Creative Writing

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.

How to apply:
1. Choose your programme.
2. Check closing date for the programme.
3. Apply online at www.ul.ie
4. Have your supporting documentation ready to upload.
5. Pay the application fee (€35 online / €40 bank draft or cheque).
6. Submit your application.

What to include with your application:
- Qualification transcripts and certificates

- Portfolio

- Supporting Statement

- English language qualification if English is not your first language

- Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.

- A copy of your birth certificate/passport

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.

Start Date: 09/Sep/2019

Key Fact:
Recent graduates of our Creative Writing MA have been published nationally and internationally and have won or been short-listed for major literary prizes, including the prestigious Hennessy New Writer of the Year Award, the RTE Francis McManus Award, the Listowel Writers' Week Bryan MacMahon Short Story Award, the Arts Council Next Generation Award and the Irish Writers' Centre Novel Fair Award.