The Kingston University Creative and Professional Writing Prize
Get your voice heard and your ideas rewarded
- If you could speak to power, what would you say?
- What big issue or idea do you most wish to shout about?
- Can you write in a way that captures the attention and imagination of those in a position to change things?
To celebrate our new Creative and Professional Writing BA (Hons) course, a new annual writing prize will be awarded for an original text that responds to any contemporary idea, issue, or debate from your unique point of view and demonstrates an outstanding potential for a future in professional writing.
This is the chance for your voice to be heard and your ideas to be rewarded!
What's the prize?
First prize: £300 and a chance to discuss your idea with someone who can put your words into action.
The runner-up: £200
Five commended entrants: £100 each
How to enter
To enter the competition, please submit two pieces of writing:
- An attention-grabbing, well-written, interesting social-media-style post of no more than 300 words that lets our professional writing industry experts hear your voice, your thoughts, your point of view and tells us what you would say to those in power, if only you could get them to listen.
- A personal statement of no more than 300 words that explains why you think a degree in Creative and Professional Writing is for you.
Your entry should be submitted in two separate Word documents.
Please note: Your full name, postal address, telephone number and email should be included in the document containing your personal statement. The Word document with your attention-grabbing piece should NOT include your name or any other identifying details.
Email your Word documents to cpwprize@kingston.ac.uk
Your entry will be acknowledged by email. Submissions that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be considered.
The competition is now closed.
Courttia Newland (photograph courtesy Sharron Wallace)
How the entries will be judged
This year's prize will be judged by Courttia Newland.
Courttia is the award-winning author of seven works of fiction including his debut, The Scholar, and The Gospel According to Cane (2013).
His short stories have appeared in many anthologies and broadcast on BBC Radio 4. As a screenwriter, he has written two episodes of the Steve McQueen BBC series Small Axe.
Please visit The Museum of Colour to find out about his latest venture.
Eligibility
In order to apply, you must be eligible to study in the UK without a Visa. The work submitted must be by one author and in the English language.
Submissions will be judged anonymously by this year's judge Courttia Newland, our Creative and Professional Writing teaching staff and our Industry Advisory Board.
Winners will be notified by email in early January 2020, and a prize giving ceremony will take place in March 2020 to coincide with a celebration of Kingston University's new BA in Creative and Professional Writing.
About the course
Creative and Professional Writing BA (Hons) – Writing that works
- Learn how to craft striking and effective writing across a wide range of genres, including digital content writing, business writing, copy writing, grant writing, creative non-fiction, prose, poetry, and dramatic writing.
- Take part in masterclasses with industry experts and real-life industry projects that will set you up with the professional know-how needed for a career in writing.
- Thrive in a learning environment designed to supercharge your employability including ‘soft skills' training.
