creative writing masters open university

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• School of Arts & Humanities
• English and Creative Writing

The writing study and desk of Dylan Thomas, Laugharne, Wales

Since 2003 The Open University has recruited over 50,000 students to its undergraduate and postgraduate creative writing modules . These have proved enormously popular with students and have been acclaimed by publishers, leading authors, and teachers at other universities. Our modules are devised and run by a team of published writers – see our Meet the team page.  

Creative writing is taught by a vibrant and experienced group of over 150 practising writers employed by The Open University as associate lecturers. Many of these tutors teach at other universities. By pooling and exchanging resources and experience, they have built up a unique archive of practical strategies for the teaching of writing. Go to Our tutors to find out more.  

Our current activities

To find out more about our research and current activities, take a look at our English and creative writing blog which has articles and reviews about the field of English and creative writing. The creative writing team also runs a Contemporary Cultures of Writing research group .  

Study options available

We offer creative writing as part of several degree programmes, including BA (Honours) English Literature and Creative Writing and BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities with Creative Writing , or students can combine creative writing with a number of other subjects as part of a humanities degree. We also offer an MA in Creative Writing for more experienced writers and supervise a number of PhD students . If you want to know more see our Creative writing qualifications page. And see our How our courses fit together page if you would like to find out how we teach creative writing.  

Find out more

• Read more about studying with us
• To sample some of our study materials, see our tasters and exercises
• Listen to interviews with authors
• Via FutureLearn we offer a Start writing fiction MOOC (Mass Online Open Course) ­­­– this is free and will give you an introduction to creative writing study.

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MA in Creative Writing

Open university, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities.

Distance without attendance

Key information DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type.

MA - Master of Arts

Subject areas

Creative Writing English Language

Course type

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

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

You must hold a UK honours degree (or equivalent), preferably with at least a 2:1 classification. Although your degree does not need to be in Creative Writing or a closely related subject, you will need some knowledge of the subject to successfully complete this qualification, as the MA in Creative Writing assumes all candidates have the knowledge and skills usually acquired by pursuing the subject at undergraduate level.

Scriptwriting MA

Bath spa university, writing for young people ma, creative writing ma, ma performance: writing, university of the arts london, ma screenwriting.

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Student and tutor module reviews

Ma creative writing part 1.

see module description

• Level: Postgraduate
• student reviews

Student reviews

I have enjoyed OU study until this module, which I found to be a lonely one with no tutor feedback on the writing submitted to the weekly activities. Each week you offer up your own work for critique (often bland or non-existant) by other students and your critique of their work, but never find out what a professional/tutor's opinion is on anything posted, so never feel any the wiser, or know if what you thought / have written as critique is on the right lines. Other MAs offer such tutor involvement and directed collective discussions as a matter of course, and I expected it here. Tutors just comment on your 3 graded assignments. My tutor's feedback was excellent, but not everyone was happy with their tutor, who is your one and only contact with the OU creative writing teaching staff. Overall, I was very disappointed with this course and felt demotivated. I do not think it is worth the money. I still want to continue with my MA in creative writing, but wish I had chosen to do it elsewhere.

Course starting: October 2018

Review posted: September 2019

Faculty response

It’s true to say that there are no collective tutorials on this wholly online module, with feedback mainly distributed through forum interaction and via detailed feedback on assessment. However, we do provide a wide range of tutor-moderated forums, in addition to the tutor group, where students can interact with peers and contributions are moderated by tutors with a specialism in one of the four taught genres on the course. On both modules in this masters degree, we periodically enrich this level of interaction by offering week-long forums hosted by visiting publishing industry professionals and central OU module team members.

Please note

Each of the views expressed above is an individual's very particular response, largely unedited, and should be viewed with that in mind. Since modules are subject to regular updating, some of the issues identified may have already been addressed. In some instances the faculty may have provided a response to a comment. If you have a query about a particular module, please contact your Regional Centre.

To send us reviews on modules you have studied with us, please click the sign in button below.

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Advanced creative writing

Advanced creative writing develops your writing ability by widening your generic range and developing your knowledge of style. The module works on the forms introduced in the OU level 2 module Creative writing (A215) – fiction, poetry and life writing – and supplements these with dramatic writing, showing you how to write for stage, radio and film. You’ll explore how these scriptwriting skills might enhance your prose style, improve your writing across the range of forms, and further develop your individual style and voice. The module offers guidance on professional layouts for the dramatic media and is a natural progression from Creative writing (A215).

