English and Creative Writing graduates who have become notable published authors will return to the University of Strathclyde in June as part of a 60th anniversary event.
60 years of English & Creative Writing at Strathclyde will take place from 6pm - 7.30pm on Wednesday 5th June at StrathUnion (16 Richmond Street, Glasgow G1 1XQ).
The event offers a unique opportunity to honour University’s rich tradition in English education and graduates’ contribution to the literary landscape.
The milestone event will be chaired by Dr Rodge Glass, Convener of the MLitt Creative Writing, and will feature readings, discussion and informal chat about publication and the writing life.
The audience will hear from:
- Margaret McDonald, a 2020 graduate, author of the acclaimed Glasgow Boys whose writing is published in magazines Breath and Shadow, Bandit Fiction, Bubble Lit, In Parentheses and The Manifest Station.
- Callum McSorley, a 2012 graduate, whose debut novel Squeaky Clean won the prestigious McIlvanney Prize for best Scottish crime novel of the year.
- Megan Ridgway, a 2022 graduate and poet, whose poetry chapbook The Magpie was published by Full House Literary in January 2024
There will also be a reading from current MLitt Creative Writing student Kirsty Watt, whose poetry pamphlet was recently published.
“Strathclyde has an extraordinary history of great writers coming through English and Creative Writing programmes over the decades,” says Dr Glass, “from world-renowned names like Andrew O’Hagan to current students like Graeme Armstrong.”
“This event is a chance to celebrate that history while giving a platform to four recently-published writers. We’re inviting current students, recent alumni, and anyone who wants to join us in the wider Glasgow writing communities to celebrate English at Strathclyde, then and now.”
The Department of English Studies was created along with the University of Strathclyde in 1964. In the past sixty years the department has hosted courses and research not only in literature but also in creative writing, screenwriting, journalism, and linguistics.
Prof. Nigel Fabb, a long-serving member of the department who is preparing to retire after forty years with the University, reflected on the department's history:
"Over the years, we have broken down the divisions between our disciplines to produce greater diversity in our key areas of reading and writing, so that each builds on the others’ strengths," said Prof. Fabb. "Creative writing, in particular has moved to the centre of our teaching, practice, and research."
This is one of several events celebrating Strathclyde’s Diamond Jubilee which marks 60 years since the granting of the University's Royal Charter in 1964.
Events celebrating our jubilee will take place throughout 2024 on campus, in locations across the city and indeed around the world, as members of the University's 196,000-strong alumni community join in the celebrations.
Limited spaces are available for 60 years of English & Creative Writing at Strathclyde. Register now to attend the event.