creative writing degree uk

• CHOOSE ONE OR MORE

Popular universities

• University of Kent
• University of East Anglia UEA
• University of Chester
• Coventry University
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Portmouth
• Nottingham Trent University
• University of Sunderland
• London Metropolitan University
• London South Bank University
• University of East London
• BROWSE ALL UNIVERSITIES

Course search

Popular undergraduate courses.

• Computer Science
• LLB Bachelor of Laws
• Biomedical Sciences
• Physiotherapy
• Sports Science

Open days search

Upcoming open days.

• Norwich University of the Arts
• University of Hertfordshire
• Northumbria University, Newcastle
• Bournemouth University
• University of Essex
• University of Bradford

Article search

Popular topics.

• UCAS key dates and deadlines
• Choosing where to study
• Creating your shortlist
• Student life

Popular articles

• What's a university open day
• How to plan for a university open day
• Open days - November 2024
• Choosing a university checklist
• Choose your UCAS final five with Uniselect
• BROWSE ALL ADVICE
• Creative Writing

SUBJECT LEAGUE TABLE 2025

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

OTHER LEAGUE TABLES

• University League Tables
• Arts, Drama & Music League Table
• Download league tables

QUICK LINKS

• Methodology
• University ranking
• University name
• Overall score
• Entry standards
• Student satisfaction
• Research quality
• Graduate prospects
• 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 1 5 2 6 7 1 8 6 9 1 10 2 11 12 17 13 6 14 15 16 16 7 17 5 18 9 19 22 20 13 21 7 22 2 23 5 24 3 25 26 10 27 8 28 13 29 3 30 13 31 14 32 2 33 5 34 16 35 4 36 13 37 7 38 6 39 2 40 2 41 11 42 6 43 8 44 3 45 New 46 47 6 48 8 49 6 50 4
• University of Warwick VIEW COURSES Royal Holloway, University of Londo... VIEW COURSES University of Birmingham VIEW COURSES University of Leeds VIEW COURSES Newcastle University VIEW COURSES Lancaster University VIEW COURSES University of East Anglia VIEW COURSES GET PROSPECTUS University of Strathclyde VIEW COURSES University of Kent VIEW COURSES University of Plymouth VIEW COURSES University of Lincoln VIEW COURSES Keele University VIEW COURSES Manchester Metropolitan University VIEW COURSES University of Hull VIEW COURSES Kingston University London VIEW COURSES University of Chester VIEW COURSES Edge Hill University VIEW COURSES Bournemouth University VIEW COURSES Bristol, University of the West of ... VIEW COURSES Canterbury Christ Church University VIEW COURSES Aberystwyth University VIEW COURSES Nottingham Trent University VIEW COURSES Brunel University London VIEW COURSES University of Essex VIEW COURSES University of Westminster VIEW COURSES Bangor University VIEW COURSES University of Portsmouth VIEW COURSES Teesside University VIEW COURSES Bath Spa University VIEW COURSES University of Brighton VIEW COURSES GET PROSPECTUS University of Greenwich VIEW COURSES De Montfort University VIEW COURSES University of Gloucestershire VIEW COURSES Sheffield Hallam University VIEW COURSES Anglia Ruskin University VIEW COURSES York St John University VIEW COURSES Birmingham City University VIEW COURSES University of Chichester VIEW COURSES Liverpool Hope University VIEW COURSES University of Winchester VIEW COURSES University of Salford VIEW COURSES University of Central Lancashire VIEW COURSES Arts University Bournemouth VIEW COURSES University of Worcester VIEW COURSES University of Bolton VIEW COURSES Liverpool John Moores University VIEW COURSES University of Derby VIEW COURSES GET PROSPECTUS Falmouth University VIEW COURSES St Mary's University VIEW COURSES University of Wolverhampton VIEW COURSES
• 100% 100% 99% 98% 97% 97% 97% 97% 95% 95% 94% 93% 93% 92% 91% 91% 90% 90% 90% 90% 89% 89% 89% 89% 89% 88% 88% 88% 88% 88% 87% 86% 86% 86% 86% 86% 85% 85% 85% 85% 85% 85% 85% 84% 84% 84% 83% 81% 80% 79%
• 79% 74% 73% 76% 68% 71% 75% 100% 62% 68% 62% 55% 60% 60% 55% 59% 61% n/a 56% 60% 61% 55% 64% 58% 54% 53% 52% 62% 58% 47% 58% 54% 51% 54% 49% 55% 57% 56% 58% 55% 56% 56% 60% 50% 48% 62% 64% 57% n/a n/a
• 77% 77% 76% 74% 79% 78% 74% 71% 77% 80% 88% 87% 80% 92% 83% 80% 80% 75% 79% 84% 81% 81% 82% 78% 72% 77% 85% 82% 76% 78% 82% 77% 79% 76% 79% 87% 76% 83% 76% 77% 81% 85% 89% 77% 82% 84% 80% 80% 76% 72%
• 86% 87% 89% 90% 94% 82% 87% 85% 87% 86% 75% 83% 86% 84% 77% 70% 73% 70% 71% 82% 69% 75% 77% 81% 84% 77% 71% 79% 81% 78% 68% 82% 67% 80% 79% 63% 88% 72% 72% 64% 70% 74% 64% 63% 65% n/a 62% n/a n/a 80%
• 74% 82% 78% n/a 76% 74% 72% n/a 78% 66% n/a 76% 76% n/a n/a 78% 60% 78% 92% 64% 62% n/a 58% 62% n/a 64% 68% n/a 66% 68% 56% 56% 54% 64% 64% 62% 54% 46% n/a 58% 70% 40% 60% 58% 66% 60% 60% 54% 72% 46%

