Creative Writing (Postgraduate Diploma)

Course content

This course gives you the freedom to tailor your studies to suit your own interests. Option modules make up the majority of the degree. You can choose to focus solely on different forms of creative practice, through our creative writing modules. Or, you can combine them with wider literature and arts and creative technologies modules.

You'll study a core module that will give you the foundation needed to succeed at Masters-level study. You'll also learn to write and present research, as well as think about how the skills you gain throughout your degree will prepare you for a career.

In the creative writing option modules, you'll explore different forms of writing in practical, workshop settings. Peer discussion is at the forefront of your learning. This will be central to your development as a writer.

Modules Final project Modules On this course, you'll study two core modules and four option modules. At least two of the option modules must be creative writing modules. You can also choose up to two option modules from the Department of English and Related Literature, and School of Arts and Creative Technologies. Core modules You'll study two core modules: Postgraduate Life in Practice Creative Writing Extended Project Option modules Creative writing option modules You'll choose at least two creative writing modules from the list below: Playwriting and Text Screenwriting Writing Poetry Grasping the Nettle: A Prose Fiction Workshop General option modules You can also choose up to two general option modules from the Department of English and Related Literature, and School of Arts and Creative Technologies. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course. Collaborative Theatre-Making Thinking Through Theatre-Making The Future of Story: Storytelling in the Digital Age Digital Culture: Key Concepts Literature and Activism Modern Theatre and the Political Imagination Letterpress Printing Writing Worlds: Power, Publishing and Resistance Queer Studies Across Disciplines Critical Approaches to the Creative Industries Exploring Cultural Consumption Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning. Final project Creative Writing Extended Project Your extended project offers you the chance to undertake an independent piece in a writing specialism of your choosing. For example, a work of prose, poetry, scriptwriting or a collection of short pieces. You'll use the skills you've gained throughout the course to devise your own writing strategies and carry them out in your work. This includes considering character and dialogue, plot and action, narrative and structure, voice and image, and how they are created and developed. You'll then critically analyse your work with insight and self-awareness. The creative piece will be either 14,000-16,000-words of prose or script, 16-20 pages of poetry, or another agreed equivalent. This will accompany a 3,000 word critical essay that explores the development of the piece. Recent topics have included: A poetry collection inspired by local walks and environmental research A short story collection reimagining Ovid's Metamorphoses from a transgender perspective A screenplay for a film about the body's material response to grief A scripted podcast series exploring the role of colour in medieval representations of sexuality A monologue play script evoking a central character's experience of childhood illness, memory and recovery A play script about Oscar Wilde's incarceration in Reading Gaol A verse play script critiquing the dominant whiteness of Gothic stories in literature and theatre A radio drama about catcalling in contemporary culture