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A Creative Writing degree will let you flex your storytelling abilities and study the work of literary legends.Our university rankings for Creative Writing include Scriptwriting and Poetry Writing.

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This table was first published on 14 May 2024. 

Read the  University and subject tables methodology  to find out where the data comes from, how the tables are compiled and explanations of the measures used. 

All measures used to compile the tables are available on the full table view. Maximum scores for the measures: 

Overall score: maximum score of 1000 

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Student satisfaction: maximum score of 4

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Continuation: maximum score of 100 

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Graduate prospects – on track: maximum score of 100 

The following institutions have courses in this subject but insufficient data to be included in the ranking:  

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Creative writing ma.

Part of: English

This programme is ideal if you are keen to explore genres such as fiction, nonfiction and poetry, and the creative and critical connections between them. We will introduce you to a wide variety of approaches to writing and contemporary examples. 

• Develop your creative work with the support of internationally renowned, award-winning novelists, poets and nonfiction writers. The Creative Writing team at Queen Mary includes Rachael Allen, Katherine Angel, Brian Dillon, Michael Hughes, Nisha Ramayya, Rivers Solomon, and Isabel Waidner. Guest speakers on the programme have included Alexander Chee, Olivia Laing, Darran Anderson, A.K. Blakemore and more.
• Consider fundamental questions about contemporary writing.
• Complete a substantial independent writing project in your chosen genre, with one-to-one support and supervision.
• Study on the only Creative Writing MA offered by a Russell Group university in London.
• Get involved with our thriving practice and research culture, with special focus on innovative and hybrid writing. The Subtexts event series hosts the most exciting local and international writers in warm, accessible spaces in East London, as well as more intimate work-in-progress events for research students. Our brand-new Centre for Contemporary Writing has strong links to wider literary culture and publishing, and programmes public events, symposia, and interdisciplinary workshops. And  you can join the editorial team or submit to our fabulous literary journal Subtexts, gaining vital experience in publishing from both sides.

Creative Writing at Queen Mary has a diverse and dynamic research culture that welcomes writers who want to experiment, innovate, take risks and push boundaries of form and genre. If you are ready to take your writing to the next level, to find your own distinctive voice and subject, and to be challenged and inspired to produce your best work, we would love to hear from you.

Study options

• Full-time September 2024 | 1 year
• Part-time September 2024 | 2 years

What you'll study

The MA is made up of five modules. Two of these, in the first and second semesters, are devoted to Creative and Critical Writing . W e will explore what it means to take a critical , self-aware approach to your writing, the overlap between creative and critical work, and how these topics can be thought about or demonstrated in fiction, poetry, nonfiction and performance. These modules are taught by staff across the Creative Writing team , and we will also invite other prominent writers to deliver seminars and workshops.  

Alongside this central module, you will take a module on the role of research in creative writing, and another on working collaboratively: here you will have the opportunity to work with staff and other students to produce public-facing work. Starting i n the third semester you will work with an individual supervis or to plan and write your Dissertation: a piece of self-directed work that is the most substantial outcome of your MA.  

Our London location means you’ll also have the wealth of London’s literary culture on your doorstep: our MA makes the most of this advantage, ensuring you explore the city’s galleries, libraries and other cultural institutions.  

• Five assessed modules  
• A 15,000-word dissertation

Compulsory Modules for Full Time Study

• Creative and Critical Writing 1  
• Creative and Critical Writing 2  
• Writing From Research  
• Collaborative Practices  
• Creative Writing Dissertation  

Part-Time Study Breakdown Year 1

Creative and Critical Writing 1

Creative and critical writing 2, writing from research, collaborative practices, creative writing dissertation.

Download our latest module information

Compulsory/Core modules

This compulsory module for the MA in Creative Writing explores such writing across multiple literary forms, including nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and dramatic and visual writing. The module focuses on the ways in which the co-mingling of criticism and creative forms can produce new expressive and epistemological modes and genres. It introduces students to theoretical, methodological, and practical frameworks for understanding and producing creative and critical texts, and texts operating at the intersection of multiple disciplinary fields. It will combine seminar-style discussion and writing workshops.

This module offers students a range of approaches to the application of research in creative practice, including speculative research as a prompt to creative practice; psychogeographic exploration; direct observation of procedure and expertise; reflective journals examining personal experience; and historical and cultural investigation to inform questions of style, form, structure and subject. Students will receive practical training in the use of archival and library resources, and in techniques of sourcing and recording real-world research, and seminars will examine key ethical questions around eliciting and gathering material, including critical exploration of current cultural debates concerning authenticity and appropriation.

This module invites you to consider collaborative practices as integral to creative and critical writing. Countering notions of writing as solitary pursuit, or individualistic, competitive enterprise within a literary marketplace, the materials and activities on this module will demonstrate how collaboration can enable, support, and expand writers¿ research and practice. Collaboration will be understood in a variety of contexts, including conversation, improvisation, co-writing, cross-genre and interdisciplinary composition, DIY publishing, and event organisation. You will read, view, and listen to a range of texts and artworks produced collaboratively; you will be introduced to and asked to invent processes for making work with others; you will be encouraged to reflect on the aesthetic, intellectual, and political challenges that emerge in these collaborative processes. While collaboration is key to this module, it¿s recognized that students¿ abilities and interests differ: an initial stage of allotting roles and responsibilities will address this, and the nature of individual students' contributions to group work may differ.

The MA Dissertation gives students the opportunity to pursue an independently conceived research and writing project. Working with the support of a supervisor, students will identify a form, or forms, in which they wish to work, conduct in-depth research into their chosen topics, and explore relevant and related creative and critical works. The dissertation will be presented in the form of a substantial piece of written work (maximum 15000 words). Students are encouraged to think carefully about their choice of forms and themes in advance, and to discuss these possibilities with members of academic staff. Formal project supervision typically begins in May for full-time students, and somewhat earlier for part-time students. Dissertation submission is usually scheduled for mid-August.

• Critical and research essays
• Close-reading exercises and critical commentaries
• Written exercises (e.g. blog posts, blurbs, walking journals, creative non-fiction, reviews, imitations, bibliographical exercises)
• Translation exercises
• Presentations (group and individual), posters
• Portfolios (written and e-portfolios), log books and learning journals
• Performance projects (group and individual)
• Multi-media (e.g. podcasts, annotated videos, websites)

Dissertation

In the second semester, students will be asked to submit draft dissertation proposals; at least one seminar/workshop will be set aside for group discussion of these drafts, and a final proposal will be required by the beginning of Semester 3. Students will then work with an assigned supervisor to plan and complete an independent creative project or dissertation. The dissertation could be approached in any of the following ways: 15,000 words of hybrid creative-critical work; at least 10,000 words of creative work plus up to 5,000 words of critical work (which could be a self-reflexive essay on their creative and critical practice, or a research project related to the student's creative work); a single 15,000-word project that incorporates its critical component in a creative work.

“My experience of the C reative W riting modules was of profound growth. The lecturers really invested in the development and success of my writing. Each piece I produced was knowledgeably, usefully and warmly critiqued.”   — Numertha Geisinger, Student on MA Creative Writing module, MA English Literature 2021

Teaching takes a number of forms:

• Seminars, involving a variety of forms of group work
• Creative writing workshops
• Small-group tutorials (normally with advisor)
• Presentations by and discussions with visiting artists and writers
• Field trips, performance and gallery visits
• Individual guidance and feedback on written work (where requested)
• Group discussion of written and practical work
• Individual supervision of dissertations/Research Projects
• Writing retreats, workshops and student-led review sessions.

Professor Brian Dillon

Creative nonfiction; The practice and history of the essay; Autobiography and memoir; Writing and illness; Literature and the visual arts.

Dr Isabel Waidner

Interdisciplinary and innovative forms of creative writing, Queer and trans theory with an emphasis on intersectionality, Creative writing with performance and the visual arts, Creative-critical writing and practice-led research and Innovative fiction.

Dr Michael Hughes

Prose fiction; Historical Fiction; Style and voice; Form and narrative; Ludic Writing.

Dr Nisha Ramayya

BA, MA, DPhil (RHUL)

Contemporary and Experimental Poetry and Poetics; Critical Race Theory and Black Study; Feminist and Queer Theory; Visual, Sound, and Video Poetry, and Performance.

Where you'll learn

• Our Graduate Centre: purpose-built study spaces and a roof-top common room with a terrace

• Access to Queen Mary's libraries on all our campuses

• Access to a wide range of online resources (including journals, books, databases and media)

• University of London’s libraries, including Senate House

We are based in central London at Mile End with good access to London's creative writing scene.

About the School

School of english and drama.

The School of English and Drama brings together two of Queen Mary's outstanding departments: the Department of English and the Department of Drama . We collaborate with high-profile organisations: previous works have included projects with the Barbican, Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).

The Department of English is one of the country's leading centres for literary study. We have an international reputation for our high-quality research and excellence in teaching: we were ranked first in the UK for research intensity in the last national Research Excellence Framework .

We forge collaborations across academia and beyond. Our teaching staff are involved in a number of research centres and projects, including the Centre for Poetry , the Sexual Cultures Research Group and the Raphael Samuel History Centre .

The Department of Drama is one of the country's leading centres for the study of drama. We have an international reputation for our high-quality research and excellence in teaching. Due to the outstanding quality of our research, we were the top-ranked UK drama department in the last National Research Excellence Framework . This means that your degree will be research-driven, engaging with the latest developments and debates in theatre and performance.

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Career paths

• Creative Industries

The MA Creative Writing provides a grounding in research methodologies and practices for students who intended to progress to doctoral work, an enhanced understanding of the study of literature relevant to students who intended to follow a teaching career, and improved competence in transferable skills valued more generally in the market place, including the analysis of complex evidence, the oral and written presentation of arguments and information, and effective time-management. Employer feedback has particularly valued the research skills and high level of critical thinking acquired by graduates of similar MA programmes and the contribution these make to the problem-solving abilities required of those who work at senior levels in complex organizations.

Fees and funding

Full-time study.

September 2024 | 1 year

• Home: £11,950
• Overseas: £24,000 EU/EEA/Swiss students

Unconditional deposit

Overseas: £2000 Information about deposits

Part-time study

September 2024 | 2 years

• Home: £6,000
• Overseas: £12,000 EU/EEA/Swiss students

Queen Mary alumni can get a £1000, 10% or 20% discount on their fees depending on the programme of study. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award

There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.

• Scholarships and bursaries
• Postgraduate loans (UK students)
• Country-specific scholarships for international students

Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:

• Advice for UK and EU students
• Advice for international students

Entry requirements

Degree requirements.

Applicants are required to submit a sample of creative writing (between 1,000 and 2,000 words). This sample may include fiction, non-fiction, poetry or unclassifiable/hybrid writing.

Other routes

Promising applicants who do not meet the formal academic criteria but who possess relevant credentials and who can demonstrate their potential to produce written work at Masters level will also be considered. As part of the admissions process we may  interview candidates. Applications from mature and non-traditional candidates are welcomed.

Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.

International

Afghanistan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Master Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90%; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 80%; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 70%; or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Albania We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7 out of 10

Algeria We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licence; Diplome de [subject area]; Diplome d'Etudes Superieures; Diplome de Docteur end Pharmacie; or Diplome de Docteur en Medecine from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Angola We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Grau de Licenciado/a (minimum 4 years) from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 17 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 15 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 13 out of 20

Argentina We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo/ Grado de Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 7.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 6.5 out of 10

Armenia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 87 out of 100 UK 2:1 degree: 75 out of 100 UK 2:2 degree: 61 out of 100

Australia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) or Bachelor Honours degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: High Distinction; or First Class with Honours UK 2:1 degree: Distinction; or Upper Second Class with Honours UK 2:2 degree: Credit; or Lower Second Class with Honours

Austria We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 1.5 out of 5.0 UK 2:1 degree: 2.5 out of 5.0 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5.0

The above relates to grading scale where 1 is the highest and 5 is the lowest.

Azerbaijan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90%; or GPA 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 80%; or GPA 4 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 70%; or GPA 3.5 out of 5

Bahamas We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from the University of West Indies. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class Honours UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours

Bahrain We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0; or 90 out of 100 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0; or 80 out of 100 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.3 out of 4.0; or 74 out of 100

Bangladesh We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.2 to 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 to 3.3 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.3 to 2.7 out of 4.0

Offer conditions will vary depending on the institution you are applying from.  For some institutions/degrees we will ask for different grades to above, so this is only a guide. 

Barbados We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from the University of West Indies, Cave Hill or Barbados Community College. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours*; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0** UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class Honours*; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0** UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours*; or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0**

*relates to: the University of West Indies, Cave Hill.

**relates to: Barbados Community College.

Belarus We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9 out of 10; or 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 7 out of 10; or 4 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 5 out of 10; or 3.5 out of 5

Belgium We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 80% or 16/20*; or 78%** UK 2:1 degree: 70% or 14/20*; or 72%** UK 2:2 degree: 60% or 12/20*; or 65%**

*Flanders (Dutch-speaking)/ Wallonia (French-speaking) **German-speaking

Belize We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from the University of West Indies. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class Honours UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours

Benin We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Maitrise or Masters from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Bolivia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Bachiller Universitario or Licenciado / Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 85%* or 80%** UK 2:1 degree: 75%* or 70%** UK 2:2 degree: 65%* or 60%**

*relates to: Titulo de Bachiller Universitario

**relates to: Licenciado / Titulo de [subject area] 

Bosnia and Herzegovina We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7.5 out of 10

Botswana We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 5 years) or Master Degree from the University of Botswana. UK 1st class degree: 80% UK 2:1 degree: 70% UK 2:2 degree: 60%

Brazil We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Título de Bacharel / Título de [subject area] or Título de Licenciado/a (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 8.25 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 7.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 6.5 out of 10

The above grades assumes that the grading scale has a pass mark of 5.

Brunei We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Honours degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class Honours UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours

Bulgaria We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 5.75 out of 6.0 UK 2:1 degree: 4.75 out of 6.0 UK 2:2 degree: 4.0 out of 6.0

Burundi We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 85%; or 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 75%; or 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 60%; or 12 out of 20

Cambodia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 80%; or GPA 3.5 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 70%; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 60%; or GPA 2.35 out of 4.0

Cameroon We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree; Licence; Diplome d'Etudes Superieures de Commerce; Diplome d'Ingenieur de Conception/ Travaux; Doctorat en Medecine/ Pharmacie; or Maitrise or Master 1 from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20; or GPA 3.6 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20; or GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Canada We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Bachelor Honours Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.6 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Chile We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Grado de Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo (Professional) de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 6.5 out of 7 UK 2:1 degree: 5.5 out of 7 UK 2:2 degree: 5 out of 7

China We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 85 to 95% UK 2:1 degree: 75 to 85% UK 2:2 degree: 70 to 80%

Offer conditions will vary depending on the institution you are applying from.  

Colombia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.60 out of 5.00 UK 2:1 degree: 4.00 out of 5.00 UK 2:2 degree: 3.50 out of 5.00

Congo, Dem. Rep. of We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies or Diplome d'Etudes Speciales from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20; or 90% UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20; or 80% UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20; or 70%

Congo, Rep. of We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Diplome d'Etudes Superieures or Maitrise from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Costa Rica We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachiller or Licenciado from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7.5 out of 10

Croatia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Advanced Diploma of Higher Education Level VII/1 (Diploma - Visoko obrazovanje) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.5 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 4 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 3 out of 5

Cuba We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Licenciado/ Arquitecto/ Doctor/ Ingeniero from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 4 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5

Cyprus We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 8 out of 10; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 7.0 out of 10; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 6.0 out of 10; or GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Czech Republic We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 1.2 out of 4 UK 2:1 degree: 1.5 out of 4 UK 2:2 degree: 2.5 out of 4

The above relates to grading scale where 1 is the highest and 4 is the lowest.

Denmark We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 12 out of 12 (2007 onwards); or 11 out of 13 (before 2007) UK 2:1 degree: 7 out of 12 (2007 onwards); or 8 out of 13 (before 2007) UK 2:2 degree: 4 out of 12 (2007 onwards); or 7 out of 13 (before 2007)

Dominican Republic We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 95/100 UK 2:1 degree: 85/100 UK 2:2 degree: 78/100

Ecuador We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Licenciado / Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90%; or 9/10; or 19/20; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 80%; or 8/10; or 18/20; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 70%; or 7/10; or 14/20; or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Egypt We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 85%; or GPA 3.7 out of 4 UK 2:1 degree: 75%; or GPA 3.0 out of 4 UK 2:2 degree: 65%; or GPA 2.5 out of 4

El Salvador We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 5 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 8.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 7.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 6.5 out of 10

Eritrea We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Estonia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree; University Specialist's Diploma; or Professional Higher Education Diploma from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.5 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 3.5 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 2 out of 5

The above grades assumes that 1 is the pass mark. 

