Creative Writing and Wellbeing (Online) MA

Course overview

Are you interested in the ways that creative writing can be used as a tool for wellbeing? Perhaps you already work with creative writing in this context or maybe you’d like to find out more about this growing field of practice and research? You may be employed in education, youth work, health and social care or as a counsellor or therapist or you may simply be interested in exploring the role of writing in your own life and self-development.

This unique course explores the meeting points between writing, identity, health, wellbeing and personal and professional development. You will gain knowledge and understanding of the theoretical, critical and practical frameworks for using creative and reflective writing for greater wellbeing in a range of settings and in your own life. Alongside developing your own creative writing skills, you will think through the particular challenges and ethical concerns around creating safe spaces in which people can explore their writing.

Tutors are practising creative writers and experienced researcher-practitioners of writing in wellbeing contexts, who are pioneering this field of knowledge. The emphasis is on developing both practical writing techniques and facilitation skills, whilst gaining an understanding of your own work and practice within a critical context and framework.

How you are assessed:

Each taught 30-credit module is assessed against clear learning outcomes through written assignments, usually consisting of both creative work and some critical or reflective work. Writing and Groups also includes assessment of your facilitation of a short writing session for your peers in a supportive environment. In addition to the taught modules, you produce a final project (60-credits) in your chosen form and genre.

Career opportunities:

Graduates of the MA (Distance Learning) in Creative Writing and Wellbeing may already be working in a number of helping professions where they could apply their new skills, eg health and social care, education, youth work, counselling or psychotherapy; or may go on to consider further training in these areas.

You may go on to develop your careers in the broad area of arts and health, medical humanities and/or professional writing, including further study or research to PhD level. Alternatively, this course may enrich your own personal and professional skills.