Are you dreaming of becoming the next Ernest Hemingway or William Shakespeare? Perhaps you have a specific genre in mind, such as fantasy or science fiction, and are looking for ways to develop your talent in that area? If so, you have come to the right place! We will discuss what to expect during your creative writing degree course, including the application process, the curriculum, and how to succeed as a young writer.
The Application Process
Aspiring writers should start by examining their preferences. What do you enjoy writing? This will determine which degree program you should apply for—and it might be a surprise!—as well as what subjects you should focus on. For example, if you adore historical fiction, you might want to study Medieval English Literature at a British university, as this is where most of the classic stories are set. Alternatively, if you prefer to write about your experiences, you can study English Literature with a focus on the contemporary scene, as this is where most of the action takes place. As you will learn more about the course and the universities that offer it, you can begin to shape your ideal schedule, as well as the required grades to achieve it. Keep in mind that your chosen genre might influence which degree to apply for. For instance, a playwright will have to apply for Theatre Studies, as opposed to Fiction. If you are still deciding which degree to pursue, why not consider all of them? That will give you the best shot at finding the one that is right for you!
The Curriculum
Now, you need to familiarize yourself with the general concepts of your chosen academic discipline. What are the major requirements for your chosen degree? For instance, to achieve a British Literature degree, you will need to study at least two years of English literature. This will involve a mixture of classical and modern texts, with an emphasis on the latter. You will learn about famous authors and their works, as well as the history of literature in English. What will your chosen degree teach you? What are the career opportunities like? How about the funding? These are all important questions, and you should find the answers to them before making up your mind. Remember, too, that the choice of your degree and its related career path will greatly influence the type of people you meet. If you are serious about writing, you might prefer to study at a university that specializes in creative writing. Remember, though, that not all literary degrees lead to a career in writing. You will have to put in the required effort, regardless of what degree you decide on!
How to Succeed As A Young Writer
As with any other professional degree, you will have to show outstanding talent as a writer in order to succeed as a young professional. How do you plan to pursue your writing? Do you have a book or play that you have chosen to focus on? If so, great! If not, what do you intend to write about? There are plenty of opportunities out there, and the sooner you start making your name known, the sooner you will be able to start applying for top jobs in the field. It is never easy finding the right path to follow, but with enough hard work and dedication, you will be able to create a successful professional writer out of anyone!
Further Degrees
Once you have completed your degree, you have a variety of further academic opportunities open to you. If you have decided that a Legal Studies degree is the path you wish to follow, then you will need to study for three more years, eventually securing your LLB. Alternatively, if you have chosen a business-related course of study, you will need to study for four years to achieve an MBA. If you are looking for further degrees with a creative writing focus, you will need to study for another two years, after which point you will be able to go for a PGCE (Certificate). At this point, you can either teach English as a second language to adults or go on to gain an MA (Master of Arts). After completing a master’s degree, you could go on to complete a PhD. All of these degrees will potentially help you to find a job in academia, teaching, or in a related field. Alternatively, you could look to secure a job in a related field, such as law or business, and use your qualifications to help you in your professional life. The choice is completely up to you!
In addition to your chosen degree, the courses you have taken will decide what types of jobs you are best suited for. Did you play a lot of sports at school? If so, you might want to consider a job in sports journalism, as you will have the chance to learn a lot from great authors, such as Hunter S. Thompson and Robert De Niro! Did you take a music or drama course? If so, you might want to consider a career in film or TV drama, as you will have the chance to put your skills to the test, and learn from greats such as Kevin Spacey and Robert De Niro. Did you take an English course? If so, you might want to consider a career in teaching English as a second language, as you will have the opportunity to use your skills to help others and travel the world. Did you take a Creative Writing course? If so, you might want to consider a career in writing, editing, or publishing, as you will have the opportunity to develop your skills, and contribute to the world of literature and culture. Remember, though, that not all courses in creative writing lead to a career in writing. You will have to put in the required effort, and show great talent as a writer in order to succeed! Good luck out there, and may the words flow!