A Comparison of Student Experiences in Focused and General Creative Writing MAs

摘要

At present, Brunei University offers two Creative Writing MAs, one that is focused on novel writing (MA Creative Writing: The Novel) and a second with a broader remit that covers fiction writing, imaginative non-fiction, feature journalism, screenwriting, community writing projects and the emerging pedagogy of this subject (MA Creative & Professional Writing.) I have taught on both MAs, playing a substantial role in shaping the syllabus for both courses and have been struck by the difference between the experiences, vocational ambitions and aspirations of the students who take each programme. This paper explores some of these differences and their potential implications.