Eswatini We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 80% UK 2:1 degree: 70% UK 2:2 degree: 60%

Ethiopia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Fiji We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from one of the following institutions: Fiji National University, the University of Fiji, or the University of South Pacific, Fiji. UK 1st class degree: GPA 4.0 out of 5.0*; or overall grade A with High Distinction pass**; or GPA 4.0 out of 4.5*** UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.33 out of 5.0*; or overall grade B with Credit pass**; or GPA 3.5 out of 4.5*** UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.33 out of 5.0*; or overall grade S (Satisfactory)**; or GPA 2.5 out of 4.5***

*relates to Fiji National University

**relate to the University of Fiji

***relates to the University of South Pacific, Fiji

Finland We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree/ Kandidaatti/ Kandidat (minimum 180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution; or Bachelor degree (Ammattikorkeakoulututkinto/ Yrkeshögskoleexamen) from a recognised University of Applied Sciences. UK 1st class degree: 4.5 out of 5; or 2.8 out of 3 UK 2:1 degree: 3.5 out of 5; or 2 out of 3 UK 2:2 degree: 2.5 out of 5; or 1.4 out of 3

France We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licence; Grade de Licence; Diplome d'Ingenieur; or Maitrise from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 12 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 11 out of 20

Gambia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 80%; or GPA 4.0 out of 4.3 UK 2:1 degree: 67%; or GPA 3.3 out of 4.3 UK 2:2 degree: 60%; or GPA 2.7 out of 4.3

Georgia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 91 out of 100; or 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 81 out of 100; or 4 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 71 out of 100; or 3.5 out of 5

Germany We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 1.5 out of 5.0 UK 2:1 degree: 2.5 out of 5.0 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5.0

Ghana We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: First Class UK 2:1 degree: Second Class (Upper Division) UK 2:2 degree: Second Class (Lower Division)

Greece We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Degrees from recognised selected institutions in the University sector or Degrees (awarded after 2003) from recognised Technological Educational Institutes. UK 1st class degree: 8 out of 10*; or 9 out of 10** UK 2:1 degree: 7 out of 10*; or 7.5 out of 10** UK 2:2 degree: 6 out of 10*; or 6.8 out of 10**

*Relates to degrees from the University Sector. **Relates to degrees from Technological Educational Institutes.

Grenada We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from the University of West Indies. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class Honours UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours

Guatemala We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licenciado / Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90% UK 2:1 degree: 80% UK 2:2 degree: 70%

The above grades assumes that the pass mark is 61% or less.

Guinea We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Master; Maitrise; Diplome d'Etudes Superieures; or Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Guyana We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Graduate Diploma (Postgraduate) or Masters degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Honduras We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Licenciado/a / Grado Academico de Licenciatura (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90%; or 4.7 out of 5; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 80%; or 4.0 out of 5; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 70%; or 3.5 out of 5; or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Hong Kong We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Honours Degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class Honours UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours

Hungary We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor degree (Alapfokozat) or University Diploma (Egyetemi Oklevel) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.75 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 4 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5

Iceland We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor degree (Baccalaureus or Bakkalarprof) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 8.25 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 7.25 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 6.5 out of 10

India We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 75% to 80% UK 2:1 degree: 60% to 70% UK 2:2 degree: 50% to 60%

Offer conditions will vary depending on the institution you are applying from.  For some institutions/degrees we will ask for different grades to above, so this is only a guide.  

For India, offers may be made on the GPA scale.

We do not consider the Bachelor of Vocation (B. Voc.) for Masters entry.

Indonesia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Sarjna I (S1) Bachelor Degree or Diploma IV (D4) (minimum 4 years) from selected degree programmes and institutions. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.6 to 3.8 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 to 3.2 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.67 to 2.8 out of 4.0

Offer conditions will vary depending on the institution you are applying from and the degree that you study.

Iran We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 17.5 to 18.5 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 15 to 16 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 13.5 to 14 out of 20

Iraq We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 85 out of 100 UK 2:1 degree: 75 out of 100 UK 2:2 degree: 60 out of 100

Ireland We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Honours Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours UK 2:1 degree: Second Class Honours Grade I UK 2:2 degree: Second Class Honours Grade II

Israel We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90% UK 2:1 degree: 80% UK 2:2 degree: 65%

Italy We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Laurea (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 110 out of 110 UK 2:1 degree: 105 out of 110 UK 2:2 degree: 94 out of 110

Cote D’ivoire (Ivory Coast) We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Diplome d'Ingenieur; Doctorat en Medicine; Maitrise; Master; Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies; or Diplome d'Etudes Superieures Specialisees from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Jamaica We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from the University of West Indies (UWI) or a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0; or First Class Honours from the UWI UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0; or Upper Second Class Honours from the UWI UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.4 out of 4.0; or Lower Second Class Honours from the UWI

Japan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: S overall* or A overall**; or 90%; or GPA 3.70 out of 4.00 UK 2:1 degree: A overall* or B overall**; or 80%; or GPA 3.00 out of 4.00 UK 2:2 degree: B overall* or C overall**; or 70%; or GPA 2.3 out of 4.00

*Overall mark is from the grading scale: S, A, B, C (S is highest mark) **Overall mark is from the grading scale: A, B, C, D (A is highest mark)

Jordan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 85%; or GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 75%; or GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 70%; or GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0

Kazakhstan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 3.8 out of 4.0/4.33; or 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 3.33 out of 4.0/4.33; or 4.0 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 2.67 out of 4.0/4.33; or 3.5 out of 5

Kenya We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours; or GPA 3.6 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: Second Class Honours Upper Division; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: Second Class Honours Lower Division; or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Kosovo We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7.5 out of 10

Kuwait We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.67 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.67 out of 4.0

Kyrgyzstan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.7 out of 5; or GPA 3.7 out of 4 UK 2:1 degree: 4.0 out of 5; or GPA 3.0 out of 4 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5; or GPA 2.4 out of 4

Laos We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Latvia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (awarded after 2002) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 7.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 6 out of 10

Lebanon We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree; Licence; or Maitrise from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90% or Grade A; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0; or 16 out of 20 (French system) UK 2:1 degree: 80% or Grade B; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0; or 13 out of 20 (French system) UK 2:2 degree: 70% or Grade C; or GPA 2.5 out of 4.0; or 12 out of 20 (French system)

Lesotho We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Honours Degree (minimum 5 years total HE study); Masters Degree or Postgraduate Diploma from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 80% UK 2:1 degree: 70% UK 2:2 degree: 60%

Liberia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90% or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 80% or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 70% or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Libya We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 85%; or 3.7 out of 4.0 GPA UK 2:1 degree: 75%; or 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA UK 2:2 degree: 65%; or 2.6 out of 4.0 GPA

Liechtenstein We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 5.6 out of 6.0 UK 2:1 degree: 5.0 out of 6.0 UK 2:2 degree: 4.4 out of 6.0

Lithuania We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7 out of 10

Luxembourg We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Macau We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (Licenciatura) (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Macedonia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Diploma of Completed Higher Education - Level VII/1 or Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7 out of 10

Madagascar We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Maîtrise; Diplome d'Ingenieur; Diplôme d'Etat de Docteur en Médecine; Diplôme d’Etat de Docteur en Chirurgie Dentaire; Diplôme d'Études Approfondies; Diplôme de Magistère (Première Partie) – also known as Master 1; or Diplôme de Master – also known as Master 2 from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Malawi We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 80% or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 70% or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 60% or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Malaysia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: Class 1; or 3.7 out of 4.0 CGPA UK 2:1 degree: Class 2 division 1; or 3.0 out of 4.0 CGPA UK 2:2 degree: Class 2 division 2; or 2.6 out of 4.0 CGPA

Maldives We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (awarded from 2000) from the Maldives National University. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Malta We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Bachelor Honours Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours; or Category I UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class Honours; or Category IIA UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours; or Category IIB

Mauritius We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: Class I; or 70% UK 2:1 degree: Class II division I; or 60% UK 2:2 degree: Class II division II; or 50%

Offer conditions will vary depending on the grading scale used by your institution.

Mexico We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Licenciado/ Titulo (Profesional) de [subject area] from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.0 to 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8.0 to 8.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7.0 to 7.5 out of 10

Offer conditions will vary depending on the grading scale your institution uses.

Moldova We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (Diploma de Licenta) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 6.5 out of 10

Monaco We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Mongolia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.6 out of 4.0; or 90%; or grade A UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.2 out of 4.0; or 80%; or grade B UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.8 out of 4.0; or 70%; or grade C

Montenegro We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Diploma of Completed Academic Undergraduate Studies; Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies; or Advanced Diploma of Higher Education from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7 out of 10

Morocco We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Diplome d'Ecoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion; Diplome de Docteur Veterinaire; Doctorat en Medecine; Docteur en Medecine Dentaire; Licence; Diplome d'Inegeniuer d'Etat; Diplome de Doctorat en Pharmacie; or Maitrise from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 13 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 11 out of 20

Mozambique We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Grau de Licenciado (minimum 4 years) or Grau de Mestre from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Myanmar We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 80% or GPA of 4.7 out of 5.0 UK 2:1 degree: 70% or GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0 UK 2:2 degree: 60% or GPA of 3.5 out of 5.0

Namibia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Honours Degree or Professional Bachelor Degree (NQF level 8 qualifications) - these to be awarded after 2008 from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 80% UK 2:1 degree: 70% UK 2:2 degree: 60%

Nepal We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 80%; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 65%; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 55%; or GPA of 2.4 out of 4.0

Bachelor in Nursing Science are not considered equivalent to UK Bachelor degrees.

Netherlands We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 8 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 7 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 6 out of 10

New Zealand We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) or Bachelor Honours Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: A-*; or First Class Honours** UK 2:1 degree: B*; or Second Class (Division 1) Honours** UK 2:2 degree: C+*; or Second Class (Division 2) Honours**

*from a Bachelor degree **from a Bachelor Honours degree

Nigeria We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: GPA 4.50 out of 5.00; or GPA 6.0 out of 7.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.50 out of 5.00; or GPA 4.6 out of 7.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.80 out of 5.00; or GPA 3.0 out of 7.0

Norway We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: Overall B grade with at least 75 ECTS (of 180 ECTS min overall) at grade A or above. UK 2:1 degree: Overall B grade UK 2:2 degree: Overall C grade

Oman We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Pakistan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.0 to 3.8 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 2.6 to 3.6 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.0 to 3.0 out of 4.0

Palestine, State of We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90% or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 80% or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 70% or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Panama We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licenciado / Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 91% UK 2:1 degree: 81% UK 2:2 degree: 71%

Papua New Guinea We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Honours Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: Class I UK 2:1 degree: Class II, division A UK 2:2 degree: Class II, division B

Paraguay We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Licenciado / Titulo de [professional title] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 4 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out fo 5

Peru We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Grado Academico de Bachiller or Titulo de Licenciado/ Titulo (Professional) de [subject area] from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 17 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Philippines We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from selected institutions or Juris Doctor; Bachelor of Laws; Doctor of Medicine; Doctor of Dentistry/ Optometry/ Veterinary Medicine; or Masters Degree from recognised institutions. UK 1st class degree: 3.6 out of 4.0; or 94%; or 1.25 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 3.0 out of 4.0; or 86%; or 1.75 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 2.5 out of 4.0; or 80%; or 2.5 out of 5

The above 'out of 5' scale assumes  1 is highest mark and 3 is the pass mark.

Poland We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licencjat or Inzynier (minimum 3 years) - these must be awarded after 2001 from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.8 out of 5.0 UK 2:1 degree: 4.5 out of 5.0 UK 2:2 degree: 3.8 out of 5.0

The above grades are based on the 2 to 5 scale, where 3 is the pass mark and 5 is the highest mark.

Portugal We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licenciado (minimum 180 ECTS credits) or Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Puerto Rico We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90/100 or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 80/100 or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 70/100 or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Qatar We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0; or GPA 4.4 out of 5.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0; or GPA 3.6 out of 5.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.4 out of 4.0; or GPA 2.8 out of 5.0

Romania We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.75 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8.0 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7.0 out of 10

Russia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 4.0 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5

Rwanda We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Honours Degree (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 85%; or 17 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 70%; or 15 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 60%; or 13 out of 20

Saudi Arabia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 4.75 out of 5.0; or GPA 3.75 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.75 out of 5.0; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 5.0; or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Senegal We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Maîtrise; Master II; Diplôme d'Études Approfondies (DEA); Diplôme d'Études Supérieures Specialisées (DESS); Diplôme d'État de Docteur en Médecine; Diplôme d'Ingénieur; Diplôme de Docteur en Chirurgie Dentaire; or Diplôme de Pharmacien from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16/20 UK 2:1 degree: 14/20 UK 2:2 degree: 12/20

Serbia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Advanced Diploma of Higher Education from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7 out of 10

Sierra Leone We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (Honours) or a Masters degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: First Class honours; or GPA 4.7 out of 5; or GPA 3.75 out of 4 UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class honours; or GPA 4 out of 5; or GPA 3.25 out of 4 UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours; or GPA 3.4 out of 5; or GPA 2.75 out of 4

Singapore We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) or Bachelor Honours degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: GPA 4.3 out of 5.0; or GPA 3.6 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.8 out of 5.0; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 3.3 out of 5.0; or GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Slovakia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (180 ECTS credits) (minimum 3 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 93%; or 1 overall (on 1 to 4 scale, where 1 is highest mark) UK 2:1 degree: 86%; or 1.5 overall (on 1 to 4 scale, where 1 is highest mark) UK 2:2 degree: 72%; or 2.5 overall (on 1 to 4 scale, where 1 is highest mark)

Slovenia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Univerzitetni Diplomant (180 ECTS credits) (minimum 3 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7 out of 10

Somalia Bachelor degrees from Somalia are not considered for direct entry to our postgraduate taught programmes. Holders of Bachelor degrees from Somali National University can be considered for our Pre-Masters programmes on a case by case basis.

South Africa We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: NQF Level 8 qualifications such as Bachelor Honours degrees or Professional Bachelor degrees from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 75% UK 2:1 degree: 70% UK 2:2 degree: 60%

South Korea We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 4.2 out of 4.5; or GPA 4.0 out of 4.3; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.5 out of 4.5; or GPA 3.3 out of 4.3; or GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.5; or GPA 2.8 out of 4.3; or GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Spain We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo Universitario Oficial de Graduado en [subject area] (Grado) or Titulo Universitario Oficial de Licenciado en [subject area] (Licenciatura) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 8.0 out of 10; or 2.5 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 7.0 out of 10; or 2.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 6.0 out of 10; or 1.5 out of 4.0

Sri Lanka We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (Special or Honours) or Bachelor Degree (Professional) (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.5 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Sudan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Honours degree from a recognised institution or Bachelor degree in one of the following Professional subjects: Architecture; Dentistry; Engineering; Medicine/Surgery from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 80% UK 2:1 degree: 65% UK 2:2 degree: 60%

Sweden We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (Kandidatexamen) or Professional Bachelor Degree (Yrkesexamenfrom) (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: Overall B grade with at least 75 ECTS at grade A or above (180 ECTS minimum overall); or at least 65% of credits graded at VG overall UK 2:1 degree: Overall B grade (180 ECTS minimum overall); or at least 50% of credits graded at VG overall UK 2:2 degree: Overall C grade (180 ECTS minimum overall); or at least 20% of credits graded at VG overall.

Switzerland We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor degree (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 5.5 out of 6; or 9 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 5 out of 6; or 8 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 4.25 out of 6; or 7 out of 10

Syria We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 85% UK 2:1 degree: 75% UK 2:2 degree: 65%

Taiwan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 85 to 90% UK 2:1 degree: 70 to 75% UK 2:2 degree: 65 to 70%

Tajikistan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Specialist Diploma or Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 4.0 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5

Tanzania We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 4.4 out of 5.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.5 out of 5.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.7 out of 5.0

Thailand We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.40 to 3.60 out of 4.00 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.00 to 3.20 out of 4.00 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.40 to 2.60 out of 4.00

Offer conditions will vary depending on the institution you are applying from.

Trinidad and Tobago We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0; or First Class Honours from the University of West Indies UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0; or Upper Second Class Honours from the University of West Indies UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.4 out of 4.0; or Lower Second Class Honours from the University of West Indies

Tunisia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licence; Diplome National d'Architecture; Maitrise; Diplome National d'Ingeniuer; or Doctorat en Medecine / Veterinaire from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 13 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 11 out of 20

Turkey We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.40 to 3.60 out of 4.00 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 2.80 to 3.00 out of 4.00 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.30 to 2.50 out of 4.00

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.60 out of 4.00 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.00 out of 4.00 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.50 out of 4.00

Turkmenistan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Diploma of Higher Education (awarded after 2007) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 4.0 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5

Turks and Caicos Islands We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (accredited by the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0; or 80% UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.3 out of 4.0; or 75% UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.7 out of 4.0; or 65%

Uganda We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 4.4 out of 5.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 4.0 out of 5.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 5.0

Ukraine We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 10 out of 12; or 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 8 out of 12; or 4.0 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 6 out of 12; or 3.5 out of 5

United Arab Emirates We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

United States of America We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Uruguay We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 10 to 11 out of 12 UK 2:1 degree: 7 to 9 out of 12 UK 2:2 degree: 6 to 7 out of 12

Uzbekistan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90%; or 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 80%; or 4.0 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 71%; or 3.5 out of 5

Venezuela We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 81% UK 2:1 degree: 71% UK 2:2 degree: 61%

Non-percentage grading scales, for example scales out of 20, 10, 9 or 5, will have different requirements. 

