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University College Dublin

Creative Writing

UCD now offers an MFA in Creative Writing (both fiction and poetry) This is the first MFA (Master of Fine Arts) degree in Creative Writing (fiction and poetry) to be offered by an Irish university. It is a full time course. It has been devised in response to demand for an advanced postgraduate course, offering close supervision and direction of a novel / collection of short stories/ collection of poetry for the duration of an academic year. This course is suited to students who have already acquired the skills associated with a full programme in creative writing; MA, M Phil Creative Writing, BFA, BA Creative Writing Major/Joint Major or equivalent and have a work in progress to which they now wish to devote the greater part of an academic year with a view to offering that work for publication. Credits are weighted accordingly. Fifty of the overall ninety are allocated to this work, which on submission will be a complete novel or collection of short stories or a collection of poetry. In addition, this course offers a module in the teaching of creative writing, comprising both theoretical and practical components.

There are first rate libraries in UCD and the Dublin area. Several have renowned archives as well as expertly resourced electronic collections. Over many years, the School has established a worldwide reputation for excellence in fostering postgraduate research and in teaching. Designated as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2009, Dublin has an immense amount to offer aspiring writers.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for the MFA programme, are any of the following; an MA,

M Phil [Creative Writing] BFA [Creative Writing], BA Creative Writing Major / Joint Major or equivalent, a portfolio with an outline [ max 2.000 words] of the work in progress, together with the opening 25 / 30 pages, or in the case of a short story collection, two stories, a personal statement of reasons for taking the course and references.

Duration

1 year full-time

Further enquiries

For further information please contact the School of English, Drama and Film, UCD, Belfield Dublin 4. (+353 1 716 8157/8323) Fax: +353 1 716 1174, or email the course administrator: Hilary Gow; hilary.gow@ucd.ie

Subjects taught

The MFA programme
In addition to sharing the objectives as outlined for the MA programme, the MFA [Fiction] provides close supervision and direction of a novel or a collection of short stories, already in draft form or well underway prior to the commencement of the course.

Semester One
Fiction in the Making [ MFA ]; a single text study [10 Credits]
Line & Structural Editing of work in progress [10 Credits]
Pedagogic Strategies 1. Theory [5 Credits]*
or
Module from selection of School of English postgraduate offerings

Semester Two
Line & Structural Editing of work in progress [10 Credits]
Pedagogic Strategies 2. Practice [5 Credits]*
or
Module from selection of School of English postgraduate offerings

Completed Work [Novel / Collection of Short Stories] c.50,000 words [50 Credits]

* The modules offered in the teaching of creative writing, Pedagogic Strategies 1 & 2 are only available to those holding a post graduate degree.

Comment

The MFA is suitable for those who want to pursue careers in novel and short story writing at an advanced level.

Assessment method

Students are assessed in a variety of ways, which may include writing assignments, editing exercises, creative responses to texts, class presentations, and writing portfolio.