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Creative Writing with English Literary Studies MA

Lancaster university, different course options.

  • Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

MA - Master of Arts

Subject areas

English Literature Creative Writing

Course type

The MA Creative Writing with English Literary Studies provides the opportunity to combine creative and critical writing at Master's level. It’s your chance to learn from prize-winning, practising authors such as Jenn Ashworth, Zoe Lambert and Eoghan Walls who lead our long-established Creative Writing scheme and to engage with a vibrant literary culture.

During your studies, you will have the opportunity to develop strategies for initiating new work, explore verbal textures and narrative structures, and enhance your knowledge of literary forms and conventions. You will be encouraged to hone your critical and creative skills, employ reflective practice, and learn the art of redrafting, revision and close editing. The nature of research within creative writing practice will also be considered as you evolve your own creative and critical portfolio.

‘Research Training and Professional Practice’ is a core module, during which you will examine the professional and ethical issues around creative writing and develop your reflective practice skills. Four elective modules are then split between Creative Writing and English Literary Studies - those on offer explore a wide range of literary fields and genres, and include Psychogeographies, Short Fiction, Poetry, Landscape Writing, the Personal Essay, Radio Drama, Modern, Contemporary, Romantic, Victorian and Early Modern Literature. (Please note: we offer a wide range of modules however not all modules are available every year).

You will also complete a Creative Writing portfolio, which is a 12,000 creative project (or the equivalent for Poetry or Script Writing) and a 3000 critically reflective essay. All students have the opportunity to perform their creative work at our annual MA Showcase - previous events have been held in partnership with Lancaster LitFest and the Dukes theatre, Lancaster.

This degree will be useful if you are considering a career or wish to advance your career in journalism, publishing, reading development, community arts or public relations, and it is a good preparation for PhD research. You will have the opportunity to develop critical, analytical, close reading and editing skills that will also enhance your employability.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

You need to have 2:1 degree in a related subject is normally required. We will also consider applications on an individual basis where you have a degree in other subjects, have a 2:2 or equivalent result or extensive relevant experience. You should clearly be able to demonstrate how your skills have prepared you for relevant discussions and assessments during postgraduate study.

English Literature MA

University of nottingham, english phd, phd english, aberystwyth university, bangor university.

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English Literary Studies with Creative Writing MA Lancaster University

Lancaster University

Course options

Qualification.

MA - Master of Arts

Lancaster University

  • TUITION FEES
  • ENTRY REQUIREMENT
  • UNIVERSITY INFO

Course summary

The MA English Literary Studies with Creative Writing provides a rare opportunity to combine creative and critical writing at Master's level. It’s your chance to learn from tutors who are leading experts in English Literary Studies and from the prize-winning, practising authors who teach in our long-established English Literature and Creative Writing department.

During your studies you will critically engage with complex written materials and with the ideas of others. You will learn to place your own creative and critical work in a literary and professional context, and to express your powers of analysis across a variety of literary forms. The elements of self-directed study and independent thinking will help you to develop your skills in project management, working to deadline, working to a brief, creative collaboration, and problem solving.

The degree comprises two core modules in Research Methodology, two elective modules in English Literary Studies, and two elective modules in Creative Writing. You will also complete an English Literary Studies dissertation. All students deliver a research-based talk at our annual MA Showcase - previous events have been held in partnership with Lancaster LitFest and the Dukes theatre.

Your postgraduate degree prepares you for careers in journalism, publishing, literature and reading development, community arts and public relations, as well as PhD research. The critical and creative skills developed through your studies will also enhance your employability.

Part time and full time study options are available.

Module Options

Tuition fees.

  • Afghanistan
  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Burkina Faso
  • Central African Republic
  • Congo (Democratic Republic)
  • Czech Republic
  • Dominican Republic
  • El Salvador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Ivory Coast
  • Korea DPR (North Korea)
  • Liechtenstein
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£ 23,875 per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

Lancaster University

University League Table

Campus address.

Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 4YW, England

Subject rankings

Subject ranking.

  • Creative Writing

17th out of 97 3

6th out of 56 2

Entry standards

Graduate prospects

Student satisfaction

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Creative Writing (Distance Learning) MA Lancaster University

Key course facts, course description.

