Program Overview

MA in Creative Writing

The MA in Creative Writing at University College Cork is designed to give students the tools to write the book they want to write, whether it's a collection of poetry, essays, a novel, or a memoir. The program aims to introduce students to the publishing industry and prepare them for a variety of career options, including publishing and the creative arts.

Course Outline

The MA in Creative Writing is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program that consists of two parts: Part I (50 credits) and Part II (40 credits).

• Part I (50 credits):
  • EN6036 The Business of Writing (10 credits)
  • Plus choose 40 credits from the following modules:
    • EN6031 Poetry 1 (10 credits)
    • EN6032 Fiction Workshop: Serving the Idea (10 credits)
    • EN6039 Publishing for Authors & Editors (5 credits)
    • EN6042 Creative Writing Workshop [Writer-in-Residence] (5 credits)
    • EN6056 Reading the Novel Creatively (5 credits)
    • EN6057 Writing for Other Media (5 credits)
    • EN6059 Personal Narrative & Creative Non-Fiction (10 credits)
    • EN6060 Poetry 2: Narrative Poetry (10 credits)
    • EN6061 Poetry Workshop (5 credits)
    • EN6064 Fiction Workshop 2: Boundaries of Form (10 credits)
• Part II:
  • EN6040 Dissertation in Creative Writing (40 credits)

Course Practicalities

The MA in Creative Writing is taught on Mondays and Tuesdays during the Autumn and Spring Semesters. Seminar hours are approximately 6-8 per week, and reading hours/writing assignments are likely to take a further 8 hours per week. The course involves a mixture of seminars, workshops, placement, and writing practice, and students will work on self-reflexive essays and projects.

Why Choose This Course

This MA program will empower students in the honing and development of their craft as writers; it will provide them with the tools and critical prowess to commence a career in writing and publishing. The program boasts published graduates, including Madeleine D'Arcy, Tadhg Coakley, and Laura McKenna. Notable writers associated with UCC include Mary Noonan, Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh, Thomas McCarthy, Sean Dunne, Paul Durcan, Theo Dorgan, and Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin.

Skills and Careers Information

This MA will provide an excellent foundation for a variety of writing and publishing careers, including authorship across a range of forms and styles, journalism, teaching, publishing, and arts administration. The design of the MA fosters contacts with agents, publishers, and the professional world of the creative industries; it also produces well-crafted writing in one (or more) of the forms of creative writing.

Requirements

Applications will be considered from graduates of all disciplines. Applicants will normally have a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or above, in any discipline. For North American students, a cumulative GPA of 3.2 is normally expected. Applicants with relevant writing or arts experience (e.g., working in publishing, journalism, or arts administration) are also invited to apply.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is Full-time: 9,900 Part-time: 5,600. The Non-EU fee for this course is 19,900.

How to Apply

To apply, check the opening and closing dates for the application process, gather required documents, and apply online through the UCC online application portal. A non-refundable 50 application fee applies to most courses. Successful EU applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 500 on acceptance of their place.