Writing Journeys

Via a mix of travel writing and memoir, we will explore and depict the experience of leaving and arriving, retracing and returning, maps and navigation, getting lost and getting found, making discoveries, seeking alternative routes, accruing travel companions; surmounting obstacles, and learning lessons.

The idea of journey will be broad ranging, from the annual pilgrimage to the Monday commute, the family holiday to the spiritual quest, the mighty marathons to the local meanderings, the safari treks to the daily school run.

Of course, you can’t have the physical without the psychological and so, as well, we will consider the journey as an internal experience, an agent for change, a means of growth, and a device for character revelation.

This course is suitable for writers of any level of experience and will be taught in an environment which is unconditionally warm and supportive.

Learning and teaching

The module will be delivered through ten 2-hour sessions, made up of workshops, class discussions, and small group work.

Syllabus

Typically, the syllabus will comprise of a variety of exercises, reading of texts, tutor-led discussion, the sharing of student work, and will cover genres such as micro-fiction, the short story, the novel and poetry.

Coursework and assessment

To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved.

Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.

The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning.

Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.

You will complete a creative writing portfolio and will write reflectively about your own process. The portfolio will be around 1500-2000 words in length.

Reading suggestions

You will be provided with comprehensive reading suggestions at the beginning of the course. No pre-reading is required.

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.