Vietnam We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 8.0 out of 10; or GPA 3.7 out of 4 UK 2:1 degree: 7.0 out of 10; or GPA 3.0 out of 4 UK 2:2 degree: 5.7 out of 10; or GPA 2.4 out of 4

Yemen We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters (Majister) degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90% UK 2:1 degree: 80% UK 2:2 degree: 65%

Bachelor Degrees from Lebanese International University (in Yemen) can be considered for entry to postgraduate taught programmes - please see Lebanon for guidance on grade requirements for this.

Zambia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 75%; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 65%; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 55%; or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Zimbabwe We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) or Bachelor Honours degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 75% UK 2:1 degree: 65% UK 2:2 degree: 60%

English language requirements

If you got your degree in an English speaking country or if it was taught in English, and you studied within the last five years, you might not need an English language qualification - find out more .

The minimum English Language requirements for entry to postgraduate degree programmes within the School of English and Drama are:

7.0 overall including 7.0 in Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking. 

100 overall including 27 in Writing, 24 in Reading, 22 in Listening and 25 in Speaking.

76 overall including 76 in Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking.

Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE) III with Merit in Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking.

185 overall including 185 in Writing, and 185 in Reading, Listening and Speaking.

185 overall including 185 in Writing, and 185 in Reading, Listening and Speaking. 

Visas and immigration

Find out how to apply for a student visa .

Postgraduate Admissions

Creative Writing MA

Postgraduate taught degree

This course is for 2024/25 entry.

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.

Special Study: The Non-Fiction Book (15 credits)

In this module you will study and analyse the form and creation of the full-length creative non-fiction book, which may include memoir, biography and monograph, and its role and position in the contemporary literary landscape.

Elective modules

Constituting Identity (15 credits)

Through this module you will explore the intertwining of self and story in different narrative forms. You will gain a sophisticated critical awareness of current debates such as the role of social and cultural models of identity and of memory and perspective.

Imagined Communities (15 credits)

This module examines how communal identities are constructed through shared narratives. You will study the stories that national, cultural, ethnic or social groups tell about themselves in an effort to project a coherent identity both to themselves and to others.

Literary Cartographies (15 credits)

Some of the most significant recent developments in literary studies have been stimulated by considerations of space, place, mapping, geography and landscape. This module explores the notion of literary cartography, the construction of different kinds of textual 'worlds' in literature.

Theorising Women’s Writing (15 credits)

You will become familiar with the frameworks, theories and methods scholars have developed to discuss women’s writing. You will explore the ways in which gender and sexuality intersect with other axes of difference: race, disability, ethnicity, nationality and class

Text and Image (15 credits)

You will have the opportunity to analyse cultural products that combine textual and visual modes. These may include, but not limited to, the illustrated press, graphic narratives, children’s books, screenplays and/ or film adaptation.

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)

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 a portion of a novel or book, to a total of 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.

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Award: Master of Fine Arts

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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]

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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Home > Postgraduate study > Postgraduate courses > Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning)

Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning)

Why choose this course.

The Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning) offers you the chance to study with a range of well-established and award-winning writers in a dynamic writing environment, but without having to relocate or give up current commitments. Taught in our virtual forums and classrooms, modules can be accessed at a time of the week to suit your schedule.

You will learn in workshops, one-to-one or in small groups, with support from practising and published writers and fellow students. Our award-winning former creative writing students include Booker-shortlisted Oyinkan Braithwaite, Joe Pierson, who won the Bridport Prize, Stefan Mohammed, awarded the Dylan Thomas Prize, Bafta-winner, Sarah Woolner, the acclaimed poet Dom Bury and celebrated novelist Faiqa Mansab. 

The non-compulsory campus days give you a chance to visit the campus and attend a relevant lecture, as well as to meet fellow workshop students. Those travelling longer distances who wish to stay longer and explore the cultural opportunities that London offers, or simply to write, are also welcome to attend events taking place on campus for the rest of the week, featuring staff, writers in residences, students and guests.

Curtis Brown Agent's Choice competition

All successful applicants who take up their place with us in September will be entered into our competition to have a consultation with Annabel White , an agent at top London literary agency Curtis Brown.

So make sure the creative work you submit with your application is your very best - it might win you a meeting with a literary agent.

Reasons to choose Kingston University

• Delivered by Distance Learning, this Creative Writing MA helps you to develop the craft of creative writing, either on a general level or through specialising in your chosen genre. Taught in virtual forums and classrooms, your studies can suit your schedule, and you will not have to relocate or give up your job.
• The creative dissertation and critical essay give you the chance to further specialise. You also explore writing in a range of forms and styles and take a module exploring critical theory and experimental/avant-garde writing.
• You will become part of Kingston's thriving community, with events such as readings, lectures from published authors, editors and agents, masterclasses and enriching discussions.
• You will have the opportunity to contribute to Kingston University's publication, Ripple, which includes fiction, poetry, reviews and creative non-fiction and is edited by students on the course.
• You'll study in workshops, learning one-on-one or in small groups with experts in your chosen area. The course is taught by a combination of:
• appointed staff - many are published authors or active researchers, which keeps your learning dynamic.
• peer review - giving you the chance to discuss your own and other students' work in a mutually-supportive environment.

The Art School Experience

As part of  Kingston School of Art , students on this course benefit from joining a creative community where collaborative working and critical practice are encouraged.

Our  workshops and studios  are open to all disciplines, enabling students and staff to work together, share ideas and explore multi-disciplinary making.

What our students say

In this video, one of our creative writing alumna and a current student discuss why they chose the course, what they enjoyed about it and why they'd recommend it to future applicants.

What you will study

The Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning) follows the same course structure as the successful and popular Creative Writing MA. You'll be taught through individual tutorials, streamed lectures and readings held at or sponsored by the University.

The Writers' Workshop module will encourage you to develop your writing 'voice' through engagement with fellow students across a range of genres (in fiction or creative non-fiction), while the Special Study module enables you to specialise in one genre, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry or drama.

You will learn the elements of fiction, poetry and drama as well as studying relevant critical theory and trying out your own fictional experiments in the Critical Challenges module. You'll take part in online masterclasses and put all you have learned into practice in the dissertation module. It is possible to use both workshop modules and the dissertation together to work towards a substantial part of a longer piece such as a novel.

This Creative Writing MA will give you the knowledge and confidence to enter the cultural debate and to begin to identify outlets for your own writing.

Full-time students can attend two campus days, scheduled annually, usually in November and February.

Part-time students normally attend the November campus day in the first year and the February campus day in the second year.

Full-time students take two 30-credit modules each semester, including a Special Study workshop on a particular genre e.g. poetry, drama or fiction, in the second semester. You'll participate in general workshops, reading sessions and tutorials with your assigned dissertation supervisor throughout the course.

You may then choose to complete a 15,000-word 60-credit dissertation accompanied by a 3,000-word critical review, for which you'll receive one-to-one supervision as you work towards a September completion.

Core modules

Creative writing dissertation.

This module focuses on your own creative writing and research into your chosen form or genre, developed in consultation with your supervisor. You learn via one-to-one tutorials with your personal supervisor. You produce two pieces of writing:

• a creative dissertation – a portion of a novel, a body of poetry, a play screenplay or other creative form of no more than 15,000 words; and
• a critical essay of approximately 3,000 words – considering the relationships between your own writing and the literary contexts/theoretical concerns that inform published writing in your chosen genre or form.

Your supervisor must agree in advance the final structure, approximate word length and for presentation conventions of these pieces.

Special Study: Workshops in Popular Genre Writing

This online workshop module will be devoted to the creative writing of students all working in the same form and genre of their choice.  It will enable students to develop drafts in their chosen form and genre, and to master its specific codes and conventions. Draft work to be reviewed may include, for example, poetry, prose fiction, non-fiction, writing for the stage, or screenwriting, perhaps in a choice of genres such as crime writing, fantasy fiction, writing for children, historical fiction, science fiction, romance and autobiography. Students will be advised how best to strengthen their knowledge of that form or genre in order to reflect critically and constructively on their own writing.  Attention will then be given to the production of a substantial piece or a collection of pieces of creative writing that reflects their knowledge of and engagement with their chosen form or genre.

Writing the Contemporary

This module provides the opportunity to examine ways in which reading is essential to writing practice and teaches you to apply literary techniques and strategies from contemporary fiction, life writing and poetry texts to your own work. You will develop the concept of ‘reading as a writer' in order to explore how contemporary concerns are brought to the fore by artistic strategies, and examine how an understanding of these can provide models for your own creative practice. You will submit work including a reflective reading journal as well as a creative piece in a genre of your choice.

Writers' Workshop

This is a workshop-based online module in which students will present and discuss their own work and that of their peers within a group of students writing in a variety of genres and forms. The draft work presented in the module will normally include forms such as poetry, prose fiction, non-fiction, writing for the stage or screenwriting, in a variety of genres, but it may also include genres such as science fiction, romance, crime fiction, writing for children, historical fictional, and autobiography. Students will develop a strong knowledge of the writing workshop ethos, its requirements and etiquette as mutual practical criticism of peer writing will be accompanied by discussion of the scope or constraints of the various genres as well as the implications of working in various forms. Attention will be paid to the relevant components of good writing: appropriate use of language, narrative pace, dialogue, expression, characterisation and mood.

Critical Challenges for Creative Writers

The module is designed to introduce students to some issues of critical and literary theory. The module is also designed to make students more aware of how their work impacts upon wider literary, cultural, political and philosophical issues. Awareness of these theories and of some of the issues surrounding the production and reception of literary texts will stimulate them, encouraging creative and conceptual thinking. The module will explore debates about literature and the practice of creative writing through readings of essays and texts that are relevant to criticism and theory. The academic component of the assessment will support the creative work with the objective that students will also have to demonstrate critical, academic, analytical skills.

Entry requirements

Typical offer.

We normally expect applicants to have:

• A second class degree or above, or equivalent, in creative writing, English literature, literature and language, drama or theatre studies or a humanities subject.
• Applicants with academic qualifications in other subjects, or relevant work experience, will be considered on an individual basis.
• A demonstrable interest in creative writing.

You may also submit a sample of creative writing (maximum of 3,000 words) and a personal statement (maximum of 1,000 words) to support your application for this course.

International

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with 5.5 in all elements. Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements , which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider.

Applicants from one of the recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

• Middle East

Teaching and assessment

Continuous assessments in individual accredited modules plus assessment of final dissertation.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically involves reading and analysing articles, regulations, policy documents and key texts, documenting individual projects, preparing coursework assignments and completing your PEDRs, etc.

Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the University's online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

At Kingston University, we know that postgraduate students have particular needs and therefore we have a range of support available to help you during your time here.

Your workload

Year 1: 5% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.

• Scheduled learning and teaching: 93 hours

Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1,707 hours

For part time students

• Scheduled learning and teaching: 44 hours
• Guided independent study (self-managed time): 556 hours
• Scheduled learning and teaching: 49 hours
• Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1,151 hours

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

Full time - Year 1

Part time - year 1, part time - year 2.

• Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1707 hours
• Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1151 hours

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises portfolios and a dissertation.

The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course in each full time or part time year:

Type of assessment

• Coursework: 100%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Class sizes

Class sizes are kept small for this course and usually limited to 10. However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course?

This course is delivered by Kingston School of Art. As a student on this course, you will benefit from a lively study environment, thanks to the wide range of postgraduate courses on offer. The combination of academics and practitioners makes it a unique environment in which to further your studies and your career.

The University provides a vibrant and forward-thinking environment for study with:

• courses designed in collaboration with industry professionals  –  enabling you to keep right up to date with the latest developments in the creative and professional writing environment;
• established connections with the London arts and media scene  –  with a range of guest speakers, professors and lecturers visiting the University; and
• committed and enthusiastic staff  –  many of whom are expert practitioners as well as leading academics and researchers.
• opportunity to contribute to Kingston University's publications, such as Ripple. They include fiction, poetry, reviews and creative non-fiction and are edited by postgraduate creative writing students.

Postgraduate students may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Dr Wendy Vaizey

Course leader.

Mr Oludiran Adebayo

Mr Steven J. Fowler

Professor Hanif Kureishi

Dr Marina Lambrou

Fees for this course, 2025/26 fees for this course, home 2025/26.

• MA part time distance learning £5,665
• MA full time (distance learning) £10,300

International 2025/26

• MA part time distance learning £9,680
• MA full time (distance learning) £17,600

2024/25 fees for this course

Home 2024/25.

• MA part time distance learning £5,445
• MA full time (distance learning) £9,900

International 2024/25

• MA part time distance learning £9,295
• MA full time (distance learning) £16,900

Tuition fee information for future course years

If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.

If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.

Postgraduate loans

If you are a UK student, resident in England and are aged under the age of 60, you will be able to apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. For more information, read the postgraduate loan information on the government's website .

Funding and bursaries

Bursaries are available from the School of Arts, Culture and Communications for students working on the Kingston University Press (KUP), Ripple magazine or other related activities (find out more and apply after you have enrolled).

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan . You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

After you graduate

Some of our departmental graduates have achieved notable successes, having published short stories and novels which were started as part of their degree, and attracted good literary agents, for example:

• Oyinkan Braithwaite 's novel,  My Sister the Serial Killer , reviewed by The New Yorker and BBC Radio 4's Open Book and Front Row, has won the Crime and Thriller book of the year at the British Book Awards; Oyinkan is the first black woman to do so.  
• Grainne Murphy has recently signed a two-book deal with Legend Press. Her debut novel,  Where the Edge Is , was published in September 2020, with The Ghostlights to be published in 2021. 
• Ben Halls ' debut  The Quarry  was book of the day in The Guardian in March 2020. 
• Amy Clarke has signed a two-book deal.  Like Clockwork  is a psychological suspense novel about a true-crime podcast host who's obsessively trying to solve the decades-old cold case of a notorious Minnesotan serial killer whose victims were each one year younger than the last. It is due to be published in March/April 2021 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, with a second book to follow. 
• A story Seraphina Madsen wrote for the MA Critical Challenges module was published in the UK's pre-eminent literary journal, The White Review, and secured her an agent and a book deal. 
• Stevan Alcock is another MA student whose debut novel – workshopped on our MA – was published by 4th Estate.  
• Hannah Vincent is a former MFA student with novels out with Myriad Editions and Salt. 
• Myriad Editions also run a writing competition each year aimed at finding new writers, with MFA student Karly Stilling winning in 2015. This year the award was won by another current Kingston student, Sylvia Carr . Former MA (now PhD student) Joseph Pierson was a recent runner-up. 
• Julia Lewis is a former MFA student and experimental poet who has gone on to publish a wide range of work. She also rewrote MA tutor James Miller's novel Lost Boys as a collection of experimental poetry. 
• Stefan Mohamed won the Dylan Thomas Prize and has gone to have a successful career as a writer of YA fiction. 
• MA student Vicky Newham signed a two book deal for her crime series. Vicky is on the Daggers longlist for the best crime novel by a first-time author. 
• Faiqa Mansab published her debut novel  This House of Clay and Water in Pakistan and India to great acclaim and it  has been optioned by the talented Sheherzade Sheikh for screen adaptation. 
• Other successes include Susie Lynes and Lauren Forry . 
• Other former students have gone on to work in editorial posts in the publishing industry.

Why I chose Kingston

What our students and graduates say

Initially, it was a bit daunting returning to university as a mature student (in my early 50s) but as there were quite a number of us older students we soon formed a little group and in fact became quite good friends. The thing I possibly enjoyed most about Kingston was the number of workshops on offer pretty much throughout my time there. I found myself signing up for everything, from fiction to thriller to life writing courses. I just loved the vibe of being in that academic and literary environment. It was a huge privilege being able to attend workshops, free of charge, presented by some of the most esteemed literary personalities. In addition, there were publishing events that put us in direct contact with editors, agents and publishers. Weekly events hosted by Kingston Writing School were also hugely inspiring. Listening to authors relating their journeys about the long road from writing to being published was hugely encouraging and something I rarely missed.

The actual MA course and the various modules we had to complete pushed me beyond my comfort zone, particularly in poetry, which is something I'd never had a penchant for. But, thanks to my accomplished lecturers, I ended up enjoying every single one of them.

However, it was one of the extra-curricular workshops that inspired my book, Secrets of a Stewardess . The memoir/life writing workshop was hosted by John Man, author of more than 13 books. I was convinced that I was in the wrong class as I felt that I had absolutely no story to tell, but he somehow managed to coax out of me my years as an airline stewardess in the ‘80s. I also wrote a children's book (which was signed up by an agent) while I was at Kingston University, but used the memoir as part of my dissertation.

I can honestly say that completing my MA in Creative Writing at Kingston University and then being published is one of the most rewarding things I have done. It taught me that you are never too old to achieve your goals - you just need to set them and then work towards them. Studying creative writing gave me the confidence to believe that I actually could write and the whole support system offered at Kingston University, finally helped me to get published.