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

Browse qualifications in related subjects

Module code.

• Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
• One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
• You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
• For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.

Study level

Study method, module cost, entry requirements, student reviews.

This module was very different from Creative Writing (A215) which I also enjoyed, although it did build on the skills... Read more

When I enrolled on this module, I wondered what writing techniques could be improved upon after studying Creative writing (A215).... Read more

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Explore our subjects and courses, what you will study.

This module is structured in four parts. At the core of the module is a handbook that takes you week-by-week through methods, readings and writing exercises. This handbook covers the first three parts of the module. The fourth part is a period of independent study and project work.

Part 1: Ways of writing  You'll begin by looking at different approaches to writing. In particular, you'll focus on the influence of genre, world-building in dystopian and fantasy fiction, setting in life writing and narrative in poetry. Work includes readings and writing exercises in fiction, poetry, and life writing.

Part 2: Dramatic writing You'll progress to explore writing techniques for three dramatic media: stage, film and audio, which will illustrate the narrative strengths and constraints of each medium. You'll examine the conventional layouts for these media, and this part will also deal with dramatic principles connected to dialogue, subtext, status and exposition, as well as media-specific elements such as sets for the stage, aural contrast in audio and montage in film. You’ll also consider the techniques involved in adapting work in other genres to script.

Part 3: Developing style and structure You'll look at how some of the methods used in dramatic writing can improve fiction writing, life writing and poetry. You’ll consider the inner world in life writing, and dramatic techniques in poetry. This section goes on to explore writing approaches in a wide-ranging fashion, covering poetic form, time, voice, long and short-form work, theme and structure, and the uses of rhetoric and analogy. You’ll focus on improving your writing style and voice in all genres.

Part 4:   Independent study This final part involves working on a larger project, culminating in the presentation of an end-of-module assessment comprising a substantial piece of creative writing in one of the forms taught in the module – fiction, poetry, life writing or drama.

As in Creative writing (A215), the emphasis is very much on practice through guided activities, although as the module progresses, you will increasingly be expected to generate and develop your own ideas without reliance on the study materials. In comparison to the OU level 2 module, the emphasis will be on working independently to enhance and improve your writing style and voice. You'll spend longer developing, editing and redrafting your work and will write a dramatic adaptation and explore the influence of drama on your work.

Online tutor-group forums will enable peer-group discussion of some of your work. You'll be expected to engage in these activities, giving impersonal and informed evaluations of your own and others’ work through constructive criticism. Some of the tutor-marked assignments will require evidence of engagement on the online forum.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor.

You’ll have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance both via online forum and by phone or email. Your tutor also offers general support throughout the module, as you progress through the Handbook, which is the principal guide to your learning.

There will be online tutorials that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. You can access recordings of tutors covering material that was delivered in online tutorials.

Full guidance will be provided on accessing the teaching provided via online forums. Online tutor-group forums enable peer discussion of some of your work and allow tutors to make general points of relevance to the whole group.

Contact us  if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.

The assessment for this module is under review, with a reduction to 4 tutor-marked assignments being planned for the October 2024 presentation rather than the number currently shown in the facts box.

Future availability

Advanced creative writing starts once a year – in October. This page describes the module that will start in October 2024. We expect it to start for the last time in October 2035. 

Regulations

Course work includes:.

This module builds on the explicit skills taught in Creative writing (A215), ideally which you'll have completed, or equivalent study, before embarking on this module.

If this is your first creative writing module, then ‘equivalent study’ would comprise preparation, including our Creative Writing Tasters and Exercises , which has interviews with writers, sample writing exercises and links to other creative writing study at the OU.  

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an  adviser .

Preparatory work

You are also strongly advised to prepare for the module by reading  Creative Writing: A workbook with readings  (2nd edition).

Additional Costs

Study costs.

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.

Ways to pay for this module

Open university student budget account.

The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.

