studying creative writing in the uk

100 Best universities for Creative Writing in the United Kingdom

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in the United Kingdom ranked based on their research performance in Creative Writing. A graph of 640K citations received by 54.6K academic papers made by 121 universities in the United Kingdom was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. University of Oxford

For Creative Writing

2. University College London

3. University of Cambridge

4. King's College London

5. University of Manchester

6. University of Edinburgh

7. University of Exeter

8. University of Sheffield

9. University of Birmingham

10. University of Nottingham

11. University of Leeds

12. University of Bristol

13. Lancaster University

14. Durham University

15. University of York

16. University of Warwick

17. University of Glasgow

18. Cardiff University

19. University of Sussex

20. University of London

21. London School of Economics and Political Science

22. University of Southampton

23. Queen Mary University of London

24. University of St Andrews

25. Royal Holloway, University of London

26. University of Liverpool

27. Newcastle University

28. Loughborough University

29. University of Leicester

30. University of East Anglia

31. University of Kent

32. University of Reading

33. Goldsmiths, University of London

34. Birkbeck, University of London

35. Queen's University Belfast

36. Keele University

37. University of Strathclyde

38. Manchester Metropolitan University

39. University of Aberdeen

40. Ulster University

41. University of Bath

42. Northumbria University

43. University of Portsmouth

44. University of Surrey

45. University of Stirling

46. Brunel University London

47. University of Hull

48. Nottingham Trent University

49. Teesside University

50. De Montfort University

51. SOAS, University of London

52. Bournemouth University

53. Oxford Brookes University

54. University of the West of England

55. University of Plymouth

56. University of Essex

57. University of Dundee

58. University of Brighton

59. Leeds Beckett University

60. University of Wales

61. University of Huddersfield

62. University of East London

63. Sheffield Hallam University

64. University of Salford

65. Swansea University

66. City, University of London

67. University of Hertfordshire

68. University of Roehampton

69. Liverpool John Moores University

70. Middlesex University

71. University of Central Lancashire

72. Anglia Ruskin University

73. Coventry University

74. Bangor University

75. Edge Hill University

76. University of Lincoln

77. Canterbury Christ Church University

78. Imperial College London

79. University of Westminster

80. Aberystwyth University

81. London Metropolitan University

82. University of Wolverhampton

83. London South Bank University

84. University of Greenwich

85. University of Winchester

86. Birmingham City University

87. Aston University

88. Kingston University

89. University of Derby

90. University of South Wales

91. University of Bradford

92. University of the West of Scotland

93. University of Chester

94. University of West London

95. University of Bedfordshire

96. Heriot-Watt University

97. Staffordshire University

98. University of Gloucestershire

99. Edinburgh Napier University

100. University of Sunderland

The best cities to study Creative Writing in the United Kingdom based on the number of universities and their ranks are Oxford , London , Cambridge , and Manchester .

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• Writing Tips

The 6 Best UK Universities for Creative Writing Degrees

• 13-minute read
• 24th February 2023

A creative writing degree can unlock your potential and give you access to a world of career and writing opportunities. So if you’re an avid writer looking to develop your skills , a university-level degree might be the perfect next step.

But with so many options for studying creative writing in the UK, you might be wondering where (and how) to start. Your course and university choice could impact the skills you develop, the connections you make, and the direction in which your career takes off.

That’s why, in this post, we break down what a creative writing degree is, explain what you need to look out for when choosing a university, and finally, offer an overview of some of the best UK universities for creative writing degrees.

When you’re done reading, we hope you’ll be one step closer to starting your ideal creative writing degree.

What Is a Creative Writing Degree?

A creative writing degree is an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in creative writing. The degree may focus on creative writing alone, or an institution may combine creative writing with related subjects, such as English language and literature, film studies, or journalism.

The purpose of a creative writing degree is to help students develop their writing skills, establish their authorial voice, and equip themselves with an understanding of different writing styles and techniques. Degree material may also cover practical concerns, such as how the publishing industry works.

Entry requirements for a creative writing course vary, but most institutions will ask for an A-level or the equivalent in English language and/or literature. Creative writing programs cover many forms of writing and can include modules in:

●  Prose

●  Nonfiction

●  Poetry

●  Scriptwriting

●  Writing for an online audience

●  Narrative theory

●  The creative process

●  Getting published

●  Teaching creative writing

As they progress through the course, creative writing students will produce essays alongside a portfolio of creative work, which they will then submit for assessment.

The Benefits of a Creative Writing Degree

While you don’t need a creative writing degree to publish your work, having one can provide you with unique benefits and career opportunities. Creative writing students can expect to:

●  Work with published authors and literary professionals

●  Develop contacts within the publishing industry

●  Experience dealing with and responding to feedback

●  Encounter opportunities to publish their work and establish a reputation as a writer

●  Explore the theory behind writing in depth

You will also develop transferable talents such as time management, communication skills, and self-discipline. These will help you develop your career and stand out to potential employers.

Career Opportunities for Creative Writing Graduates

Becoming an author might be the most obvious career path for creative writing graduates, but you can access plenty of other career choices with your degree. Potential careers include:

●  Editorial assistant

●  Copy editor

●  Publisher

●  Literary agent

●  Copywriter

●  Marketing assistant

●  Journalist

●  Teacher

●  English or creative writing lecturer

Things to Consider When Choosing a University

When you choose a creative writing degree, you’re also choosing the university where you will study. Each institution has its own benefits and approaches, so to make sure you select the right university for you, consider the following factors.

Location and Campus Culture

Some universities are campus-based; that is, lecture halls, accommodations, entertainment, and other facilities are all located in one place. Other institutions are spread across the town or city where they are based.

Each location will have its own atmosphere, so visiting for an open day will help you get a better idea of what attending that university would be like. You should also consider how far away from home you want to study and how easily you can travel between your university and your hometown.

The faculty members of different universities will have their own specialist subjects, research interests, and writing experience. Look for a university where the faculty members specialize in areas of writing you’re interested in. Doing so is especially important if you’re pursuing a PhD in creative writing, as you’ll need to find an appropriate PhD supervisor.

Available Resources and Facilities

While most universities are equipped with a well-stocked library, some may be more suited than others to your subject. A university library that specializes in the humanities, for example, will complement a creative writing degree well.

A university publishing press can also be a useful resource that provides work and publishing opportunities for creative writing students. University publications and magazines are good places to submit writing as well.

Professional Connections and Internships

Some universities incorporate internships into their creative writing degrees. The internships are work placements that will provide you with on-the-job skills and experience and can help you develop professional connections within the publishing industry.

1. University of East Anglia

The University of East Anglia (or UEA) was the first university in the UK to offer degree-level courses in creative writing, introducing an MA in creative writing in 1970, then following suit with the first creative writing PhD in 1987.

UEA’s courses combine creative writing with the study of literature or drama at an undergraduate level. Each of the university’s postgraduate courses focuses on a particular form of writing, such as fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction.

Based in Norwich, a UNESCO City of Literature , UEA is able to provide a variety of resources and opportunities for creative writing students, including:

●  The National Centre for Writing and the British Archive for Contemporary Writing

●  The UEA Publishing Project , which runs three publishing presses and publishes student writing in an annual anthology

●  The UEA Award , which helps employers recognize students’ achievements

●  A variety of writing fellowships

●  Year-round literary events and festivals for students and published authors, such as UEA Live and the Norwich Crime Fiction Festival

Notable UEA alumni include Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro and Booker Prize winner Anne Enright .

2. University of Leeds

The University of Leeds is one of the UK’s largest universities and belongs to the Russell Group . Leeds is a campus university, but it’s close to the center of the city.

Leeds offers an interdisciplinary BA in English Literature with Creative Writing , an MA in Creative Writing or Writing for Performance and Digital Media , and research degrees within the School of English or the School of Performance and Cultural Industries.

At the undergraduate level, Leeds offers a diverse range of creative writing modules (including science fiction, crime fiction, nature writing, and travel writing). Published writers and expert researchers teach all these modules.

The university has connections with a variety of creative writing projects, institutions, and festivals, including:

●  Ilkley Literature Festival

●  Leeds Playhouse

●  Leeds Grand Theatre

●  Leeds Poetry Centre

●  The School of Night , a fortnightly poetry seminar

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●  Brotherton Library, which features extensive archives and a collection of period printing presses

Leeds also has its own theater space, stage@leeds , and publishes the literary magazine Stand , both of which showcase students’ creative work. Notable Leeds alumni include playwright Wole Syonka and poet Geoffrey Hill . The university was also home to author J.R.R. Tolkien, who was a professor in the School of English and contributed poetry to the university’s newsletter.

3. University of Birmingham

Established in the West Midlands in 1900, the University of Birmingham is another campus-based Russell Group university.

Birmingham ranked first for creative writing in the Guardian University Guide 2023 . The university offers a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing or in Film and Creative Writing and an MA in Creative Writing.

The university’s creative writing modules and courses focus on exposing students to a broad range of writing styles and genres while offering workshops and professional skills training aimed at preparing students for the publishing industry.

The university also works closely with the local creative community to provide students with a range of opportunities, including:

●  The Cultural Intern Scheme

●  The Birmingham Project

●  Publishing opportunities with Nine Arches Press and Tindal Street Press

In addition, Birmingham runs the world-renowned Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon, where students can experience unique writing workshops and a residential trip featuring seminars, theater visits, and other events.

For graduating students, the university currently boasts a 90% employment rate within 15 months. Birmingham is the UK’s fourth-most targeted university among the top employers of graduates.

4. University of Warwick

The University of Warwick is a slightly newer university, first offering courses in 1965. Based just outside the city of Coventry, the University of Warwick is a campus university. It is home to the Warwick Arts Centre , a purpose-built facility for cinema, theater, and the visual arts.

The Warwick Writing Program provides the creative writing courses at Warwick. Established in 1996, the project aims to inspire and develop writers internationally. Published authors, poets, and literary translators make up the staff.

Within the program, students can pursue a BA in English and Creative Writing or an MA in Writing . Students can pursue the MA as either a taught degree or a long project, with the aim of producing a long-form piece of writing.

The University of Warwick provides opportunities for students and graduates, such as:

●  The Warwick Prize for Women in Translation

●  The Sunday Times Young Writer Award

●  Workshops at the Warwick Arts Centre

●  Warwick Thursdays (weekly events hosted by publishing industry experts)

●  The option to study abroad for one year

Warwick’s alumni include novelist Sophie Mackintosh , as well as Gboyega Odubanjo and Michael Askew, winners of the Eric Gregory Award.

5. University of Reading

The University of Reading is a 100-year-old institution spread across multiple campuses. It ranks in the top 30 British universities.

Reading offers one of the most diverse and flexible ranges of undergraduate creative writing degrees in the UK. Prospective students can choose to pursue the following BAs:

●  English Literature with Creative Writing

●  Creative Writing and Film

●  Creative Writing and Theatre

●  Creative Writing and Film & Theatre

●  Art and Creative Writing

An MA in Creative Writing is also available and includes modules in the publishing industry and persuasive writing to help students find careers in publishing and journalism.

Reading is home to the Archive of British Publishing and Printing and provides access to collections of rare books and manuscripts that enable students to explore the creative process of famous authors, such as Thomas Hardy. Students also have the opportunity to publish their work in The Canvas , Reading’s online magazine.

6. University of Strathclyde

Based in the center of Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, the University of Strathclyde is a multi-award-winning university. And when it comes to creative writing, Strathclyde offers some unique areas of study for undergraduates , including Scottish literature and the Glasgow novel.

Strathclyde also offers postgraduate courses. As the university is Scottish, it offers a Master of Letters ( MLitt ) and a Master of Research ( M. Res .) in place of the more common MA in creative writing. MLitt creative writing students can choose to specialize in a research area and placement of their choice or take a module from other subjects within the School of Humanities.

The University of Strathclyde offers students numerous resources, opportunities, and connections across Glasgow. These include:

●  The Aye Right! Book Festival

●  Blaze , the university’s online creative writing classes

●  Creative Scotland

Strathclyde’s alumni include authors Ali Smith and Andrew O’Hagan . Among the current faculty members are screenwriter Andrew Meehan and poet David Kinloch .

To recap the main points of this post:

●  A creative writing degree will help you develop your writing skills, often in tandem with cultivating critical reading skills.

●  Creative writing degrees offer a variety of modules and allow you to specialize in a particular form or genre.

●  A creative writing degree can open many potential career paths.

●  The most important things to consider when choosing a university at which to study creative writing are location, staff, resources, and professional opportunities.

●  Six of the best universities for creative writing degrees in the UK are the University of East Anglia, the University of Leeds, the University of Birmingham, the University of Warwick, the University of Reading, and the University of Strathclyde.

●  Many of these universities offer lectures, workshops, and seminars delivered by published authors.

Whichever university you decide to attend, make sure it’s the right one for you. Look for modules you’re interested in, writing forms you’d like to explore, opportunities you want to make the most of, and a university atmosphere you’ll thrive in.

And if you’re looking for more options, take a look at the Complete University Guide’s 2023 rankings for creative writing .

What types of degrees can I receive in creative writing?

As an undergraduate, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in creative writing. As a postgraduate, you can earn a Master of Arts (MA) degree or a Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD).

If you’re studying in Scotland, the types of degrees may differ slightly.

How do I know whether I have what it takes to pursue a degree in creative writing?

Before accepting you for a creative writing degree, most universities will require that you have certain A-level or equivalent grades. But academic achievements aren’t everything. If you’re looking to pursue a degree in creative writing, it’s helpful to have:

●  An avid interest in reading (and, of course, writing!)

●  A portfolio to demonstrate your writing

●  The ability to meet deadlines

Be prepared to work hard, but remember, the point of a creative writing degree is to help develop your writing skills and style. You don’t have to be a perfect, polished writer to be a creative writing student!

Can I pursue a creative writing degree online?

Yes, many universities now offer online versions of creative writing degrees. This means you will be able to earn the same qualification by studying online as you would if you studied in person.

However, be careful to choose a properly accredited online creative writing degree.

Where can I get feedback on my university application?

A professional proofreader or editor is the best choice for getting feedback on your application.

Our team here at Proofed can help make sure your university application is clear and correct and meets the appropriate academic standards so that you can focus on preparing for university life.

We can even proofread the first 500 words for free – so why not submit a document ?

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MA Creative Writing

Course options

Key Details

Course Overview

UEA pioneered the teaching of Creative Writing more than 50 years ago and is globally regarded as a leader of the subject. UEA has mentored countless award-winning authors, including Booker Prize winners Ian McEwan, Anne Enright, and Nobel Laureate Sir Kazuo Ishiguro. 

But today Creative Writing is changing, and so are we. Stories are now adapted from novels to streaming platforms to games and so much more. Digital technologies and AI are reshaping writing's possibilities and practical applications. Exciting fusion genres from authors across the globe are dominating bestseller lists and streaming platforms. Career opportunities in the creative industries across the world are increasingly vibrant and ever more dynamic. 

This course will equip you to engage with this world and its vast audiences, now and in the future.  You'll have the unique opportunity to work across forms of writing to help you discover and enhance your talent. You'll explore prose fiction and non-fiction, script and poetry, and hybrid, multimodal, and cross-genre writing. You'll also have the opportunity to develop all kinds of industry-oriented genre writing, from speculative fiction to young adult, fantasy to historical. You'll learn how AI and digital technology are transforming our ideas of writing and writers. You'll also find opportunities to experiment with writing for multiple digital realities and platforms, which are widely accessible and easily integrated. Most of all, you’ll develop skills to get noticed, published and build an audience in this digital world.  

At the same time, you'll benefit from UEA's established teaching excellence, creative writing workshops, and unrivalled connections with the fast-changing publishing industry in the UK and beyond. You'll become part of the university’s vibrant creative writing ecosystem, with events such as UEA Live , research and internship opportunities in the British Archive for Contemporary Writing , and a host of more informal occasions to share and celebrate your work and hear from prize-winning alumni. You’ll study in the historic city of Norwich, one of UNESCO’s Cities of Literature . You'll benefit from UEA's exceptional expertise in the world-wide breadth and history of literature, building your confidence and authority as a writer. 

You'll graduate a respected and versatile writer, steeped in practical and professional knowledge. You might translate that experience into a career in the creative industries, such as publishing and editing, writing for advertising, marketing, arts, culture, heritage and GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) sector organisations, VR and XR experiences, digital gaming, streaming TV, and more. You may be embarking on a new writing career or you may be an established professional looking to upskill in a changing environment. Perhaps you want to understand more about writing and feel the thrill of seeing your work come together on page or screen. Whatever your ambitions, this course will inspire and enable you to discover your own voice and make the most of it in the next stage in your writer’s journey. 

Study and Modules

This is a year-long course. You'll take two taught modules each semester, and then over the summer you'll complete your dissertation (submitted early September) with the support of your supervisor.   

In the autumn semester, you'll take a Creative Writing workshop in which you'll explore and experiment with a range of forms of writing, from genre fiction to screenwriting and poetry, establishing a competency and confidence across genres.  

At the same time and in dialogue with this module, you'll also be studying the ways digital technology is reshaping writing. This may in turn inspire your creative workshop, leading you to work with multimodal forms or interactive narratives. By the end of the semester, you'll have a firm sense of the exciting potential of writing for new technologies and have begun to incorporate that potential into your writer’s toolkit.  

In the second semester, you'll take a second Creative Writing workshop where you'll continue to establish your craft, confidence and professionalism as a writer across forms. By the end of the semester, you might decide to specialise in a single form or continue to commit to the path of versatility and hybrid experimentation.  

Alongside this second semester module, you'll choose from a rich range of optional modules across the School and Faculty. These draw especially on the wealth of knowledge and experience of the School's literary critics, and currently include modules on writing and play (which encourages your own playful experiments in writing), contemporary fiction, or how writing is inspired by place. These modules will help put your own writing into context and provide you with touchstones for your own creations. 

Over the summer, you'll plunge into the thrilling culmination of your MA – your creative writing dissertation. You'll be supported by a member of our Creative Writing team as you write your project, which will become your calling-card as a writer and help to launch the next phase of your career.    

Compulsory Modules

Workshop: introduction to forms, workshop: finding your forms, creative writing in a digital world, creative writing dissertation, creative writing research methodology conference, optional a modules, theory and practice of fiction, creative encounters, adaptation and interpretation, process and product in translation, creative-critical writing, ludic literature, environmental humanities: human cultures and the natural world, digital storytelling, japanese literature, the non fiction novel, the poetics of place, critically queer: sex, gender and sexuality.

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

Teaching and Learning

Throughout the course, you'll benefit from UEA's unrivalled Creative Writing tuition and literary critical expertise. Expert creative writers will both lead your workshops and supervise your dissertation, helping to mentor you as you find your voice as a writer. You'll encounter leading practitioners of many of the forms you'll explore – novelists, scriptwriters, poets – who will help you to hone your craft and give their tips and insights into success in each genre. 

Literature tutors will introduce you to traditions of writing from across the globe, helping you to interpret them and put them into context. But they'll also support you in your own creative experimentation. UEA has many years of experience pioneering forms of 'creative-critical' pedagogy, where you are invited to demonstrate your critical thinking and understanding through writing creatively. In this exciting environment, creative and critical thinking are often fused together.  

Finally, your encounters with contemporary creative digital technology will be facilitated by our cutting-edge BLOC resources . These include our Music and Media Suite, which offers facilities for podcasting, digital design and publishing, audio production, and access to a host of creative software. These facilities are also supported by a superb team of professional technicians who will support you as you discover new creative abilities.  

