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West Dean College: Creative Writing and Publishing (MFA)

Institution West Dean College View institution profile
Department School of Arts
Web https://www.westdean.ac.uk/
Email study@westdean.ac.uk
Telephone 01243 818300
Study type Taught

Summary

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programme is designed to follow on from the established MA in Creative Writing and Publishing. It provides a high-level pathway aimed at emerging writers who wish to complete work-in-progress to a publishable standard. This MFA is unique in providing a supportive context specifically designed to support you to finish your unfinished novel.

You will already have completed the MA in Creative Writing and Publishing at West Dean and produced a body of work to a high standard. The MFA offers an ongoing, dynamic and intensive programme that will support you to a professional conclusion.

The MFA is delivered over one year and comprises of four intensive study blocks and one extended writing retreat, supported in between with online tutorials and mentoring. Teaching focuses on advanced skills development in areas such as narrative arc, consistency of voice, refinement, pacing and editing. Additionally, the programme provides a framework through which to address and navigate the ‘blocks’ that writers typically encounter.

The MFA benefits from a similar model to the MA, requiring the regular submission of your work to tutors who will offer considered and constructive feedback as well as one-on-one tutorials. Alongside this, you will develop your reflective practice, articulating your learning and individual process to enable you to independently apply your skills to future projects beyond the MFA.

Learning environment

  • Attend four 3-day intensive blocks of workshops, lectures and tutorials (over one year) and one intensive 5-day writing retreat

  • Excellent staff: student ratio

  • One-to-one tutorials with a personal tutor as part of every study block

  • Intensive practical workshops that support the development of your work

  • Receive professional input from publishers and agents

  • Be part of an active writing community with regular high-profile writers-in-residence

  • A supportive and individualised approach to your learning and the development of your craft

What to expect

  • Focus on your work in progress with the aim of completing your book

  • Continue to develop your writing, editing and critical skills and develop a clear understanding of genre

  • Benefit from teaching and support from publishers and how to market your work.

  • Further develop and articulate a critical insight into your own writing process, challenges, strengths and direction.

  • Learn from a range of published writers and industry experts in a way that enhances your development as an emerging writer.

Master of Fine Arts - MFA (PG)

Where makers make progress

From conservation to art and design, our full and part-time degree and diploma courses help you turn an interest into a skill and an ambition into a career. Study in well-equipped workshops where the small class sizes mean you get even more time with experienced tutors. Places are limited, but the possibilities are endless.

West DeanWest Dean

West Dean College has an international reputation for excellence in practice-based education across its three academic Schools, Arts, Conservation and Design. Validated by the University of Sussex, our courses include Foundation Diplomas, Graduate and Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters …

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