creative writing class edinburgh

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Creative Writing MSc

The university of edinburgh, different course options.

Key information

Course Summary

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

MSc - Master of Science

Subject areas

Creative Writing

Course type

Based in the first UNESCO World City of Literature, this one-year, full-time taught Masters programme is tailored towards your practice in either fiction or poetry

There is a strong practical element to the programme, helping you develop your creative skills through workshops, presenting your work for peer discussion, and hearing from guest writers and other professionals on the practicalities of life as a writer.

You’ll also sharpen your critical skills through seminars exploring the particulars of your chosen form and through option courses in literature, helping you move from theoretical considerations to practical applications.

The programme culminates with the publication of ‘From Arthur’s Seat’, an anthology of student work.

Over the course of this programme, you’ll complete a body of creative work that has been rigorously peer reviewed.

Our students go on to careers in a wide variety of fields, including publishing, marketing, arts administration, web and audio book editing, script and ghost writing, and gaming narrative design.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject.

Creative Writing (Welsh Medium) MA

Bangor university, creative writing (english medium) ma, creative and critical writing phd, ma creative writing prose fiction, university of east anglia uea, ma creative writing poetry.

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Creative Writing MSc The University of Edinburgh

Course options

Qualification.

MSc - Master of Science

The University of Edinburgh

TUITION FEES
ENTRY REQUIREMENT
UNIVERSITY INFO

Course summary

Based in the first UNESCO World City of Literature, this one-year, full-time taught Masters programme is tailored towards your practice in either fiction or poetry

The programme culminates with the publication of ‘From Arthur’s Seat’, an anthology of student work.

Over the course of this programme, you’ll complete a body of creative work that has been rigorously peer reviewed.

Our students go on to careers in a wide variety of fields, including publishing, marketing, arts administration, web and audio book editing, script and ghost writing, and gaming narrative design.

Modules (Year 1)

Tuition fees.

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£ 28,800 per year

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

University information

University league table, campus address.

University of Edinburgh, Student Recruitment and Admissions, 33 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City Of, EH8 9JS, Scotland

Suggested courses

MA Creative Writing

Leeds Trinity University

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Creative Writing

find your perfect postgrad program Search our Database of 30,000 Courses

The university of edinburgh: creative writing, doctor of philosophy - phd, full-time, 3 years starts sep 2024.

The PhD in Creative Writing offers committed and talented writers the opportunity to study Creative Writing at the highest level.

Supported by an expert supervisory team you will work independently towards the production of a substantial, publishable piece of creative writing, accompanied by a sustained exercise in critical study.

The academic staff you will be working with are all active researchers or authors, including well-published and prize-winning writers of poetry, prose fiction and drama. They include:

- Dr Jane Alexander - Fiction

- Dr Lynda Clark - Fiction

- Dr Patrick Errington - Poetry

- Dr Miriam Gamble - Poetry

- Dr Alan Gillis - Poetry

- Nicola McCartney - Drama

- Dr Jane McKie - Poetry

- Dr Allyson Stack - Fiction

- Kim Sherwood - Fiction

- Alice Thompson - Fiction

Part-Time, 6 years starts Sep 2024

Full-time, 1 years starts sep 2024.

Based in the first UNESCO World City of Literature, this one-year, full-time taught Masters programme is tailored towards your practice in either fiction or poetry.

There is a strong practical element to the programme, helping you develop your creative skills through:

- workshops

- presenting your work for peer discussion

- hearing from guest writers and other professionals on the practicalities of life as a writer

You will also sharpen your critical skills through:

- seminars exploring the particulars of your chosen form

- option courses in literature, helping you move from theoretical considerations to practical applications

The programme culminates with the publication of ‘From Arthur’s Seat,’ an anthology of student work.

**Why Edinburgh**

Literature has been taught here for over 250 years, and today Edinburgh thrives on its designation as the first UNESCO World City of Literature. The city is home to the National Library of Scotland and the Scottish Poetry Library, and a number of celebrated publishing outlets, from Canongate and Polygon, to Luath Press, Birlinn and Mariscat. The University hosts the prestigious James Tait Black Awards, established in 1919 and one of the oldest literary prizes in Britain.

There are lots of opportunities to write and share your work, from ‘The Student,’ the UK’s oldest student newspaper (founded in 1887 by Robert Louis Stevenson), to The Selkie, which was founded by Creative Writing students in 2018 to showcase work by people who self-identify as underrepresented.

Around the city, you will find:

- library readings and bookshop launches

- spoken word gigs

- cabaret nights

- poetry slams

We team teach our programme so that you benefit from the input of a range of tutors, as well as your fellow students and our Writer in Residence, the poet and author Michael Pedersen, who also co-ordinates a range of student writing prizes and our annual industry and networking event.

- Dr Lynda Clark

- Dr Patrick Errington - Poetry/Fiction

- Professor Alan Gillis - Poetry

Edinburgh. Extraordinary futures await.

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world's top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50, and placed 22nd in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. Our position as one of Britain’s leading research universities was reaffirmed by the results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF). The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, ranked 4th in the UK for research power (Times Higher Education, Overall Ranking of Institutions), with 90% of our research activity classified as world leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Our …

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MA Creative Writing

If you want to make a career in writing, this course is for you. You already have talent and ideas, we'll add the expertise you need to approach your chosen market with confidence, originality and skill. No ambitions are out of bounds: we love commercial genre fiction and literary experiments equally.

We aim to ensure our graduates are equipped to succeed - and to change the culture they choose to enter. We will add expertise to your talent and ideas, while you learn in the company of industry experts on this innovative, inspiring course for emerging writers.

Our unique combination of genres and specialisms encourages and enables you to professionalise your practice as a writer. We put genres like science fiction, fantasy, crime and horror at the heart of our learning journey. Writing for young adult readers and graphic novels are just some of the options available to you as a student on our programme.

We take an innovative approach to the training and support of aspiring writers, driven by intellectual ambition and practical industry experience.

There are four strands to the programme:

pre-writing skills, concepts and technique for full-length narratives
writing practice for first person stories and a range of options
experimental, theoretical and personal development work
regular one-to-one editorial mentoring

Typical entry point to this course is in September. Please enquire for more information.

To ensure there is sufficient time to process your application, we encourage you to submit your application by 30 June.

Students chatting at a table from the MA Creative Writing course with lecturer Laura Lam

Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as Part-time )

Start date:

Katie Griffiths MA Creative Writing graduate

Introducing our Creative Writing tutors - David Bishop, Elizabeth Dearnley, Nicholas Binge and Noelle Harrison. Learn more about their backgrounds and their impressive careers in writing so far.

Course details

Uniquely, the course offers a dynamic range of cross-disciplinary options. Writing for graphic fiction, young adult audiences, screenwriting and interactive media are all available as specialisms, while our pioneering module in genre fiction covers crime, horror, fantasy and science fiction.

We host an exciting array of guest speakers every year, ranging from award-winning authors to high-profile industry experts. Recent visiting speakers have included authors Victoria (V.E.) Schwab, Dhonielle Clayton and James Oswald, comics creators Emma Beeby and Will Morris, Nasty Women anthology editors Laura Jones and Heather McDaid from 404 Ink, agent Jenny Brown, and editor Simon Spanton.

Our approach to full-length narrative development trains you to deploy a range of unique and dynamic pre-writing techniques invented by our programme. This energetic combination of conceptual development and critical self-reflection aims to transform you into a technically adept, purposeful writer ready to make your mark.

Professional development

The MA is a professionalising course that emphasises the publishing industry as a business, and includes sessions on approaching agents, marketing yourself and your work, and understanding publishing contracts. We also offer professional development strands in teaching and learning, community engagement, and publishing on digital platforms.

For students eager to continue working on their major project in a supportive academic environment, we have an articulation agreement with the low residency MFA in Popular Fiction at Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania. This enables graduates of our programme to join the Seton Hill cohort in year two, attain a MFA qualification and complete a market-ready commercial novel.

How you’ll be taught

This is a one year full-time course starting in September, taught over three trimesters.

The course is taught by a team of award-winning industry professionals: David Bishop , a successful crime writer and former editor; internationally best-selling science fiction and horror author Nicholas Binge; acclaimed folklorist and weird fiction author Elizabeth Dearnley; and best-selling historical fiction author Noelle Harrison. You can read more about their established academic and professional careers by viewing our tutors page.

Assessments

Tasks includes crafting original short stories; creating pre-writing materials for full-length narratives; critical self-reflection on your work; keeping a learning journal of progress through one-to-one mentoring; plus developing strategies and content for teaching, public engagement events, and digital self-publishing.

Our students have access to the Writers' Room, a private workspace with wi-fi, available evenings and weekends. It houses an exclusive library of 2,000 hand-picked books, DVDs and graphic novels, and is the venue for reading groups and social events.

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Creating Narrative - Writer's Toolkit ( CLP11119 )

This module focuses on concepts, skills and techniques for the pre-writing development of a full-length narrative project. Each session examines a particular element of pre-writing, building into a complete process you can use to hone and shape a potential novel, graphic novel, screenplay or interactive project. The first few weeks interrogate the initial stages of your creative process, such as defining the purpose of your work, examining ways to develop ideas into stories, and using contextual reading and research to enhance the authenticity and originality of your project. Next you will explore thematic architecture and linguistic development to enrich your world-building and create a purposeful network of themes and ideas underpinning your narrative. The following weeks are devoted to characterisation and structure, helping you build unique characters and define the most appropriate choice of tone and narrative position(s) for your project. Plot and synopsis writing bring your learning journey to its conclusion, giving you the tools to shape a compelling journey for your project and its characters while embracing the challenges of perfect pacing and elegant exposition.

