with European and American literatures. These methods allow for innovative crossings of cultural boundaries, geographically and historically. Literatures other than those in English are taught in translation, though there is scope to engage with texts in the original languages.

Our programmes combine a core of modern specialisms with coverage of literature down the centuries. We can thus offer you a wide range of study areas. You can do a more traditional English degree with us, or a more comparative or creative programme. Whichever way, you can make choices among our multi-disciplinary resources to advance your developing interests. There are opportunities to learn about film, theatre, and visual arts, in addition to studying literature and language.

This programme is designed to meet the needs of committed writers who are interested in exploring and exploiting their own possibilities as writers, and in critically examining their own writing. It is unique in combining creative and life writing in a stimulating and enriching programme. We examine relevant literary and cultural theory as well as the politics and practicalities of language and writing from the point of view of the writer.

Careers:

Publishing, journalism, public relations, teaching, advertising, the civil service, business, industry, the media.

Skills:

Transferable skills, including enhanced communication and discussion skills in written and oral contexts; the ability to analyse and evaluate different textual materials, the ability to organise information, and to assimilate and evaluate competing arguments.

Practitioner-led, the programme offers you the opportunity to work with a range of published writers who visit the College to give readings and lead workshops. Visiting writers have included Kazuo Ishiguro, Jackie Kay, Aminatta Forna, Ian Jack and Tobias Hill. We also expect to draw fully upon Londons rich tradition as a converging point for culturally diverse literary practices.

A workshop in creative and life writing will encourage you to experiment with, and develop your individual interests in, a variety of genres, while a seminar course will feature talks by visiting speakers. You also take an option course (such as Poetry, Fiction, Life Writing, or a course from the full range of MA offerings in the Department).

Assessment

Four pieces of writing of 5,000 words; portfolio of 20,000 words (poetry submissions may be shorter).

You should have an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in a relevant subject, and submit a portfolio of your creative or life writing. If your first language is not English you need a minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (including 7.0 in the written element) or equivalent. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 7 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B) IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.