Program Overview

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MA Writing Genre Fiction

Overview

This course is ideal for writers of commercial genre fiction who are looking to take their craft to the next level. If you already have talent and ideas, this online programme is designed to add the expertise you need to approach your chosen market with confidence, originality and skill.

Mode of Study

Online learning (Part-time)

Duration

2 years

Start date

January

Course details

Uniquely, the course offers a dynamic and pioneering range of popular genre fiction specialisms. Students can pursue their passion for fantasy, crime, mysteries and thrillers, historical, romance, science fiction, horror and writing for young adults.

How you’ll be taught

This part-time course takes five trimesters to complete, spread across 20 months. It is structured to support you through your journey. You will learn by a variety of teaching methods including pre-recorded lectures accessed on demand via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), live online seminars and independent study.

Assessments

Throughout the course, there will be formative and summative assessments. The summative assessment for each module will be a portfolio of creative and critical written work.

Entry requirements

Year 1

To apply you will need a Bachelor Honours Degree with 2:2 or above in any discipline or other qualifications/experience which demonstrate through our recognition of prior learning process that you have appropriate knowledge and skills in Writing Genre Fiction equivalent to SCQF level 10.

English language

As all learning, teaching and assessment activities are conducted in English, if your first language is not English you must have a minimum International English Language Testing System score of 6.5 with all four elements having a score of no less than 6.0.

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications. Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:

• BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
• All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees for 2024/25

2024/25	2025/26
UK Students	£885	£945
Overseas Students	£905	£965

Modules for your course can be purchased through our online store and must be paid in full at the time of enrolment. You will purchase modules in advance of each trimester of study. The fee listed above applies to 20 credits. Please note, the full course comprises of 120 credits in total for BA/BSc (top-up) and 180 credits in total for MSc.

Careers

The Writing Genre Fiction postgraduate program is designed for individuals seeking to establish or advance their careers as commercial genre fiction authors. It stands out as a unique programme in the UK and worldwide for its focus on a wide range of genres including crime, fantasy, horror, science fiction, historical and romance.

What kinds of careers can you explore as a writer?

The world of writing offers diverse opportunities that can cater to a wide range of interests and talents. Writers can often transition between different roles throughout their careers, leveraging their writing skills in various contexts. As a writer, you can explore a wide range of careers and opportunities across various fields. Some potential career options for writers include:

• Writer of commercial genre fiction
• Screenwriter and adaptation
• Playwriting and game writing
• Teacher of Creative Writing
• Editor
• Proofreader
• Book coach or mentor
• Working in the publishing industry
• Work in literary arts community
• Arts administration
• Copywriting
• Brand storytelling
• Journalism