Secrets of a Stewardess has been published by The History Press who has done an outstanding job of marketing it. WHS Smith Travel bought 2,500 copies upfront; I have been interviewed on BBC Radio 4; I have featured on BBC World Services', The Conversation; I have been interviewed live on Talk Radio Europe; I have had a feature in The Daily Mail newspaper; I have been interviewed and photographed by The Sun newspaper and I featured in Prima magazine's August edition.

Gretchen Ryan

Links with business and industry

A range of additional events and lectures will enhance your studies and add an extra perspective to your learning. Activities for this course include:

Masterclasses

Live online masterclasses in each teaching block with distinguished professors and researchers such as Hanif Kureishi and Paul Bailey.

Distance Learning students who attend Campus Days are able to attend events and readings with publishing specialists and professionals that take place on these days. These have included agents such as Briony Woods, Jemima Hunt and others.

Overseas student visiting for Campus Days who wish to stay for a few days longer will find other lectures and events of interest to attend.

Students within reach of London are also welcome to attend events on campus such as talks from writer and film director Shelagh McLeod, Influx Press editor Sanya Semakula and writers Michael Hughes, Catherine McNamara and Susan Lynes.

Guest lectures

Weekly guest lectures by leading journalists including:

• Samira Ahmed , an award-winning journalist with 20 years' experience in print and broadcast;
• David Jenkins , editor of Little White Lies, a bi-monthly movie magazine powered by illustration;
• Richard Moynihan , Head of digital journalism, The Telegraph and
• Alex Stedman , fashion blogger at The Frugality and former style editor at Red magazine.

Regular readings through Writers' Centre Kingston, which offers an annual programme of events from talks to workshops and festivals, hosted and curated in partnership with institutions local to Kingston University and in London, from The Rose Theatre to the Rich Mix Cultural Foundation, from the Museum of Futures to Kingston First.

Lunchtime lectures

Frequent philosophy lunchtime lectures which focus on a major figure in the history of Western philosophy, introducing students to that thinker's work, usually through the discussion of one of her or his emblematic works. There are also weekly Journalism lunchtime lectures with a range of industry experts.

Ripple magazine

The literary magazine Ripple is edited by MA students, providing a platform for the publication of creative work; and a chance to get hands-on experience of the publishing process.

Research areas

Research in English literature and creative writing at Kingston University covers the following areas:

• 19th and 20th century British and American fiction;
• fictions of globalisation;
• gothic writing;
• travel writing;
• women's writing from the 18th century to the present;
• New Woman and fin de siècle fictions;
• Shakespeare;
• literature of the English Reformation period;
• postcolonial studies;
• theories of gender;
• life writing and trauma;

It focuses around the following research initiatives:

• Iris Murdoch Studies - research on the Iris Murdoch archives acquired by Kingston University in 2003/04).
• Life Narratives Research Group - bringing together best practice from all genres of life narrative work.
• Cultural Histories at Kingston - centred around the concept of the 'cultural text', the group includes scholars from the fields of literature, film, media, history, music, dance, performance, and journalism.
• Writers' Centre Kingston - a literary cultural centre dedicated to creative writing in all its forms, with an annual programme of events, talks, workshops and festivals.
• Race/Gender Matters - captures and concentrates research on theoretical, critical and creative engagements with the materiality of race, gender and language.

We also hold regular seminars and host presentations by visiting speakers.

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course.  Course changes explained .

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course  can be found on our website.

Related courses

Creative Writing and Publishing MA

Creative Writing MA

Creative Writing MFA

Journalism PgDip/MA

Magazine Journalism MA

Secondary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) PGCE English

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Creative Writing

Application options include:

Course Overview

This MA Creative Writing gives you the chance to better understand the craft of writing and gain valuable constructive criticism from other writers and experts who are as serious about developing your work as you are. It is ideal if you want to develop your practice as a writer and work toward publication and/or sustaining a career in the industry.

Why choose this course?

• Our MA is highly respected nationally and internationally and we have a growing list of published and prizewinning authors whose work started life in our seminars, recently including Abi Daré, JJ Bola, Lily Dunn, Annalie Grainger, Louise Hare, Sally Hinchcliffe, Vanessa Onwuemezi, Melody Razak and Saba Sams.
• You will study the art of writing with a faculty of acclaimed authors, which include Julia Bell, Luke Williams and David Eldridge, to name a few.
• You will benefit from the experience and expertise of a team who have been running this creative writing course for almost 20 years enabling diverse cohorts of students to develop as writers across genres and to support their careers.

What you will learn

On this MA Creative Writing you will deepen your knowledge of reading and writing and the possibilities of literature across all forms and genres, as well as developing critical and professional skills relevant to the workplace.

You will take core modules which focus your attention on the fundamentals of writing and then choose option modules which give you the opportunity to diversify your practice and experiment in more specialist areas and concerns including:

• writing for video gaming
• screenwriting
• playwrighting
• memoir writing
• creative non-fiction
• genre fiction.

How you will learn

In workshops, tutorials and supervisions you will benefit from close and attentive readings of your work. In lectures and seminars, we consider issues of craft, expression and meaning within the context of how you see the world, how we theorise writing and contextualise our work within broader traditions. You will build on existing skills and develop new techniques and approaches to writing under the tutelage of published authors who are experts in your specialism.

Entry to the course is based on the submission of a portfolio of creative work, and candidates whose work shows promise will be invited for interview.

Discover the career opportunities available by taking Creative Writing (MA).

Key information and modules

Creative writing ma: 1 year full-time, on campus, starting october 2024.

Central London

Creative Writing MA: 2 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2024

Creative writing: january start ma: 2 years part-time, on campus, starting january 2025, pathways for creative writing (ma).

This course has additional Pathways to offer you the chance to specialise depending on your interests and career goals.

• Creative Writing and Contemporary Studies (MA)

Find another course:

• Birkbeck was ranked 2nd in the UK for its English Language and Literature research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
• We have close links between the MA and the Centre for Conte mporary Literature at Birkbeck, which runs a wide variety of talks and conferences in this field. In addition to working with the established and award-winning writers who teach the degree, you will have contact with industry professionals, such as publishers and literary agents, who offer a series of platform discussions in the summer term.
• The Mechanics' Institute Review, MIROnline , is a forum for the most exciting new writing in short fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction selected from students on this course and beyond. It runs regular live literature events and offers you publishing and editing opportunities.
• Birkbeck is located in the heart of literary London, in Bloomsbury, WC1. You could be studying in a building that was once home to Virginia Woolf and frequented by members of the Bloomsbury Group. The building houses our own creative hub which includes the Peltz Gallery , the Gordon Square Cinema and a theatre and performance space .
• We have a range of scholarships available to enable talented students on low incomes to study with us, such as the Sophie Warne Fellowship . Once you have secured a place on the course you will be invited to apply for these awards. We offer a number of bursaries for postgraduate students .

Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the Key Information section under Attendance.

Entry Requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above, though this requirement may be waived if you can demonstrate exceptional talent), a personal statement (to be submitted with your application form) and a portfolio of prose writing of no more than 3000 words.

Your portfolio should be a section of a novel with a synopsis, a couple of short stories or a combination of the two. Please note that poetry, children’s fiction, journalism, screen- or playwriting are not appropriate submissions for this MA. Students are selected on the basis of their portfolio and statement, an interview (selected candidates only) and their degree.

Portfolio guidelines:

• Submit application.
• Wait up to 48 hours.
• Submit writing portfolio (Word or PDF) by logging into your MyBirkbeck profile, then going to the ‘Manage my application’ link and attaching the document.

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits, and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now  to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement,  we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes  to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our  English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country .

Visa and funding requirements

If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

• Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
• Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).

For full information, read our visa information for international students page .

Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country .

Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

If you have studied at university, you may have accumulated credits through the modules you studied. It may be possible to transfer these credits from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

Creative Writing MA: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25

Academic year 2024–25, starting october 2024.

Part-time home students: £5,400 per year Full-time home students: £10,800 per year Part-time international students : £9,915 per year Full-time international students: £19,830 per year

Creative Writing: January start MA: 2 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25

Academic year 2024–25, starting january 2025.

Part-time home students: £5,400 per year Part-time international students : £9,915 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the College Fees Policy .

If you’ve studied at Birkbeck before and successfully completed an award with us, take advantage of our Lifelong Learning Guarantee to gain a discount on the tuition fee of this course.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

International scholarships

We provide a range of scholarships for eligible international students, including our Global Future Scholarship. Discover if you are eligible for a scholarship .

At Birkbeck, most of our courses are taught in the evening and all of our teaching is designed to support students who are juggling evening study with work and other commitments. We actively encourage innovative and engaging ways of teaching, to ensure our students have the best learning experience.

Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study.

In addition, you will have access to pastoral support via a named Personal Tutor.

Methods of teaching on this course

Teaching is seminar-based. Each session is generally two hours, and there are further regular one-to-one tutorials throughout the year.

Key teaching staff on this course

Staff who may teach on this MA include successful, published authors and practitioners such as:

• David Eldridge
• Richard Hamblyn
• Jonathan Kemp
• Luke Williams

Teaching hours

Our evening hours are normally between 6pm and 9pm (6-7.30pm and 7.30-9pm). Some programmes also offer teaching during the day and this will be clearly signposted to you where it is available.

On our taught courses, you will have scheduled teaching and study sessions each year. Scheduled teaching sessions may include lectures, seminars, workshops or laboratory work. Depending on the modules you take, you may also have additional scheduled academic activities, such as tutorials, dissertation supervision, practical classes, visits and field trips. On our taught courses, the actual amount of time you spend in the classroom and in contact with your lecturers will depend on your course, the option modules you select and when you undertake your final-year project (if applicable).

Alongside your contact hours, you will also undertake assessment activities and independent learning outside of class. The amount of time you need to allocate to study both for taught sessions (this might include online sessions and/or in-person sessions) and personal study will depend on how much you are studying during the year and whether you are studying full time or part time.

Birkbeck’s courses are made up of modules and allocated ‘credit’. One credit is equivalent to ten hours of learning time. Modules are usually in 15, 30 or 60 credit units. A 15-credit module will mean around 150 hours of learning, including taught sessions and independent study or group work. This is spread out over the whole period of that module and includes the time you spend on any assessments, including in examinations, preparing and writing assessments or engaged in practical work as well as any study support sessions to help you in your learning.

On our distance-learning and blended-learning courses, discussion, collaboration and interaction with your lecturers and fellow students is encouraged and enabled through various learning technologies.

Timetables are usually available from September onwards and you can access your personalised timetable via your My Birkbeck Profile online (if you have been invited to enrol).

Indicative class size

Class sizes vary, depending on your course, the module you are undertaking, and the method of teaching. For example, lectures are presented to larger groups, whereas seminars usually consist of small, interactive groups led by a tutor.

Independent learning

On our taught courses, much of your time outside of class will be spent on self-directed, independent learning, including preparing for classes and following up afterwards. This will usually include, but is not limited to, reading books and journal articles, undertaking research, working on coursework and assignments, and preparing for presentations and assessments.

Independent learning is absolutely vital to your success as a student. Everyone is different, and the study time required varies topic by topic, but, as a guide, expect to schedule up to five hours of self-study for each hour of teaching.

Study skills and additional support

Birkbeck offers study and learning support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed. Our Learning Development Service can help you in the following areas:

• academic skills (including planning your workload, research, writing, exam preparation and writing a dissertation)
• written English (including structure, punctuation and grammar)
• numerical skills (basic mathematics and statistics).

Our Disability and Dyslexia Service can support you if you have additional learning needs resulting from a disability or from dyslexia.

Our Counselling Service can support you if you are struggling with emotional or psychological difficulties during your studies.

Our Mental Health Advisory Service can support you if you are experiencing short- or long-term mental health difficulties during your studies.

Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course - on some of our courses, assessment is entirely by coursework. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below under 'Methods of assessment on this course'. You will need to allow time to complete coursework and prepare for exams.

Where a course has unseen written examinations, these may be held termly, but, on the majority of our courses, exams are usually taken in the Summer term, during May to June. Exams may be held at other times of the year as well. In most cases, exams are held during the day on a weekday - if you have daytime commitments, you will need to make arrangements for daytime attendance - but some exams are held in the evening. Exam timetables are published online.

Find out more about assessment at Birkbeck, including guidance on assessment, feedback and our assessment offences policy.

Methods of assessment on this course

Four short creative pieces with critical essays (67%). A dissertation (15,000 words) in one of the following genres: a novella, novel or collection of short stories, with a preface of 3000 words (33%).

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this MA Creative Writing, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

• strong creative and critical skills
• a sophisticated use of written and spoken English
• an advanced ability in engaging with ideas and developing your own opinions and arguments
• facility and precision in the use of analytical tools
• strong skills and initiative in collecting and organising complex materials and writing up clear, well-presented reports or fluent critical arguments
• adaptability, resilience and initiative.

Graduates can pursue career paths in areas such as:

• copywriting
• narrative design

Birkbeck Creative Writing graduates include:

• Niki Aguirre
• Sarah Alexander
• Laura Allsop
• Iphgenia Baal
• Phoebe Blatton
• Mary Lynn Bracht
• Nicole Burstein
• Tray Butler
• Melissa De Villiers
• Liz Fremantle
• AJ Grainger
• Jules Grant
• Emma Henderson
• Sally Hinchcliffe
• Heidi James
• Keith Jarrett
• Olya Knezevic
• Matthew Loukes
• Fiona Melrose
• Suzanne O'Sullivan
• Victoria Richards
• Nadim Safdar
• Karin Salvalaggio
• David Savill
• Stefanie Seddon
• Luke Tredget.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply - read more about suitable forms of identification .

When to apply

You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places on your chosen course and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

You will also receive information about subject-specific induction sessions over the summer.

Help and advice with your application

Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.

Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.

Apply for your course

Apply for your course using the apply now button in the key information section .

Course structure

Course structure listing, course structure and modules for creative writing ma: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, on campus, starting october 2024.

You must complete modules worth a total of 180 credits, consisting of:

• two compulsory modules (30 credits each)
• two option modules (30 credits each)
• a 15,000-word dissertation (60 credits).

Compulsory modules

• Creative Non-Fiction
• Writing and Reading Seminar

Option modules

• Contemporary Writing 2: Genre
• Introduction to Playwriting
• Introduction to Screenwriting
• Poetry Workshop
• Writing The Self
• Writing Workshop

MA Creative Writing Dissertation

• Dissertation MA Creative Writing

Course structure and modules for Creative Writing: January start MA: 2 years part-time, on campus, starting January 2025

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Postgraduate Taught

MA Creative Writing

• Postgraduate Taught home
• Creative Writing MA

Masters applications for 2023 entry are now closed.

Applications for September 2024 will open on Monday 25 September. Applications are now open for programmes with a January 2024 start. View our programmes »

• At the University of Exeter, we don’t just teach you how to write to get published. Our team of internationally acclaimed authors understand that your ambitions, and powers of creative writing, are far greater than that
• Our modules are designed to enable you to write for better futures, to: promote social justice, protect our planet, support child wellbeing, comfort and entertain, and inspire others to action
• Experiment in new literary genres, and study and respond to diverse contemporary writers
• Excellent links with the worlds of publishing, literary journalism and broadcasting, book festivals and prizes providing insights into the workings of the literary marketplace
• Establish the contacts necessary for successful publication
• Whether you like writing poetry, prose fiction, short stories, film scripts, game narratives, children’s books or young adult (YA) novels, we invite you to join us on our mission to write to make a difference

Apply online

View 2024 Entry

Fast Track (current Exeter students)

Open days and visiting us

Get a prospectus

Programme Director: Professor Andy Brown

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Discover MA Creative Writing at the University of Exeter.

88% of our English research is internationally excellent

Based on research rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021, submitted to UoA27 English Language and Literature

Top 50 in the world for English Language and Literature

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

A thriving and supportive writing community - our team of prize-winning and best-selling authors will help you develop your creative writing skills

Top 10 in the UK for English

9th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above in their first degree in a relevant subject area. While we normally only consider applicants who meet this criteria, if you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.

Applicants will be asked to submit a sample of creative writing which can be roughly 2,000 words of prose or 3-4 poems.

Entry requirements for international students

English language requirements.

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile E . Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

Course content

The MA in Creative Writing is designed for students to develop a longer piece of work during the MA, or find out what their strengths are in the different forms. It is for people, of any age, whether recent graduates or older, who wish to grow their talent quickly by acquiring knowledge and practice in the art of fiction, poetry, life-writing, nature writing or the writing of screenplays.

Our Creative Writing staff are well-published, practicing writers who take great pride in designing and delivering modules in their specialist areas.

Full time students take two modules in term 1, two modules in term 2, and write their dissertations in term 3. Each module has one two-hour seminar per week, with homework set that involves intensive, self-motivated practice and research.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

2024/25 entry

Uk fees per year:.

£12,000 full-time; £6,000 part-time

International fees per year:

£24,300 full-time; £12,150 part-time

Scholarships

For more information on scholarships, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

*Selected programmes only. Please see the Terms and Conditions for each scheme for further details.

Find out more about tuition fees and funding »

Teaching and research

Learning and teaching.

Whether you already know what kind of books or screenplays you wish to write or are still searching for the best form in which to express your creativity, we offer the chance to try your hand in a range of genres, and to benefit from feedback tailored to your writing needs.