This table was first published on 14 May 2024. 

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

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

Overall score: maximum score of 1000 

Entry standards: no maximum score  

Student satisfaction: maximum score of 4

Research quality: maximum score of 4 

Continuation: maximum score of 100 

Graduate prospects – outcomes: maximum score of 100 

Graduate prospects – on track: maximum score of 100 

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

• - Birmingham Newman University
• - Cardiff Metropolitan University
• - Cardiff University
• - Coventry University
• - Goldsmiths, University of London
• - Leeds Arts University
• - Leeds Beckett University
• - Leeds Trinity University
• - London Metropolitan University
• - Loughborough University
• - Middlesex University
• - Oxford Brookes University
• - Plymouth Marjon University
• - Queen's University Belfast
• - Swansea University
• - University of Aberdeen
• - University of Bedfordshire
• - University of Dundee
• - University of East London
• - University of Hertfordshire
• - University of Huddersfield
• - University of Leicester
• - University of Nottingham
• - University of Oxford
• - University of Reading
• - University of South Wales
• - University of Staffordshire
• - University of Suffolk
• - University of Surrey
• - University of Wales Trinity Saint David
• - University of West London
• - University of the West of Scotland

Filter by region

• East Midlands
• East of England
• North East England
• North West England
• South East England
• South West England
• West Midlands
• Yorkshire and the Humber

Subject league tables

• Accounting & Finance
• Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering
• African & Middle Eastern Studies
• Agriculture & Forestry
• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Architecture
• Art & Design
• Asian Studies
• Biological Sciences
• Business & Management Studies
• Celtic Studies
• Chemical Engineering
• Childhood & Youth Studies
• Civil Engineering
• Communication & Media Studies
• Complementary Medicine
• Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy
• Drama, Dance & Cinematics
• Electrical & Electronic Engineering
• Food Science
• Forensic Science
• General Engineering
• Geography & Environmental Science
• Health Studies
• History of Art, Architecture & Design
• Iberian Languages
• Information Technology & Systems
• Land & Property Management
• Linguistics
• Manufacturing & Production Engineering
• Materials Technology
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Medical Technology & Bioengineering
• Nursing & Midwifery
• Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics
• Paramedic Science
• Pharmacology & Pharmacy
• Physics & Astronomy
• Russian & East European Languages
• Social Policy
• Social Work
• Speech & Language Therapy
• Theology & Religious Studies
• Tourism, Transport, Travel & Heritage Studies
• Town & Country Planning and Landscape Design
• Veterinary Medicine

CHOOSE A REGION

University group, choose a group.