You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:

• Register now, pay later – OUSBA pays your module fee direct to the OU. You then repay OUSBA interest-free and in full just before your module starts. 0% APR representative. This option could give you the extra time you may need to secure the funding to repay OUSBA.
• Pay by instalments – OUSBA calculates your monthly fee and number of instalments based on the cost of the module you are studying. APR 5.1% representative.

Joint loan applications

If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.

As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.

Read more about  Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA) .

Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.

More than one in ten OU students are sponsored by their employer, and over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees. 

• Your employer just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.
• You won’t need to get your employer to complete the form until after you’ve chosen your module.  

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You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module. 

We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron. 

We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA) .

For more information about combining payment options, speak to an  adviser  or book a  call back at a time convenient to you.

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

• be resident in England
• have a household income of less than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
• have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

How to apply to study an Access module for free

Once you've started the registration process , either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.

If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069 , or you can request a call back .

Not eligible to study for free?

Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

• monthly payments through OUSBA
• part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding .

What's included

You’ll be provided with the printed module Handbook, which is the principal guide to your learning,  and have access to a module website, which includes:

• a week-by-week study planner
• module materials
• audio, video and interactive content
• assignment and assessment details and submission section
• online forums and tutorial access.
• electronic versions of the printed study materials
• online exercises
• links to online resources

Computing requirements

You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.

Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.

It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this  Accessibility Statement  outlines what studying A363 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages .

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Master of Humanities

• Creative Writing

improve your writing for publication

30 credit, 18-month program.

If you have a passion for writing and seek to publish your work, Tiffin University’s Master of Humanities in Creative Writing can help you improve your writing skills and reach your goals. In our program, students work in writing workshops with fellow students and instructors who themselves have published texts. You will learn to write in different genres and explore your writing voice as you develop a portfolio working towards your capstone project.

The Master of Humanities in Creative Writing is designed to improve your writing skills and help you work towards publication. It will also prepare you to lead creative writing workshops or other teaching opportunities open for creative writers. You will learn how theory turns into practice by participating in writing workshops with instructors and other students. In addition to improving your writing skills, our students enjoy creative assignments that build critical thinking and analysis skills in all courses.

As a graduate of the program, you will be prepared to inspire others and continue your creative endeavors as you seek publishing opportunities. Our faculty will guide you through courses and help you reach your potential.

Tiffin University’s MH in Creative Writing was designed for anyone who enjoys writing and seeks to publish their work and anyone who wants to share that knowledge and love of writing with others.

professional Creative writing training

• All faculty within the program hold a terminal degree (M.F.A. or Ph.D.) in the field.
• Class sizes are small, allowing professors to provide timely, productive feedback and interactions with students.
• A graduate advisor is specific to the program and will work one-on-one with you to determine your individualized pathway to graduation.
• The program prepares you for writing and publishing your own work or for further graduate study.
• 100% online, with a combination of 7-week courses
• Students have options to begin their program at three different times throughout the year (January, May, and August).
• As a full-time student, you can complete your program in less than two years.

Each instructor within the Master of Humanities program brings experience in their field of study. They bring this real-world knowledge to their teaching, to the building of our curriculum as subject matter experts and to their interactions with students on a daily basis.

As part of our professional program, you’ll learn career-ready skills that will prepare you for a job within the field of Creative Writing. Courses are relevant, and all content is focused on practical skills. You’ll apply your knowledge as you engage in creative assignments, working both individually and in group discussions and projects.

The program will prepare you to be an effective communicator in the field, as well as an accomplished creative writer in a variety of genres who can share their knowledge effectively with others. If you enjoy writing, then the MH in Creative Writing is for you.

Within the Creative Writing program, you’ll actively engage through discussions with your peers and instructors. Each week, you’ll engage with classmates and complete a creative writing assignment. You’ll apply your learning as you participate in writing workshops and discuss ideas with others.

Within the program, you’ll continuously work on your communication and problem-solving skills as you take part in weekly discussions and assignments. These assignments, focused on writing in multiple genres, will require you to critically think about how texts are created and how ideas are communicated.

You’ll participate in a capstone project that allows you to create more texts and/or revise work you’ve already completed. By the end of the capstone project, you will have a polished writing sample that you can use for future graduate applications and/or seek to publish.