A programme of visiting speakers takes place throughout the academic year with writers, publishers and agents coming to talk to students about the next steps in their careers. The roll call changes every year to reflect both our students’ interests and new trends. Recent guest lecturers have included the Booker prize winning novelist Hilary Mantel; the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize-winning novelist Hisham Matar; the Pulitzer Prize winning US Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey; the writer, editor and publisher Richard Cohen, and many others.

Our MA can be taken over one-year full time, or two years part time. During your study, you will build a portfolio of creative work for possible publication, including a dissertation in your chosen genre. You will also be able to take a range of optional modules and explore literary genres and forms with a mutually supportive, like-minded group of fellow writers.

Research areas

Exeter’s creative writing staff practise and publish in a range of literary genres. Their experience of the literary world is not limited to writing and teaching. They also worked – and continue to work - as editors, publishers, agents, radio producers, and journalists. This wealth of experience is reflected in the vibrancy and diversity of our workshops and tutorials.

As a creative writing student, you will also benefit from the academic expertise of the many world-leading scholars working in the English Department at our Exeter Campus, a lively community of doctoral students, and the activities of four dedicated research centres: the Medieval and Renaissance Research Group; the 18th-Century Narrative Consortium; the Victorian Studies Research Group; and the 20th and 21st Century Literature, Creative Writing and Film Research Group.

John Wedgwood Clarke

Vesna Goldsworthy

Wendy O’Shea-Meddour

Ellen Wiles

Andy has a notable national reputation as a poet, poetry commentator and poetry tutor. He is the author of 10 poetry collections and editor of several anthologies, including A Body of Work: Poetry & Medical Writing , for Bloomsbury. He has interests in Ecopoetics, and the Medical Humanities, and often collaborates with scientists. He is also a musician who performs regularly around the region.

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John is an award-winning poet, prose nonfiction writer and broadcaster. His full poetry collections include Ghost Pot (2013) and Landfill (2017) both of which explore place, ecology and the relationship between science and poetry. He regularly works across disciplines and has led major Arts Council-funded arts projects including Dictionary of Stone and Sea Swim. He presented The Books that Made Britain (2016) & Through the Lens of Larkin (2017), both for BBC4.

A prize-winning poet, memoirist, novelist and broadcaster. Vensa’s books have been translated into twenty languages and serialised by the BBC. Before becoming an academic in English Literature and Creative Writing, Vesna spent fifteen years in publishing and as a producer at the BBC.

Sam has written eight novels, two books on the craft of writing, and two films. In 2010 he won an Eric Gregory Award; in 2004 his novel The Unnumbered was long-listed for the Man-Booker prize. His first novel won the Somerset Maugham Award.

An internationally successful children’s writer, as well as an academic with nearly twenty years lecturing experience. Since her debut in 2012, Wendy has published 15 children’s books and her work has been translated into 16 languages. Award-winning titles include: A Hen in the Wardrobe (2012), the Wendy Quill series (2013-2015), and How the Library (not the Prince) Saved Rapunzel (2015).

Ellen’s first novel, The Invisible Crowd (Harper Collins, 2017) was awarded a Victor Turner Prize. Her first book, Saffron Shadows and Salvaged Scripts: Literary Life in Myanmar Under Censorship and in Transition (Columbia University Press, 2015) was the first to explore this literary culture through interviews and translations. Her new book, Live Literature: The Experience and Cultural Value of Literary Performance Events from Salons to Festivals (Palgrave, 2021), uses literary ethnography to explore participant experience, and has been described as ‘groundbreaking’, ‘stylish’, and ‘compelling’.

Nazneen Ahmed Pathak

Ben’s debut novel Doggerland uses the lens of speculative fiction to engage with pressing contemporary issues such as renewable energy, ocean waste, climate change and the scale-effects of the Anthropocene. It was selected as a Guardian Book of the Year 2019.

Nazneen writes fiction for children and poetry for adults. Her first book, City of Stolen Magic , a historical fantasy for middle-grade readers, comes out with Puffin in summer 2023. She is represented by Louise Lamont at LBA Books, and currently holds the post of Hampshire Poet for 2022-23.

Whether your ambition is to become a full-time writer, a teacher of writing, or to develop a creative career which includes writing in one of its many forms, we have a strong track record of supporting our students through to publication and doctoral level work.

While at Exeter, our MA students publish their creative work in   RIPTIDE   and in the new postgraduate journal   EXCLAMATION . The Creative Writing Society also run a journal called Enigma.

Former University of Exeter students who have gone on to develop a writing career include poets such as Luke Kennard, Abi Curtis, Eleanor Rees, Izzy Galleymore, Jaime Robles, Jos Smith, Sally Flint, and Samuel Tongue; novelists Virginia Baily, Lucy Wood, and Ruth Gilligan; and non-fiction writers such as Miriam Darlington.

Many of our former students now work in film, broadcasting, advertising, journalism, PR, publishing, teaching – including the teaching of creative writing – as well as other careers in the growing number of fields where good writing is an asset.

Careers and employment support

While studying at Exeter you can also access a range of activities, advice and practical help to give you the best chance of following your chosen career path. For more information visit  Careers pages .

Related courses

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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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Study Postgraduate

Writing (ma) (2024 entry).

Course code

P-Q3P7  

30 September 2024

1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

Qualification

Warwick Writing Programme , SCAPVC

University of Warwick

Download a prospectus

Virtual tour

Explore our taught Master's degree in Writing.

Writing is a profession and a passion; it is also an act of community. Warwick’s MA in Writing introduces you to the real world of writing, surrounded and supported by writing staff and students who share your ambition. It will show you how to make your way in the world as a writer.

The Warwick Writing Programme, founded in 1996, is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in Europe and was ranked first by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021.

Course overview

Our flexible MA in Writing is open to students from around the world.

Four taught modules (Fiction Workshop 1, Non-Fiction Workshop, or Writing Poetry), plus three other taught modules of your choice.

Across the Autumn and Spring term s , you will take f our taught modules (Fiction Workshop 1 or Non- F iction Workshop plus three other taught modules of your choice ) . In the summer term, you will work with a supervisor on your Long Project , for which you write a long piece of creative work in any genre that the Programme is able to supervise. This creative piece is accompanied by a shorter critical reflection.  

If you study Part Time, you will take either Fiction Workshop 1 or Non-Fiction Workshop in your first Autumn term, and take one optional module in the Spring term. In your second year, you will take two optional modules (one in the Autumn and one in the Spring term) and then do your Long Project in the Summer term.  

Warwick Writing Programme

The acclaimed Warwick Writing Programme is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in Europe. You will be working alongside practising, award-winning novelists, poets and literary translators. Our teaching staff includes: A.L. Kennedy, Tim Leach, Nell Stevens, Maureen Freely (Chair of the International Booker Prize 2019), Gonzalo C. Garcia and David Morley (winner of the Ted Hughes Award 2015). We are closely involved with The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award. Each year the winner of the award – which has in the past included Sally Rooney and Raymond Antrobus – spends a period of time as writer-in-residence at Warwick, working with students.

Further information about the MA in Writing is available on the  Warwick Writing Programme website Link opens in a new window .

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject.

In addition to the usual application materials, candidates will be selected on the basis of a personal statement and a portfolio of their written work. The portfolio should be a maximum of 20 pages of poetry or 5,000 words of fiction/non-fiction, or a combination of the two. You must upload this with your online application form.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• IELTS overall score of 7.5, minimum component scores of two at 6.5/7.0 and the rest at 7.5 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Core modules

There are no fixed core modules for this programme, but all students take an Optional Core module in writing, normally either Fiction Workshop 1 or Non-Fiction Workshop, though other modules (Fiction Workshop 2 and Writing Poetry) are possible.

Fiction Workshop 1

In this introductory prose workshop you will develop your expressive and technical skills in writing prose fiction, improve your skills as an editor and critic of your own and others’ work, gain a critical understanding of literary craft and technique, develop an understanding of the relationship between your work and the work of classic and contemporary authors.

Non-Fiction Workshop

This module will investigate the presence/absence of the author in nonfiction writing. We will address the limitations and the possibilities, and how creative nonfiction writing relates to all forms of self-expression we have today, from memoirs to social networks.  

Optional modules

Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

• Warwick Fiction Workshop 1 and 2
• Writing Poetry
• Writing about Human Rights and Injustice
• Historical Fictions, Fictional Histories
• The Practice of Literary Translation
• Brave New Worlds: Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

We teach in writing workshops, seminars and one-to-one supervisions.

Each year, the MA group produce an anthology of new writing derived from work done during their time at Warwick. You will get the chance to be involved in the production, editing, writing, and promotion of a new anthology, seeing your work in print and gaining some invaluable hands-on experience along the way.

Class sizes

6 to 15 students.

Typical contact hours

8 hours per week.

Most modules are assessed by portfolios of writing in the relevant genre, sometimes with an accompanying essay. Space for reading, thinking and writing matters almost as much as teaching. Our campus is a good place for writers, with a wide range of creative spaces and events open throughout the year.

Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

A career in writing

Our staff have excellent links not only with other writers but also with publishing houses, literary journals and agencies, with national and regional organizations such as PEN and the Society of Authors, and with other creative writing programmes both in Britain and in the USA. We are also the home of the Warwick Prize for Women in Translation.

Many of our alumni have forged highly successful writing careers and picked up major national and international prizes: recent examples include Cynthia Miller being shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Poetry Collection 2021, Sophie Mackintosh's novel The Water Cure , Katy Whitehead winning the 2017 Fitzcarraldo Essay Prize, Michael Askew winning a 2021 Eric Gregory Award for The Association Game , and Sohini Basak's debut collection   We Live in the Newness of Small Differences winning the 2016 Beverly Series.

At Warwick Thursdays, our weekly literary and cultural salon, you will encounter creative practitioners (typically including writers, filmmakers, literary translators, visual artists) and industry guests (typically including publishers, agents, journalists), gaining an insight into a range of possible careers in the creative industries.

Welcome to the Warwick Writing Programme, an internationally acclaimed writing programme that attracts writers and literary translators from across the globe. If you join us you will immerse yourself in contemporary and experimental narratives, including screenwriting, literary translation, gaming, spoken word and fieldwork.

We foster and maintain excellent creative industry links and networks to enable our students to achieve their career ambitions. We are closely involved with The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award, whose recent winners have included Raymond Antrobus, Adam Weymouth and Sally Rooney. We are also the home of the Warwick Prize for Women in Translation.

Our teaching staff of novelists, poets, non-fiction writers, screenwriters and literary translators includes A.L. Kennedy, Tim Leach, Nell Stevens, Maureen Freely, Gonzalo C. Garcia , David Morley , Lucy Brydon, Dragan Todorovic , and Jodie Kim .  

Find out more about us on our website. Link opens in a new window

Our courses

• Literary Practice (PhD)
• Literary Translation Studies (MA)
• Literary Translation Studies (PhD)
• Writing (MA)

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your taught course fees  

Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our  Module Catalogue  (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

How to apply.

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.

How to apply for a postgraduate taught course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted Events Link opens in a new window

Postgraduate fairs.

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.

Connect with us

Learn more about Postgraduate study at the University of Warwick.

Page updates

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• MA Creative Writing

Creative Writing

Join our community of internationally renowned, award-winning writers at the Manchester Writing School, where collaboration and experimentation are at the heart of what we do.

Course overview

At the heart of the Manchester Writing School are our masters programmes in Creative Writing, available to study on campus in Manchester and also from anywhere in the world via online distance learning. 

On our Master of Arts (MA) Creative Writing programme, you will explore and practice techniques and styles of modern and contemporary writing and apply these through the development of your own creative work. You will undertake a taught element blending writing workshops with reading units and option units, and then complete your studies through submission of an extended piece of writing from a proposed full-length book or script. 

You will specialise in one of the following routes: Novel (including Short Fiction), Poetry, Writing for Children & Young Adults, Scriptwriting ...

What you need to know

• When does the course start? September 2024 January 2025

1 year full-time (campus) 2 years part-time (campus or online)

Students can begin studying in January or September.

• Where will I study this course? Manchester , Online

Features and benefits

"One of the greatest pleasures of my working life continues to be the Manchester Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University, a department with a real sense of family, achievement and celebration, and an ethos of nurturing and innovation." Professor Carol Ann Duffy DBE – Creative Director of the Manchester Writing School

Course information

At the heart of the Manchester Writing School are our masters programmes in creative writing, available to study on campus in Manchester, and also from anywhere in the world via online distance learning.

MA Creative Writing can be tailored to suit your writing preferences by following a specialist route in novel (including short fiction), poetry, writing for children & young adults, scriptwriting (for stage, screen or radio) or creative non-fiction. Watch our playlist to find out more about each route.

This MA blends writing workshops, where you produce and develop your own work-in-progress with regular feedback from tutors and fellow students, with reading courses, which look at the techniques, forms and styles used by a range of writers in modern and contemporary literature. All students also take 30 credits of optional units and can choose from a range of creative writing units or options from courses across arts and humanities subjects. The final piece of work for the MA is the dissertation – an extended piece of creative writing from a proposed full-length book or script. 

The MA is available to complete in one year full-time or two years part-time. The novel and poetry routes are available to study on campus (full-time or part-time) or online (part-time only). The writing for children and creative non-fiction routes are online (part-time) only. The scriptwriting route is available to study on campus only.  We have intakes to the programme in September and January each year. 

Visit the Manchester Writing School website for more information, including profiles of staff and published students, news, events and projects.

Please visit our scholarships page for information on funding opportunities .

The programme leader for this course is James Draper . 

Classes for core Workshop and Reading units take place in the evenings (6-8pm UK time) during the autumn and spring semesters. Full-time students take all of their units in a single year and usually have classes two evenings per week. Part-time students spread these units over two years (study pattern may vary depending on specialist route) and usually have classes one evening per week. All students also take 30 credits of optional units and can choose from a range of creative writing units or options from courses across arts and humanities subjects. The MA concludes with the submission of the Creative Dissertation, completed through independent study with one-to-one support from a Dissertation Supervisor.

Creative Dissertation (60 credits)

This unit will build on and progress material produced during the Workshop units. You will compile and edit your creative writing into a substantial, continuous extract from a proposed longer work-in-progress and provide a Genesis Document: an account of the origins of and inspirations for your writing.

Reading Unit 1 (30 credits)

This route-specific unit looks at the forms, themes, styles and techniques used by a range of writers in literature. Outstanding writing is considered in terms of composition, process and presentation, and its relevance to your own work-in-progress. 

The Workshop (2 x 30 credits)

Workshops are led by established practitioners in the specialist literary field (Novel, Poetry, Writing for Children/Young Adults, Scriptwriting or Creative Non-Fiction), giving you a committed editorial readership of professionals and peers, and generating and developing material for a proposed full-length book or script. It is expected that the creative work generated will eventually contribute to your Creative Dissertation.

Option units

Creative project (30 credits).

On this unit, you will be asked to devise, scope, plan, conduct, report and reflect on a creative project of your own choosing. The project should involve a significant stretch from your core work on the programme and explore a new practice. This can be either working in a writing discipline different to your main route through the course, or by adapting or applying your work in a new context.

Green Writing (30 credits)

This unit will explore how creative writers can engage with ecological emergency during a time of crisis. The unit will examine different approaches to writing about nature, ecology and the environment, and demonstrate ways to respond creatively to contemporary climate science. You will study key texts in the field and produce your own original creative work using techniques drawn from those materials, learning how to bring traditionally ‘non-fiction’ perspectives into the realm of fiction.

Reading Unit 2 (30 credits)

Remaking games: creativity, play and communication (30 credits).

This unit explores the theory and practice of hacking and making games as a research method and mode of creative practice. It considers the intersection between creative writing and game design. In the unit we introduce students to reading and making games as a new methodology that combines creative and critical thinking with public engagement and impact at the point of research. For creative writers, the unit helps develop new ways to explore narrative and storytelling through interactive fiction, videogames and analogue games. You will develop new communication skills as part of the research process, creating games to share with other students and wider audiences as a way of engaging the public with your research.  

Teaching Creative Writing (30 credits)

This unit introduces techniques for developing and delivering creative writing workshops in a range of settings and considers how to encourage would-be participants to produce original writing in a variety of styles and genres. Consideration of key pedagogic theories and analyses of demonstrations will offer background context and enable critical reflection on workshop practice.

The Industry (30 credits)

You will learn and acquire practical information about various aspects of the publishing, literary, arts and related industries through seminars and Q&A sessions with guest speakers. These may include agents, editors, publishers, publicists, booksellers, directors, producers, broadcasters, filmmakers, freelancers, performers, artists and illustrators. This unit is designed to give you a broad overview of the state of the industry, as well as some specialist knowledge about opportunities available for those working in your specialist area, as you complete your manuscript.

Writing About Relationships (30 credits)

This course unit explores writing about love and partnership and is designed to help you gain confidence, avoid cliché and improve the quality of your prose style as you write about human relationships and intimacy. 