Over the course of the MA, you’ll build and develop your portfolio of writing. At the end of each of the workshops you'll submit work which demonstrates your growing versatility, craft, and experience as a writer. In your module focused on digital writing, you’ll also be assessed on the underlying writing you produce for a digital form – this could be writing for a podcast, game, XR experience, or even a combination of forms. Your optional module may invite you to write a literary critical essay, further creative work, or an experimental creative-critical piece. Finally, your dissertation will bring your whole creative journey together, where you’ll produce an original piece of 12-15,000 words in length (or equivalent weight, in your chosen form(s)). This piece will be a reflection of the writer you have become. It may demonstrate your growing mastery of a single form – a substantial extract from a work of genre fiction, for instance – or it may show off your dexterity in moving across forms. You may also choose to focus on the digital side of your degree, producing writing for multimodal platforms, such as digital gaming or immersive VR experience. 

Entry Requirements

UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.

Degree classification

Bachelors degree - 2.2

Degree Subject

Any subject

Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of writing for assessment with their application  of 2500-3000 words in length. This could be part of a novel, non-fiction prose, script, poetry, a combination of short pieces from multiple forms, or a hybrid piece which combines forms together.

Our  Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.

UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent 

Any subject 

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):   

IELTS:  6.5 overall (minimum 6 in all areas) 

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.  

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date. 

 If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are: 

UK Students: £10,675

International Students: £22,700

We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month. 

Further Information on tuition fees can be found  here .

Course Related Costs

Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs. 

How to Apply

How to apply.

Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University. 

To apply please use our  online application form . 

Further information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us: 

Postgraduate Admissions Office 

Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515  Email:  [email protected]  

International candidates are also encouraged to access the  International Students  section of our website. 

Employability

After the course.

You'll graduate as a confident creative writer, with an understanding of genre, audience, and the craft needed to shape writing. You'll also have a strong awareness of the contemporary writer's world and the digital dexterity needed to navigate it. This may lead to a career as a successful novelist or scriptwriter. You'll also be ready for careers across the creative industries: in publishing and journalism; marketing; roles in the arts, culture, heritage and GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives and museums) sectors; writing for digital gaming and the creative computing sectors. The creative confidence our courses give graduates have also underpinned successful business entrepreneurship. Graduates from our Creative Writing MA courses go on to careers in teaching or undertake PhDs (including UEA's own creative-critical PhDs). Many also undertake our courses for the profound pleasure and sense of achievement given by writing itself.  

Examples of careers that you could enter include: 

• Novelist/Scriptwriter 
• Publishing or Journalism 
• Marketing 
• Arts/GLAM-sector roles 
• Writing for digital gaming or creative computing sectors 
• Teaching or Academic careers 

Discover more on our Careers pages .  

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Creative Writing starting September 2025 for 1 years

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Creative Writing

Creative Writing - BA (Hons)

Develop your voice as a writer within a supportive community of academics, published authors, and creative peers at Keele University. Become a skilled creative practitioner with a deep understanding of a wide range of literary texts, genres and cultures. Whether you aspire to become a writer or explore other creative industries, you'll be well-equipped with the tools, inspiration and experience to pursue your career ambitions.

Year of entry

• 2025 - for 2025 entry see here - for 2024 entry see here

Course type

• Single Honours
• Keele University campus

Subject area / School

• School of Humanities

Duration of study

• 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

Why study Creative Writing at Keele University?

Reasons to choose creative writing, course overview.

Creative Writing at Keele allows you to develop your writing skills in various literary forms while deepening your understanding of the historical, social, ethnic, gender, and geographical contexts of the texts studied in this programme. You will start by studying three core genres—fiction, poetry, and scriptwriting, as well as writing for children - and you'll explore the narratives, characteristics, and structures that will help you to refine your writing skills for various audiences and platforms (including digital formats), whilst also considering the research and practices of writers worldwide.

Graduate with not only a profound understanding of literature, but also a portfolio of work and the confidence to pursue your ambitions in the dynamic world of writing. Throughout the programme you will engage with texts from both the past and present, analysing how they function within their cultural contexts and how they reflect, generate, or challenge the ideas of their time. You will have the opportunity to apply your learning and tailor your individual practice through specialist modules and a final-year project, culminating in a 'Creative Writing Portfolio' or an 'Extended Screenwriting Project.'

At Keele, you can tailor your degree programme based on your future aspirations, with the opportunity to take a placement year, study abroad with a partner university, to learn a modern language , or to gain a recognised TESOL qualification , through our Global Challenges Pathway, which will help you to develop global perspectives and build your awareness and experience of other cultures and practices. This provides a head start in your employment journey, enabling you to develop your writing style and shape your identity with the collaboration of professionals in industry, and support from academic staff.

Related courses

• English and Creative Writing
• Education and English Literature
• English Literature and Film Studies
• English Literature and History
• English Literature and Philosophy
• English Literature and Psychology
• How to apply

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Teaching excellence framework gold.

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

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Course structure

Modules for creative writing.

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Our courses are designed to develop the skills, experience and expertise you'll need to succeed in your chosen career, informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student feedback and employer insights. The module details given below are representative of what we intend to deliver on the course.

Please note that modules may change to reflect best practice and academic development. This information should therefore not be seen as a definitive list of available modules.

This programme is also eligible for Global Challenge Pathways optional modules, Keele's exciting route of elective study. GCP allows you to explore current debates, enhance your understanding and employability, and complement your chosen subject.

Compulsory modules

Writing Fiction This module introduces you to key characteristics of fiction. You will gain an understanding of how these can be employed to explore the meaning of a text. Engaging with prose writers from all over the world, you will learn how to analyse core elements such as narrative voice, structure and the evocation of place, and develop your own ability to write short, creative prose pieces. You will attain a solid foundation for writing longer prose pieces in the future. 

Writing for Children It starts at a secret location. You receive a blank book and start to write. It’s a journal: you submit it later, alongside your creative or critical piece. Back in Keele you look at children’s writing from different periods and cultures. You consider imagination and myth, the politics of representation, the construction and subversion of gender roles. You think about voice and vision. Your expressive skills flower as you explore storytelling techniques and the transformative power of narrative. 

Delivery, Performance, and Other Platforms: All the Writing Selves This module prepares you for studying creative writing at university, introducing you to all the ‘writing selves’ needed when seeking publication and building an authorial profile. You will explore how self-narratives, new journalism, guerrilla-writing, and broadcasting platforms foster ways to extend and complement your practice outside traditional routes; how to deliver manuscripts to publishers, agents, and competitions, including how to respond to commissions via authentic briefs. You will also gain a practical foundation in performing your work publicly on/offline.  

Writing Poetry This module introduces you to the characteristics and structure of poems, through an examination of 5 key ‘modes’ of poetry, looking closely at how these achieve their ends. You will learn how to identify these characteristics and structural elements through lecture input, discussion and consideration of example poems by a range of authors. You will also learn how to deploy this understanding into the writing of your own poetry, and share/discuss your own creative work with your fellow writers.  

Writing Scripts This module will introduce you to the key dramatic principles required to write scripts for stage and screen. Drawing on texts from contemporary theatre, film and television, you will learn a series of fundamental skills, developing your understanding of character, dialogue, and structure. You will engage in a combination of lectures, seminar groups, and practical writing workshops, and guided by feedback from peers and tutors alike, you will work towards writing your own original script.   

Optional modules

History in Media and Film: The Presentation of the Past in Contemporary Culture  The past is presented in many different ways, including in contemporary film and media. In this module you will consider ‘public history’, examine representations of the past in visual culture, and discuss the importance of these representations to collective memory, constructions of identity, and contemporary politics. Working with students from different subjects, you will begin to develop key skills for Humanities students, including how to evaluate and interpret sources and communicate your arguments to audiences of all backgrounds.

Popular Music & Platforms  This module introduces key theoretical and practical aspects of popular music, exploring its socio-cultural context, functions, performers, markets, and scenes. It challenges cultural assumptions about sound and listening, examining popular culture, fandom, and sound recording. You will learn about music dissemination, consumption, and sharing on digital platforms, covering ethics, strategies, methodologies, and realities in today’s music world.  

Becoming a Cultural Citizen   This module provides you with the foundational tools and skills you need to develop your student profile. You will learn about the different pathways in your cultural or creative field while developing your own identity as a cultural critic, creative, and citizen. You will explore and map out your personal and professional development goals and plans, ensuring you make the most of your time at university and beyond. You will gain professional skills in communication and team-working. 

Voices and Audiences: Building Your Professional Communication Skills   This module introduces you to the many ways that your literary knowledge and communication skills will be useful in future employment. Studying a range of poems, speeches, and plays, you will learn how to employ effective rhetorical strategies to communicate professionally with different audiences, enabling you to give speeches, design lesson plans or exhibitions, or run social media campaigns. The module includes masterclasses from professionals working in, for example, museums, theatres, and social media. 

Genre, Forms and Modes  This module will develop and deepen your understanding of how narrative forms, genres and modes are used in creative writing. It introduces you to forms of creative prose besides fiction.  It asks questions about how genre writing and creative nonfiction are formed, how writers read other literary texts – not as critics, and not necessarily as fans, but as practitioners – and aims to equip your own texts with the structures and techniques which are necessary to develop your own writing. 

Sources of Writing This module will develop your knowledge of key ideas about the creative processes behind the writing of original texts (poetry and prose). You will explore these processes, increase your understanding of the influences and sources that inspire new writing, and enhance your understanding of writers’ workshops gained in your first year at Keele. Through the production of your own prose, poetry and critical analysis, the module will prepare you for your independent study project in your third year.

Local Literature in Action This module reflects on what writing can do in the world. It develops your place-writing skills, supporting you to create vivid settings that are closer to home (Stoke or elsewhere). It thinks about form, genre, and voice (regional/global Englishes). Building on writing’s capacity to shape and reshape people’s lived experiences of cities, towns and regions, the module includes practical training to equip you with the skills to conceive and plan your own ways of working with communities outside university.

Screenwriting: Principles and Practices   This module forms a gateway to the worlds of professional screenwriting and story development. It introduces you to key screenwriting concepts, which you will explore in practical, writing-based seminars. You will analyse a range of film and TV industry texts as well as producing a number of screenplay samples which respond to the theme of the seminars, receiving feedback in regular writing workshops. You will develop your own creative project plan, which will provide an invaluable basis for any project work in your final year.

Literature and Society  Building on your first year, in this second-year module you will extend your knowledge of different literary approaches and theories, exploring topics such as feminism, race studies, ecocriticism, and the history of emotions. You will explore how literature reflects and influences social issues, both those contemporary to the literature you study and those relevant in today’s society. You will deepen your skills in critical analysis as you apply your literary understanding to real-world debates and situations.

Literature, Creativity and the Cultural Industries  This module builds on L4 introductions to cultural platforms/industries and to adaptation/script-writing, enabling a focused study of how the New Vic Theatre adapts texts for the stage; you will explore how the theatre as cultural industry produces social value through programmes of research and creativity; you will use this knowledge to reflect on societal impacts of cultural industries more widely, for example music, film, creative writing. You will be assessed in ways that enable you to reflect on your own creative and critical practice. 

Promotional Cultures  Why is brand culture so ubiquitous in how we understand ourselves and our society, and the way we live our lives? You’ll investigate the histories and politics of marketing, advertising and consumerism, considering how and why promotional culture became such a key component of contemporary economies and societies. You’ll think critically about the social and political impacts of brand culture, including environmental harm, exploitation, and inequality. You’ll identify, discuss, and critically analyse key themes and trends in contemporary promotional culture. 

The American South: US Summer School (Level 5)  Study Southern US culture on location! The American South is a distinctive but difficult to define geographical and cultural entity, and attitudes to the South range from celebration to derision. Studying with others from a range of disciplines, you will think through historical and current constructions of the US South through its history, literature, film, and wider culture. You spend four weeks at one of our partner universities taught by Keele staff, shaping your own research project with their support. 

Pathways with Creative Writing: Developing Your Profile  This module broadens your knowledge of the variety of career pathways open to you, enabling and enable you to identify, analyse, and showcase your degree skills and experiences effectively. Through completing and reflecting on problem-based tasks relating to different sectors, such as telling the story of a business, or writing a funding proposal to support a film festival, you will build your creative and collaborative skills and learn how to articulate them in ways that will be attractive to employers. 

Professional Experience with Creative Writing  This module offers you the chance to contribute to the world outside Keele either through completing a work placement, a project for a client (or a series of projects for different clients), or working as a team to deliver a successful literary festival or event. You will be trained to showcase your creative and collaborative skills and abilities effectively before applying for an opportunity advertised through the module (or you can source your own, subject to it meeting the module’s requirements).  

Writingscapes This module enables you to specialise in various forms of place-writing. It introduces you to some spatial theories, including sensoryscapes, geopoetics, and psychogeography, offering you different approaches you might adopt in your writing. You are  supported to reflect on the relations between theory and practice, and  read published examples of creative texts (poetry, prose, creative nonfiction) by English-language and bi-/multi-lingual writers from the UK and elsewhere, to help you develop your writing and situate it within broader literary landscapes. 

Life Writing ‘Autobiography’: that’s writing about the self, right? Wrong! That’s Rule One. You look at canonical texts by saints and sinners, scientists and sages. You study key theories. Then you look for other voice. You construct a counter canon and interpret it. This is about your creative practice as well as your academic development, though. What grain of sand will be your pearl? Workshops provide support, but this is your journey through the self to the world. Remember Rule One.  

Creative Writing Portfolio This module gives you the opportunity to plan and develop an extended creative writing project, such as a collection of poems or short stories, or a longer piece of fiction. In Semester 1, you will read and discuss contemporary writing and experiment with examples of your own in a workshop, so you can settle on a project. In semester 2, you will work closely with a supervisor to produce a portfolio of creative writing. You might consider using any acquired understanding of digital/alternative platforms for the presentation of your Portfolio as an alternative to traditional text-based work. 

Extended Screenwriting Project This final-year project is the culmination of your critical and practical work on screenwriting, building on modules undertaken in years one and two. With the consultation of tutors, you will identify and devise your own screenplay idea (for a feature film, TV show ‘pilot’, short film or adaptation), producing a professional-standard treatment to showcase your skills. The module will therefore provide a significant platform and output for anyone hoping to move into careers within the creative film and TV industries.

Other-than-human worlds: nature writing, environmental writing  This module supports you to hone your place-writing to focus on non- or other-than-human worlds. You’ll study a wide variety of nature and environmental texts by global majority writers, working-class writers, disabled writers, queer writers, and others. You’ll analyse various uses of form, reflecting on the possibilities and limitations of, for example, hybrid, multimodal, and critical-creative writing. The module thinks about interrelations between humans and the other-than-human, and the potentials for writing to effect social and environmental change. 

Working-class Fictions  This module introduces you to the practices of working-class fiction, a genre grounded in matters of identity and social realism. You will explore literary traditions through a series of set texts (e.g. Angry Young Men of the 60s, Shuggie Bain), film adaptations, and protest songs to inspire your own practice. You will be alerted to debates and propaganda that continue to influence whilst exploring how to experiment with medium to best represent the class-subject past and present. 

Shakespeare on Film  How have Shakespeare's works been adapted by the film industry, and why do screenwriters and directors make the creative decisions they make? In 'Shakespeare on Film' you will explore a range of Shakespeare plays adapted for film, and develop your understanding both of the original works and of the possibilities they offer for reinterpretation and adaptation. You can practise film adaptation yourself, as you explore possibilities for cutting and modernising Shakespeare’s text for the screen.

Creative Magazine Production  You’ll plan and produce a group digital 'journal' or 'magazine' focused on culture. Each group will negotiate the types of articles to include, and the design and style of the publication in relation to their chosen market and target audience. Your finished work will be published online, capable to be presented in various digital formats. You’ll refine the creative and collaborative skills built up so far, including encounters at Y1 and Y2 with cultural/creative platforms; you’ll develop your awareness of audiences and markets; and you’ll have a product to showcase after graduation.

Thresholds: Young Adult Fiction  Young Adult Fiction, occupying a borderline between children's and adult fiction, often focuses on moments of crisis, its characters caught between innocence and ruin, naivety and understanding, and sometimes literally between two worlds. What is it about young adulthood that invites these explorations of the threshold and the liminal? Can we read 'growing up', through these fictions, not as gradual development but as series of shocks? This module emphasises diversity and we will read fan-fiction, genre fiction, and ‘issue’ novels.

Media and Climate Change  Are you passionate about telling new and more powerful stories about climate change, biodiversity loss and human-nature disconnection, the key environmental concerns of our time? This module develops your creative storytelling skills in the context of environmental communication. You will discover different approaches to environmental communication and learn how to devise effective stories responding to briefs set by external partners from the environmental sector. You will gain vital skills relevant to professional roles in a wide variety of communications, environment and sustainability related fields.

The American South: US Summer School (Level 6)  Study Southern US culture on location! The American South is a distinctive but difficult to define geographical and cultural entity, and attitudes to the South range from celebration to derision. Studying with others from a range of disciplines, you will think through historical and current constructions of the US South through its history, literature, film, and wider culture. You spend four weeks at one of our partner universities taught by Keele staff, shaping your own research project with their support. 

Employing Creative Writing: Putting Your Subject into Practice  Preparing for life after graduation, this module enables you to put your degree skills into practice and work with employer-clients on a series of real-life projects. Enhancing the creative and collaborative skills you developed on ‘Pathways with Creative Writing’, Employing Creative Writing trains you to work effectively with clients from a variety of settings, such as charities, publishers, museums, or even the construction sector, and gives you the opportunity to present your work to your chosen employer-client. 

Professional Experience with Creative Writing (Year 3)  In your final year we offer you another opportunity to complete a work placement, a project for a client (or a series of clients), or work as part of a team to deliver a successful festival or event. Completed during the final stages of your degree, the module gives you cutting-edge experience of the sector you wish to enter following graduation as well as valuable employer contacts, thereby providing you with an effective career launchpad. 

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Additional opportunities, the keele difference.

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course. Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Work Placements

Opportunities to enhance your employability are at the heart of our Creative Writing programme and you will have the chance to engage with work placements as part of your degree through modules or an additional work placement year (optional). This allows you to collaborate with professionals and demonstrate your creative expertise in the workplace, building key skills in communication, analytical thinking and problem-solving.

Our placement year option between years two and three of your degree programme, provides preparation for employment after university, through hands-on experience. This will enable you to build confidence and demonstrate your abilities in a professional environment, using the skills you have gained throughout your degree programme.

Study abroad

Enhance your career prospects with an International Year at one of our partner institutions in between years two and three of your degree programme. This exciting opportunity enables you to explore different cultural perspectives, establish international networks and gain new experiences whilst building your personal and professional attributes, supporting your career prospects.

Alternatively, you may choose to study abroad for just a semester in your second year which will count towards your second-year grades. Our Global Opportunities team will support you through the process, ensuring you are able to get the most out of your international experience.

The American South: US Summer School

The American South: US Summer School is an exciting optional module that can be taken in Year 2 or 3 to study Southern US culture on location! The American South is a distinctive but difficult to define geographical and cultural entity, and attitudes to the South range from celebration to derision. Studying with others from a range of disciplines, you will explore historical and current constructions of the US South through its history, literature, film, and wider culture. Four weeks are spent at one of our partner universities taught by Keele staff, shaping your own research project with their support. In 2023 and 2024, students studied at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.

Learn a language

Discover languages at Keele. Whether you are a complete beginner or already have a foundation of knowledge, we offer a flexible and guided route to developing your skills. We currently offer British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.