Online – Offered in 7-week courses, starting in January, May and August

SAMPLE COURSES

Graduate Rhetoric/Composition (ENG505) – This course strengthens students’ writing ability so that they can write appropriately at the graduate level. It also provides a foundation of knowledge in rhetoric and composition for students wishing to teach college level writing. The course will be organized around the five canons of rhetoric: Invention, Arrangement, Style, Memory, and Delivery.

Research Methods (ENG525) – This course is a practical introduction to doing research in graduate school. It will introduce students to “joining the scholarly conversation” in their chosen concentration, including finding, evaluating, and using appropriate graduate-level sources. The course will begin with a discussion on the differences between an undergraduate and a graduate education, including expectations in the classroom, and then move to practical skills in working with primary and secondary sources, including the importance of peer review. Students will ultimately write a critical history on a topic or text of their choice, chosen with help from the instructor.

All MH concentrations offered:

• Art & Visual Media
• Film Studies
• Rhetoric & Composition

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030. The median annual wage for writers and authors was $67,120 in May 2020.

The online Masters in Humanities in Creative Writing program prepares you for positions related to:

• Community College & CCP Education – English & Creative Writing
• Freelance Writing
• Publication Assistance
• Public Relations/Advertising
• Technical Writing

what is creative writing?

Creative writing is any form of writing that exists outside of journalism, business writing or academic writing. Creative writing expresses an author’s unique voice, writing style, thoughts and ideas in an imaginative and engaging manner.

what is a master’s in creative writing?

A master’s in creative writing helps students improve writing skills and reach writing goals. In this program, students work in writing workshops with fellow students and instructors who themselves have published texts. Students will learn to write in different genres and explore their writing voice as they develop a portfolio working toward their capstone project.

what can i do with a degree in creative writing?

With a degree in creative writing, you will be qualified for a variety of career opportunities, including community college and CCP Education – English and Creative Writing, authoring, editing, freelance writing, journalism, publication assistance, public relations and advertising, technical writing and more.

MH Creative Writing Program Requirements

Master’s programs.

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Mba human resource management, mba international business.

• MBA Leadership & Change

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• MBA Strategic Brand & Digital Marketing
• M.Ed. Higher Education Administration
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• MH Art & Visual Media

MH Creative Writing

Mh film studies.

• MH Rhetoric & Composition

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Ms cybersecurity, ms psychology, ms in cj crime analysis, ms in cj crime science, ms in cj criminal behavior, ms in cj forensic psychology, ms in cj homeland security, ms in cj homeland security administration, ms in cj justice administration.

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Mba data & analytics, mba forensics & fraud examination, mba leadership & change, mba strategic brand & digital marketing, med higher education administration, med instructional design, mh art & visual media, mh rhetoric & composition, at a glance.

• Prepare to be an author
• Emphasis on creative writing workshops
• All faculty hold a terminal degree (M.F.A or Ph.D.) and have worked and/or published in the field
• Hands-on curriculum provides career-ready skills

“The courses are very interactive, giving students many opportunities to get to know their professors and classmates. While the courses are not in person or live, I have had excellent conversations with my professors and peers.”

What Can You Do with a Master of Humanities Degree?

Where a Master of Humanities Degree Can Take You

Alumni Spotlight: Christina Chilelli, Master of Humanities in Creative Writing

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Start writing fiction

Course description

Course content, course reviews.

Have you always wanted to write, but never quite had the courage to start? This free course, Start writing fiction, will give you an insight into how authors create their characters and setting s. You will also be able to look at the different genre s for fiction.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• identify strengths and weaknesses as a writer of fiction
• demonstrate a general awareness of fiction writing
• discuss fiction using basic vocabulary.

First Published: 09/08/2012

Updated: 14/05/2018

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• Fine Arts Degrees
• Master of Arts in Creative Writing

Welcome aspiring writers to Houston Christian University’s Master of Arts in Creative Writing. This 30-hour workshop-based program provides focused training in fiction, poetry, and creative writing within a supportive Christian environment.

HCU’s flexible MA in Creative Writing enables students to take their writing to the next level through electives in the study of creative non-fiction writing or screenwriting, creative writing techniques and genres, and integration seminars exploring faith and the arts.

Whether a student is seeking to publish work, progress in a career, or simply grow as an artist, Houston Christian’s MA in Creative Writing provides the instruction and mentorship students need to thrive.

