MBA Masters of Business Administration
The MBA in Leadership at Bath Spa University is structured to provide a comprehensive u...
MA Creative Writing
Newton Park
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Creative Writing program at Bath Spa University is typically a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, attracting individuals with a passion for writing and a desire to develop their skills to a professional level. It is structured to provide a balanced approach to creative work and critical reflection, fostering both imaginative risk-taking and rigorous self-editing. Students will engage in workshops, seminars, and one-on-one tutorials with experienced writers and academics. A key element involves the development of a substantial piece of creative writing, such as a novel excerpt, short story collection, poetry manuscript, or screenplay, culminating in a final submission that showcases their progress and potential. The program encourages a supportive and collaborative learning environment, fostering a strong sense of literary community.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Creative Writing program is designed to be both broad and specialized, offering a range of modules that cater to different writing interests. Core elements typically include intensive writing workshops in chosen genres (such as fiction, poetry, scriptwriting, or writing for young adults), seminars on literary theory and contemporary literature, and modules focused on the writing process and professional development. Students will explore narrative techniques, character development, voice, style, and structure, while also engaging with critical debates surrounding literature and creative practice. The program often incorporates guest lectures by established authors and publishing industry professionals. Students receive constructive feedback on their work from peers and tutors, developing their editing and revision skills. The curriculum encourages experimentation and the exploration of innovative writing forms, while also providing a solid grounding in traditional literary conventions.
Research Focus: The MA Creative Writing program at Bath Spa University benefits from a vibrant research environment within the Faculty of Humanities and the University's renowned Writing and Society Research Centre. The academic staff often comprises internationally recognized authors and scholars who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research in creative writing and literary studies. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current trends and critical perspectives within the field. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests through critical essays and their final creative project, which often involves a reflective commentary on their creative process and literary influences. The university's strong research culture provides a stimulating intellectual context for aspiring writers to deepen their understanding of the craft and the literary world.
Industry Engagement: A significant strength of the MA Creative Writing program at Bath Spa University is its strong and active engagement with the literary industry. The program fosters close links with literary agents, publishers, editors, and literary festivals. Students often benefit from guest lectures, workshops, and networking events with industry professionals, providing invaluable insights into the publishing process and career pathways. Opportunities for manuscript feedback from agents and editors may also be available. The program's location in a region with a thriving literary scene, including the Bath Literature Festival, provides further opportunities for engagement with the literary world. The curriculum often includes practical advice on manuscript submission, navigating the publishing landscape, and building a writer's professional profile.
Global Perspective: The MA Creative Writing program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by exploring diverse literary traditions, international authors, and the impact of globalization on contemporary writing. The curriculum may include the study of postcolonial literature, translated works, and writing from various cultural contexts. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a rich and intercultural learning environment, fostering exchange and understanding across different literary traditions and perspectives. Students may also have opportunities to explore international writing residencies or engage with writers from around the world through guest lectures or online platforms. This global outlook prepares graduates to be informed and engaged writers in an increasingly interconnected literary world.
Location
Newton Park
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18440
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 75.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- DET: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Bath Spa University understands that financing higher education can be a challenge for international students, and to make studying in the UK more accessible, the university offers a range of scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support international students and recognize their academic achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses.
International Scholarships: Bath Spa University offers a variety of international scholarships to help non-UK students cover part of their tuition fees. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. The scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s potential to contribute to the university community.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students are also eligible for a range of scholarships, which may vary based on the course of study. These scholarships help to support students at the beginning of their master’s degree programs and can be highly competitive. Scholarships are awarded based on previous academic achievements, research proposals, and the applicant's personal statement.
Alumni Scholarships: Bath Spa University values its alumni community, and in recognition of this, it offers scholarships for international students who are former students of the university or have attended a Bath Spa University partner institution. The Alumni Scholarship is designed to reward those who have previously been part of the university and are returning to continue their studies.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Bath Spa University also provides country-specific scholarships for international students from particular regions. These scholarships are designed to encourage students from specific countries to study at Bath Spa University and contribute to the diverse international student community. Students from certain countries may be eligible for specific funding opportunities based on their nationality. The university’s website provides up-to-date information on country-specific scholarship availability.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Many of Bath Spa University's scholarships are merit-based, meaning they are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement or outstanding potential in their chosen field of study. Merit scholarships are typically awarded during the application process, and students do not need to apply separately for these awards.
External Scholarship Opportunities: In addition to the university’s internal scholarships, international students at Bath Spa University can also apply for external scholarships offered by government agencies, private organizations, or charitable foundations. Bath Spa University regularly updates a list of external scholarship opportunities that are available to international students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.
Graduates from the esteemed MA Creative Writing program at Bath Spa University cultivate a sophisticated and versatile skillset, positioning them for a wide array of fulfilling careers within the literary and creative industries. The program's comprehensive approach, blending intensive writing practice with critical analysis and professional development, equips graduates to excel in various writing-related fields.
Published Author (Novelist, Short Story Writer, Poet): Pursuing a career as a published author, developing and submitting manuscripts to literary agents and publishers in their chosen genre.
Freelance Writer: Working on a variety of writing projects for different clients, including articles, blog posts, website content, marketing materials, and more.
Editor (Literary Agent or Publishing House): Working within the publishing industry to identify promising manuscripts, provide editorial feedback to authors, and guide books through the publication process.
Creative Writing Teacher/Tutor: Instructing creative writing at universities, colleges, schools, or in private workshops, sharing their knowledge and nurturing emerging writers.
Content Writer/Strategist: Creating engaging and effective written content for businesses and organizations across various platforms, including websites, social media, and marketing campaigns.
Copywriter: Writing persuasive and compelling marketing and advertising copy to promote products and services.
Scriptwriter (Film, Television, Theatre, Games): Crafting scripts for various performance mediums, developing narratives, characters, and dialogue.
Arts Administrator (Literary Focus): Working within literary organizations, festivals, or arts councils in administrative roles such as program management, marketing, or fundraising.
Journalist/Reviewer (Literary Focus): Writing articles, reviews, and features related to literature for newspapers, magazines, and online publications.
Content Marketing Specialist: Developing and implementing content strategies to attract and engage target audiences for businesses, often involving significant amounts of writing.