Being multilingual can assist with your career prospects and encourage you to stand out against competition, as well as increasing your employment prospects overseas. This is also a fantastic opportunity for your personal development where you can practise your reading, writing and oral skills and build key characteristics such as time management, adaptability, and motivation.

Entry requirements

Keele strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for our entire community, and we're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer. If you are looking for the 2023 schemes please see here .

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom and International students .

Not got the grades?

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year .

Preparation programmes for international students

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme .

These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

POTENTIAL INTERNATIONAL DROPDOWN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS SELECT

Content for X country

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The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year .

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

BBC in three A Levels.

Contextual Offer: CCC in three A Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

Contextual Offer : MMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or Merit and Merit in BTEC Diploma and A in one A Level.

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and CC in two A Levels, or Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels.

Merit in any T Level.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

554 in three Higher Levels or 29 points.

Contextual Offer: 444 in three Higher levels or 27 points.

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

112 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 15 Level 3 credits.

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BCCCC in five Highers, or CD in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCD in three Advanced Highers.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate.

China - Gaokao

70% in the Gaokao.

India - Standard XII

Average of 65% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 70% from four subjects in any other Standard XII.

Germany - Abitur

2.4 overall average in the Abitur.

France - Baccalaureate

12 in the French Baccalaureate/International Option Baccalaureate/Baccalauréate Français International.

Hong Kong - Diploma

443 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE.

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7 in the Título de Bachillerato.

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

75% in the Esame di Stato.

Cyprus - Apolytirion

17.5 / 83% in the Apolytirion.

Overall average of 15 in a Secondary Certificate.

Canada - Diploma

60% / BCCCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma.

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

443 from three Advanced Placement subjects.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

BBC in three Advanced Levels.

Malaysia - STPM

BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM.

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

BBC in three H2 Levels.

European Baccalaureate

70% overall.

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBC and a C in EAP English Language module.

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education.

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

BBC in three Advanced Level subjects.

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year.

• International: Band 2, £19,500 for the 2024/25 academic year

Please note, our 2025/26 entry fees have not yet been set. We set our fees on an annual basis and they will be updated here once set.

For continuing international students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.

For details of our international fee bands please see our Undergraduate tuition fees web page.

Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.

Our Student Financial Support team offers confidential advice and guidance to help you to manage your money, so that you can make the most of your time at Keele. We can help you to resolve issues with your Student Finance, create a budget, and help you to explore your options if you’re facing financial hardship. We are also able to ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible, such as bursaries and scholarships.

View our money advice and guidance section for information on tuition fees.

For more information visit our undergraduate fees and funding section .

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Supporting you, student support.

To help you meet your academic and personal needs, we offer a multi-layered support structure. You will have access to an academic mentor and member of staff from the Student Experience and Support team if you need any additional support, or someone to talk to, whether about your degree programme or life outside of your studies.

We have a wealth of student-led societies here at Keele which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles. It’s also a great way to make friends and share interests with fellow students.

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Your future career

95% of Keele students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

Enhance your employability

Throughout your studies, you will be encouraged to reflect on the academic, creative and employability skills you are developing and, more importantly, how you can articulate these skills in the workplace environment, across industries.

Our programme enables you to communicate confidently, work as a team and independently, to demonstrate your creativity and expertise across relevant roles and responsibilities.

You may wish to explore a career in publishing, marketing, copywriting or culture and heritage. There are a wide range of careers that would value a creative writing graduate such as:

• Education/Teaching
• Communications/Public Relations
• Events Management
• Author/Novelist/Poet
• Screenwriting
• Creative Industries management

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021) offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability. From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment, the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services , including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.

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Teaching, learning and assessment.

Our exciting programme is delivered through a range of different teaching methods to suit your learning style, such as:

• Lectures - A framework for reading, writing and independent study, delivered by academic staff.
• Workshops and seminars - A chance to share your creative work in groups and discuss, reflect and analyse published literary works. 
• Independent writing - Exploring your own creative interests and abilities.
• Web-based learning - Using the University's virtual learning environment (KLE) for resources, research and study tools.
• Individual supervision - Applicable to the Creative Writing Independent Study Project in your final year, you will explore enhanced creative expressions with support from a member of staff.
• Independent study - Engaging with various resources for your learning including articles, books and texts.
• Methods training for students interested in community engagement - An opportunity to discuss particular areas for improvement.

With an array of teaching styles on this programme, you will be assessed using various methods to illustrate the skills and expertise you have gained throughout your degree. These include:

• Creative Writing Portfolios - The opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of critical and creative ideas via your own original writing.
• Creative Writing Reflective Commentaries - Showcasing your creative practice in relation to the history of English literature and literary practice.
• Debates - Practise the art of public speaking in a friendly environment.
• Creative Briefs - Planning creative projects through short 'plans' that form your writing projects.
• Blog posts - A chance to practise your writing for various audiences.
• Peer review - Offering the chance to gain constructive feedback on drafts of your coursework.
• Discussion threads - Reflecting on the contents of your seminars, lectures and reading, and engaging with the views of your peers.
• Other non-traditional Assessments such as designing a virtual exhibition, the drafting of CVs or job cover letters, creating an anthology or edition, or writing a creative piece such as a poem or a screenplay that reflects a module's themes or ideas.

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our  January pages  for further details.

Course content

Our  Foundation Year  allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree. For example, the Foundations of Humanities 1 module introduces you to the broad range of source material across the Humanities disciplines - from media to history - which enables us to analyse political, social or economic perspectives and attitudes to individuals, marginal groups and 'mainstream' society. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do. 

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year  homepage . 

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one core modules

Semester two core modules

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for  United Kingdom ,  European Union  and  International students .

• Between 40-48 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
• Relevant work experience
• GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C),  or  Level 2 Functional Skills or
• IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests) 

How to apply 

Students will need to apply for  BA (Hons) Creative Writing with Foundation Year (UCAS code W801)  through UCAS at  www.ucas.com

Direct entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the  Admissions Office directly.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage .

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website .

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We help students manage their money and ensure that they receive any funding for which they may be eligible.

Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.

MSt in Creative Writing

• Entry requirements
• Funding and Costs

College preference

• How to Apply

About the course

The MSt in Creative Writing is a two-year, part-time master's degree course offering a unique combination of high contact hours, genre specialisation, and critical and creative breadth.

The emphasis of the course is cross-cultural and cross-genre, pointing up the needs and challenges of the contemporary writer who produces their creative work in the context of a global writerly and critical community.

The MSt offers a clustered learning format of five residences, two guided retreats and one research placement over two years. The research placement, a distinguishing feature of the course, provides between one and two weeks' in-house experience of writing in the real world.

The first year concentrates equally on prose fiction, poetry, dramatic writing and narrative non-fiction. There is a significant critical reading and analysis component, which is linked to the writerly considerations explored in each of the genres. In your second year you will specialise in one of the following:

• short fiction
• radio drama
• screenwriting
• stage drama
• narrative non-fiction.

The residences in particular offer an intensive workshop- and seminar-based forum for ideas exchange and for the opening up of creative and critical frameworks within which to develop writerly and analytical skills. There is a strong element of one-to-one tutorial teaching. Tutorials take place within residences and retreats, and relate to the on-going work produced for the course.

You will be required to attend residences in Oxford during the first year as well as a research placement in the second year.

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of world-class resources including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources and IT services.

The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK. It includes the main Bodleian Library and libraries across Oxford, including major research libraries and faculty, department and institute libraries. Together, the Libraries hold more than 13 million printed items, provide access to e-journals, and contain outstanding special collections including rare books and manuscripts, classical papyri, maps, music, art and printed ephemera.

The University's IT Services is available to all students to support with core university IT systems and tools, as well as many other services and facilities. IT Services also offers a range of IT learning courses for students, to support with learning and research.

The Rewley House Continuing Education Library , one of the Bodleian Libraries, is situated in Rewley House. The department aims to support the wide variety of subjects covered by departmental courses at many academic levels. The department also has a collection of around 73,000 books together with periodicals. PCs in the library give access to the internet and the full range of electronic resources subscribed to by the University of Oxford. The Jessop Reading Room adjoining the library is available for study.

The department provides various IT facilities , including the Student Computing Facility which provides individual PCs for your use. 

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department for Continuing Education and this role will usually be performed by the Course Director. It is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department for Continuing Education.

You will be assigned a supervisor who will work closely with you throughout the development of the year two final project and extended essay. All assessed work throughout the two years of the course is subject to one-to-one feedback and discussion with a tutor. This intensive, one-to-one input, combined with the highly interactive workshop and seminar sessions, is a distinguishing feature of the course.

The MSt is assessed by coursework. In the first year, four assignments (two creative, two critical), one creative writing portfolio and one critical essay are submitted. Work is set during each residence and handed in for assessment before the next meeting. Feedback on work submitted is given during tutorials within the residence or retreat. In the second year, submissions comprise one research placement report, one extended critical essay, and a final project – a substantial body of creative work in the genre of choice. 

You will be set specific creative and critical work to be completed between residences and handed in to set deadlines. Creative submissions in the first year must be in more than one genre. In the second year, submitted work focuses around the genre of your choice.

Graduate destinations

Graduate destinations have included publishing creative work in a chosen field, careers in arts/media, and doctoral programmes in creative writing.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made if a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency occurs. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2025-26

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours  in a related field.

For applicants with a bachelor's degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.6 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience 

• Assessors are looking for writers with a proven record of commitment to their craft, whose work demonstrates significant creative promise. You should be a keen reader, and bring an open-minded, questioning approach to both reading and writing. You will not necessarily have yet achieved publication, but you will have written regularly and read widely over a sustained period. You will be keen to dedicate time and energy and staying-power to harnessing your talent, enlarging your skills, and aiming your writerly production at consistently professional standards. It is likely you will have a first degree, or equivalent, although in some cases other evidence of suitability may be acceptable.
• Applicants do not need to be previously published, but the MSt is unlikely to be suitable for those who are just starting out on their writerly and critical development.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process.  

For those applying by the January deadline, interviews are generally held in February and March. For March applicants, interviews are generally held in March and April.

The decision to call an applicant for interview is based on the University Admission Board's assessment of your portfolio, statement of purpose, academic and professional track record and references. Interviews will be conducted in person or by telephone. There are always two interviewers. Interviews usually last up to approximately 30 minutes and provide an opportunity for the candidate to discuss his/her application and to explore the course in more detail.

The interview is designed to ascertain, through a range of questions, the shape and emphasis of the candidate's writing and reading, and general suitability for the demands of the MSt. 

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the About section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Department for Continuing Education

The need for new learning opportunities throughout life is recognised throughout society. An intensive, initial period of higher education is not always enough, or possible, in times of rapid social, economic and technological change. The Department for Continuing Education is known worldwide as a leading provider of extended learning for professional and personal development.

The department provides high-quality, flexible, part-time graduate education, tailored for adults. Students can undertake graduate-level certificates, diplomas and taught master’s degrees in a wide range of subjects. Increasing numbers of courses are delivered in mixed mode, combining intensive periods of residence in Oxford with tutored online study.

The department recruits adult students of all ages on a regional, national and international level. Many courses are offered jointly with other academic departments around the University. Courses are offered in the following areas:

• Mathematical, physical and life sciences
• Medical and health sciences
• Social sciences .

All postgraduate students on the department's courses are members of its Graduate School. The department's  Graduate School aims to provide a stimulating and enriching environment for learning and research. It also supports intellectual and social interaction between graduates of different disciplines and professions from the UK and around the globe. Interdisciplinary research seminars, training opportunities and other events are offered by the Graduate School in support of this goal.

The department's Graduate School will help you make the most of the wealth of resources and opportunities available, paying particular regard to the support and guidance needed if you are following a part-time graduate programme. The department’s graduate community comprises over 600 members following taught programmes and more than 70 undertaking doctoral research.

The department is located in a block of attractive Victorian houses in Wellington Square in central Oxford close to some of the University's major libraries and museums and to the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter. The city's historic sites, colleges, shops and restaurants are only a few minutes' walk away. The modernised and extended site has its own fully equipped seminar rooms, library, reading room, student computing facility, graduate school study/social room, dining-room, common- room, garden seating areas and short-term student accommodation. Depending on the programme you are taking with the department, you may require accommodation at some point in your student career. The department has 35 en-suite study bedrooms , all with high quality amenities, including internet access.

The Rewley House dining room has seating for up to 132 people. A full meal service is available daily. The department operates a Common Room with bar for students.

All masters' and DPhil applicants are considered for Clarendon Scholarships . The department is committed to seeking scholarship support for other students wherever possible.

View all courses   View taught courses View research courses

For entry in the 2025-26 academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.

If you apply by the January deadline shown on this page and receive a course offer, your application will then be considered for Oxford scholarships. For the majority of Oxford scholarships, your application will automatically be assessed against the eligibility criteria, without needing to make a separate application. There are further Oxford scholarships available which have additional eligibility criteria and where you are required to submit a separate application. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.

To ensure that you are considered for Oxford scholarships that require a separate application, for which you may be eligible,  use our fees, funding and scholarship search tool  to identify these opportunities and find out how to apply. Alongside Oxford scholarships, you should also consider other opportunities for which you may be eligible including  a range of external funding ,  loan schemes for postgraduate study  and any other scholarships which may also still be available after the January deadline as listed on  our fees, funding and scholarship search tool .

Details of college-specific funding opportunities can also be found on individual college websites:

Select from the list:

Please refer to the College preference section of this page to identify which of the colleges listed above accept students for this course.

For the majority of college scholarships, it doesn’t matter which college, if any, you state a preference for in your application. If another college is able to offer you a scholarship, your application can be moved to that college if you accept the scholarship. Some college scholarships may require you to state a preference for that college when you apply, so check the eligibility requirements carefully.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the department's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2025-26

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

This course has residential sessions (residences and retreats) in Oxford. You will need to meet your travel costs in attending these sessions. The tuition fee includes the cost of board and lodging during the residences and retreats (eg for a four day residence, three nights accommodation will be provided). Further, as part of your course requirements, you will need to complete a research placement in the second year. For this placement you will need to meet your travel and accommodation costs, and any other incidental expenses. You may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses. Further information about departmental funding can be found on the department's website. Please check with your specific college for bursary or other funding possibilities.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

Living costs for part-time study

Your living costs may vary depending on your personal circumstances but you will still need to cover your cost of living on a full-time basis for the duration of your course, even if you will not be based in Oxford throughout your studies. While the range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student living in Oxford is between £1,425 and £2,035 per month, living costs outside Oxford may be different.

Part-time students who are not based in Oxford will need to calculate travel and accommodation costs carefully. Depending on your circumstances and study plans, this may include the  cost of a visitor visa to attend for short blocks of time (assuming that visitor visa eligibility criteria are met).

Further information about living costs

The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. For study in Oxford beyond the 2025-26 academic year, it is suggested that you budget for potential increases in living expenses of around 4% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. For further information, please consult our more detailed information about living costs , which includes a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . 

If you are a current Oxford student and you would like to remain at your current Oxford college, you should check whether it is listed below. If it is, you should indicate this preference when you apply. If not, you should contact your college office to ask whether they would be willing to make an exception. Further information about staying at your current college can be found in our Application Guide. 

The following colleges accept students on the MSt in Creative Writing:

• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Harris Manchester College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Oriel College
• Regent's Park College
• St Catherine's College
• Somerville College
• Wadham College
• Wycliffe Hall

Before you apply

Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it is important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under the January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the information about deadlines and when to apply in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You do not need to make contact with the department before you apply but you are encouraged to visit the relevant departmental webpages to read any further information about your chosen course.

If you have any questions about the course, these should be directed to the course administrator via the contact details provided on this page.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents . 

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Referees: Three overall, academic and/or professional

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

Your references will support your commitment to creative writing and suitability to pursue a course of this nature at graduate level. Both professional and academic references are acceptable.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

A CV/résumé is compulsory for all applications. Most applicants choose to submit a document of one to two pages highlighting their academic and writerly achievements and any relevant professional experience.

Statement of purpose: A maximum of 750 words

The statement of purpose should contain sufficient detail to allow it to be assessed against the indicated criteria.

Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, your relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest you and/or in which you intend to specialise.

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

This will be assessed for:

• your reasons for applying
• evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study
• the ability to present a reasoned case in English
• commitment to the subject, beyond the requirements of the degree course
• capacity for sustained and intense work
• reasoning ability and quality of written expression
• capacity to address issues of writerly and critical significance.

Written work: A maximum of 2,000 words of prose fiction or narrative non-fiction or 10 short poems or 15 minutes of dramatic writing (stage, screen, radio or TV)

Your portfolio of creative writing for assessment can be in any of the four genres, or in more than one. It should be clearly indicative of your ability in creative writing.

This will be assessed for excellence in creative writing.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice .

Apply Continue application

After you've submitted your application

Your application (including the supporting documents outlined above) will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will  not  be taken into consideration when your application is assessed. You can  find out more about our shortlisting and selection process  in our detailed guide to what happens next.

Find out how to manage your application after submission , using our Applicant Self-Service tool.

ADMISSION STATUS

Open to applications for entry in 2025-26

12:00 midday UK time on:

Wednesday 29 January 2025

Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships

Tuesday 4 March 2025

Applications may remain open after this deadline if places are still available - see below

A later deadline under 'Admission status'

If places are still available,  applications may be accepted after 4 March . The Admission status (above) will provide notice of any later deadline.

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2022-23 to 2024-25)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the Department for Continuing Education

• Course page  and blog on  department website
• Funding information from the department
• Academic staff
• Departmental research
• Continuing Education Graduate School
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 280145

Application-process enquiries

Application guide

Visa eligibility for part-time study

We are unable to sponsor student visas for part-time study on this course. Part-time students may be able to attend on a visitor visa for short blocks of time only (and leave after each visit) and will need to remain based outside the UK.

Creative Writing

Study abroad and semester exchange

Combine your degree with a year abroad in a foreign country. Study across our partner network.

Employability and opportunities

Creative Writing Research

Creative Writing is a practice-based discipline that encourages you to develop your own individual writing style. It helps you cultivate a creative and critical approach to a wide variety of writing, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama (stage and screen). You’ll be taught in small workshop groups, where you get lots of individual feedback from fellow students and lecturers.

You can study Creative Writing as part of a combined undergraduate degree .

Ellie Pilcher

BA (Hons) History and Creative Writing

Student work

Take a look at some of our students' work. Please note that certain pieces may feature language that some may find inappropriate.

• A Herd of Deer
• Beyond The Grave Boy Next Door
• History Lessons
• Needles and Pins
• The Kick-Off

Creative Writing MA

Postgraduate taught degree

This course is for 2024/25 entry.

Details for 2025/26 entry are also available.

Dr Jonathan Gibbs explains what it is like to study Creative Writing at City.

Key information

Realise your passion for words and self-expression through a flexible creative writing programme that will develop your skills in your chosen form: fiction, genre fiction or non-fiction. This Creative Writing masters degree combines a passion for the power of the imagination with intensive study of craft and critical approaches to writing.

• September 2024

City, University of London

Northampton Square

• Online sessions
• Open evening
• Register interest

Uniquely comprehensive programme combining the practice and business of writing

in the UK for Communications and Media (Complete University Guide 2025)

• Course overview

Teaching and assessment

Fees and funding, how to apply, creative writing ma course overview, benefits of this course.

During this Creative Writing Master's degree, you will learn how to read and think as a writer and explore the choices faced and decisions taken by writers. Regular workshops and bespoke reading lists will serve to inform and enrich your own work.

