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Creative Writing Modules

Curriculum details

The online MA Creative Writing is an 180‑credit, part‑time programme you can typically complete in about 2 years. Delivered fully online in an asynchronous format, it’s designed to fit around your life alongside your work commitments. Through a blend of writing workshops, critical study, and practice, you’ll build the skills and confidence suitable for diverse careers in the creative industry.

Multiple entry and exit routes available. Take breaks when you need them and choose a qualification that best suits you:

Please note that occasionally we may make changes to our programme curriculum. You may not always study modules in the order they are listed here.

On this page:

Courses

Learning activities

Course details

Through our Creative Writing modules, you’ll learn from genre‑based workshops in short fiction, the novel, poetry, and life writing, into specialist development, publishing, and creative life modules, before completing a portfolio and critical reflection.

Core

Exploring the study and practice of short fiction, this module develops students’ skills in close reading, creative writing, and critical reflection. Students will examine the forms, techniques, and themes of short fiction while learning to analyse texts using appropriate critical terminology. Through workshop activities, they will gain experience in giving and receiving constructive feedback, and will produce original short-fiction writing informed by close reading techniques. The module also supports the development of reflective practice through a critical commentary that chronicles the creative and editorial journey of their work.
Examining the novel as an extended literary form and creative practice, this module develops students’ skills in close reading, creative writing, and critical reflection. Students will investigate the devices, structures, and themes that shape novel writing while learning to analyse texts using appropriate critical terminology. Through workshop activities, they will gain experience in giving and receiving constructive feedback, and will produce original novel extracts informed by close reading techniques. The module also supports the development of reflective practice through a critical commentary that chronicles the creative and editorial journey of their work.
Focusing on the representation of lived experience through creative and literary forms, this module develops students’ skills in close reading, creative writing, and critical reflection. Students will explore the techniques, structures, and themes of life writing while learning to analyse texts using appropriate critical terminology. Through workshop activities, they will gain experience in giving and receiving constructive feedback, and will produce original life writing informed by close reading techniques. The module also supports the development of reflective practice through a critical commentary that chronicles the creative and editorial journey of their work.
Exploring poetry as a literary form and creative practice, this module develops students’ skills in close reading, creative writing, and critical reflection. Students will examine the forms, techniques, and themes that shape poetic expression while learning to analyse texts using appropriate critical terminology. Through workshop activities, they will gain experience in giving and receiving constructive feedback, and will produce original poetry informed by close reading techniques. The module also supports the development of reflective practice through a critical commentary that chronicles the creative and editorial journey of their work.
Building on earlier workshop modules, this module supports students in developing an independent and sustained creative writing practice within their chosen genre. Through advanced study of genre techniques, engagement with contemporary scholarly debates, and the continued development of original creative work, students will refine their understanding of the relationship between reading, research, and writing. The module culminates in the creation of a creative portfolio accompanied by critical reflection on the processes, influences, and decisions that inform their practice.
Focusing on the critical and cultural issues shaping contemporary literary practice, this module explores debates surrounding authorship, artificial intelligence, freedom of expression, genre, publishing, and ethics. Students will engage with a range of literary, theoretical, and media texts, analysing how these debates influence writers, readers, and the wider literary landscape. Through critical reflection and discussion, they will develop their own informed perspectives on current literary contexts and consider the implications of these debates for their creative and professional practice.
Focusing on the cultivation of a sustainable creative practice, this module encourages students to reflect on the habits, values, and professional approaches that support a fulfilling creative life. Through engagement with the experiences, writings, and practices of contemporary writers and artists, students will examine different models of creative and professional development. Practical activities will support students in building reflective habits, navigating challenges and setbacks, fostering creative communities, and articulating their future ambitions. The module culminates in the development of a personal manifesto that defines and communicates an individual vision for a creative life beyond the MA.
Focusing on the relationship between creative practice and the publishing industry, this module prepares students to engage professionally with contemporary publishing environments. Students will examine current trends within their chosen genre, research potential publication outlets, and develop an informed understanding of the processes involved in bringing creative work to publication. Through the creation of a publication plan and submission materials, they will develop practical strategies for presenting their work to publishers, agents, journals, and other relevant outlets, while considering how publication can support their wider creative and professional goals.
Bringing together the creative, critical, and professional skills developed across the programme, this module supports students in the design and completion of a substantial independent creative writing project. Students will evaluate published work within their chosen genre, develop a portfolio of original writing through drafting and revision, and refine their work through editing and proofreading processes. Accompanied by a critical commentary, the final project provides an opportunity to reflect on creative development, articulate an individual writing practice, and demonstrate the skills required to sustain future creative and professional work.

Learn in a collaborative online writing community

Develop your writing in Moodle – a flexible online environment that combines creative workshops, literary study, and independent practice. Across eight-week modules, you’ll engage with readings, recorded content, discussion forums, writing exercises, optional live sessions, and constructive peer and tutor feedback as you explore multiple creative genres. Rather than relying on traditional exams, you’ll be assessed through original creative work, critical reflection, and a final portfolio that demonstrates your growth as a writer. Explore the course modules below to see how your craft develops throughout the programme.

Flexible online learning that fits around your life

Study wherever inspiration strikes while developing your writing through workshops, creative exercises, independent projects, and personalised feedback. Explore the course modules to discover how each one helps you refine your craft and build a portfolio of original work.

Online Student Experience

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