Further information

Major Project ( CLP11110 )

Major Project is the culmination of all your learning on the MA. Depending on your chosen specialism it’s an opportunity to begin your novel in earnest and plan its path to publication, or to produce a high quality showcase of work in another medium, which can be used to approach agents, publishers, producers or developers. The module begins with a detailed induction session, to help you focus on the challenges ahead. After which, you’ll embark on intensive individual work, supported by three one-to-one supervision sessions of one hour and 20 minutes. A week before each session you’ll send up to 5,000 words of work-in-progress to your supervisor for feedback, problem-solving and discussion. You can also use supervision sessions to discuss your reading, research, critical reflection and personal development planning. Following Major Project marking, you’ll have a final one-to-one tutorial to discuss your Professional Development Plan, where the programme’s tutors will offer detailed advice on the next steps in your career.

Narrative Practice Vocational Skillset ( CLP11118 )

This module shifts the focus from your own writing to work with other creators’ stories and characters. The first few weeks tackle abridgement, learning how to cut stories sympathetically and efficiently. Next you will explore fiction editing, a key vocational skill that can also improve your own practice as a writer. The module looks at working with pre-created characters, and investigates ghost-writing. An entire session is devoted to collaborative working, a crucial ability that does not come naturally to all writers. In the final weeks you’ll learn best practice for introducing yourself and your work to a wider audience, tackling the challenges and professional skills necessary to build a portfolio career as a freelance writer in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Writing Practice First Person Narrative ( CLP11117 )

In this module you’ll focus on the practical application of a range of professional techniques, and on building the vital skills of pre-writing decision making, critical self-reflection and editorial dialogue. The module is a development journey, beginning with the foundational principles of first person writing: condition of narration, device and register. You’ll then begin to practise more complex techniques, such as subtext and counter narrative, the unreliable narrator and positioning an active reader. Through weekly writing challenges and masterclass discussions, you’ll learn how to make fast, purposeful decisions about a story before writing, how to craft short pieces to briefs and deadlines, and how to critically analyse and improve upon early drafts. As well as gaining a detailed understanding of the demands of first person prose, you will develop the core professional practices you’ll need for the Trimester 2 Writing Practice options, Major Project, and the rest of your writing career.

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer .

Entry requirements

English language, international students, admissions policies.

What are the entry requirements for Creative Writing?

The entry requirements for this course are an Honours Degree at a 2:2 or above in any discipline with relevant writing experience.

Once your application is received, you may be contacted by the Programme Leader with an invitation to submit a sample of writing: this is the second stage in selection. Please do not send writing samples with your initial application, as a detailed brief and deadline will be provided. The final stage in the selection process is an interview: for international applicants, this is conducted by telephone.

Can I get admission into Creative Writing based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required. Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test. The English Language requirements for this programme are IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 7.0 with no individual component score of less than 7.0. For guidance on the acceptability of other English Language tests please contact [email protected]

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

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See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Undergraduate student fees and funding information
Postgraduate student fees and funding information
International student fees and funding information

Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Representation by literary agents
International and national competition wins
Collaborations with comic artists
Publication in magazines and anthologies
Edinburgh International Book Festival appearances
Paid editing and writing commissions
Performances and teaching
Working for national literary organisations

Woman laughing at a table with a book in one hand and a cup in the other hand in The Writers Room at Merchiston.

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Writing groups in Scotland

Wondering how to find a creative writing group near you? Here's our quick guide to in-person writing groups in Scotland.

Three people sat at a picnic table reading and writing

A writing group can be a brilliant source of support and motivation. If you can't see a group in your local area here, try searching online, getting touch with your library or community centre, or consider setting one up yourself!

Online writing groups

If you prefer to practice writing from the comfort of your own home, there are plenty of online writing workshops and groups to get involved in.

Find a creative writing group near you

Groups are listed alphabetically under their local authority area. If you'd like to add your group to this page, please email [email protected] (this link will open in a new window) . We need to know when and where your group meets, what you do and how to contact you (either a website or email address). There is a 50 word limit for listings.

Open Book organise and run weekly shared reading and creative writing sessions for a diverse range of community and public participants across Scotland.

View Open Book's website

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)

The SCBWI Scotland network holds regular meet-ups and teach-ins, where we swap information on writer’s craft, such as dialogue, character breakdown and plot development. They have regional contacts and events across the country.

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) website

Books and Beans Poetry Group

The group meets at 7pm on the last Thursday of each month.

Visit the Books and Beans Poetry Group website

Email: [email protected]

Grampian Association of Storytellers

Grampian Association of Storytellers (GAS) is a group whereby people from all walks of life come along to listen to stories, and tell stories orally. We organise events, workshops and get-togethers, and provide professional storytellers. GAS meets monthly.

Visit the Grampian Association of Storytellers website

Lemon Tree Writers

The group meet at 11am on alternate Saturdays.

Visit the Lemon Tree Writers website

Email: [email protected]

Aberdeenshire

Huntly writers.

Huntly Writers is open to anyone over the age of 18 years who is, or wants to be, actively engaged in creative writing. We are based in the market town of Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where we usually meet on a fortnightly basis.

(Visit the Huntly Writers website]( https://www.huntly-writers.co.uk/ )

Mearns Writers

The Mearns Writers are "a dynamic group of story writers, poets, and novelists predominantly based within Aberdeen and its surrounding areas". Welcoming all skill levels and walks of life, the Mearns Writers currently meet once a week every Thursday at 7:00 pm through Zoom meetings, due to lockdown.

Mearns Writers' Facebook

North East Writers

North East Writers is a literature development agency aiming to support, promote and coordinate new writing in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, working in partnership with venues, publishers, writers' groups and individual writers based in the region.

North East Writers' website

Spindrift Writers

Please email for more information.

Spindrift Writers' website

Email: [email protected]

Ythan Writers

Ythan writers have been meeting for over a decade. They currently meet every Wednesday at 2.30pm - 4.30pm at the Station Hotel in Ellon during school term times. £3.50 entry, includes tea and cake.

Email: [email protected]

Angus Writers' Circle

Angus Writers' circle meets at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesday of every month at the Rosely Hotel. The programme of meetings includes speakers, workshops and club nights when members read their work and crits are given. Currently not accepting new members due to numbers.

Email: [email protected]

Argyll and Bute

Add[ed.]ition.

A writing group near Oban looking for flash fiction, poetry and short stories.

Email: [email protected]

Clackmannanshire

Alloa writers.

Alloa Writers meet every other Wednesday in the games room of the Station Hotel. One of the aims of the group is to support one another by offering feedback on work brought to meetings, and to encourage each member to develop their skills.

Alloa Writers' website

Email: [email protected]

Dumfries and Galloway

Crichton writers.

Crichton Writers meet once a month all year round on Thursday mornings on the Crichton Campus, Dumfries. We operate largely as a peer-led group, using the considerable experience acquired over the 18 years the group have had work published and performed.

Crichton Writers' website

Lockerbie Writers

A friendly and supportive group that is open to writers of all levels and genres, including beginners. The group meets every second Tuesday from 10am to 12 noon at the Townhead Hotel.

Lockerbie Writers' website

Email: [email protected]

A Novel Approach

A friendly and supportive group for writers who are working on a novel or novel-length project. Open to writers of all genres. The group meet on alternate Wednesdays from 7.30pm at the Somerton Hotel, Lockerbie.

Visit A Novel Approach's Facebook

Email: [email protected]

Douglas Writers' Group

An informal small group run as part of the University of the Third Age. We meet every Thursday in Douglas Community Centre Dundee at 10 am - 12 noon.

Email: [email protected]

Nethergate Writers

The Nethergate Writers meet on the last Wednesday of every month, in the Dalhousie Building at Dundee University. We welcome all types of writers, from those who have been or are hoping to be published to those who just write for their own enjoyment.

Nethergate Writers' website

East Ayrshire

South west writers.

We hold regular workshops on material that members bring in and also set tasks at our meetings. These are fortnightly from 5 - 7pm on Wednesdays at the Centre Stage Café Bar in Kilmarnock.

Email: [email protected]

Write Here is a poetry group run by Caroline Johnstone as part of her role as Poet in Residence at Dundonald Castle. It meets on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30, with a break for coffee at the cafe there. Places are limited but if interested please get in touch.

Email: [email protected] Phone: 07709408880

East Dunbartonshire

Bearsden writers.

The group meets fortnightly to take forward writing and publishing ventures, meeting alternately in person and on Zoom. Meetings are held on Thursdays: in-person meetings are held in the Burnbrae on Mingavie Road, Bearsden from 10 am to 12pm; online meetings are held from 7pm to 9pm, .

Email Barbara: [email protected]

Campsie Writers' Group

An informal group where Authors and prospective authors can share ideas and learn new skills. We meet in the Lennoxtown Library Hub on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 1.30 to 3pm from January to June and September to December.

To book a free place please contact Lennoxtown Library.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0141 7773151

Strathkelvin Writers' Group

Strathkelvin Writers' Group aims to develop and encourage all forms of writing by its members: fiction, non-fiction, poetry and children's writing.

Visit the Strathkelvin Writers' Group website

East Lothian

Tyne and esk writers.

Tyne and Esk Writers comprises of eight writing groups, with around 100 members in total, in Midlothian and East Lothian.

Tyne and Esk Writers' website

All Write Now

All Write Now is an adult writing group for writers of all levels. It takes place the first Monday of the month at 6pm in Haddington Library.

Email: [email protected]

Captain's Inkwell

The groups meets at Newington Library every second Friday at 2.30pm. Writers of any kind or level welcome.

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Connect and Create

A women only writing group (All women-only events are inclusive of Trans, Intersex women, non-binary and gender fluid people) on the first Saturday of every month at Edinburgh Central Library. It is currently fully booked with a waiting list, so will be readvertised in future when there are spaces.

Visit the Connect and Create website

The Diggers Writers

The group meets at the Tourmalet Bar every Tuesday from 7.30 - 10pm to share, discuss and give criticism. The group is affiliated with The Workers' Educational Association.

Email: [email protected]

Edinburgh Genre Writers

The Edinburgh Genre Group is a collaborative, Milford-style writing workshop for published and unpublished Edinburgh writers interested in writing, critiquing and publishing commercial genre fiction.

