The program requires students to complete 96 units of credit made up of coursework and a thesis.

Master of Arts by Research in Creative Writing

This is a research degree with a coursework component which is typically completed in one-and-a-half to two years full-time. Students are required to undertake a supervised reading programme and complete two subjects from the MA (Pass) coursework degree in Creative Writing. The thesis which students submit from examination is comprised of two separate but related parts: a Creative Work of 15-20,000 words; and an accompanying Critical Component of 15,000 words which demonstrates a scholarly engagement with an area of research relevant to the Creative Work.

The MA by research is designed for students who wish to develop their skills in writing and produce a substantial piece of writing at a professional level. It is a good re-entry degree for students, with the coursework subjects offering regular contact with other students and the opportunity to work in a group workshop environment. The degree will qualify students for further study at the doctoral level, and in some circumstances, if exceptional progress is shown, students may be allowed to upgrade to a PhD after the first year of their candidature.

In the first year of study, a full-time student in the program would normally enrol in four coursework courses (in consultation with their supervisor. The second year of study concentrates on the completion of a 30,000 word thesis.

Students may also undertake a Master by Research in Creative Writing.

For information about the MA by Research (English) program including coursework options please contact:

Dr Paul Dawson
School of English, Media and Performing Arts
Email: paul.dawson@unsw.edu.au