100 Best universities for Creative Writing in the United Kingdom

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in the United Kingdom ranked based on their research performance in Creative Writing. A graph of 640K citations received by 54.6K academic papers made by 121 universities in the United Kingdom was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. University of Oxford

For Creative Writing

2. University College London

3. University of Cambridge

4. King's College London

5. University of Manchester

6. University of Edinburgh

7. University of Exeter

8. University of Sheffield

9. University of Birmingham

10. University of Nottingham

11. University of Leeds

12. University of Bristol

13. Lancaster University

14. Durham University

15. University of York

16. University of Warwick

17. University of Glasgow

18. Cardiff University

19. University of Sussex

20. University of London

21. London School of Economics and Political Science

22. University of Southampton

23. Queen Mary University of London

24. University of St Andrews

25. Royal Holloway, University of London

26. University of Liverpool

27. Newcastle University

28. Loughborough University

29. University of Leicester

30. University of East Anglia

31. University of Kent

32. University of Reading

33. Goldsmiths, University of London

34. Birkbeck, University of London

35. Queen's University Belfast

36. Keele University

37. University of Strathclyde

38. Manchester Metropolitan University

39. University of Aberdeen

40. Ulster University

41. University of Bath

42. Northumbria University

43. University of Portsmouth

44. University of Surrey

45. University of Stirling

46. Brunel University London

47. University of Hull

48. Nottingham Trent University

49. Teesside University

50. De Montfort University

51. SOAS, University of London

52. Bournemouth University

53. Oxford Brookes University

54. University of the West of England

55. University of Plymouth

56. University of Essex

57. University of Dundee

58. University of Brighton

59. Leeds Beckett University

60. University of Wales

61. University of Huddersfield

62. University of East London

63. Sheffield Hallam University

64. University of Salford

65. Swansea University

66. City, University of London

67. University of Hertfordshire

68. University of Roehampton

69. Liverpool John Moores University

70. Middlesex University

71. University of Central Lancashire

72. Anglia Ruskin University

73. Coventry University

74. Bangor University

75. Edge Hill University

76. University of Lincoln

77. Canterbury Christ Church University

78. Imperial College London

79. University of Westminster

80. Aberystwyth University

81. London Metropolitan University

82. University of Wolverhampton

83. London South Bank University

84. University of Greenwich

85. University of Winchester

86. Birmingham City University

87. Aston University

88. Kingston University

89. University of Derby

90. University of South Wales

91. University of Bradford

92. University of the West of Scotland

93. University of Chester

94. University of West London

95. University of Bedfordshire

96. Heriot-Watt University

97. Staffordshire University

98. University of Gloucestershire

99. Edinburgh Napier University

100. University of Sunderland

The best cities to study Creative Writing in the United Kingdom based on the number of universities and their ranks are Oxford , London , Cambridge , and Manchester .

Art & Design subfields in the United Kingdom

• My Account |
• StudentHome |
• TutorHome |
• IntranetHome |
• Contact the OU Contact the OU Contact the OU |
• Accessibility hub Accessibility hub

Postgraduate

• International
• News & media
• Business & apprenticeships
• Contact Contact Contact
• A to Z of subjects
• Course types
• Honours degrees
• Integrated masters degrees
• Foundation degrees
• Diplomas of Higher Education
• Certificates of Higher Education
• Open University certificates
• Open qualifications
• Higher Technical Qualifications
• Microcredentials
• Short courses
• All courses
• Student stories
• Accountancy
• Counselling
• Engineering
• Environment
• IT and computing
• Mental health
• Social work
• Working with children
• Employability and the OU
• International recognition
• Apprenticeships
• What is distance learning?
• A guide to our qualifications
• How long will my qualification take?
• How will I study?
• Tutors and tutorials
• How will I be assessed?
• Support and the OU community
• Ask a student
• Our global reputation
• Can I do it?
• Finding time to study
• Is my English good enough?
• Computing skills
• Am I ready tool
• Fees and funding
• Tuition fee loan
• Tuition fee grants and loans
• Part-time fee grant
• Support for living costs
• Employer sponsorship
• Credit or debit card
• Enhanced learning credits
• Mixed payments
• Study costs funding
• Carers' Scholarship
• Carers' Bursary
• Care Experienced Bursary
• Care Experienced Scholarship
• Scholarship for Black Students
• Disabled Veterans' Scholarships
• Sanctuary Scholarship
• How to apply
• Transferring your study

Creative Writing courses

Whether you’re looking to develop your own writing skills and editorial practice for your profession or for purely personal interest, our creative writing courses have much to offer you. Choose below from our range of qualifications.