You will also gain an understanding of the business of writing in all its forms, from print and electronic publication to public performance and the use of social media, as well as the role of editors, agents and publishers.

While you will choose a form of creative writing as your focus (fiction, genre fiction or non-fiction) you will develop technical awareness across a range of genres, and acquire transferable skills.

You can select to apply for one of the available exit points for this course.

Master of Arts (MA)

Who is this course for.

If you are seeking a way of developing creative writing skills in your preferred genre, this creative writing masters programme is ideal.

Whether your interests lie in fiction, non-fiction or particular genre fiction, we can empower your creative journey.

Our programme is underpinned by the conviction that imagination is a vital mode of perception and enquiry, and language and literature can transform individual lives and cultures. We hope you share that same conviction.

• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 2 years

Total credits: 180

• Core modules: 5
• Core elective modules: 2
• Elective Modules: 2

The Creative Writing Master's is made up of:

• Core modules (60 credits)
• Core elective modules (30 credits)
• Optional modules (30 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Core modules

Reading as a Writer (15 credits)

In this module you will read and discuss fiction and non-fiction from a writer’s perspective. You will gain an understanding of the techniques, forms and styles used by a range of writers and be able to apply them to your own writing.

Working as a Writer (15 credits)

You will acquire an understanding of the roles of agents, editors and publishers and how to interact with them. You will study the business aspects of being a writer and the ethical and legal concerns involved in publishing your work, as well as the wider opportunities for developing your presence in the writing community.

Creative Writing Workshop 1 (15 credits)

In this module you will study and develop key skills in creative prose writing, including creation and control of voice, point of view, setting, characterisation, dialogue, description.

Creative Writing Workshop 2 (15 credits)

In this module you will study and develop key skills in creative prose writing, including plot, structure and pacing, and thematic and character development. You will explore genre considerations (whether fiction, genre fiction or non-fiction) and the function of aspects such as theme, content, narrative momentum and pacing.

Core Elective modules

Special Study: Short Fiction (15 credits)

In this module you will study and analyse the form and creation of short fiction, and its role and position in the contemporary literary landscape

Special Study: The Contemporary Essay (15 credits)

In this module you will study and analyse the form and creation of the creative non-fiction essay, including lyric, personal and critical essays, and their role and position in the contemporary literary landscape.

Special Study: The Novel (15 credits)

In this module you will study and analyse the form and creation of the novel, and its role and position in the contemporary literary landscape

Special Study: The Genre Novel (15 credits)

In this module you will study and analyse the form and creation of the genre novel, and its role and position in the contemporary literary landscape.

Elective modules

Digital Publishing (15 credits)

In this module you will analyse the impact of digitisation on the publishing industry. You will look at likely future developments with reference to industry case studies.

Publishing History and Culture (15 credits)

How to Make a Book: Creating Content in Print (15 credits)

You will look at case studies from different sectors and global markets. You will learn how to apply creativity and innovation processes in your own response to current publishing conditions.

The Power of Publishing: Strategy, Diversity and Sustainability (15 credits)

You will gain an understanding of how cultural and publishing companies respond creatively and commercially to the opportunities and challenges in curating content, both digital and in print. You will look at case studies of innovative strategies especially in the area of digitalisation.

Freelancing and Entrepreneurship in the Creative and Cultural Industries (15 credits)

The Art and Business of Adaptation (15 credits)

Dissertation

Creative Writing Dissertation (60 credits)

During this module you will develop an extended piece of Creative Writing in Fiction, Non-fiction or Genre Fiction. It may take the form of short stories or essays, or a portion of a novel or non-fiction book, to a total of 12-15,000 words.

Programme specification

The programme specification contains more information on how the course is organised, the requirements for progression for each part and credits required for awards.

Download course specification:

• PSCRWR - MA Creative Writing

You will learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, writing workshops, tutorials, group work, individual supervisions, study visits and independent learning.

Our visiting speakers will include guest authors, editors, agents and publishers who regularly support your learning and module projects.

Writing masterclasses enable you to debate current issues within your field, while our embedded learning tool Moodle allows you to interact with other students and staff outside the classroom or workshop.

We encourage you to privately reflect on your professional practice during all of your applied work.

In this MA Creative Writing, you will be assessed across the core and elective modules, and in the dissertation and reflective essay.

Individual modules in this MA Creative Writing can be assessed through portfolios of creative writing, analytical essays, assessed projects and research portfolios.

Fees for academic year 2024/25

Explore up-to-date information about funding options, available financial support and typical living costs.

Black British Scholarship

Applicants from a black British background and hold an unconditional offer to study for an MA in the School of Communication and Creativity for academic year 2024/5 are invited to apply.

Apply today

Additional expenses

Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees. Find out more about additional expenses .

Our Creative Writing MA prepares you for a career as a writer.

We also intend to develop transferable skills in oral and written communication relevant to careers including teaching, editing, arts management, publishing and journalism.

You might consider other creative industries such as advertising and video game production, where storytelling skills are highly valued.

During the programme you will be able to meet agents, editors and others within traditional and digital publishing.

Whether your ambition is to professionally pursue writing, work in publishing or another creative field, or undertake further academic study and research, you will have the appropriate skills.

Entry requirements

Below is a list of countries with information on each about which qualifications we accept. If your country is not listed please email [email protected] .

Applicants should normally:

• Hold a good Second-Class Honours BA degree or an equivalent qualification.
• Have studied a relevant subject such as English, Comparative Literature, Theatre and Drama, Film and Media Studies, Creative Writing, Humanities.

We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet the standard entrance criteria but who hold alternative credentials and can demonstrate their potential to produce written work at the requisite level, or who can offer prior learning which may satisfy City's requirements for RPL/RPEL. The prime criteria are demonstrable writing ability and commitment to learning.

INTO City, University of London

Don't meet the entry requirements? INTO City, University of London offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare you for study at City, University of London. You’ll learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry. To prepare for this degree course, learn more about the Graduate Diploma in Social Sciences and the Arts .

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Zimbabwean equivalent required.

The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Zimbabwean Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 (65%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (60%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

If you don't meet the entry requirements please check to see if there is a suitable preparatory programme available for your course at INTO City, University of London or Kaplan International College London .

Visa requirements

International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

• Students on courses of more than six months
• Students on courses of less than six months

For more information see our main Visa page .

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Zambian equivalent required.

Zambian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Vietnamese equivalent required.

Vietnamese Bachelor degrees (Bang Tot Nghiep Dai Hoc or Bang Cu Nhan) from selected institutions are typically accepted with 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.5 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Uzbekistani equivalent required.

Uzbekistani Bachelor / Bakalavr degrees are typically accepted with 71% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 55% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ukrainian equivalent required.

Ukrainian Bachelor / Specialist Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a GPA 4.3 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ugandan equivalent required.

Ugandan Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.0/5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0/5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the US equivalent required.

US Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Emirati equivalent required.

Emirati Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Turkish equivalent required.

Turkish Bachelor / Lisans Diplomasi degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.7 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Tunisian equivalent required.

Tunisian Bachelor / Diplome degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Trinidad and Tobago

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Trinidadian and Tobagonian equivalent required.

University of the West Indies Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2.1 (grade B+) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (grade B) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Thai equivalent required.

Depending on the awarding institution Thai 4 year Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 to 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 to 2.8 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Tanzanian equivalent required.

Tanzanian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or 50% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Taiwanese equivalent required.

Taiwanese Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 75% or grade B equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70% or grade C equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Syrian equivalent required.

Depending on the awarding institution Syrian Bachelor degrees or Licence are typically accepted with 70-80% or 'very good' equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60-70% or 'good' equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Switzerland

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Swiss equivalent required.

Swiss Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 4.75 out of 6.0, 8 out of 10 or 2 out of 5 (5 to 1 scale) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 4.0 out of 6.0, 6 out of 10 or 3 out of 5 (5 to 1 scale equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

• Students on courses of less than six months.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Swedish equivalent required.

Swedish Bachelor degrees or Kandidatexamen are typically accepted with B- 180 ECTS minimum overall or at least 50% of credits graded at VG overall equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and C- (180 ECTS minimum overall) or at least 20% of credits graded at VG overall equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Sri Lankan equivalent required.

Sri Lankan 4 year Bachelor Special Degrees or Professional Degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1, grade B+ or GPA 3.3 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2, grade B or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Spanish equivalent required.

Spanish Título de Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero and Título de Arquitecto are typically accepted with 7 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

South Korea

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the South Korean equivalent required.

South Korean Bachelor degrees (Haksa) are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 out of 4.5 or grade B equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 out of 4.6 or grade C equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

South Africa

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the South African equivalent required.

South African Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or 70% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Slovenian equivalent required.

Slovenian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Slovakian equivalent required.

Slovakian Bakalar degrees are typically accepted with GPA 1.5 - 2.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2.0 - 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Singaporean equivalent required.

Singaporean Bachelor and Bachelor Honours degrees are typically accepted GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 3.8 out of 5.0 or II (upper) - Second Class (Upper) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 4.0 or 3.3 out of 5.0 or II (lower) - Second Class (lower) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Serbian equivalent required.

Advanced Diploma of Higher Education and Diplomirani are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Saudi Arabia

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Saudi Arabian equivalent required.

Saudi Arabian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 or GPA 4.0 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 out of 4.0 or GPA 3.0 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Rwandan equivalent required.

Rwandan Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or 16 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Russian equivalent required.

Russian Bachelor or Specialist Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.3 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Romanian equivalent required.

Romanian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 8 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Qatari equivalent required.

Qatari Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or GPA 3.6 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 out of 4.0 or GPA 3.0 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Portuguese equivalent required.

Portuguese Licenciado are typically accepted with 14 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Polish equivalent required.

Polish Bachelor / Licencjat or Magister degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Philippines

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Filipino equivalent required.

Filipino Masters degree from any recognised institution and Bachelor degrees from selected institutions (i.e. Asian Institute of Management, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University Manila, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines Diliman) are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0, GPA 1.75 out of 5 or 86% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 4.0, GPA 2.5 out of 5 or 80% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Peruvian equivalent required.

Peruvian Grado Académico de Bachiller or Título de Licenciado or Título (Profesional) degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Palestinian equivalent required.

Palestinian Bachelor or Bakalorius degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Pakistani equivalent required.

Pakistani 4 year Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Omani equivalent required.

Omani Bachelor or Licence degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Norwegian equivalent required.

Norwegian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a B grade typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a C grade equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Nigerian equivalent required.

Nigerian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or GPA 3.5 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or GPA 2.7 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

New Zealand

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the New Zealand equivalent required.

New Zealand 4-year Bachelor degrees with Honours are typically accepted with Second Class (Division 1) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree, and Second Class (Division 2) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

New Zealand 3-year Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with B+ overall equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and C+ overall equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Netherlands

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Dutch equivalent required.

Dutch Bachelor degrees or Doctoraal are typically accepted with 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honour Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Nepali equivalent required.

Nepali 4-year Bachelor degrees (post 2017) are typically accepted with GPA 3.3 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Burmese equivalent required.

Burmese Masters degrees are typically accepted with 70% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Moroccan equivalent required.

Moroccan Bachelors, Licence or Diplome degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Mexican equivalent required.

Mexican Titulo de Licenciado are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Mauritian equivalent required.

Mauritian Bachelor degrees are accepted with a 2:1 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Maltese equivalent required.

Maltese Bachelor Honours degrees are accepted with a 2:1 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

• EEA nationals joining the programme in 2021 and EEA nationals joining from January 2022

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Malaysian equivalent required.

Malaysian Bachelor degrees from Berdaya Saing (Competitive) institutions are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree, and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Malaysian Bachelor degrees from Berdaya Maju (Viable) institutions are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree, and GPA 2.8 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Macanese equivalent required.

Macanese Bachelor degrees or Grau de Licenciatura are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 or B+ equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.7 or B- equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

For more information  see our main Visa page .

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Luxembourgian equivalent required.

Luxembourgian Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Lithuanian equivalent required.

Lithuanian Bakalauras or Magistras are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Lebanese equivalent required.

The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case by case basis.

Lebanese License or Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 or 13 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 or 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Latvian equivalent required.

Latvian Bakaluara Diploms are typically accepted with 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Laotian equivalent required.

Laotian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Kuwaiti equivalent required.

Kuwaiti Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Kenyan equivalent required.

Kenyan Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 2:1 (60%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2:2 (50%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Kazakhstani equivalent required.

Kazakhstani Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.3/ 5.0 or GPA 3.3 / 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 / 5.0 or 3.0 /4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Jordanian equivalent required.

Jordanian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Japanese equivalent required.

Japanese Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0, grade B or 80% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5, grade C or 70% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Jamaican equivalent required.

University of the West Indies Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2.1 (65%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (55%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Italian equivalent required.

Italian Diploma di Laurea degrees are typically accepted with 104 (out of 110) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 94 (out of 110) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Israeli equivalent required.

Israeli Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 80% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 65% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Irish equivalent required.

Irish Bachelor Honours degrees are accepted with a 2:1 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Iraqi equivalent required.

Iraqi Bachelor degrees from selected institutions are typically accepted with 75% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Iranian equivalent required.

Iranian Bachelor degrees (Licence Kharshenasi) are typically accepted with 15 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 13 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Indonesian equivalent required.

Depending on their accreditation Indonesian S1 / Sarjana and Dip IV (Sarjana Terapa) are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 to 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.7 to 2.9 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Indian equivalent required.

Depending on the awarding institution Indian 3 year Bachelor (Honours) or Bachelor (Special) degrees are typically accepted with 60 to 70% (7/10 to 8/10) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 50 to 60% (6/10 to 7/10) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Icelandic equivalent required.

Icelandic Baccalaurreatus degrees are typically accepted with 7.25 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Hungarian equivalent required.

Hungarian Bachelors degrees or University Diplomas are typically accepted with GPA 4 out of 5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3 out of 5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Hong Kong equivalent required.

Hong Kong Bachelor Honours degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 (or second class honours upper division) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 (or second class honours lower) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Greek equivalent required.

Greek Bachelor degrees or Ptychion are typically accepted with 7.0 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ghanaian equivalent required.

Ghanaian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 2:1 (GPA 3.2/4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2:2 (GPA 2.5/4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the German equivalent required.

German Magister Artium / Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the French equivalent required.

French License are typically accepted with 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 11 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Finnish equivalent required.

Finnish Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 out of 5 or 2.0 out of 3.0 typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 5 or 1.4 out of 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ethiopian equivalent required.

Ethiopian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Estonian equivalent required.

Estonian Bakalaurusekraad degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Egyptian equivalent required.

Egyptian Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with 75% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 65% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ecuadorian equivalent required.

Ecuadorian 4 year Título de Licenciado or Título de [subject area] are typically accepted with 80%, 8.0/10 or 18/20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70%, 7.0/10 or 14/20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Danish equivalent required.

Danish Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with grade 6 - 7 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 4 - 5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Czech Republic

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Czech equivalent required.

Czech Bachelor degrees or Bakalar are typically accepted with 2+ equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2 or 2- equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Cypriot equivalent required.

Cypriot Bachelor degree or Ptychio are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 (7.0 out of 10) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 / 4.0 (6 out of 10) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Croatian equivalent required.

Croatian Bachelor degree or Baccalaureus or Baccalaurea are typically accepted with GPA 4.0 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Colombian equivalent required.

Colombian 4 year Licenciado en [subject area] or Título de [subject area] or Profesional en [subject area] or Maestro en [subject area] degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.0 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.5 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Chinese equivalent required.

Depending on the awarding institution Chinese 4 year Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 75 to 80% (GPA 3.0 to 3.3 out of 4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70 to 75% (GPA 2.8 to 3.0 out of 4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Chilean equivalent required.

Chilean 4 year Grado de Licenciado en [subject area] degrees are typically accepted with GPA 5.5 / 7.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 5.0 / 7.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Canadian equivalent required.

Canadian Bachelor degrees / Baccalauréat degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Cameroonian equivalent required.

Cameroonian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 18/20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 16/20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Cambodian equivalent required.

Cambodian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 70% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 4.0 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bulgarian equivalent required.

Bulgarian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.75 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bruneian equivalent required.

Bruneian Bachelor (Honours) degrees are typically accepted with an Upper Second Class Honours classification equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a Lower Secind Class Honours classification equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Brazilian equivalent required.

Brazilian 4 year Título de Bacharel or Título de [subject area] or Título de Licenciado are typically accepted with 7.5/10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.5/10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Botswanan equivalent required.

Botswanan Masters degrees are typically accepted with 80% (A grade) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70% (B grade) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bolivian equivalent required.

Bolivian 4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] are typically accepted with 75% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 64% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Belgian equivalent required.

Belgian Bachelor degrees (Bachelier) are typically accepted with 70% (14/20) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% (12/20) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Barbadian equivalent required.

The University of the West Indies Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2.1 (65%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (55%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bangladeshi equivalent required.

Bangladeshi Bachelor degrees (from selected universities) and Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.25 out of 4.0 or 65% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bahraini equivalent required.

Bahraini Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.3 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Azerbaijani equivalent required.

Azerbaijani Bachelors / Bakalavr Diplomu degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.5 out of 5.0 (80%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 out of 5.0 (70%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Austrian equivalent required.

Austrian Bachelor degrees are accepted with GPA 2.5 typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.5 typically equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Australian equivalent required.

Australian Bachelor Honours degrees are typically accepted with 70% (Second Class Division A) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% (Second Class Division B) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Australian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 70% (Distinction) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% (Credit) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Argentine equivalent required.

Argentine 4 year Titulo / Grado de Licenciado or Titulo de [subject area] are typically accepted with 7.5 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.0 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Algerian equivalent required.

Algerian Bachelors, Licence and Diplome degrees are typically accepted with 15 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 13 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Albanian equivalent required.

Second Level Integrated Diploma (5 years) and First Level University Diploma are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Afghanistan

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Afghan equivalent required.

Afghan Master's degrees from any recognised institution and Bachelor of Science (Engineering) from Kabul University are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 80% overall equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 out of 4.0 or 70% overall equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

If you are unable to find your country equivalents in the above list, City will consider other international qualifications on a case by case basis.

For further details, please contact us using the contact details at the bottom of this page.

English language requirements

If you're a national of a recognised majority English-speaking country as defined by the government , or have previously completed a university degree (or equivalent) in one, you will not need to prove your knowledge of English to apply for the course.

Please note that if your country is not defined as majority-English-speaking by the government you will need to demonstrate you meet the English language requirements for the course.

This course requires the equivalent of an IELTS academic test with an overall score of 7.0 with no less than 5.5 in any subtest.

We will also accept an equivalent score in any of the tests listed under the English language requirements section .

You must have completed the qualification no more than two years prior to the start of the course.

Know that this list is exhaustive and as such we are unable to accept any qualifications or evidence outside of this.

Please note that the scores stated at the link above are lower than those you would need to meet for entry to the course.

Contact the admissions team if you have any questions about qualification equivalencies.

English language programmes

Don't meet the English language requirements?  INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.

Application process

When applications open you can apply online and will be expected to submit the following:

• A personal statement of around 500 words on your academic and relevant professional experience to date and how it informs your intention to undertake this course. In addition, you may wish to outline your vision for how the degree will feed into your research or professional career. You will need to make sure your statement is specific to our course and institution, and not generic. You may be asked to provide further details if your statement is too generic.
• A copy of your degree transcript, if applicable. We require an original transcript or a copy certified by your institution. If you have not yet finished your course, please provide a provisional transcript of marks received to date. You will be required to send us your degree transcript as soon as it is available. You will not be able to register as a City student without having supplied your degree transcript
• A sample of creative writing of 3,000 words in the form you wish to study: fiction, genre fiction or creative non-fiction
• You may need to attend an interview, in person, or via videocall.

