FAQs

Questions and Answers about the Rhodes MA in Creative Writing

Where can I find an application form?

Visit the Rhodes University website at this link

http://www.ru.ac.za/applying/postgraduates/mastersanddoctors/mastersanddoctorsforms

When will I know whether or not my application was successful?

You will be informed by email or phone by the 13th of November 2012.

For the November deadline, do you accept emailed applications?

Yes, these must be sent to registrar@ru.ac.za before 30 October,
together with your writing portfolio and scanned certified copies of your
academic certificates (as well as a copy of your marriage certificate if your
maiden name was different).

Can my portfolio be a combination of different genres, say prose and poetry? Is there a minimum or maximum length?

Yes, it can be a combination. Minimum length 20 pages and maximum 25 pages.

For the 20 page portfolio, is there a preferred style (font and spacing)?

No. Try using a 12 point font and 1.5 spacing. Preferably, start each piece of writing on a new page.

6. I have written a 20 page short story? Can I send this as my full portfolio?

Yes, but it would be preferable to offer some variety, even if you send excerpts from other pieces.

Can I send in writing in different languages?

Yes, in English or Xhosa or Afrikaans.

Is the course in English, for writing in English only?

The introductory course material is taught in English, but the independent extended creative project work can be submitted in either English, Afrikaans or Xhosa and will be supervised in that language.

I have not done any “creative writing”, but would my journalistic writing be eligible for the portfolio?

Creative non-fiction or narrative journalism is considered creative, i.e. writing which incorporates the techniques of fiction such as character, dialogue, description, narrative, etc.

10. What does ‘full time’ actually mean? Would I be able to do the course if I lived in Pretoria?

No, full time means full time. You would have contact with teachers/supervisors twice a week during the first semester, and you would be expected to put in 3-6 hours each day on writing and reading.

11. What does ‘part-time’ actually mean?

Part time students complete the programme over two years, working mainly from home. They attend two week-long contact sessions in Grahamstown each year. Their course assignments are submitted electronically, they maintain a reflective journal, and they receive feedback and supervision on their work via email.

12. If I am a part-time student, what happens if I cannot attend the contact sessions in Grahamstown on those dates.

You will still be required to attend contact sessions in Grahamstown, but you will not get the benefit of the special teaching sessions planned for the part timers. Instead, you will join the full time student sessions plus receive some extra tuition.

13. If I am a part-time student, will the course organise my accommodation for the contact sessions in Grahamstown?

No. We will help you find accommodation but you will have to organise and pay for it yourself.

14. The course outline says that full-time students "meet with their supervisor individually or in groups for 1½ to 2 hours at least once a fortnight". Is this in addition to seminars? If so can you give me any indication of how often seminars will be? Are they only in the first (coursework) semester?

The first semester coursework involves a weekly cycle of seminars, assignments and feedback in small groups, 3-4 hours of teacher-student contact per week. Students meet the programme coordinator every second week. Once their extended writing projects are under way, they present work to their artistic supervisor every fortnight. The same pattern is maintained electronically for part-time students, except that the coursework is on a two-weekly cycle rather than a weekly cycle.

15. Is there anywhere I can see the kind of work that the 2011 students have been doing?

Yes! Buy a copy of our 200-page magazine Tyhini, which features work from the writers. Only R60 (price includes postage).

16. What is the application deadline for 2013 full time students?

30 October 2012