So you’re interested in getting your MFA in Creative Writing. Congrats! However, if you want to continue to write creatively, you need to know how many creative writing credit hours you need to acquire. Here is some basic information on the subject, including some tips on how to get the most from your education.
The Basics
If you’re looking for a general overview of the subject, check out our quick guide to getting an MFA in Creative Writing. For those of you who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Creative Writing, you will need to have some idea of how many crdit hours you need to accumulate. To determine how many creative writing credit hours you need to have, you must first understand what these are. What are creative writing credits? How many do I need to get?
Creative writing credits are a measure of your proficiency in the genre. To put it simply, they are a way of quantifying your ability to write creatively. For the purposes of this guide, let’s assume that you are applying for a Master’s in Creative Writing. When you achieve a certain number of creative writing credits, you will be awarded a Master’s diploma. Every school and program will have a specific number of creative writing credit hours that you must obtain in order to graduate successfully. Some of the common creative writing course requirements include:
- at least 20 hours of writing per week
- a completed creative writing literature review,
- a 30-page short story or novel,
- a 40-page creative nonfiction piece, and
- a 20-page poetry collection.
How Do I Get The Most From My Education?
If you’re looking to graduate with a Master’s in Creative Writing, you need to think about how you’re going to make the most of your time at university. There are a few tips that can help you get the most from your education and the experience of pursuing a Master’s degree. Here are some solid ideas:
1. Get To Know As Many Writers As Possible
As a writer, you will undoubtedly grow accustomed to the idea of collaboration. The good news is that it is entirely acceptable to have a collaborative relationship with another writer. While you might not always work with someone else on a project, it is a cardinal sin to have no contact with other authors.
By getting to know as many writers as possible, you are bound to come across collaborators who can help you get your work published and earn you some extra credit along the way. The more you know, the more you can contribute to the greater good of society through your writing.
2. Take Advantage Of The Workshop Format
One of the primary goals of a Master’s in Creative Writing is to enhance your proficiency as a writer. An important part of this process involves taking advantage of the workshop format. A workshop is essentially a class that is open to the public and offers some expert insight into the craft of writing. A lot of workshops are designed to help novices and struggling writers. If you’re not sure where to start, consider taking a look at our listing of the top writing workshops in London.
By taking part in a workshop, not only will you be able to sharpen your creative writing skills, but you will also be able to network with other professionals who can potentially become valuable collaborators. What’s important is that you continue to explore and grow in your craft.
3. Take Advantage Of The Mentorship Option
Another great way to make the most of your experience at university is to explore the mentorship option. One of the primary aims of a Master’s in Creative Writing is to develop your intellectual capacity as a writer. To achieve this, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will guide you through the entire process of graduating (and hopefully publishing!).
As a student, you should have no trouble accessing professional tutors who can help you get through your studies. What’s more, the university or college you are enrolled in may very well offer professional mentorship opportunities for those who seek them. With a little bit of research and networking, you will be able to find the perfect tutor for your needs. Don’t forget: getting a degree is all about networking!
4. Look Into Funding Opportunities
A Master’s in Creative Writing is a demanding course, especially if you want to emerge with your degree. You will have to put in a considerable amount of work, and in order to do this, you will need to secure some funding in addition to your university tuition. In most cases, you will need to look into government funding opportunities for your master’s degree. However, if you are in an exceptional position, you might be able to get funding for a private Master’s in Creative Writing. In such cases, it is essential to investigate all the various funding opportunities that are open to you. Why? Because there are numerous government funding bodies out there, and it’s important to make sure that you apply to the right one! For example, if you are applying for federal government funding, make sure that you research the specifics of the Stafford Loan or the Perkins Loan, as these are the ones most commonly offered to creative writing students. Alternatively, if you are eligible for state funding, make sure that you apply for this as well. The money from these sources can be helpful towards alleviating some of the financial burdens experienced by students who are pursuing higher degrees in creative writing.
What If I Can’t Afford To Study In London?
If you can’t afford to study in London, don’t despair! There are a number of other cities and towns around the UK where you can get a good degree for less. One of the things that make London such a desirable place to study is the wealth of opportunities it offers. However, if you are unable to afford London, consider moving to a cheaper region and getting a degree there. While you might have to do some of your studies online, there should be some form of degree or diploma available to help you achieve your goals. Remember: education is a great way of securing yourself a brighter future. It might not get you Hollywood, but it will get you there!