EN5101 Research Skills for Creative Writing

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Enrolment limited to those taking the Mlitt or MFA in Playwriting and Screenwriting

Planned timetable

Monday 4-6pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof Z K Harris

Prof Z K Harris
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Students will learn about the literary marketplace, and the roles of editors, publishers, agents and festival organisers. They will also be introduced to the effective gathering of information through IT resources, library materials, as well as such primary skills as proofreading and copy-editing.

Relationship to other modules

Co-requisites

YOU MUST ALSO TAKE EN5105

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

N/A

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Two hours of taught seminar / practical class. Supervisions by arrangement twice a semester if students wish to pursue the practical option for their assignment.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Use conventional library resources and remote/electronic resources
  • Demonstrate knowledge of rehearsal room practice and the aspects of dramaturgy / script editing that are relevant to a career writing for theatre and / or screen
  • Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental strategies leading to submission of work to agents, theatres and film / tv production companies
  • Understand how work is produced beyond the page in the industry, including how to work with a dramaturg / script editor, how to work with producers, directors, actors and publicists
  • Understand and be aware of permissions and copyright. • Demonstrate a knowledge of basic procedures relating to the submission of proposals for radio broadcasting and the requirements of these media