Study and assessment breakdown

10 credits equates to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and independent study. A masters qualification typically comprises of 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits and an MFA 300 credits. The exact composition of your study time and assessments for the course will vary according to your option choices and style of learning, but it could be:

• Full-time 34% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 66% independent study
• Part-time 34% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 66% independent study
• Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
• Part-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination

Placement options

The Manchester Writing School is one of the UK's leading schools of creative writing. It is also home to ground-breaking outreach activities, international writing competitions, a series of city-wide literary events, innovative publishing projects, the Manchester Children's Book Festival , and Manchester Poetry Library . These activities provide you with many opportunities to get involved and develop your experience in a number of exciting directions.

Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.

• a virtual experience campus tour
• chats with current students

Taught by experts

Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.

We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.

Entry requirements

Application is by submission of an online form including a personal statement, and a sample of your own creative work. Your application should be tailored to one of our specialist routes: Novel, Poetry, Writing for Children & YA, Scriptwriting or Creative Non-Fiction. You can apply online here: mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/postgraduate-taught-course.

Please indicate at the top of your personal statement which specialist route you are applying for. You should use the rest of the statement to tell us a bit about yourself, give a good overview of your reading and writing interests, and a sense of what has led you to apply for our course and any ideas you have for what you’d like to write with us. Personal statements should be approximately 500 words long.

For the creative sample , applicants to the Novel, Children's & YA and Creative Non-Fiction routes should submit up to 2,000 words of prose; poetry applicants should submit up to 15 poems; and scriptwriting applicants should submit up to 15 minutes running time of script. The work submitted can be a complete piece, or an extract, or a number of extracts from a longer work or works, but must all be within the chosen specialist route.

We have intakes into the programme in September and January each year. For application deadlines, please see the 'How to Apply section'. 

In each application assessed we will be looking for evidence of:

A very high standard of written English

Control of form, style and technique

Substantial reading of contemporary work within the relevant field

Commitment to the craft of writing and willingness to engage with the editorial process of receiving feedback and redrafting work-in-progress

Experience of the development of writing skills through workshops, supervision, mentoring or previous study

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to produce evidence of English Language proficiency. Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5, with no sub-component below 5.5, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. Accepted English qualifications can be viewed  here .

If your application meets these criteria, a tutor may contact you to arrange a telephone or face-to-face interview at a mutually convenient time.

Fees and funding

Uk and channel island students.

Full-time fee: £9,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Part-time fee: £1584 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Distance learning fee: £1584 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

EU and Non-EU International Students

Full-time fee: £18,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Part-time fee: £3084 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Distance learning fee: £3084 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional Information

A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional costs

Specialist costs.

Compulsory estimate : £300

Optional estimate : £2200

Books (novels, poetry collections, children/young adult books, scripts in print, or books of creative non-fiction depending on the specialist route of study) for study on Reading units (up to 10 books per unit for two units). Costs spread across years one and two for part-time students. There is also a list of additional, optional recommended reading for each unit. Students can access much of this via the Manchester Met library (either by loaning books or via the e-book system). All students will require access to a computer in order to undertake their studies (accessing online resources, forums and communication systems). Students can loan laptops on campus. Students will also need access to broadband internet. While most students choose to purchase these for home use, computers with internet access are available to use on campus. While most assessed work will be submitted and completed electronically, students taking the dissertation or manuscript units will be asked to submit printed and bound copies of their work.

placement costs

Compulsory estimate : £100

There is an optional summer school each year, where students are invited to spend two full days on campus for a suite of masterclass workshops, talks and social activities. Attendance at the school is free of charge, but students are asked to make their own arrangements for travel, accommodation and food. Students undertaking units which involve creating artwork, producing objects, or travelling to conduct research or interviews etc. will need to cover the costs of any materials used and also make arrangements for accommodation, travel and food. Students based outside of Manchester, including distance learners, who wish to attend on-campus or in-person events, activities, or classes are asked to cover the costs of accommodation, food, travel and tuition for these.

other costs

Optional estimate : £500

Students may be invited to take part in optional public events (e.g. reading from their own work), or attend meetings for extra-curricular projects (e.g. the Rosamond Prize) and are expected to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and food.

Career prospects

More than 100 of our students and graduates have embarked upon publishing careers, launching first books, with many more achieving publication in journals and magazines, winning writing awards and prizes, and setting up small presses and anthologies. Our alumni include winners of the Costa First Novel Award, Forward Poetry Prize and Yale Windham-Campell Prize, and a long-listing for the Man Booker Prize. 

Our School plays a leading role in establishing Manchester as a city of writers with a commitment to finding diverse new voices and creating opportunities for writer development, enabling new writing and building audiences for the next generation of talent. Manchester has been designated a UNESCO City of Literature in recognition of its thriving live literature scene, with a year-round programme of author events, writers’ forums, networking opportunities and open mic nights. 

We are home to a suite of ground-breaking outreach projects including the Manchester Children’s Book Festival and Mother Tongue Other Tongue , an international multilingual poetry competition that celebrates cultural diversity and the many languages spoken in schools in the UK. Our Manchester Poetry Library holds over 12,000 books and recordings that can be explored through our online catalogue, in person and through our annual events programme. Our School has a strong Manchester presence, with links to many of the city’s major cultural and arts organisations, and also a global reach with students and alumni based across the UK and continental Europe, and in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia.

Our strong partnerships and innovative projects mean that you will have plenty of opportunities to develop your industry experience and network.  

On completion of this course you may decide to pursue PhD study, or to develop a career in bookselling, agenting, publishing, editing, the media, or in teaching creative writing. You will have access to the Careers and Employability Hub located in the Business School at Manchester Met, offering a host of information resources, one-to-one careers support, and employability events throughout the year. This service is also available for up to three years after you graduate. 

The Power of Words Led by Professor Carol Ann Duffy DBE (UK Poet Laureate 2009-2019), the Manchester Writing School is the beating literary heart of a city alive with culture. Find out more about its prestigious past, present and future by watching our video, 'The Power of Words'.   Watch the video Manchester Writing School

Want to know more

Register your interest, got a question.

Please contact our course enquiries team.

Please remember to tailor your application to one of our specialist routes (Novel, Poetry, Writing for Children, Scriptwriting or Creative Non-Fiction) and to include a creative sample relevant to that chosen route.

Please upload your creative sample under the 'Degree Transcript' section of the application portal. 

The novel and poetry routes are available to study on campus (full-time or part-time) or online (part-time only). The writing for children and creative non-fiction routes are online (part-time) only. The scriptwriting route is available to study on campus only.

The application submission deadlines for September 2024 entry are:

International students: Monday 22nd July 2024

UK or Home/ Channel Islands/ IOM students: Applications remain open - deadline to be confirmed

Get advice and support on making a successful application.

You can review our current terms and conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.

Manchester is your city, be part of it

Your new home, your new city, why university, related courses, english studies.

Programme review Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the latest online learning technology. For further information on when we may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our terms and conditions .

Important notice This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most up to date information for your chosen course of study.

Confirmation of regulator The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory framework can be found at officeforstudents.org.uk .

All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan .

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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

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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

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• MA in Creative Writing

The Open University’s two-year MA in Creative Writing has been designed by a team of practising writers

The MA is taught online, meaning that wherever you are you will have access to teaching materials, workshops and forums.

One of the most exciting aspects of the MA is its flexibility, offering four distinct strands – fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and scriptwriting. 

The structure of the course places an emphasis on the cross-fertilisation of genres, enabling students to work intensively within their chosen medium while experimenting in one other.  The MA is therefore perfect not only for writers who already know what genre they want to pursue and develop, but also for those looking to discover their true specialism.

Students will be placed in supportive tutor-groups of fellow writers, and surrounded with the framework and expertise needed to develop their writing in ambitious and rewarding ways. This will involve extensive peer review discussion of fellow students’ work.

Our MA in Creative Writing is the ideal next step for writers with experience of Creative Writing at undergraduate level, or for those with a first degree in a relevant subject and appropriate prior writing experience.

See our prospectus for more information on the MA programme . This includes full details about MA Creative Writing part 1 (A802) and MA Creative Writing part 2 (A803) .

Sample writing exercises

To give you some idea of the level at which you will be working for this MA, we produce four examples of writing exercises taken from each of the four genres covered: fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and script. You can download these exercises in PDF.

You might like to try some of these activities now. All are taken from the opening chapters of each genre, and are designed to introduce some of the definitive elements in each case. Note that you will sometimes, though not always, be asked to share this work with other students, and to give and receive feedback on written work with your peers.

The online work will be moderated by an Associate Lecturer who will also give some group feedback from time to time, but will not comment on every piece of work. There will be detailed and specific comments from tutors on all your assessed work, the TMAs and final EMA (End-of-module assessment).

Remember that you won’t be working in all genres. Initially you will choose your primary genre, and in Block 2 of the first part of the MA (A802) you will choose a secondary genre. There are no constraints within this – you can choose any two genres during A802.

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Creative Writing (Distance Learning)

• Entry year 2024 or 2025
• Duration Part time 2 years

Top reasons to study with us

Enjoy literary events in Lancaster's Castle Quarter

Partners with Wordsworth Grasmere in the English Lake District

World Top 40 QS World Subject Rankings 2024 (English Language & Literature)

Why Lancaster?

• Study from anywhere in the world, whenever it suits you, with our one-to-one tutorials and small group workshops
• 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.

Your department

• English Literature and Creative Writing Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Master's Programmes in Creative Writing at Lancaster University

Discover the key features of studying a master's degree in Creative Writing at Lancaster University. Our Creative Writing courses offer flexible study options, to allow the opportunity for you learn in the way that suits you best.

The DLMA Creative writing is taught by a dedicated team of award-winning, critically-acclaimed authors of fiction, poetry and script. The staff may change from time to time, but the following gives you a good idea of our current team.

by Professor Jenn Ashworth

by Sarah Corbett

by Tajinder Hayer

by Conor O'Callaghan

by Professor Paul Farley

by Michelene Wandor

by Eoghan Walls

by Professor Emeritus & Course Founder Graham Mort

Being so close to the spectacular Lake District, home of the Romantic poets, the Department has world-class strengths in Romanticism. Our partnership with the Wordsworth Trust, at Grasmere, is long-established, and has a number of new benefits for all our students.

The Castle Quarter is both a wonderful place to enjoy, with many excellent places to eat and drink, and a wonderful resource for literary studies here at Lancaster. Our students in the Department of English Literature & Creative Writing have many opportunities to make the most of this resource.

Many of our past students have gone on to publish their work and make a career out of their passion for writing. So, if you’ve always wanted to get your work published, this course is for you.

We’ll give you the support you need to become the best writer you can be, and our staff will share their own experiences with you to inspire you on your journey.

Other students have combined their writing with careers in teaching. Journalism and the media are also potential career paths.

Published graduates

Many of our graduates have gone on to successful publishing careers. You too might become one of these.

by Amali Rodrigo

by Barbara Schoichet

by Ruth Taaffe

by Nguyan Phan Que Mai

by Jacob Anthony Ramirez

by Helen Taylor

by Liz Monument

by Gail Kirkpatrick

Advance your career with a Master's at Lancaster University - Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Hear from alumni in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Lancaster University. What did they study and how did their course propel their career?

Entry requirements

Academic requirements.

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.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

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. We also consider other English language qualifications .

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email [email protected]

Course structure

You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

core modules accordion

The distance learning MA in Creative Writing is a two-year part-time course. It allows the convenience of study from home, enabling online tutorials with a professional writer who will respond to your work through detailed written reports. The course accommodates a range of writing, from poetry to fictional forms and is mediated through a simple virtual learning environment. Our approach is student-centred and designed to support a writing project that you will outline at the point of application.

Personal online tutorials are held twice a term and you will also participate in termly online conferences, sharing work and critical perspectives with other students. There is a week-long optional Summer school at the end of the first year. This takes the form of an intensive week of workshops, and provides a valuable addition to the course when you can meet your tutors and fellow students as well as industry professionals such as writers, editors and agents.

Fees and funding

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.

Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.

For students starting in 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.

Computer equipment and internet access

To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.

The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.

For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.

For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.

The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status .

If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years .

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities .

We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries .

Similar courses

English literature and creative writing.

• Creative Writing PhD
• Creative Writing (modular) MA
• Creative Writing with English Literary Studies MA
• English Literary Research MA
• English Literary Studies MA
• English Literary Studies with Creative Writing MA
• English Literature PhD
• English Literature and Creative Writing PhD
• Gender Studies and English MA

David Craig Memorial Fund

Level of Study: Master's degree

Details of Award: The David Craig Writing Award was set up in David’s memory by his four children, Marian, Peter, Donald and Neil, and his wife Anne Spillard Craig, with the support of Lancaster University. One award is made each year to a student starting a Master’s programme in Creative Writing . The award is made on the basis of the student having applied and received an offer to join the programme, and a short statement about how they would use the award. We look for evidence that the award will help them become a successful writer whose work connects experience, place, and history.

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information .

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies .

League tables and reputation

A highly-ranked university with a global reputation.

Colleges and community

Your college will be your home away from home.

Careers and employability

Career support for our students through university and beyond.

Student life

Lancaster has so much to offer. On our campus, in our city and in our community, you’ll find your place – whoever you are.

Where is Lancaster?

Lancaster is easy to get to and surrounded by natural beauty.

The campus and the city

Our campus and the surrounding area is a great place to call home.

Your global experience

Build your global community on campus and around the world.

Wellbeing and support

Services to help you fulfil your potential at Lancaster.

Recommended pages

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• Sport and fitness

MA Creative Writing

Annual tuition fee for 2024 entry: UK: £10,530 full-time International: £24,120 full-time More detail .

• Visit an Open Day
• Request a prospectus
• Course details
• Entry Requirements
• Teaching and assessment
• Employability

Short fiction, the novel, poetry, plays and screenplays: define and refine your chosen genre at the University of Birmingham, and explore genres that are new to your writing experience.

If you are a graduate with considerable experience in writing creatively and wish to proceed to a career or further study in this area, then our innovative MA in Creative Writing is for you.

The programme will allow you to develop your own work, your own voice and your own ideas with dedicated workshop time and opportunities to give and receive feedback to and from your peers. You will also benefit from professional skills training to prepare you for your encounters with the writing industry, with insights from industry professional such as editors and publishers.

The programme brings together students who work across different genres so that you can engage collaboratively across genres before specialising in screenwriting, playwriting, prose fiction or poetry for your dissertation.

Please note : There are specific application deadlines for this programme.  Please see 'How to apply' in course details for more information .

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We are offering over 400 awards of £2,000 to support the brightest and best applicants wishing to undertake Masters study at the University during 2023-24. The deadline for applications is 23:59 (UK Time) on Sunday 2 July 2023.

Find out more and apply now.

Scholarships for 2024 entry

The University of Birmingham is proud to offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate programmes. With a scholarship pot worth over £2 million, we are committed to alleviating financial barriers to support you in taking your next steps.

Each scholarship has its own specific deadlines and eligibility criteria. Please familiarise yourself with the information on individual scholarship webpages prior to submitting an application.

Explore our scholarships

Virtual Open Day: Postgraduate opportunities in Creative Writing - 7 March 2020, 14:00-15:00

Join us online to watch a range of staff and student videos, and take part in our online chat where Dr Daniel Vyleta will be answering your questions about postgraduate study.

Find out more and register

At Birmingham, Postgraduate Taught and Postgraduate Research students also have the opportunity to learn graduate academic languages free of charge, to support your studies.

• Graduate School Language Skills

The best thing the course has taught me is to not re-invent the wheel every time you want to write a new piece, and how to tactically draw from the works of other writers to give structural integrity or strong philosophical underpinnings to any new text I write. Cameron Smith, MA Creative Writing

Why study this course?

• Breadth and depth of study  – at Birmingham we focus on the craft of writing and editing, combining academic with creative skills, and an artistic focus with industry insights.
• Learn from our permanent staff of published authors -  Anna Metcalfe , a short story writer and novelist, who has been named among Granta’s 2023 cohort for the Best of Young British Novelists;  Elsa Braekkan Payne , an expert in the short story who also has particular interests in editing; Luke Kennard , a poet and novelist whose criticism appears in Poetry London and the Times Literary Supplement; Richard House , fiction and screenwriter, long-listed for the Man Booker Prize;   Dan Vyleta , an award winning, bestselling novelist; Isabel Galleymore , an award-winning poet; and the best-selling novelist Ruth Gilligan .
• Opportunities for experimentation  – the course combines focused modules with the opportunity to develop your own work through independent study.
• Join a lively and supportive writing community – we encourage our students to be active within the university and the broader community, and to participate in readings, festivals, and events, both regionally and nationally. For example the Creative Writing Societies provide an energetic and talented scene in which to write. There are regular events, readings, poetry slams and student publications.
• Links within the West Midlands – the Department has links to the award winning local press Tindal Street and the boutique poetry pamphlet publishers Nine Arches Press. Each year there are visiting lectures from writers, publishers and editors.

The postgraduate experience

The College of Arts and Law offers excellent support to its postgraduates, from libraries and research spaces, to careers support and funding opportunities. Learn more about your postgraduate experience .

You will learn among a community of writers and scholars, taking a series of structured modules across the discipline. You will study four core taught modules plus a dissertation.

Core modules

The writer’s workshop.

