Course summary
If you are a writer seeking to develop publishing industry knowledge alongside writing skills, this programme is ideal. You can get hands-on publishing experience and enhance your creative practice. Whether you are an experienced writer or relatively new to the field, you will be equipped with new professional competencies from creative digital content to traditional print. You will be introduced to the fast-paced world of commercial publishing and learn the how the different sectors of the publishing industry – from commercial fiction to academic publishing – fit together in a global industry. We aim to improve your skills as a creative writer, particularly as a writer of short stories and novels through weekly workshops with published authors. You will also build the practical print and digital skills and experience needed to better engage with the publishing industry and work within it. The publishing part of your MA will focus on the changes impacting on the publishing world as a result of the digital revolution, and will look at the different professional roles in publishing. The course examines commercial fiction and non-fiction publishing, children's publishing, education and academic publishing as core sectors in the industry.
Modules
The MA Creative Writing and Publishing runs over one academic year for full-time students who undertake two core creative writing modules over terms 1 and 2, alongside core publishing modules in term 1 and electives in term 2. In the final term students must complete their Major Project. Part-time students take the creative writing core modules in their first year of study and in their second year undertake the publishing core modules and electives and the Major Project. Core modules
- The Role of Editorial and Production: Managing Authors, Lists and Intellectual Property (15 credits)
- Digital Publishing (15 credits)
- Reading as a writer (15 credits)
- Creative Writing Workshop (30 credits)
- Business and Marketing in Publishing (15 credits)
- Understanding Globalisation & International Publishing (15 credits)
- Working in Publishing: Professional Placements, Skills & Development (15 credits)
- Digital Product Innovation (15 credits)
- How to Make a Book: Creating & Developing Content in Print (15 credits) (15 credits)
- The Power of Publishing: Strategy, Diversity & Sustainability (15 credits) (15 credits)
- Constituting Identities (15 credits)
- Imagined Communities (15 credits)
- Literary Cartographies (15 credits)
- Genre in Context (15 credits)
- Text and Image (15 credits)
- Theorising Women’s Writing (15 credits)
- Climate Futures: Writing the Environment (15 credits) (15 credits)
Assessment method
Summative assessment of the programme outcomes occur across the core and elective modules, and in the major project. Individual modules deploy a range of assessment methods, and include: analytical essays, examinations, assessed group and individual projects, including presentations with supporting research; portfolios of writing and publishing research which demonstrate evidence of skills gained through reflective analysis; professionally realistic submissions and an optional placement module; research-based assignments, and a substantial professional project or analytical dissertation. The core modules typically offer an individual assessment (which may include a portfolio of creative writing, a substantial piece of redrafted creative writing with an accompanying self-reflective essay or a critical academic essay or a researched book proposal). Many of the 15-credit elective modules combine individual assessments (which might be an essay or submission in a professional format)with a group assignment which typically offer credit for the appropriateness of the presentation in addition to research and knowledge.
Entry requirements
You will normally have an upper second class degree (in any subject) or the overseas equivalent, but successful completion of a certificate course in creative writing, or a professional qualification, or relevant experience may also be acceptable. The prime criteria are proven ability and commitment. For students whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of at least 7.0 is required (with 7.0 in the writing component). Within your application you will be expected to submit the following: - A copy of your degree transcript. We require an original transcript or a copy certified by your institution. If you have not yet graduated, you will be required to send us your degree transcript as soon as it is available. You will not be able to register as a City student without having supplied your degree transcript. - A sample of creative writing between 3,000-5,000 words - You may need to attend an interview, in person, or by phone.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5670 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5670 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5670 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5670 | Year 1 |
| EU | £9550 | Year 1 |
| International | £9550 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
https://www.city.ac.uk/prospective-students/finance/funding/david-tebbutt-scholarship
Provider information
City, University of London
Northampton Square
City of London
EC1V 0HB