Program Overview

Introduction to the MA Wild Writing Program

The MA Wild Writing program at the University of Essex is a unique course that combines literature with new ways of exploring landscape and the environment. This program is designed to inspire others to reconnect with nature and is rooted in the research and writings of Essex's own eminent nature writer, Dr. James Canton.

Program Description

The MA Wild Writing program is the only course of its kind in the UK, offering a unique combination of science and humanities with a focus on writing about the environment. Founded in 2009, this course provides students with an opportunity to explore the East Anglian landscape and be inspired by it, taking field trips to local sites connected to local authors.

Program Objectives

The program aims to make students aware of and allow them to focus on nature and the natural world in a unique way. It reminds students that each tree, each wildflower, each tiny insect, and bird in the sky is an individual living being. The course also highlights the importance of allowing other living beings to share the world and understanding how much of the world is under human control.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MA Wild Writing program have gone on to become poets, writers, environmental consultants, land management experts, wildlife educators, and many other roles. They are helping to understand and heal the world by inspiring others to reconnect with nature.

Notable Alumni

• Stephen Rutt, Class of 2016, has used the course as a springboard for his talents and passions, becoming one of its most successful graduates. He has published several books, including "The Seafarers," "Wintering," and "The Eternal Season."
• Aparna Kapur, Class of 2022, was drawn to the course due to its focus on nature writing and the opportunity to immerse herself in the wilderness. She believes that nature writing has the power to remind people what they are fighting for and is now actively seeking out and amplifying overlooked perspectives.
• Juliet Lockhart, Class of 2011, is an artist who was drawn to the course due to its immersive field trips and the opportunity to engage with nature firsthand. She believes that nature writing plays a crucial role in reconnecting people to the landscape and addressing environmental issues like climate change.

Research Areas

The program covers various research areas, including:

• Nature writing and its importance in the 21st century
• The intersection of literature and the environment
• The role of art in healing the rift between people and the planet
• The impact of climate change and environmental damage on the natural world

Conclusion

The MA Wild Writing program at the University of Essex is a unique and innovative course that offers students the opportunity to explore the natural world and develop their writing skills. With its focus on nature writing, environmentalism, and the intersection of literature and the environment, this program is ideal for those who want to make a positive impact on the world.