The module provides an introduction to technical and conceptual issues encountered by the creative writer, along with research training to facilitate the critical work you will have to complete as part of your studies. The module introduces you to creative writing techniques and genres by analysing other people’s writing and through hands-on practice, as well as introducing you to the procedures and challenges of the creative writing workshop environment. The module also provides guidelines on how to approach agents/editors, along with a grounding in research practices. 

Assessment : A 5,000-word portfolio of creative writing, and a 3,000-word portfolio of critical writing

Creative Writing Masterclass: From Workshop to Bookshop

This module builds on the research and professional skills developed in The Writer’s Workshop. It provides a venue for in-depth editorial discussion of your own work, while also providing systematic training in editing and in providing detailed, constructive critiques of other writers’ works. The module will help you to articulate your personal artistic vision in both formal and conceptual terms by studying a range of artistic manifestos and writerly positions. Assessment : A 5,000-word portfolio of creative writing, and a 3,000-word portfolio of critical/professional writing

Poem as Story – Story as Poem

This module allows for a simultaneous focus on poetry and fiction, allowing you to work in both forms rather than choosing to be a “poet” or “prose writer” at this stage in your development as a writer. There will be weekly writing exercises and the opportunity to critique the work of your peers as well as a weekly set text exploring contemporary poetry and fiction. Assessment : A 3,000-word poetry and/or short fiction portfolio and a 2,000-word essay

Intertextuality: Story, Genre, Craft

This module encourages you to explore notions of intertextuality, viewed as an integral part of all creative writing, and representing a broad continuum, from one-off textual allusions or verbal echoes on the one hand, to full-length adaptations on the other. 'Story' and 'story-telling’ will be used as a focus for identifying both generic and genre-specific, popular and literary, narrative techniques and conventions (to include a focus on language, character, plot, time and vision). In addition, you will explore ways in which 'reading' in the broadest possible sense can generate ideas, strategies and structures for the developing writer. This will entail an engagement with narratology and with aspects of genre theory and translation theory, key principles of which will be illustrated through case studies of texts that form part of intertextual clusters. Assessment : A 3,000-word piece of creative writing in any genre, and a 2,000-word analysis of the intertextual relationships between two or more of the literary texts studied, with reference to your own creative writing

Dissertation

In addition to your taught modules, you will complete a dissertation. This will be 75% creative portfolio and 25% critical essay. You will write a 10,000-word portfolio of creative work in the form of a screenplay, excerpt of a novel, a collection of short fiction or a collection of poetry (600 lines). This will be accompanied by a 2,000-word essay placing your work in a critical and creative context, with reference to your development as a writer over the course of the MA. You will receive feedback on dissertation work in progress during one-to-one tutorials and/or in small group work-sharing seminars with peers (groups divided along the lines of genre/form and led by a specialist in this field).

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2024 entry are as follows:

• UK: £10,530 full-time; £5,265 part-time
• International: £24,120 full-time

The above fees quoted are for one year only; for those studying over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Eligibility for UK or international fees can be verified with Admissions. Learn more about fees for international students .

Paying your fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding .

How To Apply

Please review our Entry Requirements before making your application.

Application deadlines

The deadline for International students (requiring a VISA) to apply is 30 June 2024. The deadline for UK students is 30 August 2024.

Making your application

• How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page . Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Our Standard Requirements

We ask for a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, preferably in English and/or Creative Writing, but other disciplines will be considered. Applicants should also have considerable experience of writing creatively. 

All prospective students must also submit a sample of written work as part of the online application process.  Your sample should be in the form of a portfolio of creative writing of c. 3,000 words. This may be a prose sample (e.g. one or more short stories; part of a novel); a play or film script; or a selection of poems (in which case a line of poetry equates c. 20 words of prose; a portfolio focusing on poetry would be c. 150 lines in total). We encourage applicants to submit more than a single piece of work where possible (e.g. one short story and a novel opening, rather than a longer excerpt of a novel) though this is not strictly required.

Learn more about entry requirements

International students

Academic requirements: we accept a range of qualifications - our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

English language requirements : for this course we ask for IELTS 6.5 overall with no less 7.0 in writing and 6 in all other bands. If you are made an offer of a place to study and you do not meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional course – if you successfully complete the course, you will be able to fulfil the language requirement without retaking a language qualification.

IELTS 6.5 with no less than 7.0 writing and 6.0 in the other bands is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 23 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 76 in writing and 64 in all other bands
• Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 185 in Writing and no less than 169 in any other component.

Learn more about international entry requirements.

International Requirements

Holders of a Licence, Diplome, Diplome d'Etudes Superieures, Diplome d'Ingenieur or a Diplome d'Architecte from a recognised university in Algeria will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of one of these qualifications will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 15/20 for 2:1 equivalency or 13/20 for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Argentinian university, with a promedio of at least 7.5, may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent

A Bachelors (Honours) degree from an accredited Australian higher education institution may be considered for admission to a Masters degree.   Applicants with 3 year Bachelors with distinction from a recognised university, can be considered for admission to a Masters degree.

Holders of a Diplom, a Diplomstudium/Magister or a three-year Bachelors degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 for 2:1 equivalency or 3.0 for 2:2 equivalency, or a high-scoring Fachhochschuldiplom (FH) from a recognised Austrian Fachhochschule, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students with a good 5-year Specialist Diploma or 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan, with a minimum GPA of 4/5 or 80% will be considered for entry to postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Birmingham.

For postgraduate research programmes applicants should have a good 5-year Specialist Diploma (completed after 1991), with a minimum grade point average of 4/5 or 80%, from a recognised higher education institution or a Masters or “Magistr Diplomu” or “Kandidat Nauk” from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan.

 Holders of a bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Bahrain will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a Bachelors (Honours) degree of three years duration, followed by a Masters degree of one or two years duration from a recognised university in Bangladesh will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least four years duration may also be considered for postgraduate study. Degrees must be from a recognised institution in Bangladesh.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0-3.3/4.0 or 65% or above for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.6-3.1/4.0 or 60% or above for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Students who hold a Masters degree from the University of Botswana with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (70%/B/'very good') will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Please note 4-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a Diploma of Higher Education. 5-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree.

Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

A Licenciatura or Bacharelado degree from a recognised Brazilian university:

• A grade of 7.5/10 for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement
• A grade of 6.5/10for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement

Holders of a good Bachelors degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (‘Diploma of Completed Higher Education’), a pre-2001 Masters degree or a post-2001 Bachelors degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 5 out of 6, mnogo dobur/’very good’ for 2:1 equivalence; or 4 out of 6, dobur/’good’ for 2:2 equivalence; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students with a minimum average of 14 out of 20 (or 70%) on a 4-year Licence, Bachelor degree or Diplôme d'Etudes Superieures de Commerce (DESC) or Diplôme d'Ingénieur or a Maîtrise will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Canadian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A GPA of 3.0/4, 7.0/9 or 75% is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1.

Holders of the Licenciado or equivalent Professional Title from a recognised Chilean university will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD study will preferably hold a Magister degree or equivalent.

Students with a bachelor’s degree (4 years minimum) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. However please note that we will only consider students who meet the entry guidance below.  Please note: for the subject areas below we use the Shanghai Ranking 2022 (full table)  ,  Shanghai Ranking 2023 (full table) , and Shanghai Ranking of Chinese Art Universities 2023 .

需要具备学士学位（4年制）的申请人可申请研究生课程。请根据所申请的课程查看相应的入学要求。 请注意，中国院校名单参考 软科中国大学排名2022（总榜） ，  软科中国大学排名2023（总榜） ，以及 软科中国艺术类高校名单2023 。  

Business School    - MSc programmes (excluding MBA)  

商学院硕士课程（MBA除外）入学要求

School of Computer Science – all MSc programmes 计算机学院硕士课程入学要求

College of Social Sciences – courses listed below 社会科学 学院部分硕士课程入学要求 MA Education  (including all pathways) MSc TESOL Education MSc Public Management MA Global Public Policy MA Social Policy MA Sociology Department of Political Science and International Studies  全部硕士课程 International Development Department  全部硕士课程

  All other programmes (including MBA)   所有其他 硕士课程（包括 MBA）入学要求

Please note:

• Borderline cases: We may consider students with lower average score (within 5%) on a case-by-case basis if you have a relevant degree and very excellent grades in relevant subjects and/or relevant work experience. 如申请人均分低于相应录取要求（5%以内），但具有出色学术背景，优异的专业成绩，以及（或）相关的工作经验，部分课程将有可能单独酌情考虑。
• Please contact the China Recruitment Team for any questions on the above entry requirements. 如果您对录取要求有疑问，请联系伯明翰大学中国办公室   [email protected]

Holders of the Licenciado/Professional Title from a recognised Colombian university will be considered for our Postgraduate Diploma and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent.

Holders of a good bachelor degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma Visoko Obrazovanje (Advanced Diploma of Education) or Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, for 2:1 equivalence or 3.0 out of 5.0, dobar ‘good’, for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree(from the University of the West Indies or the University of Technology) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A Class II Upper Division degree is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1. For further details on particular institutions please refer to the list below.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Masters degree or Mphil from the University of the West Indies.

Holders of a good four-year government-accredited Bachelors degree from a recognised Higher Education college with a minimum overall GPA of 3 out of 4 for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.75 out of 4 for 2:2 equivalency; or a good four-year Bachelors degree (Ptychio) from a recognised University, with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 5.5 for 2:2 equivalency; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a good Bakalár, or a good pre-2002 Magistr, from a recognised Czech Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, velmi dobre ‘very good’ (post-2004) or 2, velmi dobre ‘good’ (pre-2004), for 2:1 equivalence, or 2.5, C, dobre ‘good’ (post-2004) or 3, dobre ‘pass’ (pre-2004) for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Bachelors degree/Candidatus Philosophiae, Professionbachelor or Eksamensbevis from a recognised Danish university, with a minimum overall grade of 7-10 out of 12 (or 8 out of 13) or higher for 2:1 equivalence, or 4-7 out of 12 (or 7 out of 13) for 2:2 equivalence depending on the awarding institution will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Ecuadorian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 70% or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Magister/Masterado or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Licenciado with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Egypt will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4 for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8 for 2:2 equivalency. Applicants holding a Bachelors degree with alternative grading systems, will normally be expected to have achieved a 75% (Very Good) for 2:1 equivalency or 65% (Good) for 2:2 equivalency. For applicants with a grading system different to those mentioned here, please contact [email protected] for advice on what the requirements will be for you.

Holders of a good Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised university or Applied Higher Education Institution with a minimum overall grade of 4/5 or B for 2:1 equivalency or 3/5 or C for 2:2 equivalency, or a good Rakenduskõrgharidusõppe Diplom (Professional Higher Education Diploma), will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with very good grades (grade B, 3.5/4 GPA or 85%) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

Holders of a good Ammattikorkeakoulututkinto (AMK) (new system), an Yrkeshögskoleexamen (YHS) (new system), a Kandidaatti / Kandidat (new system), an Oikeustieteen Notaari or a Rättsnotarie, a good Kandidaatti / Kandidat (old system), a professional title such as Ekonomi, Diplomi-insinööri, Arkkitehti, Lisensiaatti (in Medicine, Dentistry and Vetinary Medicine), or a Maisteri / Magister (new system), Lisensiaatti / Licenciat, Oikeustieteen Kandidaatti / Juris Kandidat (new system) or Proviisori / Provisor from a recognised Finnish Higher Education institution, with a minimum overall grade of 2/3 or 3-4/5 for 2:1 equivalence or 1-2/3 or 2.5-3/5 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good three-year Licence, License Professionnelle, Diplôme d'Ingénieur/Architecte Diplômé d'État, Diplôme from an Ecole Superieure de Commerce / Gestion / Politique, or Diplome d'Etat Maitrise of three years duration or a Maîtrise from a recognised French university or Grande École will be considered for postgraduate taught study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a minimum overall grade of 13 out of 20, bien, for 2:1 equivalency, or 11 out of 20, assez bien, for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a good three-year Bachelor degree, a Magister Artium, a Diplom or an Erstes Staatsexamen from a recognised university, or a good Fachhochschuldiplom from a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 for 2:1 equivalency, or 3.0 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students from Germany who have completed three years of the Erstes Staatsexamen qualification with a grade point average (GPA) of 10 from the first six semesters of study within the Juristische Universitätsprüfung programme would be considered for entry onto LLM programmes.  Students from Germany who have completed the five year Erstes Staatsexamen qualification with a grade point average (GPA) of 6.5 would be considered for entry onto LLM programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good four-year Ptychio (Bachelor degree) from a recognised Greek university (AEI) with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 5.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, or a good four-year Ptychio from a recognised Technical Higher Education institution (TEI) with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 6.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

4-year Licenciado is deemed equivalent to a UK bachelors degree. A score of 75 or higher from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) can be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 60 is comparable to a UK 2.2.  Private universities have a higher pass mark, so 80 or higher should be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 70 is comparable to a UK 2.2

The Hong Kong Bachelor degree is considered comparable to British Bachelor degree standard. Students with bachelor degrees awarded by universities in Hong Kong may be considered for entry to one of our postgraduate degree programmes.

Students with Masters degrees may be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Alapfokozat / Alapképzés (Bachelors degree) or Egyetemi Oklevel (university diploma) from a recognised Hungarian university, or a Foiskola Oklevel (college diploma) from a recognised college of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 3.5 for 2:1 equivalency, or 3 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a Bachelors degree of three or four years in duration from a recognised university in India will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved 55% - 60% or higher for 2:1 equivalency, or 50% - 55% for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Either: A four-year Bachelors degree (first class or very good upper second class)

Or: A three-year Bachelors degree (first class) from recognised institutions in India.

For MSc programmes, the Business School will consider holders of three-year degree programmes (first class or very good upper second class) from recognised institutions in India.

For entry to LLM programmes, Birmingham is happy to accept applications from 3 or 5 year LLB holders from India from prestigious institutions.

Holders of the 4 year Sarjana (S1) from a recognised Indonesian institution will be considered for postgraduate study. Entry requirements vary with a minimum requirement of a GPA of 2.8.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Iran with a minimum of 14/20 or 70% will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate taught programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Iraq will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency, or 2.8/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Israel will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 80% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Diploma di Laurea, Licenza di Accademia di Belle Arti, Diploma di Mediatore Linguistico or Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello from a recognised Italian university with a minimum overall grade of 100 out of 110 for 2:1 equivalence, or 92 out of 110 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold the Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Students with a Bachelor degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for entry to a postgraduate Masters degree provided they achieve a sufficiently high overall score in their first (Bachelor) degree. A GPA of 3.0/4.0 or a B average from a good Japanese university is usually considered equivalent to a UK 2:1.

Students with a Masters degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for PhD study. A high overall grade will be necessary to be considered.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Jordan will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who have completed their Specialist Diploma Мамаң дипломы/Диплом специалиста) or "Magistr" (Магистр дипломы/Диплом магистра) degree (completed after 1991) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate Masters degrees and, occasionally, directly for PhD degrees.  Holders of a Bachelor "Bakalavr" degree (Бакалавр дипломы/Диплом бакалавра) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of  2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, may also be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/50

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Kuwait will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good pre-2000 Magistrs or post-2000 Bakalaurs from a recognised university, or a good Postgraduate Diploma (professional programme) from a recognised university or institution of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 6.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Lebanon will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 16/20 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency, or 14/20 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Libya will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency. Alternatively students will require a minimum of 3.0/4.0 or BB to be considered.

Holders of a good Bakalauras (post 2001), Profesinis Bakalauras (post 2001) or pre-2001 Magistras from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 7 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Bachelors degree or Diplôme d'Ingénieur Industriel from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20 for 2:1 equivalence, or 14 out of 20 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (70-74% or A or Marginal Distinction from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 60-69% or B or Bare Distinction/Credit is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Malaysian institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum of 3.0) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Higher Education Institution with a minimum grade of 2:1 (Hons) for UK 2:1 equivalency, or 2:2 (Hons) for UK 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (Honours) from a recognised institution (including the University of Mauritius) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2:1).

Students who hold the Licenciado/Professional Titulo from a recognised Mexican university with a promedio of at least 8 will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Students who have completed a Maestria from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a Bachelors degree, licence or Maîtrise from a recognised university in Morocco will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 15/20 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency, or 13/20 for 2:2 equivalency.

Students with a good four year honours degree from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. PhD applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors (Honours) degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Nepal will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least three years duration plus a Masters degree may also be considered for postgraduate study. Degrees must be from a recognised institution in Nepal.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.2/4.0 or 65%-79% average or higher for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 60%-65% for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Dutch university, or Bachelors degree from a recognised Hogeschool (University of Professional Education), or a good Doctoraal from a recognised Dutch university, with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 6 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (minimum 4 years and/or level 400) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Holders of a good three-six-year Bachelorgrad, Candidatus Magisterii, Sivilingeniø (siv. Ing. - Engineering), "Siviløkonom" (siv. Øk. - Economics) degree from a recognised Norwegian education institution with a minimum GPA of B/Very Good or 1.6-2.5 for a 2.1 equivalency, or a GPA of C/Good or 2.6-3.2 for a 2.2 equivalency; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Oman will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years in duration from a recognised university in Pakistan will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least three years duration followed by a Masters degree of one or two years duration, or holders of a two year Bachelors degree and a two year Masters degree in the same subject, may also be considered for postgraduate study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 2.8-3.0/4.0 or 65% or above for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.6/4.0 or 60% or above for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

A two-year degree followed by a three-year LLB will count as a full Bachelors degree.

