Creative Writing

On the application form, you will be asked to give a personal statement and should use this to tell us a bit about yourself and give a good sense of what you have been reading and writing, and what has led you to apply for our course. For the creative sample, applicants to the prose writing routes (Novel, Children\xc2\x92s/YA, Place) should submit a 2,000-word extract from a novel or short story; poetry applicants should submit up to 15 poems. The book review should be up to 500 words long, focus on contemporary literature, and show evidence of close reading, explaining what it is about the book you find useful as a writer. Both the creative and critical samples should be relevant to the specialist route to which you are applying to (Novel OR Poetry OR Writing for Children/YA OR Place). Your reference can be from anyone of professional standing (e.g. a current or former employer or tutor) who can vouch for your suitability for study at postgraduate level or the quality of your writing, or \xc2\x96 if you are unable to obtain a reference from someone who is familiar with your written work \xc2\x96 simply verify your identity.

Please collate and submit the application form, writing sample, review and reference, where possible. It will not speed up the processing of your application if you send some elements now with others to follow. We would encourage you to submit electronically to our Direct Admissions team at direct@mmu.ac.uk, although understand that this may not be possible in all cases and can accept postal submissions. You do not need to include copies of certificates from previous qualifications, unless we specifically request them \xc2\x96 our admissions tutors will review you application on the strength and quality of the writing in the portfolio submitted.

Each application is allocated to a specialist tutor in the candidate\xc2\x92s chosen discipline, who reads and assesses it, looking for evidence of:

• A very high standard of written English;
  
• Creative talent and potential;
  
• Control of form, style and technique;
  
• Commitment to the craft of writing and the development of writing skills through workshops and supervision;
  
• Substantial reading within the relevant field.
  

If your application meets these criteria, the tutor will contact you directly to arrange a telephone or face-to-face interview at a mutually convenient time.