Master of Arts - Professional Writing (Placement Year)

The Professional Writing with Extended Work Placement MA is designed for those who want to turn their love of words and writing into a dynamic and fulfilling career. It will give students the skills, motivation, networks and connections to work across a wide variety of industries – in publishing, journalism, public relations, advertising, as literary agents, copywriters and copyeditors. The course takes a broad, holistic view of writing, because writing is not just about writing. It is about editing, about working with the words of others and with other languages, it is about the reader, it is about the form into which the words are packaged. It is about essays and tweets, novels and headlines, criticism and advertising, prizes and publicity. As a result, the course brings together the combined expertise of English, Creative Writing, Media, Communication, and Film and Cultural Studies to offer a truly interdisciplinary MA. On the Professional Writing with Extended Work Placement MA students will undertake a work placement or internship of 550 hours, during a 12-month period, in a professional work environment of their choice. Although the University is not able to guarantee a placement, students will be supported to find a suitable position that appeals to students interest and specialism. Whilst on placement, students professional work will be directed by a mentor/manager within the host organisation and an academic supervisor will conduct regular tutorials to facilitate the critical, reflective learning. Upon successfully completing the module, students will achieve an extra 60 credits and will be awarded the Professional Writing with Extended Work Placement MA. For more detailed information about the course and work placement, please refer to the programme specification.

Students placement or internship will be a sandwich element in addition to the taught component of the course. They'll complete their dissertation or project after the end of the placement. Students will be expected to secure their own placement or internship by the end of the second semester and will be fully supported by the course team and the Career Development Centre in doing so. During the first semester, a series of coaching sessions will of support in making applications and regular tutorials throughout the placement ensure contact with the course team. Placements or internships need to be 550 hours (minimum) in a professional work environment in a context related to professional writing. If a placement cannot be secured, students will be transferred to the MA Professional Writing.