Overview

The Dissertation module represents the culmination of the MA in the production of a substantial piece of creative writing. Students are required to produce a 12,000-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 3,000 words.

The Dissertation module represents the culmination of the Masters programme in the production of a substantial piece of creative writing. Each student will be allocated a supervisor. Full-time students will be allocated a supervisor in late spring, while part-time students in their second year, who are spreading the dissertation module over a longer period, will be allocated a supervisor in the autumn. Students are required to produce a 12,000 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 3,000 words, and a bibliography.

Assessment Strategy

Assessment criteria:

70% and above

Typically, the work of a candidate reaching Distinction will show many of the following qualities:

Excellent levels of originality, vision and depth; striking and thorough engagement with ideas. Excellent understanding and control of form and technique. Impressive linguistic control and/or innovation. Sophisticated critical understanding of the creative process and confident ability to conceptualise approaches to writing. Dynamic work.

60-69%

A candidate’s work reaching Merit will show many of the following qualities:

Demonstration of vitality and originality; sustained engagement with ideas. Very good understanding of generic conventions; sound use of structures, forms and technique. Resourceful and imaginative use of language. Clear critical understanding of the creative process and ability to think conceptually about decisions made in writing. Very good work.

50-59%

A Pass candidate’s work will show many of the following qualities:

Original and interesting work with an attempt at serious exploration of ideas. Clear link between themes and form. Technically proficient and well-focused use of language. Sound critical understanding of the creative process and of decisions made in writing. Generally good work.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an ability to use language with economy, style and precision and to place own creative work in a wider context

• Develop sustainable writing practices, through a cycle of planning, development, revision and reflection, which will support future work.

• Introduce appropriate theoretical frameworks within which to discuss literary works from a practice perspective.

• Plan and produce a substantial piece of creative writing that makes an original contribution to a chosen field or genre.

• Reflect critically on the creative writing process and the finished work, articulating the significance of the project in the context of the broader field of creative writing.