Guardian Masterclass: New Chapter in Master’s Education Launched with University of Lincoln

The University of Lincoln, UK, and The Guardian have teamed up to launch an innovative new Master’s course for aspiring authors to gain unique insight into the publishing business from a line-up of acclaimed novelists, journalists, editors and other industry professionals.

The MA Creative Writing and Publishing is a joint offering between The Guardian, one of the world’s leading news media organisations, and the University of Lincoln, one of the UK’s fastest-rising universities recognised for its award-winning approach to industry collaboration.

The new course, which launches in October 2018, will connect students with acclaimed authors, Guardian editorial staff and other publishing industry professionals from a range of genres through workshops, readings and masterclasses. Guest lecturers include art historian Andrew Graham Dixon, Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, naturalist Chris Packham, Guardian Associate Editor (Culture) Claire Armitstead, freelance writer Stuart Heritage, and interviewer Decca Aitkenhead.

Students will be supported by an academic coach and gain critical feedback to develop their writing and understanding of the nature of the modern publishing industry.

Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, said: “We are delighted to launch this exciting new Master’s course with The Guardian, one of the world’s best known and most trusted news organisations.

“At Lincoln we are proud of our record of meeting industry needs and this course recognises that the publishing industry, like many others, must adapt to rapid changes in technology and consumer habits.

“This fusion of academia and creativity with real-world publishing knowledge draws on the wealth of expertise available at both The Guardian and the University Lincoln to present a genuinely innovative new type of Master’s programme.”

Michael Harris, Director at Guardian Live, said: “This exciting new partnership offers the combined expertise of Lincoln’s academic body with The Guardian’s acclaimed Masterclasses programme.

“By harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, as well as drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of their industries, we aim to complement and where possible, enrich the content of the academic programme. Teaching will include sessions based in our central London training space, located within the Guardian’s own headquarters.”

The course is open to full-time applicants from the UK and EU only. Teaching takes place between October 2018 and July 2019 over 20 intensive days, hosted alternately at the Guardian offices in central London (near King’s Cross) and at the University of Lincoln’s main Brayford Pool campus in central Lincoln. Master’s students will also complete a supervised final project.

Eligible applicants may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan of up to £10,609 to help with course fees and other costs, such as travel and accommodation.

Applications for October 2018 entry are open now and can be made through the University of Lincoln’s online application form. To find out more visit www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/CRWPUBMA/

More information will also be available at an information reception in King’s Cross, London on Monday 3 September from 4pm-7pm. There will be the opportunity to discuss the programme with leading academics from the University of Lincoln, industry insiders from The Guardian, and programme lecturer Andrew Graham Dixon. To book onto the event visit: http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/opendaysandvisits/macreativewritingevent-london/