  • Why Lancaster?*

Study from anywhere in the world, whenever it suits you, with our online tutorials and conferences

Sharpen your writing with detailed individual feedback from a published author in your chosen genre

Join us for a summer school on campus to spend time with our friendly community, share your work and learn from brilliant writers

Learn from published writers who specialise in long prose fiction, memoir, short stories, poetry and work for stage and screen

Work towards your ambition of being a published writer – we’ll help you turn your passion into a career path

We believe distance learning should be like a book – you should be able to pick it up and put it down when it suits you. By studying with us, you can benefit from invaluable one-to-one support from one of our published writers and work on your writing project without changing your lifestyle.

A global community

The DLMA Creative Writing at Lancaster has an established track record of success: our list of graduates who have published their work speaks for itself. Studying with us, you’ll become part of our diverse community of students who connect with each other from all corners of the globe, each bringing their unique personal experiences and cultural perspectives to the course.

Supporting your success

To support your writing project, you’ll learn from detailed online one-to-one tutorials and group conferences. We’ll match you with a published writer in your chosen genre who will be your personal tutor throughout the programme. As well as this one-to-one support, you’ll take part in virtual conferences where you’ll share your work with other students and members of our expert team.

Unmissable summer school

In the summer term of your first year, we run a week-long summer school on campus. Past students have travelled to Lancaster from locations ranging from the USA to Singapore. While this is an optional part of the programme, previous participants have said this is a highlight of the programme as they have the chance to meet other students in person, join interactive workshops and review their progress face-to-face.

During this exciting week, you’ll also benefit from interacting with professionals such as agents, publishers and writers who join us from across the UK. You’ll also take part in a field trip to the Wordsworth Trust in the beautiful Lake District.

Assessment Methods

Entry requirements / admissions, requirements for international students / english requirements.

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

  • Graduate Degrees
  • Undergraduate Degrees

**2:**1 degree in a related subject is normally required. We will also consider applications on an individual basis where you have a degree in other subjects, have a 2:2 or equivalent result or extensive relevant experience. You should clearly be able to demonstrate how your skills have prepared you for relevant discussions and assessments during postgraduate study. **Please contact us for more information** ****Additional Requirements:**** ****As part of your application you also need to provide:**** - A portfolio of original writing (no more than 12 poems or 20 pages of prose/scriptwriting) showing potential for publication. - An outline (approximately 300-400 words) of your proposed project, which is the single point of assessment and is submitted at the end of the course. This could be a collection of short stories, poems, a script, extracts from a longer fiction, creative non-fiction, or life writing piece. ****English Language Requirements:**** We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously. We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 7.0, and a minimum of 6.5 in each element of the test.

Average student cost of living in the UK

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of lancaster university in top uk and global rankings., about lancaster university.

Lancaster University was established in 1964 and is located in the rural setting of Lancaster. The campus provides a series of amenities, including banks and a post office. Academically, all of this university’s courses and programmes are accredited and approved by MARP, ensuring that the curriculums delivered here are set at a high standard. In terms of facilities, students have access to a variety of study and recreational spaces intended to improve their wellbeing, such as Meditation and Tai Chi classes, and Woodland walks.

List of 452 Bachelor and Master Courses from Lancaster University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Lancaster University

Where is this programme taught.

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Creative Writing MA

Year of entry 2024, postgraduate virtual open day.

Join us on Wednesday 28 February to learn more about studying your postgraduate degree at Leeds. Book your place

Course overview

A student sits at a desk, she smiles as she writes something into her notepad. Her laptop is open beside her as well as a coffee cup.

Take a tour of our School

Get a taste for life in the School of English as Masters student Alex takes you on a tour of the School building as well as some campus highlights.

The MA in Creative Writing offers the opportunity to develop your skills in creative writing within the context of a School of English with a long and distinguished history in creative writing. The course appeals both to those who wish to deepen and broaden their creative writing practice, and to those who are working towards a single publishable piece of work.

With expert guidance from teaching staff who are actively engaged in producing and publishing creative writing, you will engage with a wide variety of literary genres, including poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. You will also have the chance to develop your literary and critical skills more broadly.

Throughout the course, you will be able to explore areas of personal interest and participate in workshops to hone your skills in diverse forms of writing.

You will also produce an independent research project, which can be dedicated to a single creative idea, or which might comprise a portfolio of your creative writing, according to your interests.

A student stands at a lecturn in a traditional looking library setting. He speaks into a microphone to the crowd of people sitting in the foreground. Behind him are two banners that read Leeds Lit Fest 2023.

