What will I learn on this module?
On this module you will learn the basic techniques used in the writing of creative text. Through discussion and analysis of examples you will develop an understanding of different kinds of narrative structure and poetic form. This will form the basis for your development in reading as a writer. In the practice of drafting your own creative work, (in workshop exercises and in crafting and drafting your own creative work), you will learn how to research your projects, and also learn about the technical requirements of different forms of text, the creative process required to draft creative work, and the practice-based concepts and terminology involved in reflecting critically on your own creative practice. You will develop a practical understanding of how to offer critical feedback on your peers’ work and how to edit your own.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through workshops and tutorials. In workshops you will learn through tutor presentation, through your own writing practice and through discussion of both published texts and of your own draft work. Workshops will focus on specific aspects of writing, and workshop writing exercises will give you the opportunity to explore and try out these aspects (eg point of view). You will be able to gain tutor feedback on your own draft work during one to one tutorials. Appropriate use will be made of the VLE 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 their 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. Show an advanced understanding of practice-based approaches to creative practice and be able to engage with them in original creative work
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Show the ability to deploy revision techniques to produce a sophisticated, coherent and sustained piece of creative writing
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
3. Ability to research and produce work independently and manage your own project
4. Demonstrate the ability to respond to critical feedback in a considered, practical manner, and to offer equally rigorous and sensitive feedback to others through workshopping
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. This will meet MLO 4
Summative assessment will be through submission of a portfolio with 3 components: two pieces of creative work, in two different forms (eg. 1st: fiction 2nd: script), each of 2500 words or equivalent; plus 1 commentary referencing both pieces of creative work. The portfolio will carry a single overall mark. This will meet MLO 1-3.
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 2 years Part 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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