MA in Creative Writing Degree Highlights

• 30-hour, workshop-based MA degree in creative writing
• Fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction writing workshops
• Studies in foundational craft elements and literary genres
• Supportive Christian environment emphasizing excellence and ethics
• Small classes focused on mentorship

MA in Creative Writing Curriculum and Format

HCU’s 30-hour Master of Arts in Creative Writing degree builds upon the skillset that students have through workshops. Students establish a foundation with studies into poetic and fiction technique courses before elevating their knowledge in core writing workshops. The Master of Arts in Creative Writing degree empowers students with electives to support their areas of interest.

The curriculum covers essential elements of craft while helping students refine their individual voices through intensive writing and feedback. Small classes allow for personalized attention from published faculty.

Students work closely with an advisor to select 18 credits of core workshops and technique classes in fiction and poetry. An additional 12 credits of electives allow further specialization.

Creative Writing Degree Outcomes

The Master of Arts in Creative Writing opens doors to new opportunities in publishing, media, marketing, and education. With training in fiction, poetry, and creative writing, graduates gain versatile and transferable skills applicable across industries. Beyond growing in the craft of writing, this degree can also open doors to new opportunities in publishing, media, marketing, and education.

Publishing and Editing

With refined creative writing and communication skills, graduates are empowered to pursue work in the publishing industry as editors, copywriters, content developers, and manuscript readers. Master’s level training provides an advantage when seeking these competitive roles. Students gain experience editing and providing feedback on peers’ writing that proves invaluable for a successful publishing career

Writing and Media Careers

Expertise gained in the MA Creative Writing program equips students for careers as professional writers, journalists, scriptwriters, speechwriters, technical writers, grant writers, and freelance writing and blogging. Strong writing skills are assets in corporate communications, marketing, public relations, and nonprofit/ministry work. Media outlets also seek advanced creative writing skills.

With a master’s degree, graduates may teach writing and literature courses at the secondary or post-secondary level. Writers adept in theory and practice can inspire future voices. Many initially teach as adjuncts or lecturers while pursuing a terminal MFA or PhD degree to access tenure-track positions at colleges and universities.

Arts Administration

MA graduates may work for literary journals, libraries, museums, arts councils, and other organizations involved in promoting literary arts, planning community events, managing outreach programs, directing workshops, and processing submissions.

Continuing Education

The master’s degree cultivates lifelong learning habits that advance careers. Alumni return for doctoral programs, MFAs, post-graduate certificates, or additional master’s degrees to further specialize. The MA also provides foundational knowledge for law and PhD programs. Strong writing proficiency serves graduates in any field.

With Houston Christian University’s stellar reputation, the Master of Arts in Creative Writing degree signals advanced achievement and expertise to employers across sectors. Optional internships provide hands-on experience to further boost career prospects. Our Creative Writing alumni thrive as successful published authors, editors, journalists, educators, and more.

Master of Arts in Creative Writing Degree Plan

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• Creative Writing (BFA and minor)
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• Narrative Arts (BA)
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• Studio Art (BFA and minor)
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• Master of Arts in Cinematic Arts
• Master of Fine Arts: Creative Writing (MFA)
• Master of Fine Arts: Screenwriting (MFA)
• Master of Fine Arts: Studio Art (MFA)
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UMass Boston

• Creative Writing MFA

Further your commitment to writing as the center of your professional life.

Intensive study and practice of fiction and poetry writing with award-winning and nationally renowned faculty at the most diverse university in new england..

UMass Boston's Creative Writing MFA offers you an intense, 3-year program and focused opportunity to further your commitment to writing as the center of your professional life. Through a combination of mentoring by accomplished faculty in a series of creative writing workshops, courses focused on the study of literature offered through the English MA Program, and electives that include the practice of literary editing, the teaching of creative writing, documentary poetics, the art of memoir, and more—you will have the guidance to develop and shape your work to the full extent of your talent.

All accepted students receive funding. Graduate assistantships offer the opportunity to work with students as teaching assistants and fellows, or in editorial positions with one of our sponsors, including 826 Boston, Hanging Loose Press, Write on the Dot, Consequence Magazine, Breakwater Review, and Arrowsmith Press.