Our expertise

The School of English has a long and prestigious history in creative writing. Creative Writing at Leeds has a great history of alumni and former staff, including Wole Soyinka, Geoffrey Hill, JRR Tolkien, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Hannah Copley, Luiza Sauma, literary agent Caroline Hardman, and our recent Douglas Caster Poetry Fellows Helen Mort, Anthony Vahni Capildeo and Malika Booker.

Our current staff includes Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, JR Carpenter, Kimberly Campanello, Campbell Edinborough, Zaffar Kunial, Alison Peirse, Sarah K. Perry, Jay Prosser, Jess Richards, Ross Raisin, Caitlin Stobie and John Whale. Our practices and passions run across creative and critical writing. They include: visual and experimental poetry; eco poetics; the contemporary novel and contemporary lyric poem; literature and medicine; disability studies; autofiction; and transgender memoir.

We are home to the University of Leeds Poetry Centre, which brings together the University’s strength and heritage in creative writing. It hosts regular poetry readings by visiting international poets and supports a poetry reading group.

Our creative writing community benefits from partnerships with llkley Literature Festival, Leeds Playhouse and Leeds Grand Theatre. We also support a thriving range of events and workshops with visiting writers.

Specialist resources

The University of Leeds Library is one of the UK's major academic research libraries. It has extensive holdings to support your studies, including English Literature Collections that have been designated of national and international importance.

Our Special Collections offer a huge range of rare books, manuscripts and art, as well as the archives of poets like Tony Harrison, Geoffrey Hill and Simon Armitage, and literary publications such as Stand and The London Magazine.

Other highlights include materials relating to novelists like Arthur Ransome, Angela Thirkell, Melvyn Bragg and Sophie Hannah, and critics like George Wilson-Knight and Bonamy Dobrée. The library also holds original manuscripts by the Brontë family.

Take a 360 tour around our libraries:

Brotherton Library Laidlaw Library Edward Boyle Library

Course details

The MA in Creative Writing covers a range of literary forms, including poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction genres.

The course develops your skills as a creative practitioner. It also explores the history, generic conventions and experimental possibilities of creative literary forms. Through the Creative Writing core module you will learn about key practices in and approaches to creative writing, which you will then expand on through optional modules that allow you to tailor your studies to suit your interests and career ambitions. Optional modules include offerings in Creative Writing and English Literature, alongside modules in digital media and performance in the School of Performance and Creative Industries. Your research project will apply and expand upon what you have learned in these core and option modules.

Through your research project you will gain experience of creative practice as research. You will write a creative research project on a subject of your choice with support from a specialist supervisor and with access to the outstanding research resources of the University's Brotherton Library.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below).

For more information please read MA Creative Writing (full time) or MA Creative Writing (part time) in the course catalogue.

Learning and teaching

You’ll have weekly seminars or workshops in each module where you discuss the themes and issues arising from your reading and writing. You’ll have the opportunity to share your writing and receive feedback on work-in-progress. You’ll be able to enhance your learning by attending the wide range of seminars and talks by visiting speakers and creative writers that we arrange throughout the year.

Independent study is a vital part of the degree, as it allows you to build your skills and explore your own ideas as an academic researcher and a creative writer.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment for this programme includes both creative and critical reflection on your creative practice. Modules are assessed either by a combination of these equivalent to 4,000 words, or by a single essay of around 4,000 words. While formal assessment tends to take place at the end of the module, during term you may also be expected to submit work in progress in order to gain feedback, or give presentations in your seminars.

The research project is typically a 9,000-word (or poetry equivalent) creative writing project with a 3,000-word critical reflection.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in English literature or Creative Writing, or a degree scheme that includes a significant proportion of English Literature or Creative Writing content, or a related subject. You will also submit a Creative Writing sample comprising approximately 1,000 words of prose or 3 pages of poetry (or a portfolio combining both genres). This gives us a chance to get to know some of the writing you have produced so far to help us determine suitability for this course.

Applications from those with degrees in other subjects may be considered on an individual basis, along with the sample you will submit.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office for more information.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications .

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Arts and Humanities (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Arts and Humanities (10 weeks) .

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals.  Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional .

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses .

How to apply

Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines.

You will need to apply for a place before applying for any scholarships, so check the deadlines for available scholarships on our website .

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you need

You’ll need to upload the following documents when completing the online application form:

A transcript of your completed BA degree or grades to date

A personal statement of around 500 words in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form. It is important that you consider and respond to these questions.

A Creative Writing sample comprising approximately 1,000 words of prose or 3 pages of poetry (or a portfolio combining both genres)

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to submit proof of your English language results (eg IELTS).

