What will I learn on this module?
This module will look at creativity in terms of four main areas: History, Psychology, Culture and Practice. The historical dimension will be a consideration of how creativity grew as a concept, particularly since the 18th-century. The second strand would look at psychological thinking about creativity, e.g. in the light of modern neuroscience. The third looks at ideas of creativity as expressed by practitioners in specific contexts, e.g. visual arts, music and literature, but also non-artistic areas such as science and business. The fourth strand places an emphasis on you exploring your own creativity through exercises and tasks, and ideas generated by themselves.
How will I learn on this module?
The module will be taught through seminars and two individual tutorials. Seminars will introduce you to key concepts and practices of creativity in Creative Writing, with particular focus on the four themes of History, Psychology, Culture and Practice. Workshop sessions will provide opportunities to gain peer and tutor feedback on proposals and creative work. Individual tutorials and advice on independent learning will support the development of effective creative practice. Appropriate use will be made of the eLP to ensure students have all materials necessary for their learning, and, where appropriate, for use by students as a forum for exchange of draft work.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will receive support from the module tutor, and can also seek support from the programme director and your guidance tutor.
Advice and support will be provided in lectures, seminars and individual tutorials and through tutor and peer feedback in groups on the development of creative and critical projects. You also have access to specialised services provided by central university departments and close and effective links have been developed with student’s services, the career service, the library and information services and the students union. You are encouraged to meet and discuss your work outside the programme.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Understand creativity as historical, psychological and practical concept
2. Understand the significance of creativity in artistic and other fields
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Be able to recognise creativity in literary texts
4. Be able to apply specific techniques for fostering creativity in writing
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Sensitivity when sharing ideas in workshops and tutorials
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment: formative feedback will be offered in two half hour tutorials, as well as through seminar and written feedback on draft material. MLO 1-5
Summative assessment will be through submission of a portfolio of 5000 words accompanied by a commentary of 1000 words. MLO 1-4
1,000 words of prose will be treated as equivalent to 5 pages of script or 40 lines of poetry.
Feedback on summative work will be delivered according to the existing protocols of the Department of Humanities: all assessments are anonymized and moderated with feedback (with comments on feedback sheets) returned to the student with the final moderated grade. Feedback will encourage and facilitate reflective learning through the feedback sheet grid which pinpoints particular areas of strengths/weakness and the narrative comments which encourage students to consider how they have succeeded and how they can improve.
Pre-requisite(s)
none
Co-requisite(s)
none
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
Credits 30
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
1 other options available
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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