Career Possibilities

Pursue a career as a professional writer, publishing your work in literary journals, magazines. Work as an editor and collaborate with writers to refine their work and shape the final product for publication. These are just a few of the possibilities.

Become a(n):

• Writer/Author
• Literary Agent
• Writing Instructor/Professor

Start Your Application

Plan Your Education

How to apply.

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• A 3.0 GPA overall and in the student’s major
• Three substantive and detailed letters of recommendation, from former teachers familiar with the applicant’s most recent academic and creative work
• A 3-5 page personal statement focusing on the role of the candidate’s reading life in his or her development as a writer. (Note: The general Graduate Admissions application refers to this as a statement of interests and intent. They are one and the same.)
• Applicants must indicate whether they are applying in FICTION or POETRY in their Statement of Purpose. If you want to apply in both genres, include one writing sample in FICTION and one in POETRY and indicate in the Statement of Purpose that the application is for both.
• A writing sample of 10 manuscript pages of poetry or 20 manuscript pages of fiction

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: January 15 (priority) for fall. While rare, if space is available, we’ll happily consider applications until June 1 (final deadline).

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Writing Workshops (24 Credits)

Complete one from below four times.

• CW 601 - MFA Poetry Workshop 6 Credit(s) or
• CW 602 - MFA Fiction Workshop 6 Credit(s)

Literature Courses (9 Credits)

Complete three graduate literature courses.

Electives (9 Credits)

Complete three from below.

• CW 605 - Memoir Workshop 3 Credit(s)
• CW 606 - Literary Editing and Publishing 3 Credit(s)
• CW 614 - The Teaching of Creative Writing 3 Credit(s)
• CW 675 - Creative Writing Internship 3 Credit(s)
• CW 697 - Special Topics in Creative Writing 1-6 Credit(s)

Students may elect courses offered by other graduate programs with approval from the graduate program director.

• ENGL 459 Seminar for Tutors may be taken for graduate credit (see Undergraduate Catalog)
• ENGL 675 - Reading and Writing Poetry 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 676 - Reading and Writing Fiction 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 681 - Advanced Workshop in Poetry 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 682 - Advanced Workshop in Fiction 3 Credit(s)

Thesis Courses (6 Credits)

Complete the course below both semesters of the third year.

• CW 699 - MFA Thesis 3 Credit(s)

Graduation Criteria

Complete 48 credits from twelve courses including four writing workshops, three literature courses, three electives, and two semesters of thesis workshops.

The MFA degree requires six semesters of full-time study, with 9 credits required in each of the first four semesters, and 6 credits in the final two semesters, during which students will concentrate on completing a thesis in fiction or poetry under the direction of a faculty member. MFA workshops are limited to 12 students, and seminars are limited to 15. Students have the opportunity to interact with writers in our Global Voices Visiting Writer series (recent visitors have been Raquel Salas Rivera and Carole Maso), and work with visiting prose writers - recently these have included Jane Unrue, ZZ Packer, and Fanny Howe.

Capstone: Completion of an MFA thesis of 48 to 64 pages of poetry or 100 to 200 pages of fiction written under the supervision of a thesis advisor, reviewed by a thesis committee, and subject to a public defense.

Statute of limitations: Five years.

Contact & Faculty

Graduate Program Director John Fulton john.fulton [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6700

English & Creative Writing MFA Department englishmfaprogram [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6702

Fiction Faculty

John Fulton , Program Director & Associate Professor Askold Melnyczuk , Professor Eileen Pollack , Visiting Assistant Professor

Poetry Faculty

Jill McDonough , Professor Shangyang Fang , Associate Lecturer

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Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing

Gain the writing, editing, publishing, design and research skills to build a rewarding career in print or online.

In a world of rapid change, there has never been a greater demand for the mastery of the written word. The digitisation of the modern economy has created a raft of new job titles, all of which require expertise in writing and editing – in addition to the jobs that already drive Australia’s dynamic creative industries.

The Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing covers all stages of the writing and publishing process, and the skills needed to meet growing demands. During this program, you'll develop practical knowledge and experience in writing and editing across genres including creative writing, corporate and technical documents, academic research in the creative arts, advertising, marketing and more.

