C04244v1 Master of Arts in Non-fiction Writing

Overview

The Master of Arts in Non-fiction Writing is designed for experienced writers who are prepared to undertake advanced work in the growing field of non-fiction. In Australia, the non-fiction book market is much larger than the fiction market.

The course builds on the research and teaching strengths in areas of creative writing, journalism, media arts and production, and information and knowledge management.

It focuses on writing and research skills including identifying a subject, using archives, examining methods, exploring genres and structuring material for a full-length non-fiction book. In this course, non-fiction includes biography, life writing, true crime, travel writing, sports writing, the personal essay and other forms of sustained and structured non-fiction narrative. Students can study one genre in depth or explore a range of genres and media.

Students learn valuable skills and work towards developing a major project under the guidance of an academic faculty member with expertise in non-fiction.

Course aims

Graduates of this course develop:

• general and specific skills in non-fiction writing across a range of genres
• an ability to develop and critically revise their own work
• an ability to structure and sustain a book-length narrative
• an understanding of the relationships of writing practice and publication across a range of media and contemporary cultural forms
• a critical knowledge of aesthetic debates and modern developments in non-fiction, and
• an ability to think creatively and critically.

Career options

Career options include biographical and historical writing, freelance writing and editing, life writing, media research, publishing, professional writing, true crime writing, and editing in cultural organisations or government departments.

Credit recognition

Previous study is assessed at the time of application to determine whether completed study satisfies course completion requirements.

Course duration and attendance

The course is offered on a one-and-a-half-year, full-time or two-and-a-half-year, part-time basis.

Course structure

The course comprises 72 credit points, made up of five core subjects and three elective/sub-major subjects. Students may select subjects beyond the lists of elective subjects with the approval of the graduate adviser. Not all subjects are available each semester.

Full-time students are required to undertake 24 credit points a semester. Part-time students should undertake 8 or 16 credit points a semester.

Course program

Example programs are shown below.

Other information

Further information is available from the UTS Student Centre on: