Master of Studies in Creative Writing
Differences from 2018/19 to 2021/22
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1. Every candidate must follow for at least six terms a part-time course of instruction in Creative Writing.
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2. The course will consist of lectures, seminars, workshops, individual tutorials, and a placement.
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3. The examination will consist of the following parts:
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(a) Two assignments selected from two of the genres listed in the schedule below. Assignments submitted for 1, 4, or 5 in the schedule should be no more than 2,500 words of prose. Assignments submitted for 3 in the schedule should be no more than 130 lines of poetry. Assignments submitted for 2 in the schedule should be: no more than 15 minutes (or c. 2500 words) of radio drama; between 12 and 15 minutes stage play (no more than 2,500 words); approximately 15 minutes or no more than 2,500 words of screen play.
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(b) Two critical appraisal assignments of no more than 2,500 words, selected from two of the genres listed in the schedule below.
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(c) A portfolio of creative writing which may be no more than either approximately 7,000 words of prose or approximately 350 lines of poetry; or no more than 40 minutes (or c. 7,000 words) of radio drama; or a stage play of between 35 and 40 minutes (no more than 7,500 words); or approximately 40 minutes or no more than 7,000 words of screenplay.
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(d) Two extended critical essays, one of no more than 4,000 words and one of no more than 5,000 words, the latter related to the genre in which the final project is written, and both to be approved by the candidate's supervisor.
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(e) A report on the candidate's placement of no more than 2,500 words.
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(f) A final project on a topic selected by the candidate in consultation with his or her supervisor and approved by the examiners. The final project may take the format of one of the following:
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(i) a piece of prose fiction or narrative non fiction of approximately 25,000 words;
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(ii) radio drama totalling 90 minutes or approximately 18,000 words;
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(iii) a 90-110 minutes stage play (approx. 15,000 to 23,000 words);
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(iv) a screenplay of up to two hours in length (entire); approximately 110-120 pages (12pt Courier) 25,000 words;
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(v) a ninety-minute TV play (approximately 18,000 words);
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(vi) a collection of poetry of between 40 and 60 pages and between 600 and 1,200 lines.
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Candidates may be required to attend a viva voce examination.
The second extended essay under 3(d) and the final project under 3(f) must be submitted
in hard copy and in digital copy format to be prescribed inusing thecourseUniversityhandbookapproved online assessment platform not later than noon on the thirdFridayThursday in September of the final year of the courseto the Chair of Examiners for the Degree of M.St. in Creative Writing, c/o Examination Schools, High Street, Oxford.All other elements of assessed work shall be submitted via the
Department for Continuing EducationUniversity approved onlinesubmissionassessmentsystemplatform for consideration by such dates as the examiners shall determine and shall notify the candidates and tutors at the start of each academic year.All assessed work (3(a) to 3(f)) must be accompanied by a statement that it is the candidate's own work.
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4.
maywill be permitted to resubmit work in respect of part or parts of the examination which they have failed for examination on one further occasion, not later than one year after the initial attempt.
Schedule
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1. Prose fiction
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2. Drama
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3. Poetry
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4. Narrative non-fiction
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5. Any other option approved by the Board of Study.
The schedule of assessment for any one year will be circulated to candidates and supervisors by the second week of Michaelmas Term.