MA Wild Writing: Literature, Landscape and the Environment

The MA Wild Writing at the University of Essex is a postgraduate course that explores the relationship between literature, landscape, and the environment. This unique program allows students to develop their writing skills, both creative and critical, while examining the ways in which the natural world has been represented in literature.

Overview

• Start Date: October 2026
• Study Mode: Full-time, Part-time
• Duration: 1 year (full-time)
• Location: Colchester Campus
• Based in: Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies

The course is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the key environmental challenges facing the world today, while also developing their own approaches to writing about the wild. Through a combination of modules, field trips, and research-led teaching, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between literature, landscape, and the environment.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 degree in one of the following subjects:
  • American Studies
  • Art History
  • Creative Writing
  • Film and Media Studies
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Modern Languages
  • Music
  • Performance Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Sociology
  • Theatre/Drama Studies

International & EU Entry Requirements

The University of Essex accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. For specific requirements, it is recommended to contact the Graduate Admissions team.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum component score of 6.5 in writing and 5.5 in all other components.

Structure

The course structure includes a combination of core and optional modules, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of wild writing and its various forms.

Components

• Dissertation - Wild Writing (80 credits): The centrepiece of the MA work, allowing students to develop and demonstrate their skills as academic researchers and scholarly authors.
• The New Nature Writing (20 credits): Approaching writing about the natural world through a series of three-week units on subjects such as trees, marshes, coasts, and birds.
• Dissertation Preparation: Postgraduate Research and Writing Skills (20 credits): Examining a variety of research methods and methodologies, building the research skills and understanding needed to complete the postgraduate-level research project.
• Creative Writing Workshop (20 credits): A participatory workshop where students receive peer-to-peer feedback on their work, developing creative best practice and learning how to provide constructive comments.
• Memory Maps: Practices in Psychogeography (20 credits): Exploring the spirit of place through a tradition of "psychogeography," allowing students to develop their critical and creative writing about place.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching: Emphasis on practice, with field trips to the local area, visits from authors, and seminars that may include introductions, presentations, and discussion based on a programme of reading.
• Assessment: Literature modules are assessed by essays of 4,000-5,000 words, combining a creative piece and critical commentary. The dissertation takes the form of either a critical essay or a creative piece with an accompanying critical commentary.

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK Fee: £11,025
• International Fee: £23,875
• Scholarships and Financial Support: Available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

After completing the MA Wild Writing, graduates have gone on to successful careers as writers, practicing artists, scholars, or environmentalists. The University of Essex works with its Careers Services to help students find further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities. Supervision for PhD, MPhil, and MA by Dissertation in different literatures and approaches to literature is also offered.

University of Essex

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Overview:

The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.

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Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Student Support:

A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Careers and Employability:

The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.

Essex Sport:

A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.

Faith:

The university provides support for students of all faiths.

Cost of Living Support:

The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.

Excellent Research:

The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Excellent Student Support:

The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

Beautiful Campus:

The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.

Postgraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.

Short Courses and CPD:

The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.

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Other:

The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.

The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.