MA Creative Writing student Moyo Abiona says the programme has really helped her growth as a writer. We find out more about her experience as a Masters student.
Why did you choose Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham?
“I was excited about the opportunity to study abroad and gain new experiences. As a writer, I think it’s vital and energising to step into novel environments and simply explore. The University of Birmingham’s Creative Writing program is designed for exploration. I’ve written pieces across different genres and styles, from poems and short stories to satirical articles and feature-length screenplays. Sampling various writing styles has helped me hone my own voice and expand the depth of my writing.”
What has been the highlight of your course?
“The collaborative atmosphere of the program has been incredibly helpful to my growth as a writer. Giving and receiving feedback is central to the course as it helps us improve not only with our writing, but also our editing skills. Having an array of opinions and suggestions has been invaluable for me, especially from the department whose expertise covers a range of writing styles. Our modules also had a great mix of theoretical teaching with writing practice and professional development. Writing, for me, is no longer just a skill or a hobby, but the core of my career path.”
What have you learnt from your programme?
“The most important skill I’ve learned is how to edit—what to look for in a piece of writing and how to offer useful suggestions. Being able to evaluate my peers’ work has directly impacted my ability to self-edit. I also appreciate the critical focus of the course on research and academic writing. Doing research for my papers has helped to contextualise, bolster and even inspire my creative work.”
What is life like as a student at the University of Birmingham?
“Despite the unfortunate Covid-19 situation, I’ve really enjoyed my time at the University of Birmingham. My peers and I formed a tight-knit group and got together outside of class to explore the city or simply chat about our work and current events. There are a lot of study spaces on campus, from the library to cafes, which made it easy to work in groups. I appreciated the balance between class time and independent work time—it challenged me to be diligent about my work, but I never felt that help was out of reach. Atmospherically, I loved all the trees and greenery around campus, especially during the Spring and Summer months. I know the ‘writers liking nature’ idea is clichéd, but it was a welcome reprieve and a bank of inspiration.”
Find out more about the MA Creative Writing over on our course pages.