‘The Chichester MA in Creative Writing is setting exceptionally high standards… [A] great strength of the MA is the liveliness and innovative spirit of the work produced.’
~ Professor Jo Shapcott, External Examiner
~
The BA in Creative Writing and The BA In English and Creative Writing
The University of Chichester’s longstanding and highly regarded BA provision includes a BA in Creative Writing and a BA in English and Creative Writing.
The MA in Creative Writing
As one of the most established MA programmes in Creative Writing in the country, the University of Chichester has a long record of student successes. All our courses are taught by published novelists, short story writers, poets and dramatists. In addition, we have regular visits from other professional writers.
The MA is designed to give students a structure within which they can develop both their writing and critical skills, experimenting with a range of possibilities available to the contemporary writer. Within the modules, students will explore formal techniques as well as sources of inspiration while retaining the choice of genre in which they wish to work. All written assignments, apart from the related commentaries on the process of creating the work submitted, are creative. Each year, the final taught module includes a session with agents and editors who provide information and advice about the world of publishing. Staff are also able to advise on professional issues of placing work.
The culmination of the MA programme is the dissertation. During this time, students work alone with one tutor. Some MA writers also form self-directed workshop groups with their peers.
Students on Chichester’s MA programme in Creative Writing have forged a wide range of fascinating careers. While many are establishing reputations as novelists, poets and short story writers, others have gone on to write for stage, screen and radio.
For an informal discussion please contact the MA route leader Dr. Hugh Dunkerly by telephone (01243 816296) or e-mail H.Dunkerley@chi.ac.uk.
Our Research Degrees (MPhil, PhD)
The Dept. of English and Creative Writing at the University of Chichester is proud of its thriving research culture. Our research students benefit from training sessions and reading groups aimed at postgraduates, and also have the opportunity to attend the annual programme of visiting national and international speakers. Postgraduate students are supervised by active researchers who regularly publish in prestigious academic journals, write textbooks and monographs, and speak at international and national conferences.
The English Department offers programmes of study leading to the award of the higher degrees of MPhil (circa 50,000 words) and PhD (circa 80,000 words). These programmes are available as full-time and part-time study options. As well as the MPhil or PhD in Creative Writing, candidates may consider the possibility of a joint critical/creative an MPhil or PhD in English and Creative Writing.
Expert supervision for these is available in the following areas:
- Creative Writing (contemporary fiction, poetry and drama)
- Early Modern Drama
- Romantic and eighteenth-century Women’s Writing
- Children’s Literature
- Fantasy Literature
- 20th C Literatures
- Contemporary Literature
- Post colonialism
- Critical Theory
- Canadian Literature
For further written details, please contact Professor Fiona Price, Research Co-ordinator F.Price@chi.ac.uk. Informal queries about the Ph.D in Creative Writing can also be directed to Professor Alison MacLeod, A.Macleod@chi.ac.uk.
Recent Student Writing Successes:
Isabel Ashdown
Kate Betts
Frank Burton
Penelope Bush
Amber Lee Dodd
Dr Sue Evans
Wendy French
Dr Mara Giemza
Zoe Gilbert
Gabrielle Kimm
Charlie McQuaker
G. J. Minett
KJ Orr
Melanie Penycate
Bethan Roberts
Jane Rusbridge
Maggie Sawkins
Julie Singleton
Melanie Whipman