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

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

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

• The ability to communicate persuasively and unambiguously in writing.

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

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

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

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