Your lecturers will include award-winning authors and arts industry professionals, as well as an array of guest lecturers with expertise in all aspects of professional writing and publishing. Together, they'll provide you with up-to-date insights and industry knowledge across traditional and new media.

You’ll learn about the continually evolving landscapes of the Australian and international publishing industries, and have the opportunity to intern at arts organisations, such as the highly respected University of Queensland Press, literary journals, educational publishers and trade publishers, including UQ’s own Corella Press , which specialises in rediscovering nineteenth century crime and mystery writers.

Program highlights

• Learn from award-winning authors and arts industry professionals.
• Develop practical knowledge and experience in writing and editing across a range of genres.
• Intern at highly respected journals and publishing houses.
• Become qualified to meet the growing demand for mastery of the written word.

1 in Queensland for arts and humanities

QS World University Rankings 2024

1 in Queensland for business and management studies

How you'll learn

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

• Work placements
• Research experience

What you'll study

At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:

• Publishing and Professional Practice
• Fundamentals of Advertising
• Special Research Topic in Writing, Editing & Publishing
• Writing Creative Non-Fiction and Memoir

See courses and program structure

Career possibilities

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

• Editorial writer
• Content writer
• Book editor
• Digital editor
• Digital content writer
• Publishing executive
• Online publisher

Next steps after graduation

Our graduates have built rewarding careers in publishing, editing, and professional writing, with some going on to become best-selling authors and creatives.

This program offers graduates a wide range of opportunities to pursue freelance or fulltime careers in writing, editing and publishing. I learned so much during my Masters, both from the lecturers and industry experts, but also from the amazing students I got to meet.

The wide-reaching scope of the courses means I've been able to work not only in the arts, but in the corporate world globally.

18 April - 1 May

MBA Information Event

UQ Career Pulse

National Indigenous Business Summer School in Winter

Dual degrees with a Bachelor of Arts

4-minute read

Bachelor of Arts employability myth busters

3-minute read

Meet the expert: exploring museology with Dr Caroline Wilson-Barnao

Entry requirements.

It's possible to complete this degree in 1.5 years or 1 year depending on your qualifications and experience.

You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements. You may also be eligible to apply for credit or exemptions to shorten your degree further. You'll graduate with the same qualification no matter how long you take to complete the degree.

1.5-year degree (24 units of study)

To be eligible to complete the degree in 1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) full-time (only available as full-time study) , you'll need:

• a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below), or
• a graduate certificate* in writing, editing and publishing, or
• a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline plus 2 years full-time equivalent relevant work experience (see below).

You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

Applicants are required to submit a 10 page portfolio with their application (see below).

*Please note if a graduate certificate is used as the basis of entry into the program and you do not have a degree in the relevant discipline, you will not be eligible for credit towards the Masters program.

1-year degree (16 units of study)

If you have relevant prior learning or experience, you can reduce the number of courses you need to complete and graduate in less time.

To be eligible to complete the degree in 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) full-time (only available as full-time study) , you'll need:

• a bachelor honours degree** (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below).

** You must have completed a substantial research project in your Honours degree equivalent to at least one semester of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications

Relevant disciplines include English, English literature, writing, journalism, communication, art history, history, law as well as other relevant fields from the humanities and social sciences.

You must have completed at least a major, field of study, or approximately 30% of program content in the discipline, including a mix of introductory and advanced courses.

Relevant work experience

Relevant work experience includes work using writing and editing in a professional or volunteer context, which should be supported with evidence (see below).

Evidence of relevant work experience should include a letter from your employer (and/or previous employers) stating the following: 

• that you work (or worked) within the specified organisation 
• the nature of your work, including any relevant duties and responsibilities
• the length that you were there (i.e. 2 years) 
• the level at which you worked (full-time, part-time or casual)

*if part-time or casual, please list the average amount of hours worked per week. 

GPA equivalent

Select where you studied and your qualification to see the GPA equivalent you need to be considered for this program.

Use the GPA equivalent as a guide. When you apply, we’ll calculate your GPA using the UQ grading scale. Any failing grades will be included. Entry requirements are subject to change.

Equivalent subjects

Related programs.

Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider one of these related programs:

• Graduate Certificate in Writing, Editing and Publishing

English language requirements

IELTS overall 7; reading 7; writing 7; speaking 7; listening 7. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ

TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 100, listening 25, reading 25, writing 27, speaking 24.

