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Which creative writing MA programme?

I am thinking of this for 2019 rather than for next year, so I do have some time to do research.

I am currently working as a freelance writer and occasionally get fiction published in journals. I know that doing a creative writing MA is not necessary in order to become a writer, but it does give one the time to write, the readers and industry contacts, alongside (hopefully) being a confidence booster (or breaker--hope not).

In terms of programmes, I've looked at the one at UEA which I know has a good reputation. I've also had a look at the part-time programmes at Oxbridge and the courses at Goldsmiths.

Would appreciate advice from anyone who is considering pursuing a creative writing MA/who has already done so.
Anyone?
Original post by lizfairy
Anyone?


Not my specialist area, but I understand Bath has a good reputation. i was setting up an AHRC DTP a few years ago and Bath was expected to get the bulk of Creative Writing applications.
Original post by threeportdrift
Not my specialist area, but I understand Bath has a good reputation. i was setting up an AHRC DTP a few years ago and Bath was expected to get the bulk of Creative Writing applications.


Thanks is that Bath Spa or Bath?
Original post by lizfairy
Thanks is that Bath Spa or Bath?


Apologies, Bath Spa
Hi @lizfairy! Great to hear of your interest in UEA and our MA Creative Writing course.

If you're struggling to decide between different universities for a Creative Writing programme, I'd recommend really looking at the course content for each one and seeing which is going to help you get to where you want to go.

I'd also recommend checking out our alumni stories to find out more about their experiences at UEA. Check our video below with Emma Healy, author of the award-winning 'Elizabeth is Missing', and our alumni pages here.

[video]https://youtu.be/n2-3S92Ck9o[/video]

Have you visited UEA yet? Our open days will give you a feel for the campus, the course and the opportunity to chat to the academics and a visit may be able to help clarify if UEA is the right university for you. Our next PG open day is on the 24th January. You can book your place here.

I'm a UEA Arts and Humanities graduate (from the School of History) so feel free to ask me any general questions on UEA

- Laura, UEA Official Rep
Original post by University of East Anglia
Hi @lizfairy! Great to hear of your interest in UEA and our MA Creative Writing course.

If you're struggling to decide between different universities for a Creative Writing programme, I'd recommend really looking at the course content for each one and seeing which is going to help you get to where you want to go.

I'd also recommend checking out our alumni stories to find out more about their experiences at UEA. Check our video below with Emma Healy, author of the award-winning 'Elizabeth is Missing', and our alumni pages here.

[video]https://youtu.be/n2-3S92Ck9o[/video]

Have you visited UEA yet? Our open days will give you a feel for the campus, the course and the opportunity to chat to the academics and a visit may be able to help clarify if UEA is the right university for you. Our next PG open day is on the 24th January. You can book your place here.

I'm a UEA Arts and Humanities graduate (from the School of History) so feel free to ask me any general questions on UEA

- Laura, UEA Official Rep


Thanks for your response Laura! Unfortunately I can't attend an open day as I am currently travelling.

How is the campus? And the surrounding area? I don't really know much about Norwich, where do most students live?

I've had a look at the course content though I'd love to hear about students' own experiences.
Bump
No one? Would reallllly appreciate any firsthand information from current students/recent graduates :smile:
Reply 9
I'm at the University of Manchester lizfairy, halfway through my Creative Writing MA. Is there anything in particular you'd like to know? You should consider Manchester if you haven't, there's great teaching here (my second semester tutors will be Jeanette Winterson and Kamila Shamsie) a close knit-community at the Centre for New Writing and a lot going on.
Original post by LEFRS
I'm at the University of Manchester lizfairy, halfway through my Creative Writing MA. Is there anything in particular you'd like to know? You should consider Manchester if you haven't, there's great teaching here (my second semester tutors will be Jeanette Winterson and Kamila Shamsie) a close knit-community at the Centre for New Writing and a lot going on.


Hi LEFRS,

Thanks for your response, I forgot to mention Manchester actually as the location appeals. I like being in a cosmopolitan city and Manchester fits the bill. Pretty close my mum who lives in North Wales too. I know next to nothing about the course though--just downloaded the course brochure.

I do have some questions, would be great if you could answer them :smile:

How is the course structured? Does the course publish students' work in an anthology at the end of the year and send it to literary agents etc? Are there many opportunities to learn about the business side of writing?

What are your expectations for the course--do you feel it is delivering so far? Also, what kind of writing do you do yourself?
Original post by lizfairy
Thanks for your response Laura! Unfortunately I can't attend an open day as I am currently travelling.

How is the campus? And the surrounding area? I don't really know much about Norwich, where do most students live?

I've had a look at the course content though I'd love to hear about students' own experiences.


Hi @lizfairy, sorry for the late reply!

So the campus at UEA has everything you need within a few minutes walk from anywhere - it's like a mini city! Almost every student need is catered for on campus; with a large food shop which includes a post office, a bank, a launderette, a pharmacy and even a Waterstone's bookshop. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink from cafes to our Campus Kitchen restaurant in the Square, the centre of campus. UEA and the SU also stage live music events, club nights, film screenings and much, much more.

Norwich hosts a great mix of modern and historical architecture, and a surprisingly bustling city! It always is a good place for a night out and the city life offers a variety of good-value restaurants, cafe bars, theatres, nightclubs and festivals.

The majority of students live in what is the termed 'The Golden Triangle', east of the city and within walking distance to UEA. The area is a mix of student residences, families and young professionals and there's convenience stores, cafes, pubs and restaurants all within walking distance.

I really love it here in Norwich and I think it's perfect if you're looking for a place with the facilities of a city but the relaxed friendly vibe of a town.

Below I've put a few videos that might help bring UEA and Norwich to life for you and showcase why it's a great student city :h:

[video]https://youtu.be/S6em8dLWsOo[/video]


[video]https://youtu.be/FuiyHqxvK8A[/video]


- Laura, UEA Official Rep
Reply 12
Original post by mysticalfluffy
I am thinking of this for 2019 rather than for next year, so I do have some time to do research.

I am currently working as a freelance writer and occasionally get fiction published in journals. I know that doing a creative writing MA is not necessary in order to become a writer, but it does give one the time to write, the readers and industry contacts, alongside (hopefully) being a confidence booster (or breaker--hope not).

In terms of programmes, I've looked at the one at UEA which I know has a good reputation. I've also had a look at the part-time programmes at Oxbridge and the courses at Goldsmiths.

Would appreciate advice from anyone who is considering pursuing a creative writing MA/who has already done so.


Oxford is good but sadly it is part-time and would be unsuitable for international students because visa issues. I’ve applied to Birmingham, Nottingham, Royal Holloway, Manchester for creative writing. I’ve heard a lot about Birmingham though. I’m also considering applying to Scotland Unis like Edinburgh and Glasgow because I’ve heard they’re good. (I’m an international student)

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