Are you looking to explore your creativity and enhance your writing skills? Then a master’s in creative writing course could be the perfect option for you! The course will introduce you to new writing techniques and styles, encouraging you to look beyond your usual inspiration to create exceptional pieces. But what will happen on the course, and what do you need to know about it? We are here with the answers you need, including a detailed breakdown of a master of creative writing to help determine if it’s the right course for you.
What is a master of creative writing?
A master’s degree in creative writing is a postgraduate course that allows you to enhance your writing skills. The course is designed to fuel and nurture your creativity, providing a range of learning experiences to help you develop your writing skills. The course will expose you to new genres and styles, helping you become the best writer you can be.
Master’s of creative writing courses are delivered full-time or part-time, with the option to study online as well. Online courses come with plenty of flexibility, allowing you to work at a time that suits you best. The course typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete, depending on the chosen method.
What will I study for a master of creative writing course?
What you will study in a master of creative writing varies depending on your course provider. We recommend speaking with them directly or obtaining a course brochure to learn more about the specific learning outcomes and units you will study. There does tend to be overlapping content from course to course, though, so you don’t need to worry about missing out on vital information. Typically, you can expect the following learning outcomes for your creative writing course:
- Discover the art of creating new ideas and cultivating inspiration
- Embark on a journey of artistic growth and self-discovery
- Explore the appeal and nuance of different genres
- Invigorate your writing craft and ignite a passion for creative expression
- Refine and enhance your proficiency in fiction
- Uncover the secret to crafting stories with powerful emotions that will make an impact
A master of creative writing is divided into 10 units, where you will learn more about a career as a writer and how to add emotion and performance to your work. The unit titles and their content will vary slightly depending on your course provider, but you can expect to see the following:
- Editing and publishing – where you will learn about writing, editing, and publishing, exploring the processes and workflow for professional editing and how to go about getting published
- Writing and audience – gives you an understanding of your work, considering readership, online audiences, and genre
- Writing and empathy – provides an understanding of the core practices of writing and embodiment, including writing about love and characters outside of your viewpoint
- Writing fiction – teaches you the fundamentals of writing fiction by using a range of short stories for inspiration and guidance
- Writing fiction that unsettles and scares – explores the darker aspects of fiction, including thrillers, horrors, and gothic fiction
- Writing project research and development – shows you how to initiate, plan, and develop a writing project, especially longer works like novels
- Writing project resolve and reflect – provides an understanding of reflection towards your work and how to create a podcast
- Writing for the planet’s future – shows you how to write about place and environment in poetry, nonfiction, and fiction
- Writing realities – where you explore writing based on events, like historical events, biographies, stories of place and family, and true crime
What do I need for a master’s in creative writing?
The requirements for applying for a master’s degree in creative writing will vary, so we recommend consulting with your course provider directly to learn more about the specific entry requirements. Usually, you will need one of the following to apply for a master of creative writing:
- A bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- Equivalent of prior learning, with five years relevant experience or a piece of published work
You should speak directly to your course provider to learn more about what is considered relevant experience before applying. You may also need to meet additional requirements if English is not your native language, but these can vary depending on the course provider.
Some course providers will offer fast-track options too, where you can complete the master’s course in seven units. You would need a bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the following fields to apply for the fast-track option:
- English
- Journalism
- Communications
- Creative writing
- Writing
- Secondary English teaching
The course provider must approve your previous qualification to ensure you have the necessary knowledge and skills to complete the course in fewer units. Speak to the course provider directly if you want to consider the fast-track option.
Start your creative writing course today
A master’s in creative writing is an excellent option for anyone looking to broaden their writing experience, explore new genres, and hone their writing skills. When choosing your writing course, we recommend considering ECU, who offer a comprehensive writing course that will help you improve your writing and explore exciting new genres. Contact ECU to learn more about their postgraduate writing course today.