We do not generally request references, unless further information is required to support the assessment of your application.

We will decide whether to offer you a place based on your application form, personal statement, transcripts, predicted or actual degree results and, where appropriate, any additional documentation requested.

The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures receives very large numbers of high-quality applications and regrets that it cannot make offers to all of its applicants. Some particularly popular schools may have to reject many that hold the necessary academic qualifications.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students . We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

This course is taught by

School of English

Postgraduate Administrator

Email: [email protected] Telephone:

UK: £12,000 (Total)

International: £25,250 (Total)

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees .

Read more about paying fees and charges .

Part-time fees Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page .

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview .

The School of English also offers a range of scholarships for taught postgraduate study. Find out more on our Scholarships page .

Career opportunities

This course will equip you with advanced transferable skills which are valuable in a wide range of careers.

You’ll be a confident researcher who can work independently as well as within a team. You’ll be a strong communicator, both verbally and in writing, and be able to think critically and analytically. In addition, you’ll have a strong level of cultural and critical awareness, and you’ll be able to look at a situation from different points of view.

All of these qualities are attractive to employers across sectors, and you’ll be well equipped to pursue a career in a wide range of fields depending on your interests. These could include teaching, journalism, publishing, advertising, broadcasting and law. Many of our graduates also progress to PhD-level study and you’ll be in a good position to develop a career in academia. Students from our programmes have gone on to have successful careers as literary agents, journalists and researchers, as well as to become published novelists and award-winning poets.

Careers support

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website .

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support .

Whether you're looking to pursue further study, change career, or stand out in the competitive graduate job market, you'll receive expert support in applying the skills you've developed in your chosen career.

Watch: Careers support at Leeds

Find out more about the careers and employability support that you'll receive as a student in the School of English.

Related courses

English literature ma, postcolonial studies ma, rankings and awards, qs world university rankings 2023.

31st in the world for English Language and Literature

Complete University Guide 2024

13th in the UK for English

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The English Literature and Creative Writing building with the sign on the wall.

English Literature and Creative Writing

Start your story with Lancaster University

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for English 

The Guardian University Guide (2024)

for Creative Writing  

40th in the world

QS World Subject Rankings (2023)

Students gathering at the Priory

Welcome to the Department of English Literature and Creative Writing

Professor Mark Knight- Head of Department.

Study with us

Undergraduate programmes.

university of lancaster creative writing ma

Master's Programmes

university of lancaster creative writing ma

PhD Programmes

university of lancaster creative writing ma

Scholarships, Bursaries and Prizes

Both the University and the Department are always looking to support, encourage, and celebrate our students. Please below for details.

Entrance to the department

Student Prizes

The postgraduate student prizes for 2022/2023 are as follows:

Postgraduate Student Prizes:

Best CREW902 portfolio mark: Holly Clifton Sara Sheldrake. Best CREW415 portfolio mark: Ian Quint Leisner. Best ENGL400T Dissertation: Alice Schieppati. Best Dissertation on Women’s Writing: Katie O’Hara.

Benedetta Liorsi Prize:

Benedetta Liorsi Prize: For highest overall course mark achieved by a student taking an English Literature course: Chloe Gorse. For highest overall course mark achieved by a student taking a Creative Writing course: Sara Sheldrake.

university of lancaster creative writing ma

Outstanding

96% of our published work has been rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF2021). Our research is uniquely shaped by the juxtaposition of the critical and the creative, the city of Lancaster, with its Medieval Castle and Priory, and nearby Lake District where we partner with the Wordsworth Museum. We also partner with The Duke’s Theatre, Lancaster LitFest, and The Storey, Lancaster’s Victorian-build arts venue, where our MAs and PhDs enjoy the University’s Postgraduate Study Space.

Tutors at a book reading

Our Creative Writing programme has a long and distinguished history which dates back to 1970, meaning that, in the UK, we were there at the very beginning of the discipline. And we remain at the fore with celebrated authors as tutors and students who go on to publish their work both while with us and after.

Get Involved

university of lancaster creative writing ma

Images from Lancaster University Library Special Collections.

university of lancaster creative writing ma

Literary Lancaster

The Department is not only home to many eminent authors and critics but also hosts a whole series of free literary events featuring world-leading guest writers and scholars. Some are held on campus, but many are held in Lancaster’s historic city centre – our favourite venues are the Castle, the Priory, and the Storey. For a calendar of our upcoming events, just scroll down.

