MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
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BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a vibrant undergraduate degree designed for individuals passionate about the written word, offering a unique blend of artistic development and practical, career-focused skills. This program cultivates students' creativity across diverse forms such as fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and creative non-fiction, while simultaneously honing their professional writing abilities essential for industries like publishing, journalism, marketing, and digital content creation. The curriculum emphasizes a hands-on approach through workshops, peer reviews, and individual writing projects, encouraging students to refine their craft and build a robust portfolio. Taught by a team of published authors, professional journalists, and working scriptwriters, the program provides a supportive and stimulating environment for aspiring writers to develop their distinct voice and prepare for a successful career in the creative industries.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing is thoughtfully structured to provide a comprehensive exploration of various writing forms and professional applications. In the first year, students receive a strong grounding in the craft of writing with modules like "Current Writers and Writing" and "Introduction to Narrative," alongside foundational courses in critical thinking and literary analysis. The second year allows for greater specialisation, with modules such as "Writing Genre Fiction," "The Publishing Industry," "Journalism 1: News Writing," "Writing Lyrics and Poetry," and "Screenwriting 1," enabling students to explore areas most relevant to their creative and professional aspirations. The final year culminates in a significant "Dissertation/Independent Project," where students work one-to-one with a tutor to develop a substantial creative portfolio suitable for publication. Other final year modules include "Creative Non-Fiction," "Writing Adaptations," and "Young Adult and Children's Fiction," ensuring a diverse and in-depth learning experience.
Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing is primarily a practical and craft-based program, its curriculum at St. Mary's University is deeply informed by ongoing research and scholarship within English literature, critical theory, and the creative arts. The academic staff, including published novelists, poets, and professional journalists, actively engage in research and publication in various genres, such as literary fiction, fantasy, and creative non-fiction, as well as contributing to research in creative writing pedagogy. The department also houses the Centre for Joseph Conrad Studies, which fosters international research. Students are encouraged to develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills throughout their studies, particularly when engaging with contemporary texts and literary theory, which underpins their understanding of writing and the industry. The final-year Independent Project offers students the opportunity to engage in focused, applied research as they develop their major creative work.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key strength of the BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing program at St. Mary's University, designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional careers. The university leverages its close proximity to central London to provide students with access to the capital's vibrant literary and publishing scene. This includes opportunities for trips to the London Book Fair, which allows students to meet industry professionals and learn about emerging trends. The teaching staff includes working professionals (fantasy and genre writing specialists, young adult novelists, professional journalists, working scriptwriters) who bring current industry insights into the classroom. Students are encouraged to develop their professional portfolios, and the program covers "the ins-and-outs of the publishing business" and "journalism and interviewing skills," directly preparing them for the demands of the creative industries.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing program at St. Mary's University fosters a strong global perspective, preparing graduates for the international nature of the literary and media industries. The curriculum encourages students to engage with "contemporary writers and writing" from diverse backgrounds, providing insight into global literary trends and cultural narratives. Modules covering aspects like screenwriting and journalism often touch upon international contexts and practices. The program's emphasis on versatile writing skills equips graduates to work in a globalized market, whether collaborating with international publishing houses, writing for international audiences, or pursuing careers in a worldwide media landscape. While specific international study opportunities aren't explicitly highlighted, the program's focus on universally applicable writing skills and exposure to diverse literary forms inherently supports a global outlook.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 55.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, provides graduates with a versatile skill set that combines artistic flair with practical application, making them highly desirable in a range of dynamic industries. This program cultivates strong abilities in various writing forms, including fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and non-fiction, while also equipping students with essential professional writing skills vital for publishing, journalism, marketing, and digital content creation. Graduates emerge with a refined writing craft, a robust portfolio, and a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the creative and media sectors.
Content Writer / Digital Content Producer: Graduates can craft compelling written and visual content for websites, blogs, social media, and digital marketing campaigns. This role demands versatility in adapting writing style for different platforms and audiences, a skill finely honed during the degree.
Copywriter: Specialising in persuasive writing, copywriters create engaging text for advertisements, marketing materials, sales collateral, and brand communications. Their ability to craft concise, impactful messages for commercial purposes is a direct outcome of the professional writing modules.
Journalist (Print, Broadcast, or Digital): With a strong foundation in news writing, interviewing techniques, and ethical reporting, graduates can pursue careers as journalists for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or broadcast media. They may focus on news, features, or specialist areas.
Editor / Proofreader: Graduates possess keen attention to detail and a deep understanding of grammar, style, and structure, making them ideal for roles in editing and proofreading. They can work for publishing houses, media companies, or as freelance professionals ensuring the quality and accuracy of written materials.
Author / Freelance Writer: Many graduates aspire to become published authors of fiction, poetry, or non-fiction. The program nurtures their creative voice and provides insights into the publishing industry, while equipping them with the discipline and self-management skills needed for a freelance writing career.
Screenwriter / Scriptwriter: With modules specifically focused on writing for stage and screen, graduates can develop careers in film, television, radio, or theatre. They create scripts, develop characters, and structure narratives for various dramatic productions, often working on a freelance or commissioned basis.
Public Relations (PR) Officer: Graduates can leverage their exceptional writing and communication skills to manage an organisation's public image and reputation. They write press releases, create media kits, manage social media, and develop strategic communication plans.
Marketing Executive: Combining their creative writing prowess with an understanding of audience engagement, graduates can work in marketing departments to develop campaigns, create compelling brand stories, and produce marketing collateral that resonates with target consumers.
Communications Officer: Within various organisations, graduates can be responsible for internal and external communications. This includes writing newsletters, reports, speeches, and web content, ensuring clear and consistent messaging across all platforms.
Literary Agent / Publishing Assistant: Graduates with a strong understanding of the publishing industry and a passion for literature can work as literary agents, representing authors and connecting them with publishers, or take on editorial and administrative roles within publishing houses.