Visit the Edinburgh Genre Writers website

Edinburgh Writers' Club

We are a community of writers in the Edinburgh area and beyond, with an annual programme of competitions, workshops and expert speakers. We meet every second Monday from September to May.

Edinburgh Writers' Club website

Rogue Writers

The group is a forum for anyone who is interested in writing, both readers and writers – new and experienced – to come and read their work and receive helpful criticism in a friendly environment.

Visit the Rogue Writers website

School of Poets

A Poetry group who meet on the second Tuesday of each month, 6-8pm at the Scottish Poetry Library (except for August and December).

Email: [email protected]

Scottish Arts Club Writers' Group

The Writers' Group meets on the last Wednesday at 7pm in the Studio. All are welcome, from new writers to published authors. Free for Members, £5 per session for non-Members.

Visit the Scottish Art Club Writers' Group

Scottish Poetry Library

A variety of writing groups hold events at the SPL. Please visit their Events page for more information.

The Scottish Poetry Library website

WHALE Poetry Group

A poetry group at the WHALE Arts Centre, 11.30am - 1pm on the last Wednesday of the month.

Visit the WHALE Arts website

Free and open to all, this group is run by Health All Round, a charity and community health project. Thursdays 3pm – 4.30pm, at Tynecastle Community Wing.

Email: [email protected]

Southside Writers

Helen Boden runs a weekly creative writing group at the Southside Centre, Nicolson St, Edinburgh. They meet on Friday mornings to write on themes that change on a termly basis.

Email: [email protected]

Edinburgh SFF

A friendly community for Science Fiction and Fantasy writers of all levels, packed full of resource, writing chat and day to day help.

Edinburgh SFF website

Denny Writers

We are a Writers Group open to all no matter what age, gender or ability. Our meetings are held on Thursdays at 1.30 pm to 3.30pm.

Visit the Denny Writers website

Falkirk Writers Circle

The Circle meet every Tuesday evening in the Greenpark Community Centre, Polmont, at 7.30pm.

The Falkirk Writers Circle website

Fife Writes

Fife Writes aims to provide opportunities for local writers of all kinds and abilities to improve their writing and to perform in front of live audiences if they wish.

Email: [email protected]

Visit the Fife Writes website

Buckhaven Writing Group

Every Tuesday between 2-4pm at Buckhaven Community Centre. 50p per session.

Largo Library Writers Group

Every Monday, 10am-12pm, at Largo Library. £2 per session, including refreshments.

Visit the Largo Library website

Gorbals Writing Group

A monthly writing group meeting on the first and second Saturday of each month, 10:30 to 11:30.

The sessions take place in the Community Meeting Room at Co-operative Store, 190 Crown Street.

Visit the Gorbals Writing Group website

Email: [email protected]

Glasgow Science Fiction Writers Circle

A fortnightly workshop for writers of Science Fiction and/or Fantasy. 7.45pm every second Tuesday.

The Glasgow Science Fiction Writers Circle website

Email: [email protected]

The Glasgow League of Writers (GLOW)

Currently, GLOW runs in iCafe Merchant City on the last Wednesday of every month, at 7pm. GLOW is a group for comic writers. There are no restrictions on demographics or level of experience, and submitting a script is not compulsory to attend. So long as you are interested in writing comics, and in engaging with scripts on the agenda, you're welcome to attend.

The Glasgow League of Writers (GLOW) website

Email: [email protected]

Caithness Writing Group

We meet every second Monday at 7.00pm in Nethercliff Hotel, Wick.

Visit the Caithness Writing Group website

Highland LIT

A literary group organising writers' events, open mics and writing groups.

Visit the Highland LIT website

Email: [email protected]

The Pen & I

A co-operative writers group that meets weekly on Tuesday mornings (apart from the school holidays) and offers a warm welcome to anyone who wants to write in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.

Email: [email protected]

Sunart Writers' Group

Sunart Writers' Group meets monthly, 3rd Thursday of the month, 7pm, Ardnamurchan Library, Strontian. New members always welcome!

Email: [email protected]

Words Writing Café

The Café runs once a month from 5pm-6.30pm upstairs in Waterstones, Eastgate Shopping Centre.

Find out more about the Words Writing Cafe

Greenock Writers' Club

All welcome. You don’t have to be an accomplished writer to join our club. Our members are all at different stages and levels of writing. So whether your thing is poetry, short stories, writing articles or perhaps novels, please come along.

Find out more about the Greenock Writers' Club

Find out more about Tyne and Esk Writers

Elgin Writers' Club

Meets on alternate Wednesday evenings usually in Elgin Library from March to December each year for those who wish to write for pleasure, and perhaps profit. Workshops, competitions, great chat and general support and encouragement to get writing!

Visit the Elgin Writers' Club Website

ForWORDS (The Forres Writing Group)

Meets every Tuesday evening, 7-9pm, in the boardroom of the Royal British Legion.

Find out more about ForWORDS

Na h-Eileanan Siar

Stornoway writers' circle.

Every Tuesday from 7-9pm at An Lanntair, welcome to anyone over the age of 16. No need to book, just turn up.

Visit the Stornoway Writers' Circle website

Uist Writers Group

The Writing Group meets at Taigh Chearsabhagh, usually on the first Saturday of the month from 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. It is a very informal, friendly group of people who want to write for many varied reasons.

Find out more about the Uist Writers Group

North Ayrshire

Largs writers.

Largs Writers Group meet every Monday from 10a.m - 12 noon in Largs Library, Allanpark Street.

We are also affiliated with the local poetry group. "Poems & Pints" meet on the second Tuesday of every month, 7 - 9 p.m. in the Waterside Pub, Bath Street

Visit the Largs Writers website

Stevenston Creative Writing Group

A community group open to all engaging in a number of topics to explore creativity with words. The meetings are weekly - Friday (10-12) at Beattie Library and it is free to join in.

The Stevenston Creative Writing Group website

Email: [email protected]

North Lanarkshire

Writers group - cumbernauld library.

The Writers Group at Cumbernauld Library meets fortnightly from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays.

The sessions are suitable for beginners and for experienced writers.

Entry: free

Find out more about the Writers Group at Cumbernauld Library

Stromness Writing Group

We are an informal, friendly group of writers who meet fortnightly to share writing exercises and feedback. The meetings are usually from 6.30pm - 8.30pm on Tuesday evenings.

Visit the Stromness Writing Group's website

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire writers.

A writing group with regular events, including critique nights.

Find out more about the Perthshire Writers

Renfrewshire

Erskine writers.

The group meets on Tuesdays from 1.30 - 3.30 pm at the Bargarran Community Centre. We welcome people who are interested to attend our meetings to see if we are what they require.

Email: http://erskinewriters-uk.blogspot.com/

Scottish Borders

Borders writers' forum.

A warm welcome to both established and beginner writers at 7pm every third Thursday of the month. See website for full details or email for up to date programme.

Visit the Borders Writers' Forum website

Email: [email protected]

Peebles Library Writing Group

First Monday of the month at 10:30am-12:30pm.

Find out more about the Peebles Library Writing Group

Lerwick Writers' Group

Lerwick Writers Group meet on the first Tuesday of each month ( except January) at 7.00pm in the Mareel cinema and arts venue (meeting in the foyer beforehand). All forms of writing and levels of experience are welcome.

Email: [email protected]

Unst Writers Group

Unst Writers Group meets once a month at Hamar, Baltasound, usually on a Wednesday evening. You can contact the group through the secretary, Gordon Thomson.

Email: [email protected]

Callander Writers’ Group

Callander Writers’ Group is a group of aspiring writers who get together on Tuesday mornings, 10.30-12.30, sometimes via Zoom, but currently meeting in each other’s homes in Callander and surrounding area, to share our writing, and offer each other support, constructive criticism and encouragement.

Email: [email protected]

Central Poetry Club

A Poetry and Spoken Word group for beginners in Central Library in Stirling. It will run on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, from 5.45pm - 6.45pm.

Email: [email protected]

The Novel Pool

The group meets fortnightly on Thursdays at the Macrobert Centre to discuss and critique submitted work.

Email: [email protected]

South Ayrshire

Ayr writers club.

The group welcomes new and established writers. There are speakers, workshops and informal read around nights.

Visit the Ayr Writers Club website

Troon Writers

We are a small group of enthusiasts who enjoy story writing and meet every second Thursday at Troon Library from 4.30 - 6.30 pm. Should you wish further information, please contact Troon Library on 01292 315352.

West Lothian

West lothian writers.

The group normally meet every second Tuesday to offer advice and support to each other.

Find out more about West Lothian Writers

Email: [email protected]

Creative Writing MSc The University of Edinburgh

Key course facts.

Admission advice for international students

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 30 graduates of Creative Writing MSc at The University of Edinburgh for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Finance, Banking, Corporate Finance, Fintech.

Salary of Graduates in Accounting

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Finance, Banking, Corporate Finance, Fintech at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students .

Salary of all UK Graduates of Accounting

Course description.

Based in the first UNESCO World City of Literature, this one-year, full-time taught Masters programme is tailored towards your practice in either fiction or poetry.

The programme culminates with the publication of ‘From Arthur’s Seat’, an anthology of student work.

Why Edinburgh

Literature has been taught here for over 250 years, and today Edinburgh thrives on its designation as the first UNESCO World City of Literature, home to the National Library of Scotland and the Scottish Poetry Library, and a number of celebrated publishing outlets, from Canongate and Polygon, to Luath Press, Birlinn and Mariscat. The University hosts the prestigious James Tait Black Awards, established in 1919 and the oldest literary prizes in Britain.

There are lots of opportunities to write and share your work, from ‘The Student’, the UK’s oldest student newspaper (founded in 1887 by Robert Louis Stevenson), to The Selkie, which was founded by Creative Writing students in 2018 to showcase work by people who self-identify as underrepresented.

Around the city, you’ll find library readings and bookshop launches, spoken word gigs, cabaret nights and poetry slams.

