NUI Galway

Writing

Your course

This MA covers a range of genres and forms, and it interacts with our other postgraduate offerings in literature and publishing, drama and theatre, and film. The course thus builds on our strengths in the teaching of writing for page and stage, screen, journalism and other media. The course is open to applicants from any disciplinary background (within and beyond the arts) and welcomes all types of writing interests. A 'Qualifier' option is available for potential applicants who do not have a university degree but have a suitable publications record or sufficient experience in a related creative field.

Students take six modules in total. One of these is year-long and compulsory: the Writers' Seminar. In addition, students elect five other semester-long modules, two from one semester, and select three from the other. As well as year-long workshops in fiction, nonfiction, poetry and playwriting, modules on offer typically include Screenwriting, Contemporary Publishing, Copy-editing and Proofreading, Literary and Cultural Journalism, Travel Writing and Working with Archives.

3 Good Reasons To Study This Course

1. Seminar: a weekly Writers' Seminar features writers, publishers, agents and other visitors from the writing professions.

2. Cúirt: Galway's Cúirt literary festival is the focus in April. Students attend events and complete a related assessment.

3. Conversion: this is an ideal conversion course — it is open to applicants from any disciplinary background

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

A university degree (minimum standard 2.2, or US GPA 3.0) or the equivalent in education and/or professional experience. Students will be accepted on the basis of their degree result (and/or experience), a sample of recent writing (3,000 words maximum) and a personal statement of interest (500 words maximum). Those who wish to explore possibilities for entry through the 'Qualifier' option should contact the Course Director.

Duration

1 year full-time.

Careers or further progression

Career Opportunities

Graduates have gone on to work in the areas of teaching, journalism, publishing, editing, public relations and marketing. Graduates have also progressed to various doctoral programmes in the humanities—and it is now also possible to undertake a practice-led PhD in English at NUI Galway. Many graduates have concentrated on their development as independent writers, and over 45 books have been published by writers from this MA.

Further enquiries

Dr John Kenny

T: +353 91 495 612

E: john.kenny@nuigalway.ie

Application date

Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System.

Course Instance(s): 1WR1

When To Apply: NUI Galway does not set a deadline for receipt of applications (with some exceptions). Offers will be issued on a continuous basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.