Creative Writing MA
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Creative Writing is one of the longest established postgraduate courses of its kind in the UK, with a strong record of publication and related industry success by its graduates, and close links to publishers and the writing industries. Designed for talented, committed writers, the course is taught by a team of award-winning, widely-published tutor-writers, all at the forefront of screenwriting, fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction.
You will be joining a lively community of writers and industry professionals, where you will have the opportunity to develop your work. You will receive considerable tutor and peer support in specialisms you will select from a variety of genres, including fiction, poetry, children’s and young adult fiction, and writing for stage, radio and screen. You will also engage with a wide range of industry professionals, and have the opportunity to develop projects, while working in one of England’s four UNESCO Cities of Literature.
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73% of NTU’s research in English Language and Literature was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent - REF2021. -
Our close links to the publishing and editing industries provide you with networking opportunities and the chance to meet publishers, editors and agents. -
Get published with our student Anthology. Every year our students produce and publish their own high-quality anthology of original creative writing. This gives you invaluable insight into the editorial and publishing industry, as well as introduces your work to the wider public. -
Study Creative Writing in a UNESCO City of Literature. Nottingham is a place of discovery, exchange, ideas and learning for everyone who loves words and stories. Our vision as a UNESCO City of Literature is for a city where everyone is reading and writing their way to a better life.
- Taught by professional authors, poets and researchers.
- Develop your writing in a variety of genres including fiction, poetry, children's and young adult fiction, writing for radio, stage and screen, and creative non-fiction.
- Full-time and part-time study available.
What you’ll study
The course invites you to develop your writing strengths by providing a framework within which you can discuss your own and each other’s work. At the heart of the course are small group workshops in your chosen specialisms, and a series of workshop-lectures given by staff, visiting writers, agents, and other industry professionals. Guest speakers have included Gwendoline Riley, Carol Leeming, Michael Schmidt, David Almond, Alan Hollinghurst, Kathleen Jamie, Jackie Kay, Alan Jenkins, Alison Moore, Carrie Etter, and Michèle Roberts. Establishing important links with the publishing and editing industries, you will work closely with tutors, all experienced and current writers with excellent publication and production records, to develop your work to an excellent standard.
This course is divided into modules which are separately taught and assessed. You will choose two options, and take two core modules. Most assignments for each module require you to present a piece of original creative writing, accompanied by a critical or editorial discussion.
Core modules
- Writing: Research Methods, Theory and Practice (40 credit points): Through a dynamic series of lectures and workshops by experts in the field – authors in multiple genres, editors, and other professionals – you will develop critically-informed opinions about key issues and trends in contemporary writing, and your skills across a range of genres. The module includes regular advanced-level practical exercises to improve your technical abilities, as well as a series of short projects to help you to develop high-level skills in research, writing, editing and critique.
- Dissertation (60 credit points): The dissertation represents the MA's highest level of specialisation. You will choose a major writing project (e.g. a film script, longer piece of fiction, portfolio of poems, memoir, etc), then work closely with guidance from a supervisor on developing this to the highest possible standard, potentially ready for submission to an agent or editor. Supervisors will advise you on reading and research methods as well as aspects of the precise form you have chosen to pursue.
Optional modules
You will also choose two of the following 40-credit optional modules, each taught by widely-published experts currently working in the relevant fields:*
- fiction;
- poetry;
- writing for radio, stage and screen; and
- children's and young adult fiction.
Full time students complete the course in one calendar year. Part-time students complete the Writing: Research Methods, Theory and Practice module and their first option in Year One, and the dissertation and their second option in Year Two. (Modules run subject to demand, but it's very unusual for them not to run.)
Further information on what you'll study
Student Anthology
Every year our students produce and publish their own high-quality anthology of original creative writing. This gives you an invaluable insight into the editorial and publishing industry, as well as introducing your work to the wider public. Most anthologies go to multiple print runs, and contain the fiction, poetry and other writing of students alongside the work of lecturers, guest lecturers, and other professionals, as selected by you, the editorial team.
Discover the 2022 Anthology - Almost
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
How will I learn?
The core course consists of a series of lectures and seminars on different aspects of the writing process, with optional modules incorporating practical writing workshops. Students currently choose two options from Fiction, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Poetry and Writing for Radio, Stage and Screen.
