Recent graduates of the University’s MA in Creative Writing have flexed their creative muscles and seen their work published in a new anthology. We asked some of the contributors what led them to Hull and what readers can expect in the new book, Carrying the Light.

It might be a lifelong passion, or something someone said to you, or even an overheard snippet of conversation. Whatever the reason, for many of us it ignites a spark that won’t be extinguished and fires up a long-held ambition to continue our studies or return to academia. But balancing work pressures and the demands of family can make the prospect of undertaking postgraduate study daunting and impractical. Enter Hull University’s Master of Arts in Creative Writing, a course open to applications from resident and international students, delivered one hundred per cent online.

On a snowy January day last year, one of our latest cohorts, comprising writers from the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia, graduated alongside thousands of other University of Hull students at a ceremony in the Connexin Live Arena. For many, this was the first time meeting face-to-face and the conversation quickly turned to the idea of creating an anthology to celebrate their success. The format was simple; unconstrained by style or genre, each writer would offer two pieces of work of their choice. From the deeply personal to historical; from folklore to fantasy; from work created during the course and re-visited, to brand new pieces, this anthology is a testament to the hard work and joy the writers had found in the MA with Hull.

‘The two stories I submitted to the anthology were written during the course and I felt this was the best way to showcase what I had learned,’ said Stephanie Wilson.

Shanice Khan added, ‘My first piece, Cardigan, was unplanned. I lost my Nan a few years ago, and I don’t think I dealt with the grief well. It’s a love letter to her and sums up how much I miss her. It was unexpected, but cathartic. My second piece was actually submitted as my final piece on the Masters. I wanted to revisit it for a while, so the anthology was the perfect opportunity.’

Released in December of 2024 and dedicated to all graduates – past, present and future – of the MA in Creative Writing, Carrying the Light is a celebration of each writer’s commitment to Hull’s motto and shows them ‘carry the light of learning’ (or Lampada Ferens in our motto). It’s also an excellent example of the Alumni in action!

Find out more about the anthology and purchase a copy here >>

In their own way, each of the writers contributing to the anthology also embody that ethos of carrying the light, each finding their way back to academia, supported by the flexibility of the online course.

‘Returning to university to complete an MA was a long-held ambition,’ said Leanne Simmons, one of the authors whose work features in Carrying the Light. ‘But with three children and a part-time teaching job, attending a university in person stretched the bounds of practicality and possibility. The online course with Hull offered me the flexibility, content and critically, the credibility I was looking for in a Master’s.’

Taught over two years, the course covers four core modules: Writer’s Craft, Writing the Short Story, Writing the Novel and Writing from Life, culminating in the submission of the Writer’s Portfolio, a long-form piece of original work with accompanying academic commentary.

Accessing the content of the course is completely flexible. For each module, material is made available at the same time each week so students can plan and participate in the learning activities as it suits their schedule (and time zone). The main methods for student interactions are a weekly forum, where students are invited to post a brief and informal, but always imaginative response to a prompt. This is supported by lectures (pre-recorded) which dive deeper into that week’s learning. The lecture provides a base from which each student can examine and apply what is relevant to their writing and use these skills in the writing tasks. These vary from week to week, and include critical challenges and analysis exercises…all designed to further support that week’s main theme. Finally, and arguably the most important part each week is the Writer’s Workshop. This is an opportunity for every student to put forward a piece of writing for critique by their fellow writers, and to provide constructive feedback to others. It is where the magic of the course happens and embodies Founder Professor Martin Goodman’s vision of creating an, ‘inspiring and collegial environment for writers from around the world.’

The writer’s workshop is the place for experimentation, for pushing boundaries and getting up close to what is working – and what isn’t – in a piece of writing. It is in the giving and receiving of feedback in this supportive way that students truly begin to develop their unique voices and hone their editing and redrafting skills.

Author Sarah Sharp commented that, ‘I chose to study at Hull because the program was well-rounded, teaching not only fundamentals, but focusing on the novel, life writing, and the short story. I especially appreciated the focus on the merits and qualities of short fiction as an art form in itself, rather than merely a stepping stone to a longer form.’

Ian Hooper, based in Australia, said, ‘I researched a number of courses, but none offered the flexibility of Hull’s, catering so well for overseas students. Also, many generations ago, my GGF left Hull’s Alaska Street to join the Pals Battalion. Ultimately, he was lost, as so many were, at the battle of the Aisne in 1916, so I figured it would be a small nod towards him and his comrades.’

Ian, the executive director of Leschenault Press, the publisher of Carrying the Light added,‘The dynamic and supportive format of the Writer’s Workshop was the main reason “we” (the January 2024 graduates) thought to collaborate on an anthology. My publishing company have experience of producing anthologies, but the unique way Hull’s MA students work together meant that we could do this one differently. Using the skills honed within the ‘workshops’, meant the submitted pieces were edited and critiqued by the collective. As a process it worked amazingly well and allowed us to extend the spirit of collaboration outside of our time at the University.