MA Creative Writing
- MA
Overview
The MA in Creative Writing at Bristol is designed for writers who would like to begin publishing their work. Supportive workshops will help you improve your writing, and lectures and seminars will increase your understanding of the industrial and critical contexts of contemporary literature.
You will be taught by experienced published writers in extended workshop sessions, where you will be supported to experiment, innovate, and improve your work. This is the heart of the degree, where you develop your understanding of readership and how to create immersive writing that is engaging and memorable.
A special unit introduces you to contemporary publishing, where guest writers and experts from the industry bring up-to-date knowledge and expertise to the programme. This unit is tailored to student needs and designed to help you understand exactly how to begin trying to publish your work.
Welcomed into the University's prestigious Department of English, you'll learn about contemporary critical issues that influence the world of literature. You will be encouraged to read widely, and books will be suggested for you by the faculty. Over the summer, you'll work with a professional writer to develop your manuscript, just as you would with an agent or editor.
By the end of the programme, you should understand a great deal about the critical and commercial context of your writing. You should be able to speak confidently and intelligently about your work and where it belongs.
Twilight teaching allows people with working or caring responsibilities to study - as do the part-time options. Times of classes will be announced well in advance, so that students can accommodate study in their busy lives. These elements make for diverse, exciting classroom experiences.
Also diverse is the students' work. Of course, we support literary fiction in the British tradition. But we also support genre - including sci-fi, fantasy, mystery and thriller. We support writing for young readers, romance, comedy, and have even supported two graphic novel scripts.
Programme structure
For full-time students, in the first term:
- Workshop One (40 credits)
- Contemporary Critical Issues (20 credits).
In the second term:
- Workshop Two (40 credits)
- Critical Issues in Contemporary Publishing (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.
Entry requirements
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
- Home: full-time
- £12,800 per year
- Home: part-time (three years)
- £4,267 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £6,400 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £29,300 per year
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 and scholarships
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.
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:
- teaching
- workshop delivery
- proofreading
- editing
- other creative industries
- professional writing.
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. Some students have gone onto do PhDs in related subjects (English, Philosophy, Film).
Personal development includes:
- evidence of being a self-starter and working to deadlines
- experience of working closely with a group
- a track record of giving and taking feedback
- examples of how you reacted creatively to difficult feedback
- confidence in your own thoughts and reasoning.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
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