IT'S the month for brave new self improving moves, and so some educational news is in order. TCD has made the fascinating announcement that it is to become the first Irish university to offer a Master's Degree in creative writing. The directors of the course will be Gerald Dawe and Brendan Kennelly, and it will be based in the new Oscar Wilde Centre for Irish Writing at 21 Westland Row.

The study of writing has for too long consisted of studying literature according to pseud scientific methods, while firmly disavowing any interest in personal creative endeavour. The placing of the emphasis on writing is so much more satisfying, as critical opinion is subjective, and only gains validity according to how well it is expressed.

Contact the Dean of Graduate Studies, Trinity College, Dublin 2, for information on how to apply. The closing date for the 1997-98 course is March 1st.

Meanwhile in the north, the University of Ulster has "validated" the Cultural Management Training Programme, promoted by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Museums Council and the National Trust. This is the north's only validated, post graduate cultural management programme and the only Master's course in the subject in the country.

On a smaller scale, but important too, is the Des Carty Traditional Music School, run by Alternative Entertainments in Tallaght, which offers top level classes in instruments such as mandolin, banjo, guitar, fiddle, tin whistle, uilleann pipes and bodhran. Phone 01-4520611 for details.