Sir Humphry Davy by H. W. Pickersgill after Thomas Lawrence 1831  and courtesy of the Royal Institution of Great Britain

Lancaster researchers’ page-turner discovery on Sir Humphry Davy’s unread poetry

Researchers at Lancaster University have discovered hundreds of unpublished poems written by the nineteenth-century British chemist Sir Humphry Davy in his private notebooks. 

Winnie M. Li - head and shoulders photograph

Writing about sexual violence in the age of #MeToo

As part of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the History Department at Lancaster University has organised a lecture by an internationally acclaimed author and activist.

Coleridge’s view from Helvellyn’s summit - shows rugged mountains, a sharp ridge and a lake.

Recreating the climbs of three early Lake District adventurers

An epic 13.5-hour, 34-kilometre walk, led by a Lancaster University professor, which followed in the footsteps of one of the Lake District’s great poets, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, was captured on film and will be premiered at the Kendal Mountain Festival next month.

Paterson Joseph portrait photograph and front cover of his book

Lancaster University Public Lecture series welcomes actor and author Paterson Joseph

TV, film and stage actor and author Paterson Joseph is all set to come to Lancaster in November as part of the University’s new Public Lecture series. 

Georgi Gospodinov

Booker Prize author to give Lancaster International Fiction Lecture

This year’s International Booker Prize winner Georgi Gospodinov will present the third Lancaster International Fiction Lecture, a joint online venture between Lancaster’s Litfest and the University’s Department of Languages & Cultures and the Department of English Literature & Creative Writing.

Sir Humphry Davy portrait

Online course and exhibition shine light on Sir Humphry Davy

British inventor Sir Humphry Davy’s chemical experiments – complete with a re-creation of a spectacular demonstration of how he thought a volcano worked – together with his life and historical times will be available as part of a revamped, free, online Lancaster University course, which will get underway on Monday, October 9.

Kwasu Tembo (Lancaster) - There is (no) Other Time: Time Travel & Trauma in 20th and 21st Century Time Travel Cinema (ELCW Research Seminar)

Wednesday 28 February 2024, 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Welcome to new staff: Dr Kwasu Tembo (Lancaster) presents research on time travel and trauma.

Kaye Mitchell (Manchester) - Constraint and Corporeality: Reading Brooke-Rose and Garréta’s Gendered Experiments (ELCW International Women's Day Lecture)

Wednesday 6 March 2024, 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Dr Kaye Mitchell, Senior Lecturer at the University of Manchester, discusses her current research on gender in women's experimental writing.

ELCW Annual Castle Symposium: Built Environments

Tuesday 12 March 2024, 9:30am to 4:30pm

The ELCW Castle symposium, in partnership with the University of Lausanne, showcases scholarship in medieval and Early Modern literature.

Literature & Religion Seminar - with Dr Michael Davies (Liverpool)

Friday 15 March 2024, 1:00pm to 2:00pm

This seminar series takes the form of a reading group - a short text is pre-circulated.

SF Said, Tyger - panel discussion and author talk (Creative Writing Open Reading)

Friday 15 March 2024, 1:30pm to 3:30pm

A panel of staff and students discuss acclaimed children's novel Tyger with the author SF Said, co-sponsored by Lancaster Litfest and FASS Decolonisation.

More Events

Athena Swan Action Plan 2019.

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happy young woman sitting with pen and paper

Creative Writing MA

1-2 years, full- or part-time.

This Masters in creative writing is geared towards studying and experimenting across genres and forms, and will challenge you both intellectually and imaginatively.

Creative Writing MA , 1-2 years, full- or part-time

Course information.

UK fee £10,700

International fee £19,700

Taught by English

  • 20% alumni discount
  • International student information

Course enquiries +44 (0)116 252 2620 [email protected]

Course Director Dr Jonathan Taylor [email protected]

English website

Course description

The MA in Creative Writing is a challenging course, both intellectually and imaginatively. You will be able to develop your writing skills in a supportive and stimulating environment, taught by experienced and professional writers.

The course offers you the opportunity to become involved in a uniquely vibrant literary scene in Leicester, with connections to  the Centre for New Writing , the  Creative Writing blog ,  Everybody's Reviewing  and many other events and organisations across the city.

Because of the mixture of forms and genres that the course covers - including poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, and script-writing - you will be encouraged to experiment beyond your usual experience. In your final dissertation, you'll be able to specialise in a chosen genre, through a sustained piece of work.