September 2024 entry

• Apply online for MA Creative Writing with full-time study in London
• Apply online for MA Creative Writing with part-time study in London

Contact the postgraduate team

Telephone: 020 7040 8877

Email: [email protected]

Our academics

Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field – and all acclaimed published writers. On occasion we also work with external professionals such as editors and agents, as well as other visiting writers, to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.

Dr Jonathan Gibbs

Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing

• Department of Media, Culture and Creative Industries

Dr Deepa Anappara

Lecturer in Creative Writing

Dr Rebecca Tamás

Lecturer in Creative Writing (Education & Research)

Jessica Andrews

Dr Joseph Thomas

Senior Lecturer

Our students

Ask a student.

Want to find out more about student life? Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any question you have

Our Creative Writing students

Housing and student life.

Accommodation and housing  

We offer accommodation options and support for all postgraduate students. Our dedicated Accommodation Service can help you to find private accommodation in London if required.

Student wellbeing  

Our extensive support network spans from learning support and disability support through to counselling, financial advice and career advice. Please do tell us if you need our help.

Living in London  

We are based in the heart of one of the most vibrant and colourful cities in the world. London offers a rich variety of cultural experiences far beyond your studies.

What's happening

Apr  23

Lessons to be learnt from Sally Rooney’s Counter-Intuitive Construction (MA/MFA Creative Writing Taster Session)

Find out what it's like to study creative writing at City, in this sample seminar looking at three novels by Sally Rooney.

Tuesday, 23 rd April 2024 , 17:00 – 18:00

Location: Online

Audience: Public

Monday, 14 th December 2020

Disney and City Launch Lab member Kugali announce landmark collaboration

City Launch Lab community member, Kugali worked with Walt Disney Animation to bring an original television series to Disney+ in 2024

Thursday, 25 th July 2024

From economist to crime fiction writer: City student Richard Jerram wins Dagger award

Richard Jerram (MA Creative Writing, 2024) wins prestigious crime fiction Dagger award for his novel "Makoto Murders".

Related courses

Creative writing mfa.

Hone your creative writing with guided completion of a full-length work in your chosen genre and improve your writing career prospects.

Award: Master of Fine Arts

Creative Writing and Publishing MA

Learn how to effectively combine business acumen with creative endeavour by building your knowledge of the publishing industry and significantly enhancing your writing skills.

Award: Master of Arts

Publishing MA

Become professionally equipped to secure competitive positions in the stimulating and ever evolving industry of publishing with our Publishing MA

Useful links

• School of Communication & Creativity
• Creative writing and publishing at City, University of London
• English at City, University of London
• Fiction writing at City, University of London

Contact details

Postgraduate admissions office.

020 7040 8877

[email protected]

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5 Best Universities to Study Creative Writing in the UK

The art of creative writing relies on stimulating the mind and uplifting the generation of new ideas, circumstances, and people. This is a whole new concept whereby authors may let their creativity run wild and create vivid mental images with their words.

Students who can master this competency will have a greater capacity for self-expression and interpersonal interaction. Although practice and guidance in developing this talent are equally crucial, taking courses in creative writing is a terrific approach.

The British economy relies heavily on the inventive sector. The United Kingdom has the longest literary tradition and is at the forefront of literary innovation. Many British authors have become bestsellers in the United Kingdom and globally over the years. Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, and George Elliot are just a few selections of the prominent writers on this list.

Because of its proximity to both established literary canons and modern academic facilities, the United Kingdom is an excellent location to study creative writing.

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on studying creative writing in the United Kingdom for international students.

Top Schools Offering Creative Writing in the UK

The United Kingdom is home to a population that consistently ranks among the world’s most intelligent and inventive. Some of its institutions have excellent programs in creative writing. The ones listed here are only a few of the greatest.

1. University of Leeds

• Bachelor’s Program | Graduate Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
• Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s

Bringing you the first highly regarded school in our list, the University of Leeds is ranked among the top universities in the world. Established in 1904 it is among the biggest in the United Kingdom, Leeds attracts students from nearly 170 nations annually. Leeds University, being among the UK’s major research-intensive institutions, has made its name in groundbreaking studies in a wide variety of fields.

The three-year undergraduate program in creative writing at UOL is designed to help students improve their analytical abilities and creative writing skills throughout their education. Stories, poems, autobiographies, and journals will all be among the forms of writing they can develop. In addition, students will read both historical and contemporary works written in English from around the world. These pieces can address issues such as ethnic origin, environmental degradation, sustainability, socioeconomic status, wellness, etc.

Students pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing are obligated to complete an individual dissertation that may focus on one creative topic or serve as a portfolio for their writing, whichever is most appealing to the individual.

The University of Leeds offers several scholarship programs for international students, one of which is the Head of School Excellence Scholarship . It covers 100% of the UK tuition or 50% of the foreign tuition fees.

2. University of Warwick

Our second recommendation is a university that has gained a name in the research modernization and tutoring model, the University of Warwick . Warwick University’s courses are accredited by various recognized institutions. It is regularly placed among the top 10 institutions in the UK.

Among other programs, one of the top courses this institute offers for international students is a Bachelor in English Literature and Creative Writing. Earning this three-year degree may broaden a student’s perspective on literature, individual approach, and the world at large.

They’ll be well-equipped to succeed in any field that emphasizes conceptualization, originality, and a knack to get one’s point through clearly and persuasively.

Moving to an Advanced Master’s Degree in Writing from the University of Warwick, encompasses the 1-year full time of collaborating with renowned, working authors of fiction, poetry, and translations of literature.

The university offers generous scholarships awards and grants to international students. The Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship , for example, awards full payment and half payment of tuition fees.

3. University of Strathclyde

• Bachelor’s Program | Tuition Fees |  Scholarships
• Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s

Next on our list is the University of Strathclyde , which stands 3rd in English according to Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023. It is AACSB accredited and additionally, more than 90 percent of its research is considered globally outstanding and world-renowned.

The BA Honors in English and Creative Writing takes a fresh, contemporary, and welcoming approach to educating English literature and the dynamic writing method, providing students with a solid grounding in both. Student development in areas like textural evaluation and comprehension is emphasized as a means of preparing them for successful professional lives. The 4-years of this program will offer various core and elective units for foreign applicants.

The cost of tuition for this bachelor’s degree is £17,400 per year. The eligibility requirements of this course include a prior academic excellence record and a passed English Proficiency test. The university also offers a generous number of grants and scholarships for EU and International students alike.

4. University of Birmingham

• Bachelor’s Program | Master’s Program | Ph.D. Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
• Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

The University of Birmingham , a founding member of the elite Russell Group, is our next stop since it was the first Redbrick institution. Their vibrant student body benefits from a great variety of academic offerings, as well as top-notch campuses and research facilities. The institution is also quite proud of its 10 Nobel laureates who are part of their alumni and made significant contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Their courses expose students to an extensive selection of literary categories as well as historical periods, including a vast array of possible specializations. These include the Middle Ages literature to virtual writing throughout the 21st century. Among others, they also have the Shakespeare Institute, which houses an array of information unmatched anywhere else worldwide.

Students pursuing a Master’s degree in this field will get beneficial knowledge from specialists in the publishing sector, like authors and creators of content, as they participate in professional workshops. Applicants in the Ph.D. program will be given the resources they need to create a substantial artistic piece or series of works. All the fees of the respective courses for international students are mentioned on the pages linked above.

Numerous prominent foreign scholarships are available at the University of Birmingham to recognize exceptional academic achievements and alleviate the financial concerns of potential overseas students. The scholarships vary in offering fee waivers, health insurance coverage travel, and residential costs of students.

5. University of Reading

The final institute on our list is the University of Reading , which for more than 100 years has been the vanguard of UK higher education . The University has evolved into an intellectual and social leader throughout the years, breaking new ground in both areas.

The three-year Creative Writing program encourages students to fully immerse themselves in the inventive process, from brainstorming story ideas to constructing poetry. In the category of creative writing, the university comes in at number 11 in the Complete University Guide 2023. They provide a carefully selected set of English literature courses meant to inspire students’ creative writing.

Their Master’s course in Creative Writing will introduce students to a variety of courses directly connected to the life of writing while assisting them in developing and completing medium-sized artistic assignments, whether they are experienced writers or just beginning in the field.

The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate scholarships for international students. These grants allow full to partial funding for tuition fees and other expenses for qualifying students.

FAQs: Creative Writing Studies in the UK

Which creative writing schools offer scholarships for international students.

Possibilities thrive in the United Kingdom for overseas students, and the country’s institutions are exceptionally generous in providing financial help in the form of scholarships. Numerous scholarships and awards are accessible to students to encourage the growth of their creative skills. The purpose of their efforts is to foster the careers of both aspiring and established writers.

The University of Leeds ‘ Head of School Excellence Scholarship and the University of Warwick ‘s Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship are two of the most distinguished scholarships offered to qualified students. Financial aid from these sources may be used to defray the cost of tuition with full and partial funding along with funds for health insurance, transportation, and basic living expenditures.

The above-mentioned universities are highly regarded universities in the United Kingdom offering programs leading to this kind of degree. This article was created to help you decide where to apply for creative writing programs and make a well-informed decision.

We hope you liked the article. Feel free to explore the Study in the UK Guide and more Available Programs for International Students .

About the Author: Hyun Lee

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Creative writing courses

Studying creative writing at university, example course modules.

• Thinking about literature
• Writing the short story
• Screenwriting
• Writing comedy
• Writing modern drama
• Literary aesthetics
• Writing for the media
• Poetry for page and stage
• Short stories
• Travel writing

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

Average for all subjects

Average hours for this subject: 9 (Low N/A - High N/A). Average hours for all subjects: 14.

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

Who studies this subject

• Female : 69% Male : 31%
• Mature : 41% School leaver : 59%
• Full-time : 73% Part-time : 27%

What students say about creative writing

Academic experience.

Creative writing is a subject that seems like a laidback one - a bit of story writing and you're done, easy, right? - but it's not. You need to be hardworking, creative (obviously!) and involved. Stories may rather easily come to mind, but it takes time, effort and skill to put pen to paper and create what is in your mind - and even then, you'll hate a lot of what you've written and want to start again. Creative writing is a subject that requires a lot of effort and input, it requires you to get involved in class and share your work and ideas, because you never know where someone's feedback will lead you. Ultimately, though, when you finally get that 'bit of story writing' spot on and just how you like it, the effort is all worth it. Especially if your grades reflect your work!

The content of the course is tailored towards improving you as a writer, not telling how to write or imposing how/ what they think you should be writing, but encouraging your own creativity and helping you build upon your 'writer's toolbox'. The type of work we usually do is creative exercises, during which we are often given a task in small groups to create an idea, for example, one group might be given the task of creating a world for a story, then another might be given the task of creating characters, and another group given the task of creating a storyline guiding the character through the world. Exercises such as this help develop a writer's ability to create and adapt their own ideas and techniques whilst learning what others might do in the same situation.

On the creative writing course we are asked to do weekly assignments; these are signed each week as proof that they have been completed. They are added to our portfolio which is marked at the end of semester along with our essays. There are no exams. In year 1 and 2 we also work in group presentations. There is a wide variety of modules to choose from in different writing areas, which helps to expand our knowledge of what we would like to specialise in. There are opportunities to perform our work and also submit it to the university's publications. These are student-run with the support of tutors.

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need.

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

• No Specific Requirements

Useful to have

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

• January application
• October application
• Personal statement
• Work experience

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Career prospects

Six months after graduating.

• Sales assistants and retail cashiers

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful.

• Public relations officer

Other real-life job examples

• Stage director
• Press officer
• Web content manager

What employers like about this subject

Creative writing students can learn a range of subject-specific skills including a grounding in the technique and forms of creative writing; how to develop ideas in writing and the principles of writing for different audiences from theatre to online. Transferable skills you can develop include first-rate communication skills, project management, team-working, self-motivation and time management. Creative writing graduates find jobs in publishing, education, advertising, TV and film and the performing arts.

Explore these related courses...

Related subjects to explore

Drama and theatre studies, english language and literature, photography and film, media studies.

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Promoted universities

• Durham University
• Lancaster University
• University of Glasgow
• University of the Arts London
• University of Southampton
• Swansea University
• Aston University, Birmingham
• Ulster University
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• University of Essex

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MA Creative Writing

The MA in Creative Writing at Bristol is designed for writers who would like to begin publishing their work. In warm, supportive workshops, you will be helped to improve your writing and in lectures and seminars you will increase your understanding of the industrial and critical contexts of contemporary literature.

You will be taught industry-focused content by experienced published writers. A special unit will introduce you to issues in contemporary publishing. Guest writers and experts from industry will speak, bringing up-to-date knowledge and expertise to the course. We also work closely with local writing groups and writing initiatives. You will work with a professional writer one-on-one as your manuscript develops.

Welcomed into the University's prestigious Department of English , you will be taught by groundbreaking researchers about contemporary critical issues in literature. You will be encouraged to read widely and books will be suggested for you by faculty. At the end of the course, you should be able to speak confidently and intelligently about your work and your reading.

Twilight teaching allows people with working or caring responsibilities to study - as do the part-time options. A strong writing portfolio will allow access without a first degree in a related subject - or indeed without a first degree. Times of classes will be announced well in advance, so that students can accommodate study in their busy lives.

On demand academic talks

Hear directly from an academic giving you a deeper insight into this programme.

Programme structure

For full-time students, in the first term:

• Workshop One (20 credits)
• Critical Issues in Contemporary Literature (20 credits)
• Exploration for Creative Dissertations (20 credits).

In the second term:

• Workshop Two (20 credits)
• Critical Issues in Contemporary Publishing (20 credits)
• Planning a Creative Dissertation (20 Credits).

This is followed by the Creative Dissertation (60 Credits) over the summer period.

Two years part-time study requires attendance at one seminar in the first teaching block (TB1) and one seminar in the second teaching block (TB2). In the second year, the two years part-time study option requires attendance at one seminar in TB1, one seminar in TB2, and tutorials over the summer period.

Three years part-time study requires attendance at one seminar in TB1 and one seminar in TB2 in the first year. In the second year, it again requires attendance at one seminar in TB1 and one seminar in TB2. The third year of study requires the student to attend tutorials only.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA Creative Writing.

World-leading research

The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK ( Times Higher Education ).

94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry requirements

Places are offered on the basis of a portfolio of writing. We are looking for writers with potential to soon begin publishing their work. It is helpful, but not essential, for the applicant to have some idea of the project they hope to undertake during the course of the degree. Evidence of prior study in the area, a long-standing writing practice, workshop experience, and extensive reading can also strengthen the application. However, the most essential element of the application is the writing itself. We are currently only accepting submissions for fiction, creative non fiction (for example, memoir) and poetry. The portfolio should be no longer than 20 pages of fiction or creative non-fiction (double spaced, 12-point font) or 8-10 pages of poetry.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our  profile level A.

Further information about  English language requirements and profile levels .

Fees and funding

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support .

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.  Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

MyWorld Scholarships: UK offer holders for this programme may be eligible for a scholarship of up to £5,000 towards their tuition fees. Information about eligibility and the application process can be found on the MyWorld website . 

Creative Writing is among the subjects eligible for funding from the Postgraduate Master's Loan . The Faculty of Arts also offers funding opportunities for taught and research programmes.

International students are encouraged to apply for the Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship .

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in Creative Writing often enter portfolio careers, where creative writing becomes only one element of their income. Other elements may include:

• workshop delivery
• proofreading

The close-reading skills developed on a master's in Creative Writing can also prepare graduates for careers in publishing. Advanced skills in understanding nuance and tone have helped graduates secure work in business communications, marketing and corporate social media.

How to apply

Apply via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.

Overseas applicants: 10 July 2024. Home applicants: 26 July 2024.

Please note that due to high demand, some programmes may close earlier than advertised. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment. Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from September 2023 until all places are filled.

Faculty of Arts

School of Humanities

Department of English

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Study Creative Writing, why & how to study

A degree in creative writing will develop your imagination and storytelling skills to help you find your voice..

What’s Creative Writing?

What creative writing degrees can you study, what do you need to get onto a creative writing degree, what topics does a creative writing degree cover, how will you be assessed, why study creative writing, are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a creative writing degree, what are the postgraduate opportunities, similar subjects to creative writing, have any questions, looking for clearing advice.

The Clearing concierge has the answers

Creative Writing degrees cover all aspects of writing from fiction to non-fiction and poetry to scriptwriting. You’ll develop a portfolio of work and explore the many career options available to you.  

Take a look at the university league table for Creative Writing.

Undergraduate degrees in Creative Writing can be studied as a single subject or combined with other areas like literature, film and drama. Some examples include:

Creative Writing BA

Develop your creative and critical writing skills and expand your range and capabilities as a writer. Topics typically cover approaches to literature and cultural history, critical thinking and literary theory among others.

Search for Creative Writing courses. 

American Literature with Creative Writing BA

If you are a lover of American literature, indulge your passion by developing your creative practice, knowledge of American literature, and your industry links. This option often includes a year studying abroad.

Explore  American Literature with Creative Writing Courses.

English with Creative Writing BA

A programme that allows students to focus on creating their own texts, alongside studying the work of other writers.

Look for English with Creative Writing courses. 

Journalism and Creative Writing BA

A Journalism with Creative Writing BA will teach you core journalistic techniques and help you develop writing skills to deliver effective content across multiple platforms, while also encouraging your creative side.

Discover Journalism and Creative Writing courses. 

Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance BA

Develop keen critical analysis skills alongside your practical work in acting, directing and playwriting, and explore a broad range of plays and productions covering theatre’s many pasts and presents.

Find  Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance courses.

Other options  

Options may include an integrated foundation year or placement in the UK or abroad.  

• Find a Creative Writing undergraduate course
• Types of undergraduate degrees

Must have 

Entry requirements for a Creative Writing degree at a university range from 80–160 UCAS points. This could include: 

• A Levels: AAA–CCE 
• BTECs: DDD–MMP (may also require an English Literature A Level) 
• Scottish Highers: AAAAB–BBBB (Advanced Highers: AAB–ABB)
• International Baccalaureate: 38–26
• Universities usually ask for English or English literature at A Level (or equivalent) and a sample of your own writing  

Good to have  

• If you’re doing a combined degree, an A Level of equivalent in the additional subject  
• Evidence of extensive reading and your influences
• Evidence of your love of writing e.g., involvement with writing group, entering writing competition, going to author talks and literary festivals 
• Relevant work experience or volunteering e.g., supporting communications for a charity, office work at a publisher, shadowing a copywriter
• Portfolio of work, e.g., your own blog or contributing articles to magazines
• Entry requirements
• About UCAS points
• Alternatives to A Levels

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

• Adventures in literature and the history of ideas
• Composition and creative writing
• Creative writing drama
• Epic into novel
• Future directions
• Imagine this: prompts for creative writing
• Writing for publication
• Writing for short form media
• Writing poetry and fiction

Assessments are mainly coursework based, and may include the following methods:

• Presentation
• Reflective writing
• A dissertation is usually a final year option

Career-specific skills

• Skills in creative writing to the standards required by the industry – whether publishing, film and TV, or for web content online 
• Editing, redrafting and proofreading 

Transferable skills

• Communication 
• Creative thinking and analysis 
• Digital skills
• Negotiation
• Prioritising and time management
• Problem solving
• Research and analysis
• Self-discipline 

Professional accreditation  

While there are no general professional accreditations for creative writing degrees, there may be some associated with it, for example, the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).  