We team teach our programme so that you benefit from the input of a range of tutors, as well as your fellow students and our Writer in Residence, the poet Ryan Van Winkle, who also co-ordinates a range of student writing prizes and our annual industry event, The Business.

The academic staff you will be working with are all active researchers or authors, including well-published and prize-winning writers of poetry, prose fiction and drama. They include:

Dr Jane Alexander - Fiction

Dr Miriam Gamble - Poetry

Dr Alan Gillis - Poetry

Dr Jane McKie - Poetry

Dr Allyson Stack - Fiction

Kim Sherwood - Fiction

Alice Thompson - Fiction

Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.

Accredited by the Association of International Accountants (AIA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) .

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Accredited by the EFMD Quality Improvement System.

Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

What graduates are doing after 15 months

Current jobs, job in line with future plans, utilise skills from studies, work is meaningful, required skill level of job after 15 months, % skilled jobs, jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation).

Example below based on all graduates of Creative Writing MSc at The University of Edinburgh

Grading & Study Time

Assessment methods, study time distribution, entry requirements / admissions, ucas tariff of accepted students for this course, average student cost of living in the uk.

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

University Rankings

Positions of the university of edinburgh in top uk and global rankings., rankings of the university of edinburgh in related subject specific rankings., languages & literature, about the university of edinburgh.

The University of Edinburgh is located in the Scottish city of the same name, and is one of the oldest universities in the entire United Kingdom, having opened in the year 1583. The university enjoys a strong reputation for its contributions to international research efforts, which is reflected in their inclusion in the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and Una Europa. Edinburgh offers its residents a historic yet modern city, with a lively nightlife scene, reliable public transport, and friendly locals.

List of 686 Bachelor and Master Courses from The University of Edinburgh - Course Catalogue

Where is this programme taught

Similar courses

Ranking publishers, the university league tables, cug the complete university guide - by subject (published: 08 june, 2023).

view methodology

High School Study Abroad Programs
High School Summer Abroad
High School Summer Abroad Programs

Creative Writing in the Land of Lochs & Legends

Program at Capacity | Contact CIEE to be Waitlisted

Jun 16 - Jul 6, 2024

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

Jul 7 - 27, 2024

Craft your own narratives against the backdrop of ancient castles, winding lanes, and spectacular landscapes.

Grasp the depth and breadth of Scottish literature in Edinburgh, the birthplace of Arthur Connan Doyle and Iain Banks. Through expert-led workshops, immerse yourself in gothic narratives, crime tales, and mythological legends and develop storytelling tools and techniques. Go beyond merely reading and analyzing text and craft your own stories, recording audio renditions of your unique tales alongside other Global Navigators!

Meet writers, poets, and performers during oral storytelling evenings. Rediscover The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson and wander through the Royal Mile, where the early Harry Potter drafts were penned. Add your own voice to Scotland’s illustrious literary tradition.

When not busy writing, stroll through the historic Old Town or surround yourself by nature in one of Edinburgh's 112 parks. On excursions, explore Scotland's stunning scenery in places like Stirling or Loch Ness. Witness firsthand how the country's literature encapsulates the nuances of its surroundings, capturing national identity, age-old myths, tradition, and modernity.

The Take-Aways

Real-world experience.

Experience Edinburgh through the eyes of a writer and oral storyteller. Try out literary techniques and structures to develop your own writing process. Come home with the skills to create original works.

Credentials For Your Future

Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, your own audio renditions of your written tales to showcase both your oral storytelling skills and your Scottish literature literacy.

Life Skills And New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S.

Hours Of Expert Instruction

Weeks Pursuing Your Passion

Life-changing Experience

The Destination

Welcome to Edinburgh, a city that’s inspired countless scribes and storytellers for centuries.

Edinburgh, the magical capital of Scotland is also known as the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature—both for its literary history and its ongoing efforts to promote literature through tours, festivals, and events. There are many literary treasures in the city’s streets, including the world’s second largest monument to a writer, the Scott Monument, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, and Greyfriars Kirk, a 17th-century church and graveyard whose tombstones inspired the names of Hogwarts's witches & wizards.

Explore Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur’s Seat, and more. Find museums and shops (including kilt makers) nestled in centuries-old stone buildings. Edinburgh truly comes to life in the summer when the city is busy with preparations for the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Fringe Festival. Soak up the buzzing atmosphere, admire the green rolling hills, and stop to taste delicious desserts at restaurants and cafés, like Scottish shortbread and cranachan .

Monday–Friday

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.

Breakfast at the hostel/hotel

Hands-on classes with expert instructors and professional writers

Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators

Out and about for a cultural activity or workshop

Dinner at the hostel/hotel

Weekends

Overnight or day excursions to top sites

Quality time with friends

Dorms, single rooms in shared accommodations with other Global Navigators

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Sample Activities

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the city from viewpoints like Calton Hill or Arthur's Seat. Play games with fellow Global Navigators at the Meadows, a scenic park located in the city center.
Explore Edinburgh's impressive independent bookshops while getting inspired for your own writing.
Discover the 1,000-year-old Royal Mile, Victoria St., and Greyfriar's Bobby.
Take a day trip to the Scottish Highlands, exploring the landscapes that have inspired countless tales and culminating in a Nessie-spotting adventure at the Loch Ness.
Have a picnic at the Royal Botanical Gardens, which has been around for 350 years!

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Eligibility

Participants must be 14 years old and above.
Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our  scholarship page .

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria .

Dates & Fees

Application Fee

$25

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.

More Questions? Find answers , get application support , sign up for virtual presentations , or contact us !

What's Included

Interactive classes, 3 meals/day.

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to local phone and wifi, all cultural activities and excursions, comprehensive medical and travel protection, 24/7 emergency on-site support.

Jacqui Bassett

Center director.

Jacqui is a born and bred Scot from Edinburgh. She has a postgraduate MSc in International Development from the University of Edinburgh and a degree in Psychology from the University...

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9 Best Trusted Creative Writing Courses in Edinburgh

Creative writing is an art that can be honed with consistent practice. but as the demand is increasing, it is required to upskill yourself with the developing needs. to make you keep up with the pace, a lot of creative writing courses in edinburgh are delivering the training. in this article, we will discuss the top training programs that will assist you to excel in different writing genres such as fiction, poetry, writing a book, novel, memoir, and so forth..

List of best creative writing courses in Edinburgh

Table of Content

What is creative writing?
Why choose creative writing courses in Edinburgh?
The top 9 creative writing courses in Edinburgh.

What is Creative Writing ?

Creative writing deviates from the conventional structured framework of professionalism, journalism, academia, and technicality by giving voice to the writer’s imagination in a way that is unique, intentional, and has some worth. When you make an assumption and then encourage the viewer to do the same, it gives your own art a unique flair. It includes many literary creations, such as plays, short tales, poems, and novels. Good creative writing courses in Edinburgh would be inclusive of all the types of creative writing that are:

Flash fiction
Movie script
song/speeches
Autobiography
Short story

Why Choose Creative Writing Courses in Edinburgh?

If you are interested in writing but have had all the concerns about, like, everything having already been written or fear of perfectionism, then this is the reason you got my article back. If you believe that a creative writing degree won’t lead to rewarding chances, you’re mistaken. It instead unlocks doors to a variety of platforms. I’d like to list a few career alternatives you might have if you enroll in creative writing courses in Edinburgh , but they are not limited or set in stone. There are many possibilities.

1. Content Writer: You can leverage your creative writing courses to become a content writer or author. As you will possess a degree as your back and could earn an excellent salary.

2. Freelancing : You can create your own remote freelancing business and work however you like if you have decent creative writing courses in Edinburgh.

3. Copywriting : The type of writing where you can earn well is copywriting. After completing this degree from a reputable institute, copywriting would be the best place to start.

4. Blogging : Many individuals blog as a pastime, but if you master it, you may create your own brand and make a solid living, and taking a course in creative writing would undoubtedly be helpful.

5. Columnist: Newspaper columns are written by columnists, who are expected to express their thoughts in a distinctive manner. You can advance in this field by taking creative writing courses in Edinburgh.

6. Screenwriter/ songwriter: As singers and scriptwriters are known for their inventiveness and interactive writing, this can be the best fit for creative writers. Although difficult, this field is incredibly profitable.

7. Journalist: You can use the course to hone the creative writing abilities required to work as a journalist, but you must choose the course with greater care.

8. Ghostwriter : Those who write under their client’s name for them without taking credit are known as “ghostwriters.” A creative writing course would undoubtedly aid in snatching prospects because there are many businesses that need ghostwriters, for instance in the freelancing industry.

The Top 9 Creative Writing Courses in Edinburgh

While there are many institutions offering creative writing courses in Edinburgh, you must make a wise decision because each course provider has a different and distinctive end goal and teaching methodology. In an effort to rescue you from this mess, I’ve provided a list of Edinburgh’s top creative writing schools.

1. IIM SKILLS

IIM SKILLS provides a content writing master course where you can actually learn to unleash your creativity and write flawlessly and become a confident writer. The course is a complete package of all types of writing forms that a writer must know about, whether content or creative writing.

Once you enroll in the course, you will be exposed to a variety of modules that can immensely foster your thoughts to generate unique ideas for your next draft. If you are truly dedicated to career upliftment, IIM SKILLS must be on your list for creative writing courses in Edinburgh.

