Creative Writing

This programme enables students to develop their skills in creative writing through careful consideration of the work of established writers; through study of the elements and formal structures of a piece of creative writing; through assignments that enable students to employ and master strategies for revision and refinement of their work; and through an understanding of the requirements of the submission and publication process. Through coursework students will consider the role of plot, characterization, dialogue, and point-of- view in crafting compelling fiction and drama; they will consider how figurative language, syntax, rhythm and imagery contribute to a poem's meaning; they will learn the different conventions associated with non-fictional forms.

Full Time Programme Content

Autumn Semester

Core Modules:
• Creative Writing 1: A Weekly Workshop
• Applied Editing 1
• Project Development for Creative Writers

Electives (choose 1):
• Literary Modernism
• Gender and Sexuality in Irish Writing
• Literature, Film and Human Rights
• Literature of Migration
• Writing Memoir, Biography and Autobiography

Spring Semester

Core Modules:
• Creative Writing 2: A Weekly Workshop
• Applied Editing 2
• Writerly Reading: Aspects of Storytelling
• Individual Creative Writing Project with Dissertation Plan

Electives (choose 1):
• Creative Writers in the Community
• Issues in Modern and Contemporary Poetry
• Politics and American Literature
• Post?Colonial Theory and Literature
• Feminist Literary Theory
• Textual Constructions of Cultural Identity
• Utopian Theory and Texts
• Public Fiction and Private Life

Summer Semester
Dissertation: 15,000 words of
creative writing

Part Time Programme Content Year 1

Autumn Semester
• Creative Writing 1

Electives (choose 1):
• Literary Modernism
• Gender and Sexuality in Irish Writing
• Literature, Film and Human Rights
• Literature of Migration
• Writing Memoir, Biography and Autobiography

Spring Semester
Creative Writing 2

Electives (choose 1):
• Creative Writers in the Community
• Issues in Modern and Contemporary Poetry
• Politics and American Literature
• Post?Colonial Theory and Literature
• Feminist Literary Theory
• Textual Constructions of Cultural Identity
• Utopian Theory and Texts

Year 2

Autumn Semester
Project Management for Creative Writers

Electives (choose 1):
• Literary Modernism
• Gender and Sexuality in Irish
Writing
• Literature, Film and Human Rights
• Literature of Migration
• Writing Memoir, Biography and
Autobiography

Spring Semester
Individual Creative Writing Project
• Advanced Editing 2
• Principles of Storytelling

Summer Semester
Dissertation

Many applicants for our Creative Writing MA have a first or second class Level 8 honours degree (NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalent) but application is open to everyone, including applicants who do not have a primary degree but have what might be considered equivalent experience, perhaps in the arts, publishing, bookselling, writing, creativity or some related activity. Please note, we always receive more applications than we have places to offer.

Applicants must accompany their formal online application with a 3,000 word sample of their creative writing (this can be one single piece or several pieces totalling 3,000 words) and a one-page letter setting out why they would like to work with us on our MA programme as opposed to the many other Creative Writing MA programmes now available.

Previous experience of Creative Writing workshops is helpful.

The Application Portfolio is assessed by a small committee of staff, who judge submissions on their originality, technique, and readability. Please note that we are not in a position to offer feedback to applicants who are not offered a place.

Applicants must satisfy the English Language Requirements of the University.

Visit www.ul.ie/graduateschool/prospective?students for details.

What to include with your application

Qualification transcripts and certificates

Portfolio

Supporting Statement

English language qualification if English is not your first language

A copy of your birth certificate/passport

If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice

If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:

English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts
AND

English language competency certificate

1 year full-time or 2 Years Part Time.

Start Date: 09/Sep/2019