Professional organisations  

There are many different professional organisations relating to the different genres of creative writing, here are some places to start:  

• Publishers Association  
• National Centre for Writing 
• Society of Authors 
• The Writer’s Guild of Great Britain  

The course appealed to me because of the course structure and syllabus. It is one of the only ones offering creative writing, English literature, and a dedicated publishing module. On a personal level, the lecturers have constantly pushed me to take more risks with my writing, to experiment and have fun with language and structure. Daniel, London Met

• Read more about Daniel's story
• Reasons to study Creative Writing

Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Creative Writing degree?  

Some universities offer students an arts scholarship, bursary or grant. It’s worth seeing if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers e.g., materials, tuition fees or living costs. 

What do Creative Writing graduates earn?

Entry-level salaries start from around £16,700–£22,000 with many areas to go into. For example, an editorial assistant could earn between £18,000–£23,000, increasing to an average of £37,000 for a managing editor and make anything between £45,000–£65,000 as an editorial director.

• See what students do and earn after graduation

What jobs can you get as a Creative Writing graduate?

There are lots of possible career paths, some obvious, some less so including:

• Brand consultant
• Digital marketing executive
• Editorial assistant
• English teacher
• Games writer
• Press officer
• Scriptwriter
• Social media manager
• Social worker
• Travel writer
• Web content manager
• Writer in residence in prisons

Examples of postgraduate courses include:

• Creative Writing PG/Dip/MA/MSt/MSc/MLitt/PhD
• Crime and Thriller Writing MSt
• Comedy Studies PhD
• English Literary Studies with Creative Writing MA
• Playwriting & Screenwriting MFA/MLitt
• Find postgraduate courses for Creative Writing
• Types of postgraduate degrees

If you enjoy a good story, you might also consider:

• Drama, Dance & Cinematics

Search undergraduate Creative Writing courses now!

Ask our experts! You can email [email protected] with your question about studying Creative Writing – we’ll be happy to hear from you.

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BA (Hons) Creative Writing

Part-time, online, study creative writing for your degree with oca.

Have you always wanted to write a novel, create a screenplay, or perfect your poetry? Whatever you’re looking to write, our BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree will give you the tools to achieve it.

Our BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree will empower you with effective practices, insights and skills, encouraging you to write more frequently and with more purpose than ever before. Shared experiences are reflected throughout the course, which is packed full of options so you can develop your writing in your own way and in your preferred genre.

You’ll study the basics of writing, how to remain engaged and will uncover different styles of writing, from poetry and scriptwriting to short fiction and children’s books. You’ll be encouraged to read the best writers, exploring what makes To Kill A Mockingbird so compelling, or why the script of Casablanca works so well, and then apply these techniques to your own writing.

Become the protagonist of your own story. Start writing today.

Unique online Creative Writing courses

Our BA Hons Creative Writing degree is a specialist degree covering scriptwriting, writing for children, life writing, writing a novel, poetry, and more. You can study creative writing online – completely at our own pace – while being supported by OCA’s tutors.

It aims to equip students with skills, confidence, motivation and ambition, through a learning design programme that starts from fundamental writing skills through to the contemporary professional practice in a form or genre of the student’s choice.

Students are equipped with some fundamental writing techniques applicable to all genres, before allowing students to sample poetry, screenwriting or prose writing, and can pursue the poetry or scriptwriting forms at a more advanced level and/or will have the option to try more niche forms of writing, to enable them to gain further skills and expertise.

The programme draws on creative writing pedagogy by utilising the group or workshop activity as well as the individual assignment and close study of others’ work, but accommodates OCA’s distinctive demographic and the desires of lone writers by enabling some to create alternative submissions in the form of traditional writing portfolios.

Course Structure

Our Creative Writing degree covers the full breadth of writing practice, allowing you to take the options that are of most interest to you. As of September 2021, the BA Hons Creative Arts course will deliver 3x 40 credit units in each Level of the course.*

Students are introduced to the basic skills and techniques of creative writing in the initial unit, Essential Writing Skills 1.1. In their second unit, Further Writing Skills, students will choose two options from a choice of three pathways: they can either try basic poetry or screenwriting or the prose option. These choices remain with them for their third unit at Level 1, Developing Your Writing Skills. By the end of Level 1, students will have the skills and knowledge needed to deepen their poetry, prose or scriptwriting craft at Level 2.

Students are supported in the transition from novice undergraduate to knowledgeable and independent learners, putting into practice skills acquired at Level 1 and developing a personal approach to their writing practice. The units at this stage allow students to develop skills from Level 1 in poetry or screenwriting or else to try something new and more specialised, such as writing narrative non-fiction, writing for children or teens or writing short fiction.

Students will begin to understand the iterative and skills-building requirements of creative writing, and will actively consider how their work may become outward-facing. Peer sessions with other writers will inform their writing and raise critiquing skills, with an understanding that in some cases alternative methods are more appropriate.

Level 3 equips students with knowledge, understanding and skills for continuing personal development and professional writing practice. The units provide a framework for the learners to generate projects based on the personal vision and ambition gained throughout Level 1 and Level 2. The aim is to strengthen each individual’s writing practice and inform their creative development through rigorous intellectual enquiry, resulting in a distinctive body of creative work.

*For current students enrolled to a Level of this degree prior to September 2021, existing units across all levels will remain available as ‘teach out’ units to ensure no students are disadvantaged due to the changes. Once enrolled to a new level, students will follow the new degree pathway. 

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available units – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which OCA might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us . This description was last updated on 14 December 2022.

Programme Specification 2024/25 New Curriculum

This Programme Specification is for all units on the new curriculum.

Programme Specification 2024/25 Running Out Curriculum

This Programme Specification details the units and learning outcomes that are being taught out.

Creative Writing Accessibility Statements

Accessibility statements give an indication of the type and format of content, teaching, and learning activities on the course, and how these are ordinarily delivered.

Foundations

Stage 1 (he4).

For the stage

Stage 2 (HE5)

Stage 3 (he6), breakdown of costs....

More Information

With the OCA, you can study a BA (Hons) degree in our flexible online learning model at approximately one third the cost of a degree at a traditional physical university.

Students study and pay for the course on a unit-by-unit basis, so you only pay for the course as you enrol to each unit.

This course is eligible for a part-time tuition fee loan from Student Finance England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or you can self-fund the course and break down costs even further through the deposit and instalment option.  Find out more about your funding options  here .

You will require regular use of a computer or laptop and internet access. Most essential reading materials can be accessed through the digital library services and eBooks.

Students are responsible for sourcing and, where necessary, purchasing any additional software and resources specified. These can be around £400 at Level 1, £500 at Level 2, and £550 at Level 3. Where possible, open or freeware equivalents will be discussed alongside industry standard options.

On this course, you’ll need some type of word document software, such as Microsoft Word and a place to keep your learning logs and journals – this could be digital or handwritten, though your assignments will need to be typed. If you choose to study Scriptwriting, you may need some software to support this.

You may be eligible for any student discounts on computer equipment and software by using your student email, and you can find out more information about student discounts  here .

Our courses are designed with open access in mind, meaning you don’t need specific subject qualifications to enrol.

You can review the study requirements  here so you’re prepared for online study at higher education. This will include a good standard of English and IT literacy skills.

We accept enrolments for our BA (HONS) courses in monthly intakes throughout the year.

Review the key enrolment deadlines on the link below.

How to Apply

Our part-time degree courses are completed on average between 6 and 9 years. The degree is structured into three levels (instead of three years) so you’re able manage study around other commitments.

Once enrolled, you’ll have a maximum of 12 years to complete your degree course. There are unit and level timeframes within the overall degree time frame, and you’ll need a minimum of 10 study hours per week to keep on track. To find out more about course duration and managing your time, click here .

Your course materials are accessible online through the virtual learning environment, OCA Learn, where you’ll also have access to student forums, a subject space, the student handbook and the online library. You’ll work primarily from a set text of course materials and resources, but can also sign up to webinars, workshops and study groups in addition to your core learning.

Once you’ve completed the required assignments within a course unit and received tutor feedback, you’ll submit a portfolio of work to an assessment event. This gives you the opportunity to develop your work before you have it formally assessed to achieve credits towards your degree.

Upon completing the BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree, as a fully-fledged creative writer you could embark on being a novelist, a poet, a scriptwriter – you name it, you can do it. Prospects have great tips on what it is to be a professional writer. They also cover the many roles you could take on, freshly equipped with your degree.

While you’re pursuing your dream of becoming a professional writer, you can find a range of options to support your art while you write that amazing script or novel. Some include:

• Marketing Professional
• Communications specialist
• Editor / Copywriter

In May 2022 the Department for Culture, Media, & Sport  estimated there were some 2.3 million jobs  in the UK creative industries, and  post pandemic the Creative Industries are growing faster than the UK economy  as a whole.

The Academic Regulations for Subsidiary Institutions of The Open University are applicable to all taught courses offered by the Open College of the Arts (OCA).

You can review the Academic Regulations on our policy page .

Get started with our BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree here!

Step 1 of 14

Ba hons creative writing enrolment form.

• I am a new student beginning a degree course
• I am a current student continuing my degree studies
• What is/was your student number? (Required) This is the six digit number at the end of your student email.

About You: Student Details

• Legal Name (Required) Please input your name as it appears on legal documentation for example, birth certificate or passport. This is for reporting purposes and issuance of final award. Prefix Dr Miss Mr Mrs Ms Mx Prof. Rev. First Middle Last
• Telephone Number (Required) Please provide a contact telephone number
• Email (Required)
• Date of Birth (Required) Students must be at least 18 years of age when submitting this application. Day Month Year
• 96 Information refused
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• What country do you share dual nationality with? Please select... AF Afghanistan AL Albania DZ Algeria AS American Samoa AD Andorra AO Angola AI Anguilla AG Antigua and Barbuda AR Argentina AM Armenia AU Australia AT Austria AZ Azerbaijan BS Bahamas, The BH Bahrain BD Bangladesh BB Barbados BY Belarus BE Belgium BZ Belize BJ Benin BM Bermuda BT Bhutan BO Bolivia [Bolivia, Plurinational State of] BA Bosnia and Herzegovina BW Botswana BR Brazil IO British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) VG British Virgin Islands [Virgin Islands, British] BN Brunei [Brunei Darussalam] BG Bulgaria BF Burkina [Burkina Faso] MM Burma [Myanmar] BI Burundi KH Cambodia CM Cameroon CA Canada CV Cape Verde KY Cayman Islands CF Central African Republic TD Chad XL Channel Islands not otherwise specified CL Chile CN China CO Colombia KM Comoros CG Congo CD Congo (Democratic Republic) [Congo (The Democratic Republic of the)] {formerly Zaire} CR Costa Rica HR Croatia CU Cuba XA Cyprus (European Union) XB Cyprus (Non-European Union) XC Cyprus not otherwise specified CZ Czech Republic XM Czechoslovakia not otherwise specified DK Denmark DJ Djibouti DM Dominica DO Dominican Republic TL East Timor [Timor Leste] EC Ecuador EG Egypt SV El Salvador GQ Equatorial Guinea ER Eritrea EE Estonia ET Ethiopia FK Falkland Islands [Falkland Islands (Malvinas)] FO Faroe Islands FJ Fiji FI Finland FR France {includes Corsica} GA Gabon GM Gambia, The GE Georgia DE Germany GH Ghana GI Gibraltar GR Greece GL Greenland GD Grenada GU Guam GT Guatemala GG Guernsey GN Guinea GW Guinea-Bissau GY Guyana HT Haiti HN Honduras HK Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) [Hong Kong] HU Hungary IS Iceland IN India ID Indonesia IR Iran [Iran, Islamic Republic of] IQ Iraq IE Ireland IM Isle of Man IL Israel IT Italy {Includes Sardinia, Sicily} CI Ivory Coast [Côte D'ivoire] JM Jamaica JP Japan JE Jersey JO Jordan KZ Kazakhstan KE Kenya KI Kiribati KP Korea (North) [Korea, Democratic People's Republic of] KR Korea (South) [Korea, Republic of] QO Kosovo KW Kuwait KG Kyrgyzstan LA Laos [Lao People's Democratic Republic] LV Latvia LB Lebanon LS Lesotho LR Liberia LY Libya LI Liechtenstein LT Lithuania LU Luxembourg MO Macao (Special Administrative Region of China) [Macao] MK Macedonia [Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of] MG Madagascar MW Malawi MY Malaysia MV Maldives ML Mali MT Malta MH Marshall Islands MR Mauritania MU Mauritius MX Mexico FM Micronesia [Micronesia, Federated States of] MD Moldova [Moldova, Republic of] MC Monaco MN Mongolia ME Montenegro MS Montserrat MA Morocco MZ Mozambique NA Namibia NR Nauru NP Nepal NL Netherlands NZ New Zealand NI Nicaragua NE Niger NG Nigeria MP Northern Mariana Islands NO Norway ZZ Not known PS Occupied Palestinian Territories [Palestine, State of] {formerly West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and Gaza Strip} OM Oman PK Pakistan PW Palau PA Panama PG Papua New Guinea PY Paraguay PE Peru PH Philippines PN Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands [Pitcairn] PL Poland PT Portugal {includes Madeira, Azores} QA Qatar RO Romania RU Russia [Russian Federation] RW Rwanda WS Samoa SM San Marino ST Sao Tome and Principe SA Saudi Arabia SN Senegal RS Serbia QN Serbia and Montenegro not otherwise specified SC Seychelles SL Sierra Leone SG Singapore SK Slovakia SI Slovenia SB Solomon Islands SO Somalia ZA South Africa GS South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands SS South Sudan ES Spain {includes Ceuta, Melilla} LK Sri Lanka SH St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha KN St Kitts and Nevis LC St Lucia VC St Vincent and The Grenadines AA Stateless SD Sudan SR Surinam [Suriname] SZ Swaziland SE Sweden CH Switzerland SY Syria [Syrian Arab Republic] TW Taiwan [Taiwan, Province of China] TJ Tajikistan TZ Tanzania [Tanzania, United Republic of] TH Thailand TG Togo TO Tonga TT Trinidad and Tobago TN Tunisia TR Turkey TM Turkmenistan TC Turks and Caicos Islands TV Tuvalu UG Uganda UA Ukraine XN Union of Soviet Socialist Republics not otherwise specified AE United Arab Emirates GB United Kingdom US United States UY Uruguay UZ Uzbekistan VU Vanuatu VA Vatican City [Holy See (Vatican City State)] VE Venezuela [Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of] VN Vietnam [Viet Nam] EH Western Sahara YE Yemen XO Yugoslavia not otherwise specified ZM Zambia ZW Zimbabwe
• I have a relevant unspent conviction as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
• I do not have a relevant unspent conviction as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
• Northern Ireland
• Isle of Man or Channel Islands
• 1 British Sign Language user - first or preferred language
• 2 Not a British Sign Language user
• 9 British Sign Language User - NOT first or preferred language
• 98 I do not wish to declare
• 1 Fluent Welsh speaker
• 2 Welsh speaker not fluent
• 3 Not Welsh speaker
• 9 Not known
• Which language would you prefer to be contacted in? (Required) Please ensure you read this question thoroughly. You are not indicating your nationality, but in what language you will be communicated with. 1 Welsh 2 English
• Yes - I am serving in the British Armed Forces
• Yes - I am a family member of someone who is
• Please provide a letter which confirms you or a family member are serving in the Armed Forces, including confirmation of where the serving member resided when they joined up Max. file size: 100 MB.
• 1 Has never been full-time employed in British armed forces
• 4 Is currently employed in British armed forces
• 10 Left employment in British armed forces within last 5 years
• 11 Left employment in British armed forces over 5 years ago
• Please advise your previous addresses of the last 3 years and your reason for being abroad (Required)
• Non UK National serving in the British Armed Forces
• Asylum Seeker
• Limited Leave
• EU Pre Settled Status
• Student Visa / Visitor Visa / Working Holiday Visa
• Settled Status / Indefinite Leave to Remain / Indefinite Leave to Enter / Right of Abode
• Refugee / Humanitarian Protection / Discretionary Leave / Afghan related leave / Ukraine related leave
• Residential Address (Required) Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands

About You: Entry Requirements (1/3)

OCA offers open access courses, meaning you can start studying something you may have been interested in for years but haven't been able to pursue. What we are interested in is your aptitude and enthusiasm for your chosen subject.

You don’t need specific subject related qualifications to study with us, however there are minimum entry requirements you need to meet to ensure you have the right tools to get started.

English Language

As your legal nationality features on the majority English speaking countries list or you are a continuing student, you do not need to provide evidence of English Language proficiency. You will still need to confirm that you have a good standard of English to study this course.

You have indicated a legal nationality that is not featured on the majority English speaking countries list as provided by the CEFR. You must provide evidence of your English language proficiency equating to B2 of the CEFR.

You can evidence you meet this requirement through one of the following documents:

- A Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider, taken two years or less before the date of enrolment to the course. IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Academic may be accepted as meeting these requirements, provided the student has achieved a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four elements of language learning. - Have successfully completed an academic course (not professional or vocational) at Bachelors degree level or above from an educational institution in the UK or in a majority English speaking country as listed below. - A passport provided as evidence of nationality of a majority English speaking country as listed above. - TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT taken two years or less before the date of enrolment to the course, with minimum scores in each of the four elements of language learning as follows: reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20 and writing 17. - Cambridge English B2 First qualification with scale range 160-179 taken in the last two years as of the date of enrolment to the course. - An online Duolingo test. You would need an overall score of 90 or above to meet Level B2 of the CEFR, and a minimum score of 85 in each category (providing your overall score is still above 90).

• I confirm I have a good standard of English
• Upload English Language Evidence Here (Required) We recommend uploading a PDF or image file. Max. file size: 100 MB.

About You: Entry Requirements (2/3)

As our courses are hosted on the virtual learning platform, OCA Learn, it is essential that you have access to a laptop or computer, and can easily manage a range of basic functions through ICT. This includes being able to;

• I have a good level of IT literacy and am confident with using web-based technologies.
• I have regular access to a computer/laptop with internet access.

About You: Entry Requirements (3/3)

Distance learning is great for anyone who wants to be creative, expand their skills and/or gain a qualification on your own terms. A lot of our ­­­students study alongside other commitments such as work, childcare and health issues, adding distance learning to their existing lifestyle.

Self-motivation is key to a successful distance learning student. You will be able to set aside several study hours per week and be comfortable working independently. As a higher education student, you are responsible for your studies and managing your time effectively, and will need a minimum of 10 study hours per week complete within the maximum time frames available.

• I confirm I have at least 10 study hours a week available
• I can dedicate this many study hours per week (Required)
• You do not have enough study hours per week available. You need at least a minimum of 10 study hours to complete a degree within the available time frames.
• Your dedicated study hours per week suggests that you will complete your degree course in 9 years.
• Your dedicated study hours per week suggests that you will complete your degree course in 8 years.
• Your dedicated study hours per week suggests that you will complete your degree course in 7 years.
• Your dedicated study hours per week suggests that you will complete your degree course in 6 years.

