About Creative Writing
Creative Writing at the University of Essex
Since its inception under the poet Donald Davie in the 1960s, the
Department of Literature, Film, and
Theatre Studies at the University of Essex has nurtured a long tradition of
distinguished writers, who have played their part in shaping the department both
as teachers and students, among them Robert Lowell, Michèle Roberts, Ken Smith,
Tom Raworth, Ed Dorn,
Ben Okri and Ted Berrigan, voices whose work has shaped literature as we know it
today.
With the launch of a BA Creative Writing in 2005 and an
MA Creative
Writing in 2009, creative writing has quickly established itself as a central
and exciting part of the curriculum at Essex,
with a thriving undergraduate and postgraduate community, at both MA and PhD
levels.
Creative Writing Team
The Creative Writing teaching team has a unique breadth
of experience in the literature of different cultures and different forms,
including novels, short stories, poetry, translation, theatre writing and
science fiction. Current teaching staff include :
BA Creative Writing
This exciting degree combines theory and practice to give an all round
experience of becoming a writer. A wide variety of modules unique to Essex offer
students an unparalleled breadth of knowledge in areas from surrealism and
science fiction to playwriting and creative non-fiction.
"The range of skills taught on the course have not only benefited my own
personal writing endeavours, but have furnished me with a skill-set that has
enhanced my employability in the publishing sector." (Joshua Grocott)
MA Creative Writing
Taking its cue from Pound's "make it new" this groundbreaking MA degree
places an emphasis on innovation and experiment. A combination of readings and
writings across a range of options, including psychogeography and memory
mapping, fairy tale and innovative poetic practice, encourages students to step
outside their comfort zones and write the books of tomorrow today.
"Studying Creative Writing at Essex has led me to explore all
kinds of expressive avenues ... It really is a triumphant smorgasbord of a
course, and one in which I have thoroughly enjoyed." (David Felton)
PhD Creative Writing
The Essex PhD in Creative Writing involves a combination of critical work
and original creative writing, which could be poetry, fiction, theatre,
screenwriting, or some other form, such as psychogeography.
More about the Department
Languages for All
As a University of Essex student, you can also study a language alongside your course for free as part of the Languages for All scheme.