Looking to take your studies in creative writing to the next level? An exciting new initiative, Creative Writing Emory, offers degree-level study in an immersive, action-packed semester in the UK. Combining literary masterclasses with industry networking, the semester-long course combines theory with practice to give you the best of both worlds. Here, we answer some of your most pertinent questions about this promising new course.
Will I learn More in this Class than in My Major?
With just a few weeks remaining until the start of the new academic year, it’s time to start thinking about your final exams. For many students, this is a cause for anxiety; after all, taking exams is something most students have in common. Even for those who thoroughly enjoy their studies however, the last few weeks of a summer vacation can be a stressful time as you gear up for the future. Will this be my last chance to relax before starting my job search?
Taking a creative writing class can be a great way to ease your final exams. To put it simply, you will learn a great deal more in this class than in your major. The immersive nature of the course will give you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned to real-life scenarios and projects. Plus, you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the UK’s leading writers, critics, and poets. Here’s what our students say about the experience:
What Will I Study?
In the Fall 2018 semester, Creative Writing Emory will run five distinct courses. As a student, you will complete a total of 20 credits, of which four will be at graduate level. Alongside English Literature, you will study Creative Writing, with a specific focus on the craft and practice of writing. You will explore a range of writing theories and methods, culminating in a dissertation or article of around 10,000 words. During the semester, you will also take part in various writing workshops, where you will practice what you’ve learned. What Is a Creative Writing Elective?
The above paragraphs should hopefully have answered the question posed in the heading. A creative writing elective is a course that focuses on the creative aspects of writing. This could include elements such as the format of your piece, the character you choose to tell your story about, or the way you tell the story. Essentially, you are studying the craft of writing rather than the theory of literature. If this sounds like a course you’ve had the pleasure of taking, then congratulations! You are among the many thousands who have gained from such experiences and are now looking to take your skills to the next level.
One of the things that make Creative Writing Emory stand out from other universities is the way in which the course blends theory with practice. As mentioned above, you will take part in various workshops where you will put your newly acquired skills to the test. These will be fun events, but they will also expose you to professional critiques of your work. Learning to recognize and utilize different tools of the trade will enhance your ability to write more effectively, no matter what your chosen career path may be. Our students are clear about this:
Many students, particularly those who have enjoyed the course, have expressed an interest in pursuing a career in journalism or media. Several of our students have even gone on to complete Cambridge English: Professional Programmes with a Specialization in Journalism. If this sounds like a career path you are interested in pursuing, then Creative Writing Emory is an excellent choice, as you will learn not only the craft of writing but also how to become a successful journalist. As the course description puts it, you will “immerse yourself in the fast-paced world of journalism, pitching stories and developing media platforms”. What Is a Creative Writing Elective?
A degree in creative writing is a great degree to have, no matter what career path you choose. You will learn not only about the craft of writing but also how to become a successful author. Our students are clear about this:
“I would strongly recommend this course to anyone who aspires to be a published author. The course not only equipped me with the theoretical knowledge required, but also with the practical experience of working on a range of different projects and being part of a large team. I would also encourage prospective students to apply for the optional research bursary, which will cover the costs of books and research materials incurred during their studies.” – Luke Jelliss, Fall 2018
If you’re looking for a degree that will give you a head start in the creative writing field, then consider applying for our Fall 2018 Open Entry Creative Writing EMORY degree programme. Our students have lots to say about their time on the course, with many mentioning that it has given them the confidence to pursue writing as a career. Here’s what our students have to say:
Why University Of Edinburgh?
The University of Edinburgh is a well-established institution with a history of attracting top students and academic staff. Its position as the “home of innovation” is demonstrated by the number of high-profile individuals who have studied or worked there; these include inventor James Dyson, author Ian Rankin, and painter Duncan of Jordanstone.
The University of Edinburgh also prides itself on being “a community of learners”, and this is something reflected in its teaching and research approach. During your studies in Creative Writing at Edinburgh, you will be taught by accomplished academics who are interested in engaging with the wider community through their research and teaching. In the words of our students, “The lecturers were incredibly approachable, and made me feel as though I could ask them any questions, no matter how basic or advanced.”
Edinburgh is a hub for teaching and research in the UK, with a range of internationally renowned scholars and creatives contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural scene. You will enjoy a culturally rich and inspiring learning environment, which is reflected in our students’ evaluations:
“The course itself was a great opportunity to learn more about writing, which is something that I wasn’t directly taught at school. Being able to study in a city like Edinburgh, with its large community of writers, meant that I had a great deal of support available, should I have needed it. The range of lectures and seminars that can be attended were interesting and provided a glimpse into areas of creative writing that I would never have thought of, which expanded my knowledge considerably.” – Anna Puri, Spring 2018
Many of our students opt to study on the Distance Learning Programme, which allows them to continue their studies part-time while working, or in the case of full-time students, looking for work. Our students are happy to be able to continue their studies while enjoying their work-life balance:
“I studied part-time while working at a digital marketing company. This gave me the flexibility to fit in study sessions around work hours. I found the program very convenient, as I could fit in study sessions between work hours and when I got home from my job.” – Kelly Macfarlane, Spring 2018
Even those who have studied the course over the years have noted that the ability to continue your studies part-time is one of the great benefits of the program. The flexibility that this has provided has allowed several of our students to pursue their interests and hobbies, while continuing to develop their skills as writers. Our students are clear about this:
“I would particularly recommend this course to anyone who wants to study literature, as it provided me with the opportunity to further immerse myself in the books that I love most. This is something that you don’t get from most other degrees, and something that I think all undergraduates should experience at least once in their studies.” – Luke Jelliss, Fall 2017
How Is the Teaching?
The quality of teaching at the University of Edinburgh is exceptional, as our students are keen to attest. Several of our students have commented on how much they enjoyed the teaching on the course, and how much it helped them develop their skills as writers. Here’s what they have to say:
“The course tutors were incredibly approachable, and made me feel as though I could ask them any questions, no matter how basic or advanced. They were also flexible enough to accommodate my crazy hours, should I have needed them. Overall, I had an excellent experience, and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a job in the field, or who is just looking to further their knowledge.” – Anna Puri, Spring 2018
The teaching at Edinburgh, as with all other universities in the UK, is now largely based on practical components. This is a great way to not only teach you the theoretical elements of creative writing, but also to allow you to practice what you’ve learned. Our students are clear about this. They enjoy this combination of theory and practice: