Module Descriptors
PROFESSIONIAL PORTFOLIO
ENGL50560
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 5
40 credits
Contact
Leader: Stephen Hollyman
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 96
Independent Study Hours: 304
Total Learning Hours: 400
Pattern of Delivery
  • Occurrence A, Stoke Campus, UG Semester 1 to UG Semester 2
Sites
  • Stoke Campus
Assessment
  • WRITER/CRITIC DIGITAL ARTIFACT - 2000 WORDS OR EQUIVALENT weighted at 25%
  • FUTURE SELF ASSIGNMENT - 1500 WORDS OR EQUIVALENT weighted at 25%
  • PORTFOLIO - 3500 WORDS OR EQUIVALENT weighted at 50%
Module Details
MODULE LEARNING STRATEGIES
Consisting of craft lectures, workshops and one-to-one tutorials, this practice-based module will support your development as a writer from first draft to final publication. One of the principles underlying this module is the belief that the editing of new and existing manuscripts can elevate and transform work towards a publishable standard. A thorough knowledge of advanced editing techniques in invaluable when dealing with all printed matter and so the skills learnt here will not only compliment your own work but also be a useful lifelong skill in the work place.
MODULE RESOURCES
Library and VLE
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively.

2. Evaluate different approaches to solving problems in professions which employ the skills gained on an English Literature and Creative Writing degree

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the the skills and attributes necessary for accessing and working in the a creative industries y rolepublishing.

4. Demonstrate the necessary skills for applying and being interviewed for a professional role.

5. Develop transferable digital communication skills appropriate to the creative industries and other workplaces.
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
The digital artifact (2000 words) can be a website, e-zine, podcast, youtube channel or something similar that gives you the chance to present your creative/critical writing to a larger audience and curate a professional writerly/critical identity. It will assess, Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 5.


The Future Self assignment (1500 word equivalent) – CV, professional role report (500 words) and mock interview. Learning Outcomes 3 and 4.


The Portfolio will include 3500 words (or equivalent) of your writing. This could be one long piece or up to three shorter pieces. It will assess Learning Outcomes 1 and, 2
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Through practice-led workshops we will explore the process of writing and re-writing and advanced editing techniques. You will learn how to turn unexceptional sentences into fine writing, line by line and page by page. The drafting process will be discussed using a variety of texts at various stages of completion which have been selected by the module tutor. We will look at how to source outlets for publication and how to market your work effectively. A variety of media will be considered: such as Print, Performance & Digital outlets. The Future Self element of the module will focus on professional roles appropriate for writers and English Lit graduates, the skills and attributes needed, routes into industry and the skills needed to be a successful applicant.
WEB DESCRIPTOR
Get ready to apply your English and Creative Writing skills exciting, practice-led module which walks you through the editorial process from first draft to final publication. Work on live, authentic projects and learn what it takes to publish either your own work or the work of others. Find out about the roles open to you in the creative industries and beyond.
TEXTS
Browne, Renni and King, David: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers (Harper Collins, 2006)
Keeble, R.: 'The Newspaper Handbook' (London Routledge, 1994)
Marek, Richard and Gunther, Irene. Editing Fact and Fiction: A Concise Guide to Book Editing (Cambridge University Press, 1994)
Seidman, Michael: The Complete Guide to Editing Your Fiction (Writers Digest Books, 2002)
Truss, Lynne: 'Eats, Shoots & Leaves' (Harper Collins, 2009)
Wood, James. How Fiction Works (Vintage, 2009)

The Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook 2025 (Bloomsbury, London), 2024

https://discovercreative.careers/

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/creative-arts-and-design/creative-jobs

The Creative Industries Journal. Taylor and Francis.

Hartley, John (2005). Creative Industries. Oxford: Blackwell.