Run by School of Languages, Literatures, Linguistics and Media

60.000 Credits or 30.000 ECTS Credits

Organiser: Prof Zoë Skoulding

1. To help students develop their autonomy as writers in a critically supportive context, through guidance from an experienced supervisor.
2. To develop a sustained creative work in a chosen form.
3. To enable development of a reflective approach to writing and redrafting that will support future independent and self-critical practice.

The Dissertation module constitutes Part Two of the MA, and represents the culmination of the programme of study in the production of a substantial piece of creative writing. Students are required to produce a 15,000-word piece of creative writing, the precise nature of which will be agreed in consultation with the supervisor. For poetry, work of an equivalent length, depending on the exact nature of the creative work submitted, will be negotiated with the supervisor. Early meetings will be used to discuss ideas, resources, and approaches, later meetings to discuss final drafts of the dissertation. The creative work will be accompanied by a critical reflection of 5,000 words.

threshold

-C (50%>)

To achieve this level a student will have completed all the Learning Outcomes to a level of competence. Written work will be of basic professional standard displaying qualities of motivation, and the ability to pursue ideas through to a conclusion, accompanied by evidence of critical reflection. It should be clear also that the student has developed the range of intellectual, practical and transferable skills implicit in the aims of the course.

good

-B (60%>)

This grade indicates competence throughout, with evidence of good levels of achievement in most, if not all Learning Outcomes. There will be coherence between finished written work, writing processes and research activity.

Very good: To achieve this grade a student will have exercised competence in most, if not all Learning Outcomes, and will have demonstrated excellence in at least one. Written work should be distinctive, approaching publishable quality and supported by related further study. There should be ample evidence of independent thought, good levels of motivation and the acquisition of a wide range of subject-specific and transferable skills. There should be a clear indication of the potential to pursue studies to a higher research level.

excellent

-A (70%>)

To achieve this grade a student will have exercised competence in most, if not all Learning Outcomes, and will have demonstrated excellence in at least one. Written work should be distinctive, approaching publishable quality and supported by related further study. There should be ample evidence of independent thought, good levels of motivation and the acquisition of a wide range of subject-specific and transferable skills. There should be a clear indication of the potential to pursue studies to a higher research level.

1. To produce an extended piece of work in a chosen genre.

2. An understanding of the concepts and techniques currently being applied in the chosen field.

3. The ability to develop sustainable writing practices which will support future work.

4. An understanding of the cycles of planning, reflection, revision and completion.

5. The ability to reflect effectively on their own writing and make improvements.

6. The ability to communicate persuasively and unambiguously in writing.

7. The ability to document evidence using an appropriate system of referencing.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
DISSERTATION	Creative Writing Dissertation	Creative writing project of 15,000 words or equivalent, and commentary of 5,000 words.	100.00

		Hours
One-to-one supervision	The number of supervisions required will vary from student to student. The figure of 10 hours of supervision is advisory, and may include a mixture of email feedback and face to face meetings.	15
Tutorial	Group meeting to explain project.	2
Private study	A substantial project of creative-critical research.	583

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
• Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
• Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Compulsory in courses:

• Q3AB: MA Arthurian Literature year 1 (MA/ALI)
• Q3AK: MA Creative Writing (English) year 1 (MA/CWE)