Professional Writing MA

On this Professional Writing MA course, we'll develop your core writing skills in a range of formats and explore how different writers work in different sectors. You’ll then choose two specialisms from options like Fiction, Non-Fiction, Scriptwriting, and Business & Editorial Writing, so you can build a portfolio of your skills. We’ll also look into using the web and social media to build a profile as a professional writer.

You'll then carry out industry-focused research, and we’ll encourage you to secure work experience to help you develop a proposal for your creative Professional Writing MA project.

Module

Story, Structure and Form

In this module, you’ll interrogate what we mean by structure, and how aspects of structure and form influence and shape storytelling. You’ll consider how structure can assist you in your writing and also look at writers who have subverted form.  

Professional Contexts

In Professional Contexts, you’ll practice different kinds of writing - blog posts, profiles, case studies, reviews - in order to create a portfolio of work that advertises who you are as an emerging writer. You’ll be introduced to the skills and knowledge needed to operate in the professional writing industries. You’ll also think about ways of promoting your work, develop online marketing materials and learn how to use relevant social media platforms in a way appropriate to the genre you work in.

Inhabiting Narrative: Character, World and Genre

In this module, you’ll develop your understanding of core narrative techniques of narrative in order to create compelling, engaging fictional narratives. There’s also a strong focus on character development, point of view and the use of genre conventions. 

Business & Editorial Writing

In this module, you'll study the key skills needed to write features for magazines, newspapers and online publications, as well as those needed for creative copywriting for businesses and other organisations. You’ll produce a portfolio of high-quality work that spans several different formats and contexts – from press releases to feature articles and web copy. 

Non-Fiction

In this industry-focused module, you’ll begin to develop and write a non-fiction project along with a commercially viable presentation package ready to send to a literary agent or editor. You’ll explore the market for non-fiction in its many forms and genres, gaining an awareness of specialist publishers and commissioning editors, and of fan bases and ‘containers’ for their ideas in sectors of the non-fiction market that have a special interest to them.  

Novel

In this module, you’ll develop the skills, techniques and considerations you need to develop your own novel, such as researching, plotting, structuring scenes, genre markers and tropes, as well as considering professional practice for novelists such as agent approaches and developing/maintaining your author profile. 

Scriptwriting

In Scriptwriting, you’ll develop your skills as a writer and establish standards of professional practice – those qualities that will help you stand out in a very competitive industry, whether writing for audio, television or film. You’ll also develop a critical awareness of contemporary practice at the forefront of screenwriting and an understanding of the market for screenwriting and opportunities within it. 

You’ll work independently on your Professional Writing MA project, with support from your specialist tutor, and write an essay on an aspect of your writing practice.

Modules

Independent Project & Contextual Essay

In this module, you’ll work independently on an individual project, which builds on the work completed in previous modules. You’ll work with a tutor who will supervise the development of the project, set deadlines and advise on areas of improvement. The essay will contextualise your work with regard to current practice and theory.  

We welcome applications from those with relevant equivalent Level 6 qualifications. Our typical applicants hold an undergraduate degree of 2:2 or above, or equivalent experience and a demonstrable interest in the subject.

We’ll also welcome your application if you have formal or 'certified' learning (such as training courses not run by universities or colleges) and learning from work experience or self-study. This is called Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), and should have been gained within the last five years, and be equivalent to the learning outcomes of our minimum entry qualifications.

APL applicants using experience to apply should note there is a £200 application fee for entry with advanced standing or with exemption from specific modules or credit.

If English isn’t your first language, you'll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

International applicants who require a student visa to study in the UK must take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the University. Our Applicant Services Team can help with any questions you may have about study visas or suitable language tests.