This is just a question really.

Looking through the boards, it is clear that one or two have done postgraduate courses in creative writing.

i was just wondering about what these people thought about them.

i am thinking of doing one myself, but don't really have an idea where to start. i have a very good degree in english literature - but will that be of any use?

a few more stupid questions:

do they interest an agent?

where are good places that do them?

do you have to have an undergraduate degree in creative writing..?

and any other advice anyone can think of would be most appreciated.

thanks

dan

Dan, if you try a search on WW with something like Creative Writing MA, there have been one or two longish threads on the subject.

Generally, you need some sort of first degree to satisfy the basic Uni entrance requirements, but what in and what class doesn't matter much, and the more other experience you have, the less it matters - most people on these courses are mature students with a wide range of backgrounds and reasons for doing it. Certainly it doesn't need to be in CW; they're very recent beasts. The decision whether or not to accept you will mainly be based on your work, your proposal of what you want to do, and an interview if they do them.

On the whole, having a post-grad degree won't get you published, but ought to move you up the slush pile; an agent or editor will know that your work is of a basic standard. It won't automatically get you an agent either, but some do look at the Masters courses for new people; a friend of mine posted some rather rough work on her Masters' website, and has been picked up by an agent. Certainly there are Masters courses which tend to produce very identikit work, and some agents are wary of that. Mostly people don't get their Masters work published, but emerge as much better writers, and their next piece just might make it.

As to good courses, it varies, of course and there's been a good deal of discussion on WW. They come in very different shapes, so it's important to work out the structure that would suit you. UEA is the best known - not least to agents - but is therefore desperately oversubscribed. Lancaster has been highly spoken of on WW, and I know two people who dropped out of Essex. I did my MPhil at Glamorgan, which is an unusual course, and suited me down to the ground, and am now doing a PhD at Goldsmiths', where the MA is very good too. Hang on in here, and I'm sure some others will chip in!

Emma

Thanks Emma,

that was really useful. You have confirmed my thoughts in many way. i have a first class degree in english, so i should be okay. i think.

good references as well i suppose.

thanks again.

dan

You're welcome, Dan. Do have a look for other threads on this subject - I know other courses were discussed, I just can't remember which!

Emma

Dan - no wonder I couldn't track it down, it's a thread I managed to start without a title. However, here's the link:

http://www.writewords.org.uk/forum/44_27842.asp

Emma

Hey, thanks Emma. i'll give it a good luck.

Much appreciated.

Dan.

<Added>

luck - yeah, i'll need that too.

i mean 'LOOK!'

hehe

Dan

The Goldsmith's one does look good.

There's been several threads about this before and I was just trying to track some of them down to post links and I can't find them. I tried putting various keywords in, including Lancaster (as that's where I did my MA so I know would have used the word), but nothing.

David? Any suggestions??

Cath

<Added>

Ah, I've sussed it. They were in the lounge so don't come up in the main search engine.

Here you go:

http://www.writewords.org.uk/forum/51_49747.asp?y=1&spage=1#50181

This link contains other links too, so plenty for you to look at!!

Aha, yes, that was the other one. Thanks, Cath.

Emma

<Added>

Sorry about the repeat. My mouse is dying of old age, and clicks rather too easily.

Aha, yes, that was the other one. Thanks, Cath.

Emma

I know that there are threads on this topic and EmmaD has kindly given her advice on this but I would like to ask if anyone knows about the online writing course (MA) at MMU?(Metropolitan Manchester University).The questions I ask are similar to Dan except that they are directed to MMU.

Many thanks

Pat