Content Writing Course Structure

4 weeks of live classroom online
3-month guaranteed internship(optional)
30 hours of training includes(16hour lectures+14 hours)
Free tools worth 362.75 Pound sterling
Cost: 154.43 Pound sterling

Course Benefit

Freelance opportunities
certification ( govt recognised)
Preparation from HubSpot Content Marketing Certification (USA)
Lifetime support
Portfolio development
Opportunities to write for renowned platforms like times of India
Publication support for book articles and press releases on online platforms

Course Content You’ll Learn

Keyword research
Article writing, Press release
Product Description, Business listing
Commercial page
E-book , book review
Copywriting, Video Scripts
SOP,Resume,Portfolio
Email writing, Social writing
Instructional booklets, brochures, flyers
Infographic
Technical writing 101, legal writing
Research paper, white paper
Publishing a book(live)
Search console and web analytics
Affiliate marketing and Adsense

Download IIM SKILLS Content Writing Course Brochure

Find Why 20,000+ People Love IIM SKILLS

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You may also want to know about the best Online Creative Writing Courses

Professional Courses from IIM SKILLS

Digital Marketing Course
Technical Writing Course
Financial Modeling Course
Business Accounting And Taxation Course
CAT Coaching

Contact: +919580740740, [email protected]

2. Masterclasses:

The Masterclass is the streaming platform that makes it possible for anyone to watch or listen to hundreds of video lessons taught by 150+ of the world’s best. How are the master classes different from others? With Master Class’s new hands-on Session, you may work on projects and activities as part of a planned curriculum in just 30 days while learning alongside the best in the world.

Sharing your work with an interested group of your peers and receiving comments from qualified teaching assistants will allow you to participate actively in the session. The primary goal of this course is to teach students how to create timeless, relevant stories, from historical to futuristic fiction.

key Features

Class Duration: 23 videos, or 3 hours and 43 minutes
Listed Under: writing, creative arts
Instructor: One of the most renowned authors, Margaret Atwood, is the instructor. The author of The Handmaid’s Tale teaches how she crafts compelling stories from historical to speculative fiction that remain timeless and relevant.
Cost: All classes and sessions start at Rs. 1295 per month, billed yearly.
30-day money-back Guarantee: Master Class offers a full refund if you decide not to like their course within 30 days of the date you bought the subscription.

IIM Skills Content Writing Course free demo invite

3. Wesleyan University:

At Wesleyan University, the study and practice of creative writing span illustrious pasts and ever-evolving futures made up of courses across the curriculum and in the spirit of commitment and cooperation. Several visiting authors, alumni, and publishing faculty are present on campus throughout the academic year to provide support and participate in reading sessions and workshops.

English majors have the option of pursuing a creative writing course as part of their degree. The English department provides courses at all levels and in all genres.
Regular creative writing classes are also offered by the Theatre Department, the College of Letters, and the College of Film and the Moving Image.
The Shapiro Centre offers creative writing master courses, conversational gatherings, and student groups all year round.
The center regularly arranges readings by well-known authors on campus.

Commitment to Affordability and Aid

Access is a cause that Wesleyans have long supported. They also offer financial help, and in such instances, they assess your family’s financial situation along with your education expenses to make sure that 100% of your tuition is covered.

Writing Certificate

Students from all majors can get the certificate and experience in academic writing for non-specialists, political and literary journalism, science writing, poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, screenwriting, playwriting, and forms of non-fiction like criticism, biography, and autobiography.

Recommended Read: Creative Writing Courses in New Zealand

4. Reedsy learning

There is no such thing as a writer who cannot learn something new about their profession, regardless of how experienced they are. Anyone, regardless of ability level, can easily develop their art, establish better routines, and live the creative writing life they’ve always desired with the help of Reedsy Learning’s online writing classes.

What Does Reedsy’s Learning Include?

Professionals such as best-selling fantasy author Ben Galley and former Simon & Schuster editor Kate Angellella are among the instructors for Reedsy’s online writing classes.

Topics include:

writing a novel
composing brief stories
Don’t tell, show
creating a book for children
The use of dialogue to advance your story and create characters
Developing a rigid writing schedule

How Much Does It Cost?

They provide free writing classes for everyone. According to Reedsy, knowledge shouldn’t be restricted to those who can afford to pay for it. Any topic may be learned about with a little surfing.

5. Gotham writers

The largest writing program for adults in the US is offered by Gotham Writers’ Workshop. New York authors Jeff Fingleman and David Grae created it in 1993 in New York. After introducing its inaugural online creative writing course in 1997, it was one of the first institutions to do so.

What is Covered in This Course?

Most of the major genres are covered by the workshop’s classes, including fiction and novel writing, screenplays for television and movies, poetry, and a number of types of creative nonfiction writing, such as essay writing and memoir. Alexander Stellé, the school’s president, served as the workshop’s editor and published three books: Writing Fiction, Fiction Gallery, and Writing Movies. A monthly newsletter with essays by the workshop’s teachers and others is also published.

Cost: $165-$409(plus registration)

Recommended Read: Content Writing Courses in the UK

Harvard and MIT founded Edx, an American provider of massive open online courses. It provides a wide range of creative writing courses, specializing in different fields.

Its Courses Are:

1. Structure and Outline for Writing a Novel: University of British Columbia

Course span: 6 weeks (4-6 hours per week)

Cost to Enroll : INR( 23397)

2. Writing a Novel (Writing the Draft): University of British Columbia

Cost to Enroll: INR( 23397)

3. Writing for Performing Art and the Entertainment Industries: University of Cambridge

Course Duration: 9 months (8-10 hours per week)

Cost to Enroll: INR 113636

4. Internationalization (creating digital content for the world): University of Washington

Course Duration: 4 weeks( 2-5 hours per week).

Cost to Enroll : free

5. Writing Successfully for the Stage: University of Cambridge

Course Duration: 4 weeks( 8-10hours per week)

Cost to Enroll: free

6. Standup! (Performance Poetry and Comedy Writing): University of Cambridge

7. Reconceiving Space: ( installation and performance art): University of Cambridge

8. Digital Platforms in Performance: University of Cambridge

Course Duration : 4 weeks( 8-10hours per week)

9. English Composition and Literature: (University of California, Berkeley)

Course Duration: 7 weeks( 4-5hours per week)

10. Capstone: Bringing It All Together(University of Cambridge)

Course Duration: 6 weeks( 8-10hours per week).

Cost to Enroll: INR15783

Recommended Read: Content Writing Courses in Malaysia

7. British Council

The British Council creative writing course offers distinctive writing skills. This course provides the opportunity to discover a variety of methods to strengthen creativity and the writing process.

Course Duration: 36 hours (9 weeks)

Course Fee: INR 10000

Special offers to British council library members (10%) discount

Course Content

Screenwriting
Writing Dialogue
Character and setting
Children Fiction
Writing short stories
Poetry and poetic tools
Travel writing
Experimental writing
Getting published

Course Reqirement: above upper-intermiadiate level(leveB2)

8. Skillshare

Creative writing professionals offer a variety of online courses on Skillshare. Short lectures that include completed and shared hands-on projects make up their online course. You get many opportunities to experiment and learn new things. They provide classes hosted by famous people as well as those guided by passionate professionals.

Cost : $19.99/month or $99/year

9. XIC(Xavier Institute of Communication)

For prospective writers who want to comprehend the numerous components of creative writing and learn how to apply them to hone their abilities, XIC offers a helpful class.

Writing exercises
Critiquing pieces by professional writers
Critiquing pieces by fellow writers

Course Duration

8 sessions of 2 hours each

Starting from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm(online)

Himani Kothari

Fees : INR 8000(including GST).

Ques.1 What are the must-have skills for creative writers?

Language proficiency, creative thinking, a strong vocabulary, research prowess, knowledge of core technical concepts, and the capacity to market one’s work are the primary requirements for being a creative writer.

Ques2. How do creative writing courses in Edinburgh benefit us?

You will be able to stimulate your imagination, empathy, better-thinking organization, a wider vocabulary, critical analysis, and more opportunities as a result of the creative writing course.

Ques3 What are the top in-demand writing careers?

Grant writers, speech writers, content writers, copywriters, ghost writers, and medical writers are a few in-demand writing professions.

A creative writing class would improve your ability to observe, assist you in overcoming writer’s block, and enable you to identify exciting topics to write about and pursue your dreams. I’ve included the top creative writing programs in Edinburgh in this article. As I have adequately infused the article with the course content they specialize in, you must make a good choice from among them based on your needs and interests. In this article, I’ve also listed a number of free courses provided by reputable organizations, which can come in handy if you can’t afford to take premium courses.

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Content writing course by iim skills, table of contents, 10 best creative writing courses in edinburgh.

Vishnu Nair M S
April 1, 2024
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In this article, you will learn about what is creative writing, how it differs from other forms of traditional English writing, and how you can improve your creative writing skills. Every one of us at a certain point might have wanted to write about something creative. This is a thought which crosses everyone’s mind at some point in their lives. Creative writing is all about using your point of view, imagination, and ideas to narrate a story or an event. Hence, to help you with this, we have listed the best creative writing courses in Edinburgh.

Many of us may have an innate passion for writing and want to enter the field of creative writing. This article will help you in clearing all your doubts about how to start writing, how to properly express one’s thoughts, how to write something original and imaginative, and how to develop the structure of a story. Here we will look into some of the best creative writing courses in Edinburgh.

What is Creative Writing and What Are Its Many Elements?

Creative writing usually means writing creatively using your imagination and ideas and taking your perspective on a particular subject. You can use your ideas, thoughts, and emotions to highlight a particular content or a theme. You can take a completely different perspective on a particular subject or an event that many previous writers may have missed out on.

It is usually considered as something completely different from other forms of traditional writing like business writing, academic writing , journalistic writing, or technical writing . One of the basic differences between creative writing and other forms of writing is the primary purpose behind it. For other forms of writing, the chief purpose is to give information about a matter.

But the primary purpose behind creative writing is to inspire, entertain and enlighten the reader. The main elements in creative writing are narration, plot development, character development, craft, dialogue, conflict, setting, tone, etc. It can be both fictional and non-fictional. Some of the main forms of creative writing are:

Fiction: short stories, novels, etc.
Non Fiction: personal or journalistic essays/compositions.
Scriptwriting/Playwriting
Graphic Novels

Some of the Main Elements of Creative Writing Are Discussed Below:

Plot : The plot is the most important part of a story, writers have to use their imagination and perspective to develop a unique plot. The plot is where your entire story is centered around, and having an interesting plot can greatly influence your reader.

