This Post Graduate Certificate offers an exciting, mixed-genre approach to writing, allowing students to hone their writing through critical creative practice. The two modules combine to support writers’ development, allowing students fertile ground for experimentation and the possibility to break out of old forms and traditional restrictions. The programme offers a supportive environment lead by published authors with experience across genres.

The PG Certificate in Writing: Imaginative Practice offers an exciting, mixed-genre approach to creative writing, allowing students to hone their writing skills through critical creative practice.

• It is offered as a part-time programme, in the evenings, and is taught by a team of renowned writers with international experience.
• There is a focus on new writing, expand personal frontiers and  creating hybrid forms.
• There is an emphasis on producing work for publication/performance/production that expresses contemporary writing and the cosmopolitan and international flavour of east London.
• The programme includes interdisciplinary workshops examining drama, new media, film, fiction, and new poetic forms.
• Students are encouraged to explore working through and processing experience as a platform for creative written work; and on Adaptation, across genres.
• There is an opportunity to progress on to complete a full MA at our Stratford campus, or via online delivery.
• The programme includes instruction on dissemination of outputs, including an examination of the issues surrounding access to distribution channels, agents, publishing, performance contexts, and alternatives to traditional avenues, including the Internet and the future of publishing.

Instruction on dissemination of outputs, including an examination of the issues surrounding access to distribution channels, agents, publishing, performance contexts, and alternatives to traditional avenues, including the Internet and the future of publishing.

Normally, we require a related first degree (2.1), in addition to an interview and submission of a writing sample. Mature applicants with a degree or equivalent experience, who may not meet the entrance criteria above, but who can demonstrate their potential as writers and a strong desire to participate in the programme, are encouraged to apply. This programme requires an excellent standard of English. If English is not your first language, we require that you demonstrate your English language skills by achieving an overall IELTS score of 7.0, including a minimum of 7.0 for the written element.

The programme runs over two semesters. Semester A and B run for 12 weeks each. Classes will be held in the evenings to accommodate part-time students and those who are employed during the day. There are one to one tutorials throughout the academic year. The programme at No1 Heron Quays can be taken on a part time basis ONLY.

Part-time students:

Year 1:

Semester A : Experience
Semester B: Adaptation

The core of the programme is the development of students’ writing through workshops, small seminars and tutorials. Students take core modules in realism and adaptation. Each module is divided into a writing segment where students present and discuss their writing, and a critical segment in which essential works are given close readings, and where elements of writerly craft are explored through exercises and presentation. As a result, students engage in both writing and literature -- the creative and critical aspects of the programme.

Assessment is done informally on an on-going basis during workshops, and formally in module-specific assessments of students’ written output. Principles of assessment include the following:

• Emphasis on self-editing – demonstrating evidence of several levels of revision
• Demonstration of engagement with research, observation, structuring, development of voice and refinement of style.
• Critical analysis should contextualise your work within the genre as well as in relation to contemporary authors and published work.
• Evidence of collaboration or interaction in research or development of work with your tutor and via other sources of feedback, including fellow students
•  Evidence of use forms and structures in different contexts
• Critical Reading and analysis of published work
• Self-reflective critique: evaluation should discuss formative elements over the course of the programme.

It may be that developing writing is understood as a personal vocation, and as an alternative to the work-based tasks you deal with each day. However, completing the programme will enhance any CV, as well as providing a space for creativity, personal development and an enjoyable, supportive environment for producing good work.

Many of the skills students will acquire during via this programme will be highly valued in the workplace: clarity of expression and accuracy in written work, for example, and the ability to critically examine, analyse and reflect. In addition, during the course of your degree you will develop skills that are essential to any profession: self management, organisation and planning, the ability to work collaboratively, and to attend to both the smaller details and the larger picture. Concrete advice on publication and the structure of the writing industries will be available.

While the programme will provide the groundwork for future novelists and writers working in poetic forms there will also be, among the graduates, emerging dramaturges, with skills in script development and an engagement in critical approaches to performance writing. These skills can lead to careers in both the performing arts and the radio, film and television industry as script readers and editors, as well as providing a firm foundation for those interested in becoming future theatre directors, playwrights, and screenwriters.

• Support from (personal tutor) and programme leader
• Individual feedback on your writing
• Individual tutorials from module leader and seminar tutor
• Research as practice training, skills support, including IT and learning resources
• Full access to University-wide support network, including student finance advice, careers advice, and help from the Student Support Helpdesk.
• Guest lectures from established writers across genres
• Access to Royal Literary Fund Fellow in UEL Writing Centre (Docklands)

• Guest lectures from professional writers, agents, producers and publishers
• Annual Literary Festival
• Writing Centre for activities, support and international exchanges
• E-zine of Students’ Writing
• All tutors are practising professionals in their field
• Small student cohort; individual attention
• Location: exciting new micro-campus @No1 Heron Quays, East London