There are many reasons why you might want to pursue a Masters in Creative Writing. The world of literature is vast, and it offers you the chance to explore a variety of topics from which you can build a career.
The biggest decision you need to make is whether to study in London or in your home town. Prospects for teaching jobs and earning potential are vastly different in the two cities. For those that decide to study in London, there are a range of Master’s degree courses available to teach you how to become a successful writer. Discover the various academic paths that lead to becoming a published author, and how to become a confident speaker in front of an audience.
To discover more, continue reading the article below.
What Is Creative Writing?
Broadly speaking, creative writing can be described as the art of writing for the pleasure of writing. It can be used to explore a wide range of topics, but you need to be aware that other disciplines such as literature and linguistics fall under the umbrella of creative writing. This is because these subjects can and often do influence your work.
As the name would suggest, creative writing is a field that rewards originality and imagination. If you want to become a writer, you need to ensure that your work is as unique as possible and that you have something new to say. In this way, you will stand out among your peers and make a lasting impression on those that read your work. To achieve this, you must be willing to experiment with different styles and approaches to see what works best for you.
The beauty of creative writing is that it is a vibrant, constantly developing field. No two days are the same, and new ideas and innovations are constantly being introduced and embraced by working authors. In addition, the range of skills and talents that you can bring to bear on your work are seemingly endless. In other words, the sky is the limit!
If you want to become a published author, then you need to approach your creative writing studies with a goal in mind. Whether you decide to specialise in fiction or non-fiction, a university course will equip you with the necessary skills to get your work published.
Why Should You Pursue a Master’s In Creative Writing?
If you want to pursue a Masters in Creative Writing, then you need to do so with a view to boosting your career prospects. Depending on your chosen path, you will need to decide whether to study in London or in your home town. Let’s consider the advantages of each location.
Those that decide to study in London will have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and gain valuable work experience by undertaking placements. During your studies, you will be exposed to a diverse range of courses, ranging from classical literature to film studies. In this way, you will gain a well-rounded education that will equip you with the skills to succeed as a writer. The range of courses available to you is truly exceptional, and you will not feel under-educated even if you choose to study a bit of everything. In fact, you may learn more in one year in London than in five years in your home town.
For those that decide to study in London, life as a writer can be quite glamorous. You will learn to deal with getting your work published and being represented by some of the world’s best-known literary agencies. In addition, you will be able to enter a Creative Writing competition and showcase your talent to a wider audience. If you want to become a published author, then the London MA in Creative Writing will put you in the right place to achieve this. Make sure you put your best foot forward during your studies, but don’t be afraid to have some fun either.
Masters In Fine Arts: What Is It?
The name of your home town might not sound as glorious as London when it comes to university life, but you should still consider pursuing a Masters in Fine Arts from your local arts university. A Masters in Fine Arts will teach you the essential art and cultural history needed to become a competent curator or conservator. In addition to this, a Masters in Fine Arts will equip you with a variety of creative and critical skills that you can draw upon in the future to write your own work. Some of the skills you will learn include:
- Bibliographic Research
- Curating exhibitions
- Writing monographs
- Manuscript Studies
- Digital Research Techniques
- Appreciation of Art
- Criticism
- Art history
- Aesthetic Judgement
- Research methods
- The History of Art
- Introduction to Film Studies
- Production Design
- Animation
- Virtual Reality
- Research Methods in Film Studies
- Introduction to Theatre Studies
- Dramatic Structure
- Principles of Playwriting
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Theories of Social Change
- Political Science
- Comparative History
The biggest benefit of a Masters in Fine Arts from a local arts college is that it will give you the local currency required for a successful job search. Many employers have a preference for hiring people who have studied in London, so if you can showcase your London College degree, you will certainly be in with a chance of securing a job. Remember though, even if you have studied in London, you will still need to apply for an MA in your home town to be considered for certain jobs.
What Should You Look Out For?
If you decide to apply for a Masters in Creative Writing, then you must approach your study course with a clear goal in mind. Do you want to write for children or for adults? Are you interested in exploring science fiction or fantasy? An MA in Creative Writing will equip you with the necessary knowledge to pursue a variety of topics, but you must decide on the direction you wish to take your work in. In order to succeed as a writer, you need to find your own voice, and this cannot be achieved in a classroom setting. A Masters in Creative Writing is a great choice for those that wish to explore literature as a flexible subject.
If you are fortunate enough to secure a place on a creative writing course, then make the most of it. Students that take part in this type of setting are usually some of the best in the country. They have received this recognition from schools and universities across the country for their exceptional talent. During your studies, you will be taught by some of the best teachers in the country, and you will be able to learn from their expertise. You will not be expected to be an expert at every skill you are taught, but you will be expected to draw upon what you have learnt and develop your skills further. This is what makes your time at university different from that of a traditional undergraduate.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the creative arts then an MA in Creative Writing will open up a world of opportunities for you. You will not only be able to explore a range of topics including fiction, non-fiction and scriptwriting, but you will also have the chance to network with like-minded individuals and gain a valuable work experience. In addition to this, you will be able to enter a Creative Writing competition and showcase your talent to a wider audience. If you want to pursue a career in the creative arts, then the University of London is a great place to start. With a plethora of courses to choose from, you can specialise in literature, linguistics or creative writing, and develop a broad understanding of both the art and science of writing. Make sure you put your best foot forward during your studies, but don’t be afraid to have some fun either.