Character Development : Character development means how your characters evolve and change during the story. Readers should be able to understand and attach themselves to the main character.

Visual Description : Visual description is how you depict the surroundings where the story is taking place. The writing should be able to induce vivid imagery in the reader’s mind.

Point of View : Point of view tells us from whose perspective the story has been narrated. Mostly in creative writing, the first person’s point of view is taken.

Emotional Impact : It is a very important part of your story development. The reader has to get emotionally connected with the basic plot or with the main character of your story.

To Get Started in the Process of Creative Writing You Have To:

Read a Lot: You must develop the habit of reading a lot, not only fictional pieces but also non-fictional pieces as well. Most creative writers get their inspiration and ideas from the legendary authors of their fields. You can read according to your taste in the genres.

Start Writing: You must develop the habit of writing daily; you can start by keeping a diary where you write about how your day went or any ideas that popped into your head.

Using Literary Devices: To become an efficient writer, you have to learn how to use various literary devices such as similes, metaphors, rhymes, symbolism, etc.

Attend a Creative Writing Course: If you are a beginner in the field, then you can attend a creative writing course. You will get the opportunity to collaborate and share your ideas with your peers and learn from them.

Before planning to enroll in any creative writing courses in Edinburgh, let’s ask an important question, can creative writing be learned?

Can Creative Writing Be Learned Through a Course?

Creativity is said to be a natural and inborn talent, and the same can be said about writing. In this regard, some people are innately more talented than others, but with enough practice, you can surely learn how to become a better writer. Even if you have all the ingredients of a talented writer, you may still have no or very vague idea about some of the important aspects of creative writing like creating characters, plotting, dialogues, etc.

And it is these aspects that can be learned and practiced. Writing too has a craft behind it, which has its rules and these rules can be learned or taught. While some courses focus more on the technical aspects like editing, others focus on more creative aspects like using imagination and out-of-the-box ideas.

Off course to become a distinguished writer, you have to work hard, it needs passion, dedication, and patience. These qualities cannot be taught or learned through a course though.

Here are some of the top-ranked Online Creative Writing Courses

Top Jobs for Creative Writers

Some of the common job roles for creative writers are mentioned below, remember that it is not mandatory to have a degree in creative writing to enter into these fields.

Content/Article Writers: Content or article writers can typically write about any topics like travel, sports, entertainment, education, food, and health to name a few. You have to know the basics of SEO and how to write for your target audience. They usually write for websites, dailies, magazines, etc.
Copywriting : Copywriters write for mainly advertisements and other marketing functions. Their main job is to write catchy and engaging tag lines, product descriptions , and other publicity letters with the aim of motivating the reader to take an action such as a purchase or attending an event, etc.
Social Media Specialist: Social Media Specialists handle the social media account of either an individual, business, or organization. They write engaging content to engage and interact with the audience. They have to respond to the audience’s comments and they look after their brand image on social media platforms.
Authors : An author may choose to write in fiction or non-fiction categories. In the non-fictional part, he can write about biographies, memoirs, historical accounts, etc. In the fictional segment, he can write short stories, novels, novellas, poems, plays, screenplays, etc. Once their work is published, they are called Authors.
Bloggers : Bloggers usually write in an informal, dairy-styled format. They can also use photographs and other content media, they write in a way to engage and promote a conversation with the audience. They make use of basic SEO practices and it is usually used for the promotion of products or services.
Writing Tutor: A writing tutor helps students and aspiring writers improve their writing skills. They help students with their writing techniques, reading skills, comprehension, etc., by giving them regular feedback and one-to-one mentoring.
Public Relations Manager: A public relations manager is a communication professional tasked with handling the reputation of an organization or an Institution. They usually engage in writing press releases, articles for newsletters, preparing speeches for organizational leaders, and for managing advertisements and marketing materials. Their main aim is to nurture a positive relationship with the media. To work as a public relations manager, a degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a similar degree is required.
Copy Editors : The main responsibilities of a copyeditor are to make sure that the content is clear, consistent, and without any grammatical errors. They usually work for marketing, advertisement teams, and publishing companies.
Freelance Writer : A freelance writer writes about a variety of topics for their clients. They usually write press releases, magazine articles, blog posts, brochures, marketing emails, newsletters, etc.
Scriptwriters: Scriptwriters write scripts for movies or TV series. Here they collaborate with the director, producers, and actors to produce scripts that engage the audience and keep them interested in the narration of a story.

Now let’s take a look at the leading creative writing courses in Edinburgh.

The Top 10 Creative Writing Courses in Edinburgh

1. iim skills.

IIM SKILLS is a premium online learning platform that provides professional courses at an affordable rate to its students. For the students who are curious about creative writing courses in Edinburgh, it is advisable to join their content writing course that is delivered with a creative approach. IIM SKILLS provides a fully bundled writing course that covers all content and creative writing elements. Joining IIM SKILLS can be your first step towards launching an illustrious career in the field of writing.

The Main Highlights of the Content Writing Course Provided by IIM SKILLS Are:

The course can be attended online.
It is a one-month program with three months of Internship (optional) attached to the course.
They have their placement cell which provides full support for your freelancing career as well.
They provide free tools priced around 371 British Pound.
They provide lifetime technical and consulting support.
You will get a chance to publish your first E-Book on platforms like Kindle and Google Books.
Government-recognized certification.
Preparation for Certifications like Hubspot content marketing and Test of Legal English Centre Cambridge (TOLES).

Their Syllabus Covers the Following Topics:

Introduction to Content Writing: Here you will learn various content writing techniques, creating content for B2B and B2C markets.
Creative Writing: Starting your creative writing journey, writing for both fiction and non-fiction, writing short stories, poems, and dialogues.
Digital Content: Learn about 30 types of writings like copywriting, video scripts, article writing, blogging, Press releases, product descriptions, writing for social media, Emailers, brochures, and flyers to name a few.
How to Market Your Content: This module teaches you how to sell your content writing services, target the right audience, etc.

You can also check out the best Creative Writing Courses in India

2. Scottish Universities International Summer School

The Scottish Universities International Summer School (SUISS) offers creative writing courses in Edinburgh during the months of July and August annually. They have a 4 weeks program that offers a specialized course in improving the writing skill in fiction, poetry, and drama. The participants can attend lectures about Modernism and Contemporary literature to develop their critical appraisal.

The Main Features of the Course Are:

Workshop Seminars: SUISS organizes writing seminars for the students.
Author-led Masterclasses: Students get an opportunity to interact with distinguished British writers in distinctive discussions and activities.
Lectures: students can attend lectures about Modernism and Contemporary literature.
Individual Mentoring Sessions: Students receive an individual mentoring session of about half-hour per week.
Publishing Lecture: Students will get lectures about the crucial aspects of the publishing industry.
Editorial Groups: Students can discuss their works with their peers in interactive and informal surroundings, keeping with their shared interests.
Northern Light: Students will get a chance to get published in their biennial publication.

3. Centre for Open Learning, The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh offers both in-person and online creative writing courses in Edinburgh for their students. Their course is split into three terms, and from each term, students can choose the topics they are interested in. Term 1 (September to December 2022), covers the subsequent topics:

Writing Audio Drama for Radio and Podcasts, screenwriting1: An Introduction for writing for Film and TV, writing that story, writing for publication, writing young adult fiction, fiction workshop, poetry in practice, short story writing, etc.

Please visit their website for more detailed information regarding their extensive creative writing course.

4. Screen Academy Scotland

The Screen Academy Scotland offers a MA in Creative Writing Course together with Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College of Art. The main focus of the course is on the Fiction genre, with an emphasis on science fiction, fantasy, crime, and horror. They also specialize in comics, graphics novels, and Young adult fiction.

Students can apply for both MA full-time or MA part-time creative writing courses. Students will be able to learn both commercial and experimental fiction writing. Some other highlights of the program are you will get Masterclass feedback and 10 hours of individual editorial mentoring.

You may also be interested in Content Writing Courses in the UK

5. Write Here Academy

Write Here Academy offers the best quality; affordable online creative writing courses in Edinburgh for their students. It is a seven-week course, with one-to-one tutorials and weekly workshops. The maximum capacity is limited to 15 and it is allocated on a first come first serve basis. The course is open to both those who want to start writing a book and those who are in the process of writing.

Their course is taught by published authors and professional editors with frequent visits from literary agents and publishers. Their online course will help you in writing your novels and making it more strong thus improving the chances of your work getting published.

6. Coursera

Coursera is a prestigious US-based online course provider in a variety of fields. They have tied up with many prestigious universities around the globe. Students who are looking to learn through creative writing courses in Edinburgh can choose from their list of creative writing courses. They offer a variety of online courses on their platform for aspiring creative writers.

Some of Their Main Courses Are:

Creative Writing in Collaboration With Wesleyan University: This course specializes in three major creative writing genres that are short stories, narrative essays, and memoirs .

Write Your First Novel in Collaboration with Michigan State University: This course teaches you how to write a novel by the end of a course.

Good With Words in Collaboration With the University of Michigan : Some of the main features of the course are learning how to use syntax, how to add subtlety to your sentences and how to expertly use punctuations, and how to complete your projects within deadlines.

Creative Writing, How to Craft a Plot in Collaboration With Wesleyan University: This course mainly focuses on the most important and demanding aspect of writing a plot, how to keep it moving and engage with your audience.

To know more about their extensive courses in creative writing, please visit their website.

Recommended Read: Content Writing Courses in Egypt

7. Gotham Writers

Gotham Writers is a New York-based writing institution, they have been teaching creative writing since 1993. They offer their courses in online mode as well. Those who are interested in learning creative writing courses in Edinburgh can learn from their prestigious institute as well. Their course covers all the major categories in creative writing such as:

Fiction : Here you can learn about fiction writing, novel writing, children’s book writing, mystery, science fiction, romance writing, etc.
Non-fiction : It covers the topics like Memoir writing, Feature article writing, essay, and opinion writing, travel writing, personal essay writing, humor writing, etc.
Scriptwriting : It covers modules like screenwriting, writing for TV, writing for a play, writing for a documentary and video games, etc.
Comedy, Poetry, and Song: Here you can learn about humor writing, poetry writing, songwriting, stand-up comedy writing, etc.

