MA Creative Writing and Publishing

This course is an exciting and innovative Master’s programme offered by the University of Lincoln in partnership with The Guardian. Fusing academia and creativity with industry insights, this programme offers students the opportunity to develop their skills and build a portfolio with support from an academic coach and professionals in the publishing industry. Teaching is enhanced by workshops, readings and masterclasses by acclaimed authors from a range of genres, including Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, naturalist Chris Packham, and art historian Andrew Graham Dixon. Professionals from major publishers will contribute to the teaching and support, alongside Guardian editors and writers such as Associate Editor for Culture Claire Armitstead, freelance writer Stuart Heritage, and interviewer Decca Aitkenhead. A focus on the business of publishing aims to prepare students for entering the competitive world of contemporary publishing, as well as to develop the necessary skills such as creating an elevator pitch and writing first-rate submission letters to attract publishers and agents, build an understanding of what editors are looking for, and learn about the publisher/reader relationship. Seminars and workshops are divided between sessions at The Guardian offices based in the heart of the UK’s publishing and media industries in London, and the University’s picturesque Brayford Pool Campus in the historic city of Lincoln.

Career and Personal Development: This course aims to prepare students for entering the competitive world of contemporary publishing, as well as to engage with necessary skills such as creating an elevator pitch and writing first-rate submission letters to attract publishers and agents, develop an understanding of what editors are looking for, and learn about the publisher/reader relationship. Through a combination of academic study and workshop activities, the programme can enhance the transferable skills within creative writing, preparing students for occupations in areas such as publishing, lifestyle journalism and public relations. Students will also achieve PGDip and PGCert.