The Creative Writing MA at City, University of London

If you are looking to get ideas or information on accommodation, the visa application process, library services, getting to campus, international student life or life on campus, then please stop reading and head back to the main City, University of London website!

From the day I found out about the Creative Writing MA programme at City, to starting an online application, to getting my CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), to booking accommodation – the primary resource I used was the City, University of London website. The website was enough and on the rare occasion when it wasn’t, I always got a quick and informed response to my e-mails from City staff. So, it is safe to say that you are covered when it comes to logistical and administrative matters.

With that caveat, I welcome you to this blog post. I am a student of the Creative Writing (Novels) MA at City. There aren’t more than a dozen students on the programme (give or take a few) each year and unlike most postgraduate programmes, this is a two year full-time MA and perhaps the only programme of its kind that demands a full-length novel as dissertation.

Given these peculiarities, it is likely that many of you will stop reading this post here, while others who are considering the Creative Writing MA or have applied for it or have been offered admission will read on. And if you fall in that sliver of an intersecting set, you are perhaps seeking (like I was, two years ago) some affirmation for the basis of your decision.

Here are some of my reasons for taking the Creative Writing MA programme at City. I find these reasons stand valid still, as the programme comes to a close:

1. You need two years to find your novel-writing habits. The programme gives you enough exercise to develop the writing muscle.
2. You need two years to write a novel. The only way to train to be a novelist is to write a novel, and two years is quite a reasonable time for the average writer to punch out an acceptable first draft.
3. Instead of simply producing a short portfolio at the end of the programme, the writer is compelled to create a full-length work, which provides substantial momentum and confidence to create more.

Perhaps you are also wondering if you should already have an idea for a novel when you enter the programme. It isn’t necessary. The programme can help you choose if you have more than one ideas. But what you need to be absolutely sure of when you apply or sign up is that you definitely want to write a novel.