8. Reedsy Online Learning Courses

Reedsy Learning was founded in 2014 by Emmanuel Nataf, Ricardo Fayet, Vincent Durand, and Matt Cobb. Since then, they have vastly grown their business in the field of writing and they frequently collaborate with editors, designers, and marketers who feature regularly on New York Times bestseller lists. Those who are interested in learning creative writing courses in Edinburgh can choose their learning platform.

They offer a Free Ten-day Course on a Variety of Writing Topics Like:

How to Write Exciting Fantasy Fiction: Here you will learn how to write a good story, how to build a world around the characters, decide which Point of view to use in your story, and learn all about publishing options.
Turning Up The Heat in Romance: Here you will learn what are the conventions in erotic writings, how to create sexual tension, etc.
Writing an Irresistible Romance: This module teaches you the traits of a strong romantic character, creating conflict in a romance, using tropes and keeping them fresh, how to invest in secondary characters, etc.

They have about 18 courses to choose from, please visit their website to get more detailed information about their various courses.

9. edX Courses

edX is also an online learning platform like Coursera and Udemy which offers courses on almost all academic subjects. They offer their courses in various categories like Micro Bachelors Programs, Micro Masters Programs, Bachelor’s Degree, and Master’s Degree. Those looking to enroll in creative writing courses in Edinburgh should check their program.

Their creative writing program offers many courses like How to write a Novel, writing for Entertainment Industry, writing for stage, comedy, and poetry writing. And some detailed courses such as English Composition about stories, English composition about poems, English Composition about Plays, etc.

Also, have a look at the top Content Writing Courses in France

10. Udemy Courses

Udemy offers various creative writing courses on its online learning platforms. Students willing to learn creative writing courses in Edinburgh can choose from their online platform as well. Some of the main creative courses listed in their platforms are:

A Complete Creative Writing Course That Covers All the Genres : The main highlights of the course are learning to write in your unique voice, how to use various writing techniques, you will get publishing opportunities, and assignments to target your writing skills.

The Foundations of Fiction Writing: Here you can learn the foundations of fictional writing, how to write unique and engaging dialogues, how to create authentic and believable characters, and how to create authentic and realistic settings for your story.

Creative, Book Writing with Punctuations: This course deals with topics like writing essays, and paragraphs with the correct usage of punctuation, writing non-fiction books, learn how self-publish your book on Amazon.

Writing That Moves : This course teaches how to write a novel that keeps the audience engaged, mastering the important elements of writing a commercially successful novel.

You can visit their website for learning more about their online creative writing courses.

Q1. What are some of the essential skills required to become a creative writer?

Ans. Some of the most essential skills needed for creative writing are a passion for writing, vivid imagination, how to come up with an original idea, having a point of view, good language and vocabulary, and good reading skills. These skills are more innate and come from within. While some other important skills like creating characters, structuring a story or play, dialogues, plotting, etc., can be learned and practiced.

Q2. Can we learn creative writing through a course?

Ans: To become a successful creative writer, you need some innate talents and creativity within you. Some of its main aspects like imagination, passion, ideas, patience, and a taste for literature cannot be learned just by attending a course. But some of its important crafts like building the structure of the plot, its characters, the style of writing, visual descriptions, etc. can be learned and with much practice, one can become a better writer.

Q3. What are some of the career paths one can take in the field of creative writing?

Ans: A creative writer can work as an Author, copywriter, blogger, freelance writer, scriptwriter, social media manager, content writer, writing tutor, marketing specialist, copy editor/proofreader, etc.

Q4. Is it a good idea to enroll in any creative writing courses in Edinburgh?

Ans: The short answer is yes; it is advisable to join creative writing courses in Edinburgh. It will teach you the craft of writing long novels and stories, provided you have a burning passion and desire to write and become a prominent writer.

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Schools & departments

Creative Writing MSc

Awards: MSc

Study modes: Full-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Creative Writing

The community has been one of my favourite parts. The department has very warm and encouraging staff. Some of my classmates are now close friends, and we still workshop stories across time zones, and complain to each other about writing - and not writing! Bhavika Govil, prize-winning fiction writer MSc in Creative Writing, 2020

Introduction to Postgraduate Study

Join us for this online session on 26 June to learn more about postgraduate study at Edinburgh

Find out more and register

Programme description

Based in the first UNESCO World City of Literature, this one-year, full-time taught Masters programme is tailored towards your practice in either fiction or poetry.

There is a strong practical element to the programme, helping you develop your creative skills through:

presenting your work for peer discussion
hearing from guest writers and other professionals on the practicalities of life as a writer

You will also sharpen your critical skills through:

seminars exploring the particulars of your chosen form
option courses in literature, helping you move from theoretical considerations to practical applications

The programme culminates with the publication of ‘From Arthur’s Seat,’ an anthology of student work.

Why Edinburgh

Around the city, you will find:

library readings and bookshop launches
spoken word gigs
cabaret nights
poetry slams

Edinburgh isn’t just historic – it’s a modern hub for literature. That’s part of what makes the city great for writing.

Austin Crowley, MSc in Creative Writing, 2023

The academic staff you will be working with are all active researchers or authors, including well-published and prize-winning writers of poetry, prose fiction and drama. They include:

Dr Jane Alexander - Fiction
Dr Lynda Clark
Dr Patrick Errington - Poetry/Fiction
Dr Miriam Gamble - Poetry
Professor Alan Gillis - Poetry
Dr Jane McKie - Poetry
Dr Allyson Stack - Fiction
Kim Sherwood - Fiction
Alice Thompson - Fiction

Programme structure

Over the duration of the programme, you will:

take two core courses, both worth 40 credits
two optional courses chosen from a wide range of subjects, both worth 20 credits

The core activities in Creative Writing are:

tutor-led workshops, in which you will present your work-in-progress and critique the work of your fellow students
regular seminars exploring techniques and issues specific to your practice (either fiction or poetry) and the statements and theories of practitioners

Optional courses

We have a large number of option courses to choose from, including preferred courses for fiction and poetry (which will be offered to Creative Writing students in the first instance), and courses from across the Department of English Literature and the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures.

Visiting speakers

Throughout the programme, you will be expected to attend readings and talks by visiting speakers. Early on, these will be from published writers and, later, advisors from the writing business: literary agents, magazine editors and publishers.

Dissertation

The final element of the programme is your dissertation, a piece of creative writing (worth 60 credits) written with the advice and support of a designated supervisor.

Fiction dissertations are between 15,000 words and 20,000 words, and poetry dissertations between 25 and 30 pages.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

identify, conceptualise and define formal elements of craft in your chosen field (poetry or fiction) within published works and within works by your peers
remain open to criticism and respond effectively and creatively to feedback on your own creative work
work from initial conception through multiple drafts to the final version of a creative piece within your chosen field (fiction or poetry)
transfer editorial skills and creative abilities from one context to another
analyse creative works within your chosen field (fiction or poetry), work with a focus on craft effectiveness, and articulate strengths and weaknesses in a piece of writing in a constructive manner

Career opportunities

Over the course of this programme, you will complete a body of creative work that has been rigorously peer reviewed.

Our students go on to careers in a wide variety of fields, including:

arts administration
web and audio book editing
script and ghost writing
gaming narrative design

Some decide to extend their studies and take a PhD with us.

Many of our alumni go on to achieve literary success, publishing novels and short story and poetry collections, and winning awards. Our graduates’ recent successes include:

debut novels from:

Amanda Block (The Lost Storyteller, published by Hodder Studio)
Karin Nordin (Where Ravens Roost, published by Harper Collins)
Marielle Thompson (Where Ivy Dares to Grow, published by Kensington Books)
August Thomas (Liar’s Candle, published by Simon and Schuster)
Rosie Walker (Secrets of a Serial Killer, published by One More Chapter)
Mark Wightman (Waking the Tiger, published by Hobeck Books and shortlisted for Scottish Crime Debut of the Year 2021)

debut short story collections from:

Dayle Furlong (Lake Effect, published by Cormorant Books)
Dima Alzayat (Alligator and Other Stories, shortlisted for the James Tait Black Award for Fiction)
a non-fiction debut from Sonali Misra (21 Fantastic Failures, published by Rupa Publications India)

debut poetry collections from:

Rebecca Tamás (WITCH, published by Penned in the Margins)
Naomi Morris (Hyperlove, published by Makina Books)
Aileen Ballantyne (Taking Flight, published by Luath Press)
the 2022 Edwin Morgan Poetry Award, won by Alyson Kissner
the 2021 Brotherton Poetry Prize, won by Lauren Pope
the 2021 Pontas & JJ Bola Emerging Writers Prize, won by Bhavika Govil

Meet our graduates

From Arthur’s Seat – stories from the heart of Edinburgh

Tim Tim Cheng

Bhavika Govil
Dima Alzayat

What's the best type of masters programme for you?

Entry requirements.

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in any discipline. This will often be in a directly related subject like English Literature/Creative Writing, but we welcome applicants from all academic backgrounds.

Applicants who are entered into selection will be asked to provide a sample of written work to enable their suitability for the programme to be assessed.

Students from China

This degree is Band C.

Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

Entry requirements by country
English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 62 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Scholarships and funding, featured funding.

If you are intending to study full time on this Creative Writing programme, you are eligible for a William Hunter Sharpe Memorial Scholarship which will contribute towards your tuition fees.

You do not need to apply for this scholarship – all eligible candidates who apply for the programme by Monday 6 May 2024 will be considered for them and contacted if successful.

Find out more about the William Hunter Sharpe Memorial Scholarship and other scholarships in literatures, languages and cultures

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

your programme
the duration of your studies
your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

Search for funding

Further information

Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
Contact: College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Admissions Office
School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures
50 George Square
Central Campus
Programme: Creative Writing
School: Literatures, Languages & Cultures
College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

MSc Creative Writing - 1 Year (Full-time)

Application deadlines.