All qualifications must be from recognised institutions. For further details on recognised institutions, please refer to Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in the Palestinian Territories will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3/4 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency or a GPA of 2.5/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.    

Holders of the Título de Licenciado /Título de (4-6 years) or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Paraguayan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 4/5 or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  The Título Intermedio is a 2-3 year degree and is equivalent to a HNC, it is not suitable for postgraduate entry but holders of this award could be considered for second year undergraduate entry or pre-Masters.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría / Magister or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Título/Grado de Licenciado/a with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of the Bachiller, Licenciado, or Título Profesional with at least 13/20 may be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría or equivalent qualification.

Holders of a good post-2001 Licencjat / Inzynier (Bachelors degree), or a pre-2001 Magister, from a recognised Polish university, with a minimum overall grade of 4.5/4+ out of 5, dobry plus ‘better than good’ for 2:1 equivalence, or 4 out of 5, dobry 'good' for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Licenciado from a recognised university, or a Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) from a recognised Polytechnic Institution, with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, bom com distinção ‘good with distinction’, for 2:1 equivalence, or 14 out of 20, bom ‘good’, for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Qatar will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Diplomă de Licenţă, Diplomă de Inginer, Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat, Diplomă de Arhitect, Diplomă de Farmacist or Diplomã de Doctor-Medic Arhitect (Bachelors degree) from a recognised Romanian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 7 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a good Диплом Бакалавра (Bakalavr) degree with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 from recognised universities in Russia may be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes/MPhil degrees. 

Students who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree with at least 16/20 or 70% will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in the Saudi Arabia will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who hold a Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. A score of 14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2

Students who hold a Bachelor (Honours) degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (or a score of 60-69% or B+) from a well ranked institution will be considered for most our Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees with a 2:1 requirement.

Students holding a good Bachelors Honours degree will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good three-year Bakalár or pre-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, Vel’mi dobrý ‘very good’ for 2:1 equivalence, or 2, C, Dobrý ‘good’ for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (Bachelors degree), Diplomant (Professionally oriented first degree), Univerzitetni diplomant (Academically oriented first degree) or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) from a recognised Slovenian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8.0 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 7.0 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor Honours degree (also known as Baccalaureus Honores / Baccalaureus Cum Honoribus) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (70%) or a distinction (75%).

Holders of a Masters degree will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelor degree from a recognised South Korean institution (usually with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/4.5) will be considered for Masters programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Título de Licenciado / Título Universitario Oficial de Graduado (Grado) /Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto from a recognised Spanish university with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 6 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Special or Professional Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Sri Lanka will be considered for postgraduate taught study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved 60-74% or a CGPA 3.30/4.0 or B+ for 2:1 equivalency, or 55-59% or a CGPA 3.0/4.0 or B for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd) for 2:1 equivalency, or G (godkänd) for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd), and/or a good Magisterexamen (Masters degree), International Masters degree or Licentiatexamen (comparable to a UK Mphil), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good " Baccalauréat universitaire/ Diplom / Diplôme; Lizentiat / Licence; Staatsdiplom / Diplôme d'Etat" degree from a recognised Swiss higher education institution (with a minimum GPA of 5/6 or 8/10 or 2/5 (gut-bien-bene/good) for a 2.1 equivalence) will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Syria will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70%, or ‘very good’ for 2:1 equivalency or 60%, or ‘good’ for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Bachelor degree (from 75% to 85% depending upon the university in Taiwan) from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate Masters study. Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level. Holders of Bachelors degree from prestigious institutions (see list below) will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4.0 for 2:1 equivalency or 2.7 for 2:2 equivalency. Applicants with grades slightly below these requirements may also be considered for an offer if they have a relevant Bachelors degree, good scores in relevant modules, or relevant work experience.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from all other institutions will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.2/4.0 for 2:1 equivalency, or 2.8 for 2:2 equivalency.

Prestigious institutions: Assumption University Chiang Mai University Chulalongkorn University Kasetsart University Khon Kaen University King Mongkut University of Technology - Thonburi (known as KMUTT or KMUT) Mahidol University Prince of Songla University Srinakharinwirot University Thammasat University

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Caribbean and West Indies university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. 

Students with a Bachelors degree from the following universities may be considered for entry to postgraduate programmes:

• Ateneo de Manila University - Quezon City
• De La Salle University - Manila
• University of Santo Tomas
• University of the Philippines - Diliman

Students from all other institutions with a Bachelors and a Masters degree or relevant work experience may be considered for postgraduate programmes.

Grading Schemes

1-5 where 1 is the highest 2.1 = 1.75 2.2 = 2.25 

Out of 4.0 where 4 is the highest 2.1 = 3.0 2.2 = 2.5

Letter grades and percentages 2.1 = B / 3.00 / 83% 2.2 = C+ / 2.5 / 77%

Holders of a postdoctoral qualification from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.  Students may be considered for PhD study if they have a Masters from one of the above listed universities.

Holders of a Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a Yuksek Diplomasi from a recognised university will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in the UAE will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (2.1) or GPA of 3.5/5.0

Holders of a good four-year Bachelors degree/ Диплом бакалавра (Dyplom Bakalavra), Диплом спеціаліста (Specialist Diploma) or a Dyplom Magistra from a recognised institution, with a minimum GPA of 4.0/5.0, 3.5/4, 8/12 or 80% or higher for 2:1 equivalence, or a GPA of 3.5/5.0, 3.0/4, 6/12 or 70% for 2:2 equivalence, depending on the awarding institution, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

The University will consider students who hold an Honours degree from a recognised institution in the USA with a GPA of:

• 2.8 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement 
• 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement 

Please note that some subjects which are studied at postgraduate level in the USA, eg. Medicine and Law, are traditionally studied at undergraduate level in the UK.

Holders of the Magistr Diplomi (Master's degree) or Diplomi (Specialist Diploma), awarded by prestigious universities, who have attained high grades in their studies will be considered for postgraduate study.  Holders of the Fanlari Nomzodi (Candidate of Science), where appropriate, will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of the Licenciatura/Título or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Venezuelan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Scales of 1-5, 1-10 and 1-20 are used, an overall score of 70% or equivalent can be considered equivalent to a UK 2.1.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Maestria or equivalent qualification

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Vietnamese institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum GPA of 7.0 and above) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.  Holders of a Masters degree (thac si) will be considered for entry to PhD programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0 or a mark of 2.0/2.5 (A) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a good Bachelor Honours degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

Most modules include a substantial workshop element, directly focussing on student work. 

Course delivery

We have three terms per year, the autumn, spring and summer terms semester. Term dates can be found on our website.

The programme is made up of two 40-credit modules (Writer's Workshop, Creative Writing Masterclass) and two 20-credit modules (Intertextuality; Poem as Story). As a full-time student, you will take one 20-credit module and one 40-credit module in the first two terms, followed by your dissertation. You can typically expect six hours of classroom time per week, two for a 20-credit module and four for a 40-credit module. If you are a part-time student, we advise that you complete the 40-credit modules in your first year and the 20-credit modules in your second year, allowing you more time to focus on your dissertation in year two.

Each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.

Support with academic writing

As a postgraduate student in the College of Arts and Law, you have access to the  Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS)  which aims to help your transition from undergraduate to taught Masters level, or back into academia after time away. The service offers guidance on writing assignments and dissertations for your MA/MSc programme with individual support from an academic writing advisor via tutorials, email and the provision of online materials.

International students can access support for English Language development and skills through the  Birmingham International Academy (BIA) .

Teaching year

We have three teaching terms per year, the autumn, spring and summer terms. Term dates can be found on our website .

As a full-time student, you will typically take three modules in each of the first two terms, followed by your dissertation. If you are a part-time student, you will typically take three modules across each year, followed by your dissertation.

As a postgraduate student in the College of Arts and Law, you have access to the Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS) which aims to help your transition from undergraduate to taught Masters level, or back into academia after time away. The service offers guidance on writing assignments and dissertations for your MA/MSc programme with individual support from an academic writing advisor via tutorials, email and the provision of online materials.

International students can access support for English Language development and skills through the Birmingham International Academy (BIA) .

The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report .

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network  provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated  careers and employability team  who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

• Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
• Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
• Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
• Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

What’s more, you will be able to access our full range of careers support for up to 2 years after graduation.

Postgraduate employability: Film and Creative Writing

Postgraduates in the Department of Film and Creative Writing develop a range of skills including the ability to lead and participate in discussions; critical thinking, and an appreciation of different theoretical contexts; the ability to develop opinions and new ideas; and an aptitude for thinking and working creatively with others. While some graduates go on to careers in related industries, such as writing, media and television, others have used their transferable skills to pursue roles such as advertising, teaching, and in the heritage and cultural sectors.

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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.

for Creative Writing

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in the East of England for Graduate Prospects

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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• 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.
• MA in Creative Writing

This qualification is an opportunity to develop your skills as a writer in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and scriptwriting for film, radio and the stage. You'll be able to write in a genre of your choice and experiment with at least one other through practical and inspiring activities. You’ll work towards producing a substantial piece of your own creative writing to a professional standard. You'll also hone your practice through sharing, reading and critiquing the writing of your peers in online forums. You’ll work towards producing a substantial piece of your own creative writing to a professional standard.

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• Develop writing skills and awareness of approaches to writing
• Progress and hone sophisticated writing skills in at least one genre
• Gain a sound knowledge of, and ability in, a secondary genre
• Engage in sharing, critiquing and reviewing a variety of writing by your peers.

Study for free We’ve a limited number of scholarships available to UK students for the 2023/24 academic year. If you’re passionate about creative writing, you could be eligible for an Open Futures Scholarship. To apply, visit our Creative Writing Scholarship page. Applications close on 24 July 2023.

How to register

Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

To gain the 180 credits you require for this qualification, you must study the modules in the order shown below and pass part 1 before progressing to part 2:

Please note that MA Creative Writing part 2 (A803) is worth 120 credits. Module fees for postgraduate modules are based on the number of credits you study. Therefore the fee for this 120-credit postgraduate module will be double that for the 60-credit module MA Creative Writing part 1 (A802).

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Cognitive skills
• Practical and professional skills

If you’ve successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study elsewhere, you might be able to count it towards this qualification, reducing the number of modules you need to study. You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, before you register for your first module. For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer  website.

On completion

On successful completion of the required modules you can be awarded the Master of Arts in Creative Writing, entitling you to use the letters MA (CW) (Open) after your name. You will have the opportunity of being presented at a degree ceremony.

If you leave the programme before you qualify for a degree you can qualify for a  Postgraduate Certificate in Humanities (C20)  after successfully completing 60 credits.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations  website. 

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – 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 the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us . This description was last updated on 19 March 2024.

You must hold a UK honours degree (or equivalent), preferably with at least a 2:1 classification. Although your degree does not need to be in Creative Writing or a closely related subject, you will need some knowledge of the subject to successfully complete this qualification, as the MA in Creative Writing assumes all candidates have the knowledge and skills usually acquired by pursuing the subject at undergraduate level. Please note that this is not a qualification for those who are just starting to write creatively

If your degree is not in Creative Writing or a closely related subject, we strongly recommend that you read the preparatory work indicated on the MA Creative Writing part 1 . Alternatively, you could undertake our open-access creative writing courses on OpenLearn  and FutureLearn to ensure your skills (writing, reading, editorial, reflective, analytical) are at an appropriate standard.

If you don’t have a Creative Writing degree, please also make sure that you provide evidence of your experience of writing when you apply – whether through short courses, workshops, or publications.

How long it takes

Most students study the MA in Creative Writing part-time, completing 90 credits a year over two years. Typically, this means 20–25 study hours each week.

You must complete the MA in Creative Writing within 10 years.

Career relevance

If you wish to pursue a freelance writing career this Masters degree will equip you with necessary writing and editorial skills, as well as equipping you with a raft of highly valued transferable communication and collaborative skills necessary to the modern writer’s usual portfolio of occupations.

If you are aiming for an academic career in higher education, this qualification will provide a route towards a higher level research or writing practice degree (e.g. PhD), which is essential for such a career. A Masters degree can help to enhance your career prospects as a teacher in secondary and higher education (HE); most HE creative writing teaching now demands an MA in the subject.

If your aim is to enter professions associated with the media, culture, creative or knowledge industries, or if you already have a career in one of these areas and are seeking a further qualification as a means of career development, then a Masters degree, supplemented by relevant skills and experience, can prove invaluable. This degree is pertinent to those careers that directly call upon knowledge of the craft of writing, editing and critiquing (for instance, journalism, publishing, copywriting). It may also be relevant for careers that demand skills in the creative use and analysis of texts of various sorts, critical thinking and organisation, and understanding of culture in a broad sense.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

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MA Creative Writing / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

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Course description

Study on our MA Creative Writing master's course and you'll be part of the prestigious Centre for New Writing, where we bring together world-famous writers to teach people how to produce novels, short stories, creative non-fiction, poems and screenplays.

It's a place where talented writers and critics can meet to exchange ideas and opinions. The Centre is founded on the simple but important principle that good writing and good reading go together.

The course will see you study literary technique through reading and discussing the work of other contemporary writers in seminars, and you will have the opportunity to develop your own work via regular workshops and individual tutorials. Writers may choose to work on writing a novel and/or short stories and/or creative non-fiction and/or poems.

You'll benefit from seminars with Jeanette Winterson, workshops in fiction and poetry writing led by published, award-winning writers, and intensive, one-to-one instruction from writers-in-residence.

You will also have access to Literature Live, a fortnightly reading series bringing the best contemporary novelists and poets to Manchester, skills-related sessions delivered by professionals in the publishing industry, and regular visits from literary agents and editors.

We work with talented, committed students - whatever their style or genre - and we pride ourselves on giving students detailed, individual feedback both in writing and face-to-face.

Special features

Literature events

Manchester Literature Festival holds literary events across Manchester throughout the year, many in partnership with the University. The Centre for New Writing also hosts a regular public event series, Literature Live, which brings contemporary novelists and poets to the University to read and engage in conversation.

Find out more about literature in Manchester .

The Manchester Anthology

As an MA student at the Centre for New Writing, you will get the opportunity to have a piece of fiction or poetry published in The Manchester Anthology when you graduate.

Learn from experts

You will have the opportunity to engage in masterclasses and regular events with world-renowned Professor of Creative Writing, Jeanette Winterson. We also host a series of talks by visiting agents from the publishing industry.

Find out more about our people .

Teaching and learning

You will learn through a variety of teaching methods depending on the units you choose, including seminars, lectures and independent study.

Please note that both the full and part-time options are taught between 9am to 5pm. We do not offer evening classes. 

Coursework and assessment

All writing workshops meet for two to three hours per week, and are worth 30 credits. You will also be offered three individual half-hour tutorials per semester to discuss the progress of your writing. Each workshop is assessed by a portfolio of poetry or fiction.

Seminars meet for three hours per week and are also worth 30 credits. They will usually be assessed by one 6,000-word essay or the equivalent.

Over the summer, you will complete a 'dissertation' of 12,000 to 15,000 words of fiction or 15-20 poems. This is worth 60 credits.

Course unit details

You will undertake units totalling 180 credits. Core units combine to make 120 credits, with the remaining 60 credits allocated to the dissertation.

There are no mandatory units as part of this course. Students are required to choose a combination of workshops and seminars based on their individual focus, either poetry or fiction writing.

You may choose to take two workshops - one in fiction writing and one in poetry - or you may take one workshop and one seminar. Typical seminars will be The Art of Short Fiction and Poetics.

Students wishing to focus on poetry writing will take a poetry workshop and a seminar on Contemporary Poetry.

Students wishing to focus on fiction writing will take a fiction writing workshop and a seminar in Contemporary Fiction.

Dissertation

Your dissertation will comprise 15,000 words of your own fiction writing, or 16 to 25 poems.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Take your inspiration from one of the best university libraries in the country, as well as the Whitworth Art Gallery, the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama and the special collections at the John Rylands Library, which include Shakespeare folios, a Gutenberg Bible and extensive modern literary archives.

Attend lectures and exhibitions at the internationally renowned Manchester Centre for Anglo-Saxon Studies, as well as cutting-edge research talks at the English Research Seminar and Critical MASS: the American Studies research seminar.

Away from campus, the city of Manchester is home to an excellent network of public libraries , as well as a wealth of literary and arts institutions, venues and attractions such as the Portico Library , the International Anthony Burgess Foundation , Elizabeth Gaskell's House , HOME and Chetham's Library .

You will also find independent publishers such as Carcanet Press, Comma Press, Cillian Press and Saraband in Manchester, along with bookshops such as Blackwell's (which is located on campus), Waterstones, Chorlton Bookshop and Chapter 1 Books.

Manchester Literature Festival holds events featuring an array of authors each year, while other literary events also take place around Manchester throughout the year, including talks and spoken word events.

Learn more about our facilities .

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