If students hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet the entry requirements for a master’s, a Pre-Master’s can help them gain a place on a postgraduate degree. For progression to the 1st year of a postgraduate degree at the University of Essex. Course length is determined mainly by students English language level (UKVI IELTS score).

Students on all course lengths take a set of common or similar modules to gain a solid base of skills for university. If their course is longer than 2 terms, students will take additional modules designed to improve one or more of their English language level, academic skills, and basic knowledge of particular subjects.

Master of Arts - Creative Writing

This challenging, practice-based course offers students a unique approach to the practice of writing, emphasizing innovation and experimentation in their work.

In the University of Essex MA Creative Writing, students deepen their knowledge of literary tradition, exploring different modes and genres in order to develop their own creative and expressive written skills. They expand students' use of creative writing techniques and improve their critical judgment of their own work.

The course encourages students to develop their writing by stepping outside their comfort zone and discovering the different approaches to verbal art that are possible today. This will invigorate the student's own practice, whether they are writing psychogeography, plays, novels, stories or something else. Students will choose from a variety of modules, covering topics such as: development of a novel plan, experimental language play of the Oulipo group, psychogeography, poetic practice across writing, performing and visual.

To help students hone their craft, Essex also hosts a Royal Literary Fund Fellow, professional writers on-hand to help students develop their writing on a one-to-one basis, and regularly host talks and readings by visiting writers.

Essex has nurtured a long tradition of distinguished authors whose work has shaped literature as it is known today, from past giants such as the American poets Robert Lowell and Ted Berrigan, to contemporary writers such as mythographer and novelist Dame Marina Warner, and Booker Prize winner Ben Okri.

Many of Essex's students have gone on to successfully publish their work, notable recent alumni including: Ida Lokas, Alexia Casale, Elaine Ewart, Patricia Borlenghi, and Petra McQueen.