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines. We will make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis, but hold the majority of applications until the next published selection deadline when we will offer a proportion of the places available to applicants selected through a competitive process.

Please be aware that applications must be submitted and complete, i.e. all required documents uploaded, by the relevant application deadline in order to be considered in that round. Your application will still be considered if you have not yet met the English language requirement for the programme.

Deadlines for applicants applying to study in 2024/25:

(Revised 27 March 2024 to extend Round 3 application deadline)

How to apply

You must submit one reference with your application.

The online application process involves the completion of a web form and the submission of supporting documents.

You should supply a portfolio of writing.

For poetry, this should be six (6) pages of poetry, starting a new page for each new poem of 14 lines or over.
For fiction, this should be a complete story or stories, or an equivalent amount from a longer work (between 2,500 and 3,500 words).

These are firm limits.

If you are undecided about whether to apply for fiction or poetry, you should send a sample of both, i.e. six (6) pages of poetry and 2,500-3,500 words of fiction (if offered a place it will be for one or the other).

Work in other forms (for example journalism, life writing or advertising) will not be considered.

Personal statement

When writing your personal statement, consider the following questions:

What do you most hope to learn/gain from a Creative Writing degree, and why is ours the programme for you?
Tell us about your writing: what are you interested in and why? Are there aspects of your current practice you're particularly proud of? Things you know you need to work on?

What (if any) prior experience do you have of studying Creative Writing?

Guidance on the application process and supporting documents

All supporting documents, including references, must be uploaded to the online application system by the deadline date.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Secondary Menu

2024 duke english creative writing scholarship awards, april 23, 2024.

Quantá Holden | Duke English | Digital Communication Specialist

Duke English is delighted to share the 2024 Creative Writing Scholarships honorees. Each year, Duke English faculty members nominate undergraduate students for one of the Creative Writing Scholarships based on the exceptional work they submitted in one or more of their creative writing courses. The Creative Writing Committee selects the winners of the prestigious William M. Blackburn, Francis Pemberton, and Margaret Rose Knight Sanford Scholarships. Students nominated must be eligible for financial aid to receive these scholarships.

2024 Creative Writing Scholarship Recipients:

Frances Pemberton Scholarship Awarded to a junior or senior pursuing the study of creative writing. This scholarship was created by the Trustees of The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation in memory and in honor of Francis Pemberton's service to the Biddle Foundation.

Ryan Copeland , ‘25

Margaret Rose Knight Sanford Scholarship Awarded to a female student who demonstrates particular promise in creative writing. This scholarship was established in recognition of the untiring efforts of Margaret Rose Knight Sanford on behalf of Duke University.

Ali Thursland , ‘24

William Blackburn Scholarship Recognizes outstanding achievement in the field of creative writing. Established in 1962 by students and friends of Professor William Blackburn (1899-1969) who first began teaching creative writing at Duke.

Jocelyn Chin , ‘24 Sage Cooley , ‘25 Joshua Lee , ‘26 Rani Teddy , ‘26

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10 Best Creative Writing Courses in Edinburgh in [year]-
Top 7 Creative Writing Courses in Edinburgh With Placements
9 Best Trusted Creative Writing Courses in Edinburgh
MSc in Creative Writing by Online Learning at the University of
Free creative writing and theatre programme in Edinburgh
8 Top Writing Groups in Edinburgh

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Creative Writing MSc
Austin Crowley, MSc in Creative Writing, 2023. We team teach our programme so that you benefit from the input of a range of tutors, as well as your fellow students and our Writer in Residence, the poet and author Michael Pedersen, who also co-ordinates a range of student writing prizes and our annual industry and networking event.
Creative Writing
Develop your creative and critical skills in fiction or poetry as part of a supportive community of intelligent readers and acute listeners. Based in the first UNESCO World City of Literature, this one-year, full-time taught Masters programme is tailored towards your practice in either fiction or poetry. There is a strong practical element to ...
MA Creative Writing at Edinburgh Napier
Unique is a great way to describe the postgraduate creative writing programme at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland. For a start, we put genre fiction front and centre in our course. If you love science fiction, fantasy, crime or horror, most MFAs and MAs don't want to know - but we embrace great genre writing and people who want to write it.
Creative Writing, M.Sc.
About. Based in the first UNESCO World City of Literature, the Creative Writing programme at The University of Edinburgh is tailored towards your practice in either fiction or poetry. The University of Edinburgh. Edinburgh , Scotland , United Kingdom. Top 0.5% worldwide. Studyportals University Meta Ranking.
Creative Writing MSc at The University of Edinburgh
There are two pathways through the core course, one focusing on prose and one on poetry. MSc Creative Writing Dissertation (ENLI11032) (60 Credits) - Core. Students must gain an overall coursework pass of 50% or above in order to proceed to the dissertation. The MSc degree is awarded on the basis of the mark gained for the dissertation.
Creative Writing MSc at The University of Edinburgh
Course summary. Based in the first UNESCO World City of Literature, this one-year, full-time taught Masters programme is tailored towards your practice in either fiction or poetry. There is a strong practical element to the programme, helping you develop your creative skills through workshops, presenting your work for peer discussion, and ...
Creative Writing MSc Program By The University of Edinburgh |Top
Based in the first UNESCO World City of Literature, this one-year, full-time taught Masters programme is tailored towards your practice in either fiction or poetry. There is a strong practical element to the programme, helping you develop your creative skills through workshops, presenting your work for peer discussion, and hearing from guest ...
Creative Writing
George Square. Edinburgh. EH8 9JZ. Edinburgh. Extraordinary futures await. The University of Edinburgh is one of the world's top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50, and placed 22nd in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. Our position as one of Britain's leading research universities was reaffirmed by the results of the ...
English, Creative Writing and Publishing
English as a Foreign Language (8 Months) - Certificate of credit Full-time. English as a Foreign Language (1 Year) - Certificate of credit Full-time. 1. Study everything from classical literature to contemporary popular culture. You'll also have the opportunity to take options in creative writing, film and TV studies. 2.
Creative Writing MA
Course details. Uniquely, the course offers a dynamic range of cross-disciplinary options. Writing for graphic fiction, young adult audiences, screenwriting and interactive media are all available as specialisms, while our pioneering module in genre fiction covers crime, horror, fantasy and science fiction.
Creative Writing Groups in Scotland
Stevenston Creative Writing Group. A community group open to all engaging in a number of topics to explore creativity with words. The meetings are weekly - Friday (10-12) at Beattie Library and it is free to join in. The Stevenston Creative Writing Group website. Email: [email protected].
Creative Writing MSc
The University of Edinburgh, Creative Writing MSc Average review score among all Creative Writing courses in the UK; Explanations: 82: 96: Interesting courses: 75: 90: Intellectually stimulating: 82: 89: Challenged to do my best: 82: 87: Depth of concepts: 82: 88: Builds on previous learnings: 75: 89:
Creative Writing in the Land of Lochs & Legends
Explore Edinburgh's impressive independent bookshops while getting inspired for your own writing. Discover the 1,000-year-old Royal Mile, Victoria St., and Greyfriar's Bobby. Take a day trip to the Scottish Highlands, exploring the landscapes that have inspired countless tales and culminating in a Nessie-spotting adventure at the Loch Ness.
9 Best Trusted Creative Writing Courses in Edinburgh
Cost: $19.99/month or $99/year. 9. XIC (Xavier Institute of Communication) For prospective writers who want to comprehend the numerous components of creative writing and learn how to apply them to hone their abilities, XIC offers a helpful class. Course Content. Writing exercises.
10 Best Creative Writing Courses in Edinburgh in [year]-
The University of Edinburgh offers both in-person and online creative writing courses in Edinburgh for their students. Their course is split into three terms, and from each term, students can choose the topics they are interested in. Term 1 (September to December 2022), covers the subsequent topics:
Creative Writing MSc
Programme description. Based in the first UNESCO World City of Literature, this one-year, full-time taught Masters programme is tailored towards your practice in either fiction or poetry. There is a strong practical element to the programme, helping you develop your creative skills through: workshops. presenting your work for peer discussion.
Edinburgh Writers Club
Welcome to Edinburgh Writers' Club! We are a community of writers in the Edinburgh area and beyond, with an annual programme of competitions, workshops and expert speakers. Our 2023-2024 program starts on 11th September. The Club meets in the Quaker Meeting House in the city centre for speaker-led meetings, with members' meetings held via Zoom.
2024 Duke English Creative Writing Scholarship Awards
Duke English is delighted to share the 2024 Creative Writing Scholarships honorees. Each year, Duke English faculty members nominate undergraduate students for one of the Creative Writing Scholarships based on the exceptional work they submitted in one or more of their creative writing courses. The Creative Writing Committee selects the winners of the prestigious William M. Blackburn, Francis ...

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MA Creative Writing

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Creating Narrative - Writer's Toolkit ( CLP11119 )

Major Project ( CLP11110 )

Narrative Practice Vocational Skillset ( CLP11118 )

Writing Practice First Person Narrative ( CLP11117 )

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Writing groups in Scotland

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Find a creative writing group near you

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)

Books and Beans Poetry Group

Grampian Association of Storytellers

Lemon Tree Writers

Aberdeenshire

Mearns Writers

North East Writers

Spindrift Writers

Ythan Writers

Angus Writers' Circle

Argyll and Bute

Clackmannanshire

Dumfries and Galloway

Lockerbie Writers

A Novel Approach

Douglas Writers' Group

Nethergate Writers

East Ayrshire

East Dunbartonshire

Campsie Writers' Group

Strathkelvin Writers' Group

East Lothian

All Write Now

Captain's Inkwell

Connect and Create

The Diggers Writers

Edinburgh Genre Writers

Edinburgh Writers' Club

Rogue Writers

School of Poets