The course is highly innovative, in its mixture of creative and academic work and in its vocational elements, that are designed to enhance your employability prospects. It encompasses traditional forms of publishing, along with performance and emerging technologies. Teaching methods are similarly varied, ranging from seminars, to workshops, individual tutorials, computer labs and guest masterclasses and readings.

The degree can also be taken part-time over two years. If you choose to study part-time you will take one module per semester.

Entry requirements

Normally a 2:1 degree in Creative Writing, English Language or Literature, or another relevant subject. We also consider applicants with significant writing experience.

Where appropriate, you may be asked to submit an essay as part of our admissions process. We will contact you if this is the case.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability . If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.

International Qualifications

Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

Fees and funding

Uk students, starting in september 2024.

  • £10,700

If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to  pay a deposit of £3,000  to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

Find out more about fees and funding .

Waddington Scholarship

The Waddington Scholarship is an award of £1,000, awarded on the basis of academic merit. It is open to full-time and part-time students from anywhere in the world.

Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you’re eligible.

International Students

  • £19,700

You will need to  pay a deposit of £3,000  to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).

The Waddington Scholarship  is an award of £1,000, awarded on the basis of academic merit. It is open to full-time and part-time students from anywhere in the world.

Careers and employability

Individual and personal tutorials also address issues of career management and planning. The course team have many connections with external networks, organisations and employers (e.g. publishers, agents, writing organisations, festivals etc.). This aspect of the course is closely connected with the Career Development Service, who offer relevant support, in the form of workshops, mock-interviews and more.

With its focus not only on writing skills, but also on the practical aspects of working in the Creative Writing field, this degree helps you work towards a variety of related fields, from publishing and e-publishing, editing, literary agency, to teaching the subject at school (with a PGCE qualification), or undertaking a PhD. Graduates in Creative Writing might be employed as author, poet, playwright, screenwriter, storyliner, video game creator, journalist, TV producer, publisher or agent, teacher or lecturer, stand-up comedian, academic research, public relations, advertising and marketing, political research and speech-writing, arts management, content provider, tweet writer, web editor, blogger, franchise creator, branding consultant, literary event manager, or intellectual property adviser. Over the last few years, our students and graduates have published novels, non-fiction, poetry collections, reviews and short stories, and have won or been shortlisted for major awards.

Key transferable skills include:

  • Oral communication skills
  • Written communication skills: ability to write precisely, concisely and clearly
  • Writing for different contexts, outlets, audiences and markets
  • Research skills
  • Digital skills
  • Teamwork and providing feedback

Our Career Development Service  is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.

Related courses

Modern and contemporary literature (and creative writing), english literature, victorian studies, browse all courses, receive email updates, course structure.

  • Research Methods in Creative Writing
  • Styles: Advanced Creative Writing Workshop I
  • Applications: Publishing, Teaching and Other Stories
  • Substances: Advanced Creative Writing Workshop II
  • Creative Dissertation

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Why Leicester?

Our extensive network of contacts will let you meet professional writers and gain insight into a large array of possible career routes.

The course offers a stimulating and supportive environment in which you can develop your writing skills – with personal support from our teaching staff.

You will be taught by critically acclaimed published authors and academics as well as visiting industry professionals.

You will learn key literary and academic skills as well as relevant vocational and real-world applications.

Teaching and learning

During the course you will be taught by a wide variety of methods, including:

  • workshops and feedback sessions
  • computer lab sessions
  • readings and talks from external speakers
  • individual tutorials and supervisions
  • directed and self-directed study, writing and research time

There will be approximately two hours of contact time per week for each module.

Throughout the course, you will have the chance to talk individually to members of staff, and to blog about your on-going experience on a dedicated course blog.

Assessment methods will include Creative Writing portfolios, reflective commentaries, a research project, an oral presentation, and a final dissertation.

September 2024 start

  • Application deadline : 9 September 2024 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 26 July 2024)
  • Deposit payment deadline : 9 August 2024
  • CAS request deadline : 6 September 2024
  • 70% tuition payment deadline : 6 September 2024

Applying for

Where are you studying, when would you like to start, how would you like to study.

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student looking into the distance

As well as encouraging me to embrace my ideas and have confidence in my writing, the course has improved and strengthened my academic voice. The tutors in the English department are passionate about the subjects that they teach, which always makes our seminars engaging, entertaining and enjoyable.

Reem, MA Modern Literature and Creative Writing

COMMENTS

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