MA in Creative Writing

Introduction

The University of Limerick is now offering a Master of Arts in Creative Writing. This one-year programme enables students to develop their skills in creative writing through careful consideration of the work of established writers; through study of the elements and formal structures of a piece of creative writing; through assignments that enable students to employ and master strategies for revision and refinement of their work; and through an understanding of the requirements of the submission and publication process. Through coursework students will consider the role of plot, characterization, dialogue, and point-of-view in crafting compelling fiction and drama; they will consider how figurative language, syntax, rhythm and imagery contribute to a poem’s meaning; they will learn the different conventions associated with non-fictional forms.  Students will gain practical experience and application of these skills in the development of the English on-line journal The Ogham Stone and in the preparation of their dissertation portfolio. Ireland has a distinguished record of generating some of the twentieth century’s most original and accomplished writers. Limerick is Ireland’s National City of Culture for 2014.  The city has a rich history in creative writing, memorialized in the Frank McCourt museum, and celebrated annually with several literary festivals – the Kate O’Brien festival; Eigse Michael Hartnett, Poetry, Arts, and Literary Festival; and Cuisle, the Limerick International Poetry Festival. – See more at: http://www.ul.ie/graduateschool/course/creative-writing-ma

Joseph O’Connor – Frank McCourt Chair in Creative Writing

Students of the MA in Creative Writing will work closely with UL’s new Frank McCourt Chair in Creative Writing, Joseph O’Connor.  Prof. O’Connor is the author of eight novels including Cowboys and Indians, Star of the Sea and the The Thrill of It All as well as two collections of short stories, and a number of bestselling works of non-fiction.  For further information on Prof. O’Connor visit his website.

Programme Content

^*Note: The dissertation will consist of original creative work that demonstrates the student’s mastery 
of the taught elements of the programme. The dissertation may consist of one genre (poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama) or may combine two.
The dissertation strand for each genre is as follows: 30 poems or 30 pages of poetry; 15,000 words of fiction; 15,000 words of nonfiction; one complete script of no more than 90 pages and no fewer than 60. A multi-genre portfolio of creative work may be submitted.

Fees 2014/15: EU Students €4,588; Non EU €10,708

Scholarships and Fee Waivers:  The Thomas and Ellen O’Connor Scholarship and the Riverdream Scolarship are available to pay the fees of an Irish Student.  For further information see the attached brochure or contact ahsspg@ul.ie.