Master of Arts - Professional Writing

The Professional Writing 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. It will also allow them to explore the history and future of writing and the writing industries from a variety of perspectives, and to develop their own interests and specialisms. On the course students examine the changing role of professional writing through historical and theoretical debates and examples of contemporary professional practice across languages. From the story of the book to multimedia journalism, the course modules will allow students to develop their skills and interests in a range of relevant professional contexts. They'll be taught through seminars, one-to-one and small group tutorials, practical sessions and workshops, together with independent, student-directed study where students develop their own project or special topic with the help of an expert mentor. Students will work with academics, practitioners and industry professionals to gain an understanding of vocational issues, practices and concerns, and will build up a network of contacts and connections within their chosen industries.

Students can also choose to study this course with an extended work placement where they'll have the opportunity to take a placement/internship of 550 hours in a professional work environment, in addition to the taught components of the course.