Creative Writing University of Derby

Overview

University of Derby 's   Creative Writing programme will develop your creative writing; be that in prose, poetry, life writing, creative non-fiction, script-writing for films, plays or video games or any combination of the above and more!

Key facts

• Creative Writing for Gaming focuses on script and narrative design in a variety of games (such as role playing games and video games)

• Creative Writing with Publishing enables students to work on book production by taking modules from our MA in Publishing.

• The degree has a strong focus on employability. Students get the opportunity to pitch their work to a literary agent. Plus they receive advice from experienced writers including guidance on contracts and tax, the business of publishing and how to run a workshop.

• The course gives all students the opportunity to undertake arranged work experience in the arts or in communication. In 2022/2023, students were given the opportunity to work on the prestigious Writer’s Conference with the organisation Writing East Midlands. Graduates leave this MA with a portfolio of their own writing, prepared for a career as arts professionals or for progression to doctoral level study and teaching.

• In 2019/20, we had talks from twenty guest speakers and students took part in writing retreats, each with a guest lecture on writing and publishing. Our students have learnt from poets and novelists, literary agents and established screenwriters. In recent years we have had guest lectures by Dan Abnett, Meg Clothier, Sarah Dunnakey, Tom James, Momtaza Mehri, Natalie Olah, JT Welsch and James Wills.

Careers

• Our programme is unique in being orientated towards your future as a writer whilst pushing you creatively and conceptually. Beyond working as a writer and an arts professional, you can consider several other options, such as freelancing or setting us a business in the arts, and your tutors and the University Careers and Employment Service will be happy to explore these with you. The MA Creative Writing will prepare you for a wide variety of roles and positions while the Careers and Employment Service will advise you on all of these possibilities. The University also offers business incubation units for graduates.