PTE Academic - Overall 72, sub bands minimum 73.

CES - Overall 185, All sub bands minimum 186.

BE and OET are not accepted.

There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.

Learn how to meet the English language requirements

Student visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

Learn more about student visas

Additional application information

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio with their application for enrolment and demonstrate an appropriate standard to the satisfaction of the program director. The portfolio should include approximately 10 word processed pages of writing (e.g. assignments submitted in previous courses, workplace documents, creative writing manuscripts). Same discipline is defined as a degree in English, English literature, writing, journalism, communication, art history, history, law and other relevant fields from the humanities and social sciences. To satisfy the requirement for "same discipline" a minimum amount of content in that discipline is required - this would be at least a major, field of study, or approximately 30% of program content including a mix of introductory and advanced courses. *Please note if the GCArts or GDipArts or GCWEP is used as the basis of entry into the program as you do not have an existing approved degree in the same discipline, you will not be eligible for credit towards the Masters program.

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio with their application for enrolment and demonstrate an appropriate standard to the satisfaction of the program director. The portfolio should include approximately 10 word processed pages of writing (e.g. assignments submitted in previous courses, workplace documents, creative writing manuscripts). Same discipline is defined as a degree in English, English literature, writing, journalism, communication, art history, history, law and other relevant fields from the humanities and social sciences. To satisfy the requirement for <34>same discipline<34> a minimum amount of content in that discipline is required - this would be at least a major, field of study, or approximately 30% of program content including a mix of introductory and advanced courses. *Please note if the GCArts or GDipArts or GCWEP is used as the basis of entry into the program as you do not have an existing approved degree in the same discipline, you will not be eligible for credit towards the Masters program.

Fees and Scholarships

Indicative annual fee.

Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.

Learn more about postgraduate fees

Approximate yearly cost of full-time tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

AUD $43,200

Government assistance, financial aid.

As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.

Learn more about financial aid

Domestic students who are accepted into the Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing pay tuition fees.

FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.

Learn more about FEE-HELP

Centrelink support

The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.

Learn about Centrelink payments for students

Scholarships

You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:

Applying online

All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an  approved UQ agent in your country .

The program code for the Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing is  5681 .

This program is available in multiple durations. You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements.

When you apply, select your preferred duration. If you don't meet the requirements for your first preference, we'll automatically consider you for entry into a longer duration.

Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study

All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.

The program code for the Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing is 5681 .

When you apply, select your preferred duration. You can also ask us to consider you for a longer duration if you don't meet the entry requirements for your first preference.

Important dates

The closing date for this program is:

• To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
• To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.

To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar .

• To commence study in Semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
• To commence study in Semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

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Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS)

• Think Pieces
• Calls & Funding
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creativecritical.net presents: The Forms of Criticism

27 April 2024, 9:30 am–5:00 pm

Can criticism be creative? And if so, should critics be writing in other forms as well as the article and monograph, the default forms of criticism in contemporary academia? Join us for a symposium.

This event is free.

Event Information

Availability.

Can criticism be creative? And if so, should critics be writing in other forms as well as the article and monograph, the default forms of criticism in contemporary academia? 2023 saw the publication of two seminal books, Criticism and Truth by Jonathan Kramnick, and Critical Forms by Ross Wilson, which raise crucial questions for the future of literary studies in and beyond the university. Can criticism be creative? Is criticism a craft? And should criticism always be written, as it is now, in the form of essays, articles, and monographs? What about the panoply of other forms in which criticism has long thrived, among them the preface, the selection, the review, the lecture, the dialogue, the letter, and the autobiography, to say nothing of the various forms of poetry and fiction, and the act of translation?

Join us for a discussion on these issues. We will hear 25-minute papers from Jonathan Kramnick, Ross Wilson, Irina Dumitrescu, Thomas Karshan, Yvette Siegert, Lucy Newlyn, Ryan Ruby, and there will be plenty of time and space for thoughtful and vigorous debate.

Admission is free but space is limited so please register to confirm your place. The event is sponsored by creativecritical.net , the Institute of Advanced Studies, and the School of Literature University of East Anglia .