Master of Arts (M.A.) in Creative Writing

Over the centuries, many a writer has put pen to paper to produce everything from letters to novels. Some of these works have endeared themselves to generations of children and adults, whilst others have shaped the writing of the future. What started out as an interest for many writers is now taking shape as a serious skilled artform. Whilst creativity and ideas are somewhat subjective in nature, technique can ensure whether or not a work is professional or amateurish.

Warnborough College's Master of Arts in Creative Writing program is aimed at the serious writer. It is flexible, yet comprehensive in its scope - allowing writers of different genres to tailor the program to suit individual needs. Candidates on the program will get to demonstrate just exactly why the pen is mightier than the sword.

Students must have successfully completed a recognised undergraduate degree, preferably in Arts or another Humanities subject. For more options, see "Pathways and Options". Module pre-requisites are noted in module descriptions.

By Instruction (Modular):

Students are required to complete 8 core modules and a thesis manuscript or multi-genre portfolio of their work of approximately 100 pages.

By Research or Projects:

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8 Core Modules (32 credits) + Thesis (28 credits) = MA (60 credits)

Students can work with their mentors to combine modules into customised programs, suited to their interests and capabilities. The descriptions will give you a sense of areas in which to proceed, at the graduate level, and professionally. Exemptions may be awarded based on prior courses taken, professional experience, writing and research samples, and their art portfolios.

General thesis requirements are as follows:

• For Poetry: The composition of a book of poems: 70 to 100 pages in length.
• For Fiction: The composition of a novella, 100 pages in length, or a collection of short stories of approximately the same length. (Specialisations include science fiction, fantasy, magical realism, or mainstream literary fiction.)
• For Playwriting: The composition of a play, 100 pages in length.
• For Creative Nonfiction: A series of essays, 100 pages in length.

All individual modules are 4 credits each, except where stated otherwise.

Core Modules (4 credits each)

• WR500 Mimesis of Texts I
• WR501 Mimesis of Texts II
• WR515 Outline and Description
• WR538 Narration and Story Development
• WR540 Dreams and the Inner Writer
• WR545 Creativity Theory and Practice
• WR560 Writing for a World Audience
• WR585 Mythopoesis for Creative Writers

Click HERE for a list of all core modules. Additional modules will soon be offered through our School of the Creative Arts initiative (to be launched in 2009). A screenwriting specialisation will be launched in 2009.

The MA program can be completed in four terms (16 months) or less. Depending upon exemptions, performance and the work load, it may take more or less time.

For a Master of Arts (MA) degree, students must successfully complete a total of 60 credits. All requirements must be satisfied, unless students are granted exemptions.

The program is conducted via distance learning. Students work independently, with the guidance of an allocated mentor. Cohort-based learning is conducted via the Online Moodle. Occasionally, there are optional summer workshops.

There are no major materials required, except for possibly textbooks and other reference materials. You should also be connected to the Internet.

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Note: All fees listed here refer to tuition only. It does not include ancillary expenses such as required materials (see above), textbooks, internet connections, postage, telephone calls, insurance and printing.

Download Application Form.
View admissions information.

Note: Please specify if you wish to do the program by INSTRUCTION (modular) or by RESEARCH.

Program Director Dr Maria Jacketti is a poet, fiction writer, educator, and translator. She has translated A Gabriela Mistral Reader (White Pine Press), and the following collections by Pablo Neruda: Heaven Stones (Cross Cultural Communications), Maremoto, with Dennis Maloney (White Pine Press), Garden Odes (Latin American Literary Review Press) and Cantos Ceremoniales, Ceremonial Songs (Latin American Literary Review Press). Dr Jacketti is a recipient of a poetry fellowship from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (1985) and holds a Master's degree in creative writing from New York University and a PhD from Warnborough College.

Please contact Dr Maria Jacketti at cwriting@warnborough.edu or admissions@warnborough.edu