If you’re considering an MA in Creative Writing, then you’re in the right place. Here we’ll discuss everything you need to know about getting into, and completing, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.
The Differences Between MFA And MA Creative Writing
Before we begin, it is important to establish the differences between a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA), and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing (MA). A Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a postgraduate degree that often requires several years of study, and can only be completed in the UK. It is a recognised qualification that will enhance your career options when applying for jobs, or progressing in your current role. Applications for this course are often highly competitive, so it’s essential to stand out from the crowd.
A Master of Arts in Creative Writing is a degree that can be completed in just a few years, often in collaboration with part-time study. It’s an ideal first step for those who want to become professional writers, but are lacking in the required experience. The MA in Creative Writing is also a popular choice for those who want to take their writing skills to the next level. It’s a recognised qualification that can be achieved through a combination of part-time and full-time study. This may involve you attending classes several times a week, as well as completing a thesis or research project.
What Is A Creative Writing MFA?
A Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a postgraduate qualification that can be completed in just a few years. It’s a recognised qualification that will enhance your career options when applying for jobs, or progressing in your current role. Applications for this course are often highly competitive, so it’s essential to stand out from the crowd.
A Master of Arts in Creative Writing is a degree that can be completed in just a few years, often in collaboration with part-time study. It’s an ideal first step for those who want to become professional writers, but are lacking in the required experience. The MA in Creative Writing is also a popular choice for those who want to take their writing skills to the next level. It’s a recognised qualification that can be achieved through a combination of part-time and full-time study. This may involve you attending classes several times a week, as well as completing a thesis or research project.
Thesis And Portfolio Guidelines
The academic year for a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing begins in September, and finishes in June. This gives you a chance to complete your thesis, which is a piece of work you’ve been working on throughout the year. You’re required to submit a 20,000-word dissertation, which is assessed by a panel of professional writers and scholars. This is one of the tasks you’ll be graded on, alongside exam results and coursework. Thesis guidelines vary from course to course, but you’ll usually be required to use academic and critical theory in your analysis.
Your portfolio is your main opportunity to showcase your writing skills. This can be a collection of short stories, a novel, or even a play. However, the standard guideline is that your portfolio should be made up of work that is ‘significant’, in terms of both quality and quantity. The work should also demonstrate your skills in the following areas;
- Structuring a piece of fiction or non-fiction
- Creating compelling characters
- Developing interesting plot lines
- Stinging dialogue
- Presenting a unique perspective on reality
- Dramatic irony
- Using academic theory to analyse your work
What Is A Master Of Fine Arts?
A Master of Fine Arts is a postgraduate qualification that can be completed in just a few years. It’s a recognised qualification that will enhance your career options when applying for jobs, or progressing in your current role. Applications for this course are often highly competitive, so it’s essential to stand out from the crowd.
What Is AN MFA?
A Master of Fine Arts is a postgraduate qualification that can be completed in just a few years. It’s a recognised qualification that will enhance your career options when applying for jobs, or progressing in your current role. Applications for this course are often highly competitive, so it’s essential to stand out from the crowd.
How Is It Structured?
The academic year for a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing begins in September, and finishes in June. This gives you a chance to complete your thesis, which is a piece of work you’ve been working on throughout the year. You’re required to submit a 20,000-word dissertation, which is assessed by a panel of professional writers and scholars. This is one of the tasks you’ll be graded on, alongside exam results and coursework. Thesis guidelines vary from course to course, but you’ll usually be required to use academic and critical theory in your analysis.
The Application Process
Applications for a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing are usually open in January, April, and October. It’s a competitive process, and you need to ensure you apply to the right place. You can find out more about applying for an MA in Creative Writing through the English Faculty. The next step is to read the guidelines for the MFA in Creative Writing that the English Faculty has to offer. This should then shape your application, and help you decide what makes this course unique compared to other MA courses offered by the university.
You can then begin to craft your personal statement, which will be one of the main components of your application. Ensure you include both your coursework and published work in your portfolio, which can be made up of a collection of short stories, a novel, or even a play. You don’t need to include your thesis in your personal statement (as it will be included in your portfolio), but you should include a summary of what you’ve achieved during the year. This should then be followed by an outline of your future plans.
There are usually more than one application per person, so make sure you write a good one. Having a good quality one will stand out above others, and give you a better chance of being considered for a place on the course.
Which City Should You Study In?
Depending on which city you decide to study in, you’ll need to decide if an MA in Creative Writing is right for you. Is it London, or is it Edinburgh? Do you want to continue your education in a city with a vibrant literary scene, or would you prefer to study in a smaller city with a more traditional academic environment?
These are all important questions, and perhaps finding the right answer will help you decide if an MA in Creative Writing is right for you. Remember, though, that whatever choice you make, you’ll still need to convince the admissions tutors that you’re the right person for their course.
Is It Worth Studying?
An MA in Creative Writing is a valuable qualification to have, and it’s often seen as a step toward becoming a professional writer. If you do decide to go ahead with this course, then ensure you do so in the right way. Make sure you work hard during the year, and submit a flawless dissertation that will impress the examiners. Above all, make sure you enjoy yourself while you study, otherwise it won’t be worth the time spent.
A Master of Arts in Creative Writing is a valuable qualification to have, and it’s often seen as a step toward becoming a professional writer. If you do decide to go ahead with this course, then ensure you do so in the right way. Make sure you work hard during the year, and submit a flawless dissertation that will impress the examiners. Above all, make sure you enjoy yourself while you study, otherwise it won’t be worth the time spent.