So. I’m pondering whether I should enrol on a bachelor’s degree in creative writing or a master’s. I must admit it, my writing is very basic… I mean, very basic.
The thing is, I’ve learnt about literary devices, foreshadowing, motifs and tropes, and other things I could use in my creative writing, but this was years and years ago. What do they say? You use it or you lose it. Just like my BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences, I’ve forgotten a lot of what I’ve learnt, and I’m essentially starting from scratch!
Recently (like in the last two days), I’ve gone back to basics. I’m looking at GCSE English Language resources. I found a YouTuber who broke down the exam in such a simple way; I wish I had him when I was taking my GCSE English exam donkeys years ago! There was no YouTube then. I got two Bs in GCSE English Language and Literature. I’ll soon start reading the set texts for GCSE English Literature, and once I feel accomplished in GCSE English, I’ll move onto A Level English Language and Literature.
If I want to start the MA in Creative Writing and Wellbeing, I have until May 2026 to learn all this stuff. I could enrol at a later date, but I’m not sure whether the course will still be around, and it’s so cheap compared to other master’s courses. I’d be devastated if they stopped teaching the course! Also, the May date is because of the reasons listed in this post.
So, the BA (Hons). I’m considering it because I can get a bursary for 75% off the full fees. This is major, as it renders a previously unattainable course into one I’m seriously thinking about enrolling on. But here’s the thing… It’s part-time (which is good), but it’s a bachelor’s, so that’s 6-9 years! Do I have that time? I mean, I’m approaching 40! The Master’s is two years part-time. But another thing.
The Masters, according to a current student whom I messaged and then I received an email from him, and he told me, the MA in creative writing and Wellbeing do not teach the craft of creative writing. It’s to a point where he’s considering enrolling on another course to learn this. I don’t want to waste my time and money on a course that is out of my league.
Here’s one thing I’m thinking… perhaps, I could enrol on both the bachelor’s and the master’s. I don’t know. Money doesn’t grow on trees. Perhaps I can continue on with my studies of GCSE and A Level English Language and Literature. This will get me reading. I mentioned in this post how I barely read. I know, I know, a writer that doesn’t read! But I have so much going on! I’m starting a tutoring business, volunteer tutoring, and creating courses that I will sell on the website. I’m hoping to finish at least one course (a coaching course) before the end of the year, get some sales, and start my company in the year 2025 (I like that year for the start of my business). I’m on Universal Credit, so I’ll have to report my earnings every month once I incorporate the company, so I need to make sure I have at least one course on there to sell. I have a year to prove that my business is viable.
Back to the point of my post… Gosh, I don’t know what I’m going to do! Right now, I need to find time to do what I said regarding English Language and Literature. Then next year, hopefully, I’ll have more clarity.
Wish me luck!