Summary
- Faculty of Performance, Media & English
- Campus
- City North , Perry Barr
- Duration
- Part Time: 2 years
- Fees
- Please contact the Faculty for information:
Tel: +44 (0)121 331 5675
Email: english@bcu.ac.uk
Overview
The BCU MA in Writing, in association with the National Academy of Writing, is a two-year, part-time course aimed at emerging writers. The course is run and validated by Birmingham City University. Core modules are available in Fiction, Creative Non-fiction, Screenwriting and Scripting/Staging.
This is the only graduate course in the UK supported the National Academy of Writing and its patrons - more than 100 established writers who support the Academy's aims and contribute to the programme of lectures, workshops and tutorials. Students will be helped with professional advancement through the end-of-year show and the annual anthology, both of which offer excellent showcasing opportunities. Students will also have contact with visiting agents and publishers who offer specific advice and guidance. This course is delivered making extensive use of the Moodle e-learning interface, especially forums, enabling constant contact with fellow students.
Key Facts
This is the only University course in the UK supported by the National Academy of Writing. Academy patrons will visit throughout the course. The National Academy of Writing was set up for writers by writers, with the philosophy that newcomers to the profession can learn best from those already involved in the trade.
Admission to the course is based on talent. Applicants are asked to submit a portfolio of writing, published or unpublished. Students are selected on the basis of their work.
Course Director Richard Beard’s books have been shortlisted at the British Book Awards and selected among the New York Times Notable Books of the Year.
Course Outline
Course Structure
The course begins with a Qualifying Module that consists of a week's intensive teaching, followed by two weeks' home study before you submit a portfolio of work to be assessed. Admission to the other course modules will be on the basis of this work.
Modules
Reading into Writing
The module is based on the premise that good writing derives not just from the observation of personal and social life, but from an understanding of books. The aim of this module is to give you intensive exposure to the modes of creativity practised and described by established writers from the past and the present to inform and encourage your own experience as a writer.
Final Project
This module builds on the rest of the course and gives you the opportunity to develop the skills learnt in your genre modules. It also prepares you for the writing marketplace, helping you produce - with guidance - the basis of a saleable product.
Optional Modules
Two out of four of the following core modules, each of which provides an opportunity for you to develop a substantial piece of work in the particular genre:
- Fiction: devising and improving short stories and novels.
- Creative nonfiction: shaping and writing real life stories.
- Screenwriting: adapting and presenting stories for the screen.
- Scripting and Staging: offered in cooperation with the Garrick Trust, students collaborate with established theatre professionals, including directors and actors, to produce stageable work.
For more course details visit the website: www.bcu.ac.uk/english
To gain entry you will need to pass a Qualifying Module (30 credits) which assesses your suitability for the rest of the course. You then move forward to the rest of the programme, structured as follows:
- Reading into Writing (30 credits) A creative reading course that examines inspiration and influence
- Fiction (30 credits) Core genre module (One of four such modules, you pick two.)
- Life Writing (30 credits) One of four such modules, you pick two.)
- Screenwriting (30 credits) One of four such modules, you pick two.)
- Scripting and Staging (30 credits) One of four such modules, you pick two.)
- Final Project (60 credits) Extended piece of work in your chosen genre
Assessments
Assessment of a portfolio that demonstrates continuous professional development. Portfolios will vary, depending on your individual aims and aspirations, but may include: work with radio journalists / filmmakers, involvement in publication of the Birmingham City University anthology or magazine, evidence of contact with agents / publishers, mentoring BA Creative Writing students, building websites for aspiring writers.
Each module will result in a piece of writing that will be assessed. Your work will be critiqued by staff but you will also be asked to critique the work of colleagues and vice versa.
After your studies
Further Studies
The School of English is very active in research, with excellent 2008 RAE results. MPhil and PhD opportunities may be available. Please get in touch for more information. For further information on courses contact Birmingham City University Choices. Tel: 0121 331 5595 Email: choices@bcu.ac.uk, or go direct to the courses section of the website.
Employment Opportunities
This course will give you guidance, advice and practical help towards becoming a published writer. You will learn about professional issues such as understanding publishers, contracts and networking. Your creative writing ability will be honed by tailored modules and you will benefit from criticism from established writers. This course is about getting your work published by teaching you the relevant skills to create well-crafted and saleable pieces of work.
How to apply
Entry Requirements
Entrance is a two stage process. Firstly you will need to submit a piece of written work (less than 10 pages) together with evidence of a commitment to writing. Based on this you may be accepted on to the second stage, a qualifying module. This module consists of a week's intensive teaching, followed by two weeks' home study before candidates submit a portfolio of work to be assessed. Admission to the other modules of the course will be on the basis of this work. The next qualifying module will take place in 2011.
Application Details
Applications for 2010/11 entry are now closed. We are accepting applications for 2011/12.
Apply online using the online application form.
For general information about applying to study at Birmingham City University, please refer to the Making your Application section.
International enquirers may contact the International Office for further help and advice.
Fees Notes
For information about fees please contact the School directly. Tel: +44 (0)121 331 5675 Email: english@bcu.ac.uk
Further Information
Tel: +44 (0)121 331 7279 (admissions officer)
Tel: +44 (0)121 331 5472 (admissions tutor)
Email: english@bcu.ac.uk
Web: www.bcu.ac.uk/english