Here's the course information about the MA Creative Writing at Birkbeck. The course is run by the School of English and Humanities and any course-related queries should be directed to the course secretary Anne-Marie Taylor.

*PLEASE NOTE: We are now taking applications for 2009/10 for interviews in March/April. We are usually full by June, although there are sometimes a few places available in August.

The MA programme will enable talented and experienced writers to develop their craft through workshops, seminars and one-to-one tutorials and to complete with the guidance of published writers, a dissertation in either: Fiction, or Biography and Life Writing. This MA programme, with its well established reputation for teaching fiction writing, is now expanding to include provision for biographical and life writing. Students who chose the life writing/biography genre will be given an analytical introduction to the disciplinary history, theory and techniques of writing non-fiction. Staff will provide skills training in research methodology and life-writing narrative in biography, memoir, and the non-fiction novel. The programme will also focus on contemporary writing and the literary marketplace.

The Master's Programme in Creative Writing produces annual literary magazine, called The Mechanics' Institute Review.

Students are eligible to take part in two extensions of the programme: writLOUD, a monthly readings event showcasing both new authors from Birkbeck’s creative writing courses and established writers; and workshops on reading their work aloud in front of an audience. For more information about writLOUD, see www.bbk.ac.uk/writloud.

Duration
Two years part-time or one year full-time.

Attendance
One evening a week part-time; two evenings a week full-time. October–September.

Entry requirements
Applicants should have a good honours degree. This requirement may be waived if students can demonstrate exceptional talent. Applicants must submit a portfolio of work and a personal statement in which they discuss their current writing, present ideas for future projects and place their work in the context of contemporary writing. Students are selected on the basis of their portfolio and statement, an interview and their degree. If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent is required.

When to apply
You should apply as early as possible.

How to apply
On-line applications for 2008/2009 entry will be available from January 2008.

Contact for enquiries
School of  English and Humanities
tel: 020 7079 0689
email: office@eng.bbk.ac.uk
www.bbk.ac.uk/eh/