The core course regularly hosts talks and readings by writers, which make up approximately half of the programme of weekly sessions for the core module Writing: Research Methods, Theory and Practice. Guests have included:
- Gwendoline Riley
- David Almond
- Jenny Savill (Director, Andrew Nurnburg Associates)
- Carol Leeming
- Michael Schmidt
- Carrie Etter
- Jenny Diski
- Joe Dunthorne
- Naush Sabah
- Michael Eaton
- Alan Hollinghurst
- Jackie Kay
- Melanie McGrath
- Jon McGregor
- Kate Mosse
- Alan Jenkins
- Alan Sillitoe
- Amanda Whittington
Option modules are taught in small workshop groups, led by writer-tutors who are widely published and highly active in the respective option module genres. Dissertation projects receive individual supervision by a writing specialist from our team of staff.
Find out more about our Creative Writing community on the NTU Creative Writing Hub site.
Assessment
Students take the core module, two options and a dissertation (part-time students do the second option and dissertation in their second year). There are two assignments in each option.
Research opportunities
Creative Writing (and Critical and Creative Writing) PhD supervision is available, as are funded routes for PhD study. We have a thriving PhD community, and specialisms across creative writing and English literature.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can: enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects.Find out more about the ULP.
Further information
Visit the Creative Writing Hub at NTU site to find out about upcoming events and discover more about our thriving community of students and award-winning staff.
Careers and employability
Career development
The unique flexibility of the course enables students to work in a variety of genres including fiction, poetry, children's and young adult fiction, writing for radio, stage and screen, and creative non-fiction. Advice on getting published and lectures on the writing industry are incorporated into the structure of the course, and there are opportunities to meet publishers, editors and agents. Students are encouraged to build strong links with Nottingham's thriving literature community and are invited to participate in local events, readings and festivals.
Every year our students produce and publish their own high-quality anthology of original creative writing. This gives students invaluable insight into the editorial and publishing industry, as well as introduces their work to a wider public.
Graduates from this course have included many highly successful published authors across a wide range of genres, such as Kim Slater, Hilary Spiers, Stephan Collishaw, Maria Allen, Di Slaney, and Nicola Monaghan.
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, it is vocationally focused and many recent graduates have acquired agents and publishing deals.
The course also has strong professional links to the Times Literary Supplement, Nottingham Playhouse, and other institutions. This course will help you to develop a broad spectrum of skills transferable to many job roles. Our recent graduates have pursued a range of careers within and beyond the writing industries or progressed on to doctoral or postdoctoral research.
What our students are doing now
Bryna Graziana Broady
We caught up with Bryna, an NTU alum and current student, who tells us about her journey back into postgraduate study, how her degrees have shaped her career path, and what it’s been like to return to NTU after 20 years.
LD Lapinski
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
- A good honours degree (minimum 2.2); applications are primarily assessed on the quality of the writing sample and statement.
- Submit a 3000-word creative writing sample, OR c. 100 lines of poetry, OR an equivalent mixture of poetry and prose/script.
- Evidence in a personal statement of a commitment to writing.
Applications from candidates with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered on an individual basis if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
You will need the equivalent to:
- A good honours degree (minimum 2.2); applications are primarily assessed on the quality of the writing sample and statement.
- Submit a 3000-word creative writing sample, OR c. 100 lines of poetry, OR an equivalent mixture of poetry and prose/script.
- Evidence in a personal statement of a commitment to writing.
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our courses. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
Pre-masters and foundation courses
If you need to do a foundation course to meet our course requirements please visit Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC). If you’re already studying in the UK at a school or college and would like to know if we can accept your qualification please visit our pre-masters and foundation courses page.
English language entry requirements
If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English language tests.
- For a list of our language requirements please visit our English language page.
- If you need to do a pre-sessional English language course to meet the English requirements please visit our pre-sessional English course page.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Help and support
There is lots of advice and guidance about how to apply, fees and scholarships, qualifications, and student life on our dedicated International students website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for September 2023:
Course | Full time Home (UK) tuition | Part time Home (UK) tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA Creative Writing | £8,200 | £4,100 |
* Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Fees may be subject to change.
Alumni Discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Tuition fees for September 2023:
Course | Full time International and EU tuition | Part time International and EU tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA Creative Writing | £16,800 | £8,400 |
* Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Please see our international fees page for more information.
We offer prestigious scholarships to new international students holding offers to study at the University.
- For more information on these and other opportunities for funding please visit our international scholarships page.
- For information on how to pay your fees to the University please visit our international fee payment page.
Help and support
There is lots of advice and guidance about how to apply, fees and scholarships, qualifications, and student life on our dedicated International students website.
How to apply
Ready to join us?
Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow our step-by-step guide. You can apply for this course throughout the year. Most of our postgraduate and professional courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide. Here you’ll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply directly to the University online using the NTU online application portal.
Apply as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.
- For a step-by-step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.
- For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page.
- For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Good luck with your application!
Help and support
There is lots of advice and guidance about how to apply, fees and scholarships, qualifications, and student life on our dedicated International students' website.