About You: Issues that may affect your learning

• 95 No known impairment, health condition or learning difference
• 51 Learning difference such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or AD(H)D
• 53 Social/communication conditions such as a speech and language impairment or an autistic spectrum condition
• 54 Long-term illness or health condition such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, chronic heart disease, or epilepsy
• 55 Mental health condition, challenge or disorder, such as depression, schizophrenia or anxiety
• 56 Physical impairment (a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting or carrying)
• 57 D/deaf or have a hearing impairment
• 58 Blind or have a visual impairment uncorrected by glasses
• 59 Development condition that you have had since childhood which affects motor, cognitive, social and emotional skills, and speech and language
• 96 An impairment, health condition or learning difference not listed above
• 98 Prefer not to say
• 99 Not available

Learning Difficulty

If you think you may have a SpLD but do not have a formal diagnosis, please take a look at the Adult Checklist on the British Dyslexia Association website: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/screening

This does not confirm a diagnosis itself but may give an indication as to whether you should consider looking into a formal diagnosis.

A full diagnostic test is required for UK students to access support via the Disabled Students Allowance process. For OCA students who need help to pay for a diagnostic test, you may be able to apply for part-funding towards a diagnostic assessment via OCA’s Learner Support Scheme.

If you already have a full (post-16) diagnostic assessment, we would encourage you to apply for additional support via the Disabled Students Allowance process. You will need to get reassessed if you had this done when you were under 16 years old.

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

If you are eligible for Student Finance, you may wish to consider applying for Disabled Students Allowance (Student Finance). This has been invaluable to many of our students. Students may be awarded a mentor which provides regular face-to-face interaction to support you with your planning and motivation, or software and equipment may be awarded to help you study the course depending on your needs. It's all individual - they will look at what the requirements of the course are, where your areas of difficulty may be due to your symptoms and let you know what options there are that could help.

We advise students applying for DSA to enrol to the course when DSA is in place, however you can start before this - the decision is yours. DSA applications can take 14 weeks to process, so please consider this when selecting your start date later on.

You can still apply for DSA even if you are a part through your studies.

• I have reviewed how DSA might be able to support me and do not wish to apply for DSA support.
• Only when DSA is approved
• On a set date regardless if DSA is in place or not
• I have a medical condition or disability meaning I require physical course materials.
• I do not have a medical condition or disability meaning I require physical course materials.
• My residential address
• Please provide a delivery address (Required) If you are have indicated you are studying this course in UK, your delivery address must also be UK address Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Please tell us about any health issues, disability or caring responsibilities that may affect your learning. If you require physical course materials in a specific format (set text size, coloured paper etc ) include these details here.

Course Information

Students must achieve 360 credits to complete their BA Hons course, which is structured into three 120 credit levels. Students begin at Level 1, and enrol on a unit by unit basis. Each level is made up of three 40 credit units.

The first number of the unit name indicates the level of study, and the second number of the unit indicates what order they unit should be studied at that level e.g. unit 1.1 is the first unit at Level 1.

• Select which course unit of the degree you are enrolling to (Required) Please select... 1.1 Essential Writing Skills (new students select this) 1.2 Further Writing Skills 1.3 Developing Your Writing Skills 2.1 Investigation and Experiment 2.2 Skill and Proficiency 2.3 Innovation and Challenge 3.1 Practice and Research 3.2 Your Work in Progress 3.3: Reaching Your Audience Writing 1: Writing Skills Visual Studies 1:  Creative Arts Today Writing 1: Starting Your Novel Writing 1: The Art of Poetry Writing 1: Scriptwriting Writing 2: Writing for Children Writing 2:  Writing Short Fiction Writing 2: Poetry – Form and Experience Writing 2: Life Writing Writing 2: Moving on with Scriptwriting Writing 3: Independent Project
• Enrol before progression discussion complete
• Enrol after progression discussion complete
• Which Academic Year would you like to start in? (Required) 2024/25 (1st August 2024 to 31st July 2025)
• Which intake point would you like to join? (Required) 7th October 2024 4th November 2024 6th January 2025 3rd February 2025 3rd March 2025 6th May 2025 2nd June 2025 7th July 2025 Please select an intake point to join. Please note that  the cut off to join an intake is two works before the stated start date of the course. If you select a start date after the deadline has already passed, you will automatically be deferred to the following intake.
• I understand that the fee for this unit is £1,650, or a deposit of £495 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £192.50.
• I understand that the fee for this unit is £2,475, or a deposit of £550 followed by 10 monthly instalments of £192.50.
• I understand that the fee for this unit is £1,890, or a deposit of £567 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £220.50.
• I understand that the fee for this unit is £2,835, or a deposit of £630 followed by 10 monthly instalments of £220.50
• I understand that the fee for this unit is £2,062, or a deposit of £619 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £240.50.
• I understand that the fee for this unit is £3,093, or a deposit of £928 followed by 10 monthly instalments of £216.50.
• I understand that the fee for this unit is £2,362, or a deposit of £709 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £275.50.
• I understand that the fee for this unit is £3,543, or a deposit of £1,063 followed by 10 monthly instalments of £248.00
• Product Name

Funding and Payment

• Student Finance (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)
• Self-funding
• SAAS Part-time Fee Grant
• Learner Support Scheme Bursary
• What is your Student Finance Customer Reference Number? (Required) You'll be given a customer reference number (CRN) when an application to the Student Loans Company for financial support is made. You'll receive this CRN in a letter or email.
• I understand that if applying for funding from SAAS, funding is confirmed after the start date of the course, and if unsuccessful for funding from SAAS I will remain liable for the fees of the course once outside the cancellation period, and that SAAS does not cover the full cost of the tuition fees .

You are responsible for submitting your own Student Finance funding applications. The month you begin your course will mark the start of your personal academic year with Student Finance. For instance, if you begin your course in October, your funding year runs from October to September. This means you need to apply for funding to begin every October for the relevant academic year for as long as you are studying your course.

Mark the month you start your course in your calendar, so you know when your funding the following year needs to begin. We recommend applying for the maximum amount available each year. We will only claim the amount required.

Review the 22/23 Student Finance Guidance Here

• I understand that I will be confirmed as studying 40 credits in my first year when I start my course
• I am applying for a maintenance loan or already receive one (check your eligibility with Student Finance)
• I am not applying or in receipt of a maintenance loan
• Deposit and Instalment
• If paying for the course by instalments, I undertake to pay the full sum once outside of the 14 day cancellation period per the course fees structure , and if relevant, I give my permission for OCA to discuss my progress with a third party funder (e.g. employer, ELCAS).
• Please upload your ELCAS CAN form (Required) Max. file size: 100 MB.

HESA Data Collection

• Have you previously studied at Higher Education Level in the UK before? (Required) A Has had prior HE experience in UK lasting 6 months or more B Has not had prior HE experience in UK lasting 6 months or more C Not known if has had prior HE exp in UK of 6 months or more
• What is your Highest Existing Qualification? (Required) DUK UK doctorate degree DZZ Non-UK doctorate degree D80 Other qualification at level D MUK UK masters degree MZZ Non-UK masters degree M2X Integrated undergraduate/postgraduate taught masters degree on the enhanced/extended pattern M41 Diploma at level M M44 Certificate at level M M71 Postgraduate Certificate in Education or Professional Graduate Diploma in Education M80 Other taught qualification at level M M90 Taught work at level M for provider credit HUK UK first degree with honours HZZ Non-UK first degree H11 First degree with honours leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)/registration with a General Teaching Council (GTC) H71 Professional Graduate Certificate in Education H80 Other qualification at level H JUK UK ordinary (non-honours) first degree J10 Foundation degree J20 Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) J30 Higher National Diploma (HND) J49 Foundation course at level J J48 Certificate in Education (CertEd) or Diploma in Education (DipEd) (i.e. non-graduate initial teacher training qualification) J80 Other qualification at level J C20 Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) C30 Higher National Certificate (HNC) C44 Higher Apprenticeship (level 4) C80 Other qualification at level C C90 Undergraduate credits P41 Diploma at level 3 P42 Certificate at level 3 P46 Award at level 3 P47 AQA Baccalaureate (Bacc) P50 A/AS level P51 14-19 Advanced Diploma (level 3) P53 Scottish Baccalaureate P54 Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers P62 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma P63 International Baccalaureate (IB) Certificate P64 Cambridge Pre-U Diploma P65 Cambridge Pre-U Certificate P68 Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma (level 3) P80 Other qualification at level 3 P92 Level 3 qualifications of which none are subject to UCAS Tariff P93 Level 3 qualifications of which all are subject to UCAS Tariff P94 Level 3 qualifications of which some are subject to UCAS Tariff Q51 14-19 Higher Diploma (level 2) Q52 Welsh Baccalaureate Intermediate Diploma (level 2) Q80 Other qualification at level 2 R51 14-19 Foundation Diploma (level 1) R52 Welsh Baccalaureate Foundation Diploma (level 1) R80 Other qualification at level 1 X00 Higher education (HE) access course, Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) recognised X01 Higher education (HE) access course, not Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) recognised X02 Mature student admitted on basis of previous experience and/or admissions test X04 Other qualification level not known X05 Student has no formal qualification X06 Not known
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Creative Writing in United Kingdom

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• Studying Creative Writing in United Kingdom is a great choice, as there are 118 universities that offer Master's degrees on our portal.
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Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.

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Creative Writing degrees teach ways of building stories by expressing thoughts, feelings, and emotions using the written medium, as opposed to simply presenting written facts. Future creative writers learn to use elements of fiction, character creation, and plot development. Upon graduation, you’ll have the opportunity to work as a play writer, screenwriter, journalist, or fiction writer.

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Ma creative and critical writing.

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The MA in Creative and Critical Writing invites you to focus on your passion for creative writing whilst engaging with the most up-to-date debates in critical theory. On the course, you will develop skills as a creative writer, reader and researcher, broadening your knowledge of the production and reception of literature under the supervision of award-winning authors and lecturers. You will experience an integrated approach to creative writing and contemporary developments in critical and cultural theories while exploring a range of established and evolving literary genres, such as historical fiction, memoir, and children’s literature. 

Studying the MA in Creative and Critical Writing is an inclusive, student-centred experience. Our taught modules connect with and reflect on each other, fostering intellectual curiosity and inviting you to enhance your creative and critical writing skills, both separately and as a blended form. In seminars and intensive writing workshops, you will develop your ideas, voice, listening skills, writing techniques and craft, honing practice through sharing and critiquing work in progress. You will be introduced to the industry through guest lectures and workshops delivered by publishers, editors, and literary agents. You will also learn how to nourish your ideas in the production of a substantial body of professional-standard work and publications such as our MA course anthology, available to buy in all national bookstores.  

The MA in Creative and Critical Writing reflects the research interests and expertise of staff teaching English within the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Building on the success of our undergraduate programme ranked 1 st  in the UK for Student Satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2021, the course brings together the study of English literature, critical theory, and creative writing in a holistic and engaging postgraduate curriculum. Teaching is underpinned by our shared ethos that all writing is critically reflective and creative, opening up new possibilities for creative fusion, innovative fiction, and original insights in academic writing.

The University of Suffolk is world-class and committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

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Course Modules

The course is delivered as a flexible programme, accommodating full-time (1 year) and part-time (2-3 years) study routes, as well as CPD opportunities. Full-time students complete the two mandatory modules (Creative and Critical Writing Workshops and Dissertation Project) alongside three optional modules. Part-time students typically complete Creative and Critical Writing Workshops in year one and the Dissertation Project in year two/three and can negotiate the completion of their optional modules. Children’s Literature, Historical Fiction, Adaptation, and Writers in Residence can also be completed as standalone CPD modules. 

Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record .

Creative and Critical Writing Workshops (Mandatory)

This module provides students with the main theoretical approaches and methodological frameworks that underpin the MA programme. In interactive seminars, students will be encouraged to reflect on the interconnected fields of creative writing and critical thinking and to develop their writing practice through the discussion of key concepts in critical theory. The module runs in semester 1 and semester 2 with alternating seminars in creative and critical writing respectively. The seminars in creative writing will be devoted to the study of specific fields and genres of contemporary writing, explicitly contextualising the themes and topics taught in the critical writing workshops.   

Dissertation Project (Mandatory)

This module supports students in the preparation and submission of their Masters Project in Creative and Critical Writing. This assessment comprises of a 12,000-word writing project and a 3000-word reflective commentary. Students may use a multi-focussed approach to fiction/non-fiction or creative/critical writing. This might be either part of a longer project, such as a novel or screenplay, or a collection of shorter pieces, such as short stories or poems, critical essays, creative responses to critical thought or a combination of both. Students will develop rigorous editorial skills and work with established writers and supervisors to edit, draft and polish their work.  

Writing Historical Fiction (Optional)

Historical fiction is concerned with creative representations of the past, encompassing storytelling and history while engaging with questions of public and private memory, the role of the imagination, textual representations of experience, historiography and the nature of historical truth. In this module, students will consider ways of writing historical fiction, between what is known through experience, what can be known of the past, and what can be imaginatively created. Through close reading and discussion, the module aims to support students in their own historical fiction writing, providing individual consultation and expert guidance for creative projects.  

Children’s Literature: Through the Looking Glass (Optional)

Children’s literature is a vibrant and rapidly growing field of academic study, bringing together scholarly perspectives from a diverse range of subjects and discipline backgrounds. On this module, students will be invited to explore a selection of children’s literature across the genre’s development, from the ‘golden age’ of nineteenth-century classics to contemporary examples from the twenty-first century. By focusing on the criticism and practice of writing prose for children in the areas of middle-grade ( 8 -12 yrs ) and young-adult fiction (12-18 yrs ), students will expand their knowledge of current debates and have the opportunity to develop their own creative work in progress.   

Adaptation: New Creative/Critical Directions (Optional)

Adaptations of literature have appeared on screens since the birth of cinema, but the practice has expanded considerably in twenty-first-century culture, with many adaptations also engaging with a variety of critical and theoretical perspectives to appropriate literary and non-literary source texts. This interdisciplinary module invites students to reflect on these critical and creative developments through a series of twenty-first-century case studies. As well as engaging with textual examples and scholarly approaches, students will have the opportunity to write their own critical and creative response to a selection of academic and literary source texts.  

Writers in Residence (Optional)

Writing residences are increasingly becoming part of the writer’s professional working practice and occur in diverse settings including libraries, book festivals, county archives, schools, hospitals, prisons, and wildlife trusts. Residences offer exciting opportunities for writers to produce new work, respond creatively to and with communities, and build profile, audiences, and networks for further outreach work in the community. As a means to further knowledge and creative confidence in professional writing practice, this module aims to support students in the initiation and organisation of a writer residency of their own.  

Course Modules 2024

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An undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2:2 in a relevant subject.

Other qualifications, relevant work and life experience may be taken into account. 

Please select your country of permanent residence from the list below, specific requirements for your country will then be shown.  

If you have previously studied at higher education level before you may be able to transfer credits to a related course at the University of Suffolk and reduce the period of study time necessary to achieve your degree.

Career Opportunities

The MA in Creative and Critical Writing is designed to support you in a number of professional contexts such as teaching, publishing, editing, and professional writing, as well as enhancing life skills and providing access to doctoral-level study. The course addresses the needs of regional professionals in the creative industries, seeking the next generation of writers in Suffolk, and responds to an increasingly complex job market which prioritises creative approaches.  

The English team has established partnerships with a number of festivals and organisations including The Hold and Suffolk Archives, Christchurch Mansion, New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich Institute, Suffolk Book League, INK Festival, Primadonna Festival, High Tide Theatre, and our local National Trust sites. The Hold, based on our campus, enables students to access Suffolk’s nationally and internationally significant archives and collaborate on exciting initiatives such as the British Library’s travelling exhibition, ‘Marvellous and Mischievous: Literature’s Young Rebels’. Our partnerships aim to be mutually beneficial, always ensuring a greater quality of experience for our students while supporting local organisations and giving back to the community.  

Your Course Team

Dr lindsey scott.

Lindsey is Course Leader for MA Creative and Critical Writing and award-winning lecturer specialising in children’s literature and adaptation.

Dr Darragh Martin

Darragh is Course Leader, BA (Hons) English and writes novels, plays, and stories for children.

Dr Andrea Smith

Andrea is Lecturer in English and Creative Writing. Her career prior to joining the University included working for two Suffolk newspapers and the BBC.

Dr Amanda Hodgkinson

Amanda is an award-winning internationally published novelist, journalist and writer.

Katie teaches on the BA (Hons) English course, and the MA Creative and Critical Writing course, at University of Suffolk.

£9,090

£1,010*, £14,625.

*Please contact the Student Centre for further details

Further Information

Postgraduate Loans are available for this course, we also offer University of Suffolk Alumni a 25% reduction on fees, find out more below.

Facilities and Resources

The Ipswich campus offers an ideal location for studying creative and critical writing, with its state-of-the-art facilities including the Waterfront Building, a dedicated teaching, learning and social space at the heart of Neptune Quay, and The Hold, a unique and bespoke research centre for Suffolk’s nationally and internationally significant archives.  

Study Creative and Critical Writing at the University of Suffolk and you will be adding your voice to a thriving literary and cultural community.  

How to apply

Applying for a postgraduate programme is simple, you can apply using the link below. You can also find out more about what to include on your application and how to contact us for support during the process on the Postgraduate Study link.

Ellen Freeman, MA Creative and Critical Writing

"The application process was straightforward and the staff were welcoming and so encouraging throughout. With their support, I have gained confidence and motivation."

Related Courses

Our BA (Hons) English course provides a foundation in literature, creative writing, and linguistics, working with professional published authors, active researchers, and HEA-accredited lecturers.

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Creative Writing courses

Whether you’re looking to develop your own writing skills and editorial practice for your profession or for purely personal interest, our creative writing courses have much to offer you. Choose below from our range of qualifications.

Creative Writing Degrees  Degrees Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree. Internationally respected, universally understood. An essential requirement for many high-level jobs. Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts. Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.

• Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
• One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
• You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
• For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.

How long will it take?

Creative Writing Diplomas  Diplomas Widely recognised qualification. Equivalent to the first two thirds of an honours degree. Enhance your professional and technical skills or extend your knowledge and understanding of a subject. Study for interest or career development. Top up to a full honours degree in just two years.

Creative writing certificates  certificates widely recognised qualification. equivalent to the first third of an honours degree. study for interest or career development. shows that you can study successfully at university level. count it towards further qualifications such as a diphe or honours degree., why study creative writing with the open university.

Since 2003, over 50,000 students have completed one of our critically acclaimed creative writing modules. 

The benefits of studying creative writing with us are:

• Develops your writing skills in several genres including fiction, poetry, life writing and scriptwriting.
• Introduces you to the world of publishing and the requirements of professionally presenting manuscripts.
• Online tutor-group forums enable you to be part of an interactive writing community.
• Module workbooks are widely praised and used by other universities and have attracted worldwide sales.

Careers in Creative Writing

Studying creative writing will equip you with an adaptable set of skills that can give entry to a vast range of occupations. You’ll learn to evaluate and assimilate information in constructing an argument as well as acquiring the skills of creative and critical thinking that are much in demand in the workplace.

Our range of courses in creative writing can help you start or progress your career in:

• Arts, creative industries, culture and heritage
• Advertising, marketing, communications and public relations
• Journalism and publishing
• Public administration, civil service and local government

Looking for something other than a qualification?

The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.

See our full list of Creative Writing modules

All Creative Writing courses

Browse all the Creative Writing courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of Creative Writing courses

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• Schools & departments

Creative Writing PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Creative Writing

Introduction to Postgraduate Study at the University of Edinburgh

Join us online on 25 September to learn more about Scotland, the city of Edinburgh and postgraduate study at the University.

Find out more and register

Research profile

The PhD in Creative Writing offers committed and talented writers the opportunity to study Creative Writing at the highest level.

Supported by an expert supervisory team you will work independently towards the production of a substantial, publishable piece of creative writing, accompanied by a sustained exercise in critical study.

