Tuesday, May 30, 2006

International Programs

Hogtied in Houston writes...

In my research into graduate creative writing programs, I've come upon quite a few programs called MA in Creative and Professional Writing, or just MA in Professional Writing. Is there a difference between these programs and ones strictly calling themselves Creative Writing programs? Most of the programs I am researching are outside of the US. I'm not sure if that comes into play with the naming of degree programs.

I guess I can also throw in my second question: Should I be considering programs outside the US? My thought when I started this process last year was that I wanted to live and write somewhere outside the US. These programs seem very different in philosophy and structure from US programs which is why I am drawn to them, but my main concern is that the typical international MA program is only 1-1.5 years which doesn't seem like enough time to connect with faculty or grow as a writer. Any advice?

HiH, I've got a list of the international programs in the MFA Handbook. My overall take on them: they seem to have much less of a focus on the literature side. By that I mean: You take workshops and craft courses, and not many, if any, literature courses. I'm obviously generalizing here, but I think that accounts for the title "Professional Writing" and the length (around 1 year).

As for whether you consider these or not: I can't think of a reason why you shouldn't. Location is the most important criteria in my mind, and if your desired location is across the ocean, I'd encourage you to do your research, then go for it. Best of luck.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am an American expatriate and a lecturer in the Field of Creative Writing at the University of Gloucestershire in England, and can tell you that our new MA scheme is NOT limited to endless workshopping.

In fact, we designed it as an alternative to that model, which we have found effective -- but in moderation, and supported by challenging reading and critical analysis.

Literature and theory are important quotients, and the course itself is called "Creative and Critical Writing."

Option material includes "translation and adaptation" (our faculty at present includes two poets who have also published translations) and a course on theories of creativity.

We are definitely a cosmopolitan Creative Writing program, with students (BA at present) from the UK, US, Ireland, Germany, Cyprus, Africa and South America, and full-time lecturers from Ireland, the US, and Bangladesh.

To find out more, please visit our website:

www.glos.ac.uk/subjectsandcourses/postgraduatetaught/ccw/entry2006.cfm

Anonymous said...

Hi, I'm a U.S. expatriate currently living and working in Japan, and a writer, of course. I was planning to return to the U.S. to get an M.F.A. but recently started dreading the thought and entertaining the idea of getting one abroad. So anyway, I was wondering how if anyone knows about how financial stuff works out if you enroll in a foreign university. They don't offer grants, scholarships, fellowships, TA ships, or any of that jazz to foreigner's, do they? Would it be a much more expensive option?

I'd appreciate ANY info on the matter. Even one sentence answers with no verifiable proof. Thank you! :) You can email me at Karisma@ucla.edu or post it here.

-Karisma

Tim said...

Or how about just a more comprehensive list of international programs. Tom's has been helpful, but I'm assuming it's not complete, now 3 years after publication. If you have info please e-mail me at tharvey81@yahoo.com. Thanks!

kronic said...

I'm looking for international writing programs (in the UK) and the link the the MFA handbook doesn't seem to work. Is there an updated list anywhere?

Jane said...

You'll find the first MFA in the UK at Kingston U at http://www.kingston.ac.uk/pgcreativewritingmfa/

Asia's first MFA is about to be announced. You can find out more in a couple of weeks on www.apwriters.com

Jane

KingstonMFA said...

The Creative Writing MA (1yr) and MFA (2yr) at Kingston University in London are craft focused, but also do have some literary theory and plenty of reading as part of the course. While you are not required to do strict literature modules (classes) you will be looking critically at all sorts of literature - as should any writer.

You can find the program at www.kingston.ac.uk/postgraduate-course/creative-writing-mfa/

And the students of Kingston's MFA blog at www.NoDeadWhiteMen.com, tweet from @KingstonMFA and are on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kingston-University-MFA-Writers/144654935691051

We love chatting to prospective students, so come see what we're all about!