The academic staff you will be working with are all active researchers or authors, including well-published and prize-winning writers of poetry, prose, fiction and drama. They include:

• Dr Jane Alexander - Fiction
• Dr Lynda Clark - Fiction
• Dr Patrick Errington - Poetry
• Dr Miriam Gamble - Poetry
• Dr Alan Gillis - Poetry
• Nicola McCartney - Drama
• Dr Jane McKie - Poetry
• Dr Allyson Stack - Fiction
• Kim Sherwood - Fiction
• Alice Thompson - Fiction

Find out more about the programme and our team

Training and support

We encourage you to share your research and learn from the work of others through a programme of seminars and visiting speakers.

We have an in-house Writer-in-Residence, annual writing prizes, and a range of opportunities to learn from experts in the publishing industry.

We also offer access to opportunities provided by the Sottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities.

Our postgraduate journal, Forum, is a valuable conduit for research findings and provides an opportunity to gain editorial experience.

• Forum: postgraduate journal of culture and the arts

A UNESCO World City of Literature, Edinburgh is a remarkable place to study, write, publish, discuss and perform prose, poetry and drama.

Take a PhD with us and you will be based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) in the historic centre of this world-leading festival city.

Our buildings are close to:

• National Library of Scotland (where collections include the Bute Collection of early modern English drama and the John Murray Archive)
• Edinburgh Central Library
• Scottish Poetry Library
• Scottish Storytelling Centre
• Writers’ Museum
• Traverse Theatre

We have strong links with the Edinburgh International Book Festival, which annually welcomes around 1,000 authors to our literary city.

There are lots of opportunities to write and share your work, from Forum to The Selkie, which was founded by Creative Writing students in 2018 to showcase work by people who self-identify as underrepresented.

Around the city, you’ll find library readings and bookshop launches, spoken word gigs, cabaret nights and poetry slams, including events run by celebrated publishing outlets, from Canongate and Polygon / Birlinn to Luath Press, 404 Ink, Taproot Press and Mariscat.

You will have access to the University’s many literary treasures, which include:

• William Drummond library
• Lewis Grassic Gibbon library
• Hugh MacDiarmid library
• Norman MacCaig library
• W.H. Auden collection
• Corson collection
• works by and about Sir Walter Scott
• Ramage collection of poetry pamphlets

The Centre for Research Collections also holds a truly exceptional collection of early Shakespeare quartos and other early modern printed plays. These have been put together by the 19th century Shakespearean James Halliwell-Phillipps, the correspondence of Thomas and Jane Welsh Carlyle (the focus of one of the major editorial projects in Victorian studies of the last half-century), and the extensive Laing collection of medieval and early modern manuscripts.

You will also have access to letters and papers by - and relating to - authors including:

• Christopher Isherwood
• Rudyard Kipling
• John Middleton Murry
• Walter de la Mare
• George Mackay Brown
• Compton Mackenzie

Many of the University's Special Collections are digitised and available online from our excellent Resource Centre, Computing Labs, and dedicated PhD study space in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC).

Look inside the PhD study space in LLC

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK masters degree, or its international equivalent, in creative writing, normally with distinction.

We may also consider your application if you have equivalent qualifications or experience. For additional information please refer to the pre-application guidance in the 'How to apply' section.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 62 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

• Fees and costs

Read our general information on tuition fees and studying costs:

Scholarships and funding

Featured funding.

There are a number of scholarship schemes available to eligible candidates on this PhD programme, including awards from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Please be advised that many scholarships have more than one application stage, and early deadlines.

• Find out more about scholarships in literatures, languages and cultures

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
• Contact: [email protected]
• School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures
• 50 George Square
• Central Campus
• Programme: Creative Writing
• School: Literatures, Languages & Cultures
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This programme is not currently accepting applications. Applications for the next intake usually open in October.

Start date: September

Awards: PhD (36 mth FT, 72 mth PT)

Application deadlines

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines. We will make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis, but hold the majority of applications until the next published selection deadline when we will offer a proportion of the places available to applicants selected through a competitive process.

Deadlines for applicants applying to study in 2024/25:

• How to apply
• Pre-application guidance

Before you formally apply for this PhD, you should look at the pre-application information and guidance on the programme website.

This will help you decide if this programme is right for you, and help us gain a clearer picture of what you hope to achieve.

The guidance details the writing samples you should send us as part of your application (either fiction or poetry, along with a shorter sample of your academic writing).

It will also give you practical advice for writing your project summary – one of the most important parts of your application.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

King's College London

Creative writing research phd.

Key information

The PhD in Creative Writing at King’s is a practice-led course, incorporating taught elements and aspects of professional development. It is designed to cater for talented, committed writers who are looking to complete a book-length creative work for publication and sustain a long-term career in writing.

Key Benefits

Our unique programme offers students:

• a varied, structured framework for the development of their creative work, with regular feedback from experienced author-lecturers in the department through supervision and workshops
• purposeful engagement with professionals from the publishing and performance industries throughout the course, building potential routes to publication
• valuable teaching experience in creative writing at HE-level through our Graduate Teaching Assistantship scheme
• practical experience in public engagement, through curating and chairing public literary events at King’s
• a community of fellow writers and collaborative projects

English Department

We have over 100 doctoral students from all over the world working on a wide range of projects. Together with our community of postdoctoral fellows, our early career researchers both organise and participate in our thriving seminar and conference culture.

The English department is home to award-winning novelists, poets, essayists, biographers, non-fiction authors, and literary critics, who supervise creative projects at doctoral level within their specialisms.

Works by our staff have won or been shortlisted for a number of literary accolades, including: the T.S. Eliot Prize, the Forward Prize, the Man Booker Prize, the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year, the Costa First Novel Award, the Costa Poetry Award, the Somerset Maugham Award, the Commonwealth Book Prize, the Biographers’ Club / Slightly Foxed First Biography Prize, the U.S. National Book Critics Circle Award, the CWA Gold Dagger Award, the European Union Prize for Literature, the RSL Encore Award, the Los Angeles Times Book Award, the E.M. Forster Award from the American Academy of Letters, le Prix du Roman Fnac, le Prix du Roman Etranger, the Kiriyama Prize, the Republic of Consciousness Prize, the Royal Society of Literature’s Encore Award, and the OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature. Many of the creative writing staff are Fellows of the Royal Society of Literature.

Their most recent publications are:

Benjamin Wood

The Young Accomplice (Penguin Viking, 2022) – fiction

A Station on the Path to Somewhere Better (Scribner, 2018) – fiction

Edmund Gordon

The Invention of Angela Carter (Chatto & Windus, 2016) – creative non-fiction

Loop of Jade (Chatto & Windus, 2015) – poetry

Anthony Joseph

Sonnets for Albert (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2022) – poetry

The Frequency of Magic (Peepal Tree Press, 2019) – fiction

Lara Feigel

The Group (John Murray Press, 2020) – fiction

Free Woman: Life, Liberation and Doris Lessing (Bloomsbury, 2018) – creative non-fiction

Homing: On Pigeons, Dwellings, and Why We Return (John Murray Press, 2019) – creative non-fiction

Daughters of the Labyrinth (Corsair, 2021) – fiction

Beethoven Variations: Poems on a Life (Chatto & Windus, 2020) – poetry

Emerald (Chatto & Windus, 2018) – poetry

Andrew O'Hagan

Mayflies (Faber & Faber, 2020) – fiction

The Secret Life: Three True Stories (Faber & Faber, 2017) – creative non-fiction

*may vary according to research leave and availability.

King's Alumni

The list of King’s alumni not only features many acclaimed contemporary authors—Michael Morpurgo, Alain de Botton, Hanif Kureishi, Marina Lewycka, Susan Hill, Lawrence Norfolk, Ross Raisin, Alexander Masters, Anita Brookner, and Helen Cresswell—it also includes major figures in literature, such as Maureen Duffy, Arthur C Clarke, Thomas Hardy, Christopher Isherwood, BS Johnson, John Keats, W. Somerset Maugham, and Virginia Woolf.

Course Detail

Our postgraduate writing students are given a supportive environment in which to enhance their technique, to explore the depths of their ideas, to sustain their creative motivation, and to prepare them for the demands of the writer’s life beyond the College.

At King's we know that writing well requires self-discipline and an ability to work productively in isolation; but we also appreciate that postgraduate writers thrive when they are part of a community of fellow authors, an environment of constructive criticism and shared endeavour.

That is why we offer our PhD students the guidance of knowledgeable and experienced practitioners. They will have frequent opportunities to interact and collaborate with peers and forge lasting connections within London’s writing industry.

Students will be expected to attend the quarterly Thesis Workshop, and also to take an active part in curating literary events at King’s, including the Poetry And… quarterly reading series. They will be invited to apply for positions teaching undergraduate creative writing modules as part of the Department’s Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) scheme.

After three years (full-time) or six years (part-time), students are expected to submit either:

• a novel or short story collection
• a poetry collection
• a full-length work of creative non-fiction

In addition, they are also required to submit an essay (up to 15,000 words) that examines their practical approach to the conception, development, and revision of their project, and which explores how their creative work was informed by research (archival, book-based, or experiential).

• How to apply
• Fees or Funding

Many of our incoming students apply for AHRC funding via the London Arts and Humanities Partnership. Please see their website ( www.lahp.ac.uk ) for more detail of deadlines, application procedure and awards available. Also the ‘Student Funding’ section of the Prospectus will give you more information on other scholarships available from King’s.

UK Tuition Fees 2023/24

Full time tuition fees:

£5,820 per year (MPhil/PhD, Creative Writing)

Part time tuition fees:

£2,910 per year (MPhil/PhD, Creative Writing)

International Tuition Fees 2023/24

£22,900 per year (MPhil/PhD, Creative Writing)

£11,450 per year (MPhil/PhD, Creative Writing)

UK Tuition Fees 2024/25

£6,168 per year (MPhil/PhD, Creative Writing)

£3,084 per year (MPhil/PhD, Creative Writing)

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

£24,786 per year (MPhil/PhD, Creative Writing)

£12,393 per year (MPhil/PhD, Creative Writing)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

• Study environment

Base campus

Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

PhD in Creative Writing students are taught through one-to-one sessions with an appointed supervisor in their chosen specialism (fiction, creative non-fiction, or poetry) as well as through quarterly thesis workshops. They are also appointed a second supervisor whose role is to offer an additional perspective on the work being produced.

We place great emphasis on pastoral care and are a friendly and welcoming department in the heart of London. Our home in the Virginia Woolf Building offers many spaces for postgraduate students to work and socialise. Studying in London means students have access to a huge range of libraries from the Maughan Library at King’s to the Senate House Library at the University of London and the British Library.

Our PhD Creative Writing students are taught exclusively by practicing, published writers of international reputation. These include:

Benjamin Wood (Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing)

Supervises projects in fiction.

Edmund Gordon (Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing)

Supervises projects in fiction and creative non-fiction.

Sarah Howe (Lecturer in Poetry)

Supervises projects in poetry.

Anthony Joseph (Lecturer in Creative Writing)

Supervises projects in poetry and fiction.

Jon Day (Senior Lecturer in English)

Supervises projects in creative non-fiction and fiction

Lara Feigel (Professor of Modern Literature)

Supervises projects in creative non-fiction and fiction.

Ruth Padel (Professor Emerita of Poetry)

Andrew O’Hagan (Visiting Professor)

*Teaching staff may vary according to research leave and availability.

Our programme also incorporates the following taught components:

Thesis Workshop

A termly writing seminar for the discussion and appraisal of works-in-progress. These are taught on a rotational basis by all members of the creative writing staff, so that students get the benefit of hearing a range of voices and opinions on their work throughout the course.

The Writing Life

A suite of exclusive guest talks and masterclasses from leading authors, publishers, and editors, in which students receive guidance from people working at the top level of the writing industry and learn about the various demands of maintaining a career as a writer.

Recent speakers have included Amit Chaudhuri, Chris Power, Rebecca Watson, Mendez, Frances Leviston, Joanna Biggs, Joe Dunthorne, Francesca Wade, Kishani Widyaratna, Jacques Testard and Leo Robson.

Other elements of professional development are included in the degree:

Agents-in-Residence

Candidates in fiction or creative-nonfiction will meet and discuss their work in one-to-one sessions with invited literary agents, who are appointed to yearly residencies. These sessions offer writers a different overview of the development of their project: not solely from the standpoint of authorial technique, but with a view towards the positioning of their writing within a competitive and selective industry. Poetry candidates will meet and discuss their work with invited editors from internationally recognised poetry journals and presses.

Undergraduate Teaching

Through our Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) training scheme, our PhD students can apply to lead undergraduate creative writing workshops in fiction, creative non-fiction, and/or poetry, enabling them to acquire valuable HE-level teaching experience that will benefit them long after graduation.

Reading Series

Our students are required to participate in the curation of literary events at King’s. They are also responsible for curating Poetry And… , a quarterly reading in which leading poets illuminate the powerful connections between poetry and other disciplines. Students will develop skills in public engagement by chairing discussions and may also perform excerpts of their own writing.

Postgraduate Training

There is a range of induction events and training provided for students by the Centre for Doctoral Studies, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the English Department. A significant number of our students are AHRC-funded through the London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP) which also provides doctoral training to all students. All students take the ‘Doctoral Seminar’ in their first year. This is a series of informal, staff-led seminars on research skills in which students can share and gain feedback on their own work. We run a series of ‘Skills Lunches’, which are informal lunch meetings with staff, covering specific topics, including Upgrading, Attending Conferences, Applying for Funding and Post-Doctoral Awards, etc. Topics for these sessions are generally suggested by the students themselves, so are particularly responsive to student needs. We have an Early Career Staff Mentor who runs more formal workshops of varying kinds, particularly connected to career development and the professions.

Through our Graduate Teaching Assistantship Scheme, doctoral students can apply to teach in the department (usually in their second year of study) and are trained and supported as they do so.

• Entry requirements

Find a supervisor

Search through a list of available supervisors.

Accommodation

Discover your accommodation options and explore our residences.

Connect with a King’s Advisor

Want to know more about studying at King's? We're here to help.

Learning in London

King's is right in the heart of the capital.

• Postgraduate study
• Postgraduate taught courses

English Literature (Creative Writing)

Explore this course:.

Applications for 2024 entry closed at 5pm on Friday 6 September. Applications for 2025 entry open on Monday 16 September.

School of English, Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Course description

You’ll study contemporary creative writing methods and practices and develop your skills in different genres, cross-genres and a wide range of formal and genre experimentations. You’ll also develop and explore your own creative and critical writing through practical workshops and the critical reading of contemporary creative and theoretical texts.

You’ll be encouraged to take all four creative writing core modules, with a minimum of three, which are designed to interact with each other theoretically, thematically and methodologically, to allow for experimentation between literary practices and productive genre crossovers.

The course culminates in a dissertation. You’ll be producing portfolios of both creative and critical work for each module and for your dissertation, all of which may take the form of poetry, prose poetry, short stories, a novel extract, poetic prose, hybrid texts and other genres, as well as formal or cross-media experimentations.

This MA will help you develop your creative writing to a publishable quality, providing a positive, friendly, nurturing, intellectual and creative environment for confident, bold and imaginative development of contemporary creative writing forms and practices. You’ll explore your own writing through practical workshops and learn how to creatively and constructively critique your own and other students' work.

You’ll benefit from the buzzing literary culture at Sheffield and get involved in public and university readings, publications and festivals throughout your time with us. You're encouraged to publish your work and to participate in student-led, peer-feedback editorial sessions.

We run monthly public readings within the Centre for Poetry and Poetics with established writers and have an annually published creative writing journal, Route 57 , which is edited and assembled by our own creative writing students. Each year we also run various creative writing projects, student readings and hubs which will give you a variety of opportunities to meet fellow writers within our well established Postgraduate Creative Writing community which comprises current and alumni students of the MA and PhD.

An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.

You may also be able to pre-book a department/school visit as part of a campus tour. Open days and campus tours

• 1 year full-time
• 2 years part-time

How we teach core modules

For the four core creative writing modules, you’ll meet for a two-hour workshop each week. These workshops are held in the late afternoons or early evenings.

A workshop is an informal, creative and critical environment that allows you to receive feedback on your writing from both the tutor and your fellow students. 

You’ll have the opportunity to discuss creative and theoretical practices, drawing on a wide range of selected contemporary reading material. You'll be encouraged to produce new writing on a weekly basis, which we discuss in the workshops.

How we teach optional modules

Modules from MA English Literature are taught in seminars, which can vary from 1.5 to 2.5 hours long. These are held weekly or fortnightly depending on the module. Many of these seminars are held during the day.

Teaching staff

Our current staff are active and internationally-recognised authors, academics and creative forces in their fields:

• Dr Agnes Lehoczky (Programme Convenor for the MA in Creative Writing, Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing)
• Professor Adam Piette (Professor of Modern Literature)
• Clare Fisher (Lecturer in Creative Writing)
• Dr Michael Kindellan (Vice Chancellor’s Fellow)
• Jane Lowe (Creative Writing Programme Administrator)

Former teaching staff have included Dr Vahni Capildeo, Professor Simon Armitage, Dr Honor Gavin, Professor Denise Riley, Dr Laura Joyce and Dr Rachel Genn.

You'll be assessed at the end of each term on creative writing portfolios which will include your creative work and a critical essay as well as your dissertation project which will consist of both creative and critical components.

The dissertation is 80% creative and 20% critical reflection on your own work, genre or relevant literary tradition. You'll prepare for it through work you've done in both creative writing modules. The word count for fiction is:

• 12,000 words of creative work
• 4,000 words of which may already have been workshopped or submitted
• 3,000-5,000 word critical essay

For poetry, the word count is:

• 20 poems, or equivalent (roughly up to 400 lines approx), five of which may have already been previously workshopped or submitted (as long as drafts are submitted to indicate changes)
• 3,000-5,000 words critical essay

Mixed portfolios are welcome. For work previously submitted, we would like you to submit drafts to show changes and developments made to the material.

Your career

Our alumni have gone on to publish creative work and pursue research paths in various sectors. View a list of publications by our current students and alumni who have published work during and since completing our degree programme in Creative Writing.

Alumni and student publications

Your career - the School of English

School of English

We're a research-intensive school with an international perspective on English studies. Students can specialise in their chosen subject, while taking modules from other programmes, forging interdisciplinary connections. We encourage you to get involved and to apply your academic learning, working in partnership with external organisations both within the city of Sheffield and beyond.

Our staff are researchers, critics, and writers. They're also passionate, dedicated teachers who work tirelessly to ensure their students are inspired.

We keep seminar groups small because we believe that's the best way to stimulate discussion and debate. Our modules use a range of innovative assessments and can include designing websites, writing blog posts, and working with publishing software, in addition to writing essays and delivering presentations.

We're committed to providing you with the pastoral support you need in order to thrive on your degree. You'll be assigned a personal tutor with whom you'll have regular meetings. You're welcome to see any of our academic staff in their regular student consultations if there's anything you want to ask.

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject.

Subject requirements

We accept degrees in the following subject areas: 

• English Language
• English Literature
• Linguistics
• Modern Languages

Your degree should be in an Arts and Humanities or Social Sciences subject.

View an indicative list of degree titles we would consider

IELTS 7.5 (with 7 in each component) or University equivalent

If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College . This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department .

Fees and funding

There are a number of studentships and fee bursaries available, funded by the University. Deadlines for funding applications are usually in winter/early spring.

Applications for 2024 entry closed at 5pm on Friday 6 September. Applications for 2025 open on Monday 16 September.

More information

[email protected] +44 114 222 0220