Creative Writing Degrees  Degrees Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree. Internationally respected, universally understood. An essential requirement for many high-level jobs. Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts. Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.

• 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.

How long will it take?

Creative Writing Diplomas  Diplomas Widely recognised qualification. Equivalent to the first two thirds of an honours degree. Enhance your professional and technical skills or extend your knowledge and understanding of a subject. Study for interest or career development. Top up to a full honours degree in just two years.

Creative writing certificates  certificates widely recognised qualification. equivalent to the first third of an honours degree. study for interest or career development. shows that you can study successfully at university level. count it towards further qualifications such as a diphe or honours degree., why study creative writing with the open university.

Since 2003, over 50,000 students have completed one of our critically acclaimed creative writing modules. 

The benefits of studying creative writing with us are:

• Develops your writing skills in several genres including fiction, poetry, life writing and scriptwriting.
• Introduces you to the world of publishing and the requirements of professionally presenting manuscripts.
• Online tutor-group forums enable you to be part of an interactive writing community.
• Module workbooks are widely praised and used by other universities and have attracted worldwide sales.

Careers in Creative Writing

Studying creative writing will equip you with an adaptable set of skills that can give entry to a vast range of occupations. You’ll learn to evaluate and assimilate information in constructing an argument as well as acquiring the skills of creative and critical thinking that are much in demand in the workplace.

Our range of courses in creative writing can help you start or progress your career in:

• Arts, creative industries, culture and heritage
• Advertising, marketing, communications and public relations
• Journalism and publishing
• Public administration, civil service and local government

Looking for something other than a qualification?

The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.

See our full list of Creative Writing modules

All Creative Writing courses

Browse all the Creative Writing courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of Creative Writing courses

The Open University

• Study with us
• Work with us
• Supported distance learning
• Funding your studies
• International students
• Global reputation
• Sustainability
• Develop your workforce
• Contact the OU

Undergraduate

• Arts and Humanities
• Art History
• Business and Management
• Combined Studies
• Computing and IT
• Creative Arts
• Creative Writing
• Criminology
• Early Years
• Electronic Engineering
• Film and Media
• Health and Social Care
• Health and Wellbeing
• Health Sciences
• International Studies
• Mathematics
• Mental Health
• Nursing and Healthcare
• Religious Studies
• Social Sciences
• Social Work
• Software Engineering
• Sport and Fitness
• Postgraduate study
• Research degrees
• Masters in Social Work (MA)
• Masters in Economics (MSc)
• Masters in Creative Writing (MA)
• Masters in Education (MA/MEd)
• Masters in Engineering (MSc)
• Masters in English Literature (MA)
• Masters in History (MA)
• Masters in International Relations (MA)
• Masters in Finance (MSc)
• Masters in Cyber Security (MSc)
• Masters in Psychology (MSc)
• A to Z of Masters degrees
• OU Accessibility statement
• Conditions of use
• Privacy policy
• Cookie policy
• Manage cookie preferences
• Modern slavery act (pdf 149kb)

Follow us on Social media

• Student Policies and Regulations
• Student Charter
• System Status
• Contact the OU Contact the OU
• Modern Slavery Act (pdf 149kb)

© . . .

Course type

Study level, location type.

Choose one or more

University name

Campus type.

• Employment rate

Russell Group

This is a self-selected association of 24 public research universities.

• Unis compared 0

You have successfully registered

Filter by study level:

• Undergraduate
• Foundation degree
• Postgraduate

Filter by location:

• All England
• Central England
• Eastern England
• North East England
• Yorkshire And Humberside
• East Midlands
• Northern England
• Southern England
• West Midlands
• North West England
• South East England
• South West England
• Northern Ireland

Filter by city:

• Southampton
• Loughborough

Filter by university:

• Loughborough University
• University Of Warwick
• Lancaster University
• University Of Surrey
• University Of Birmingham
• University Of Exeter
• University Of York
• University Of Southampton
• University Of East Anglia Uea
• University Of Manchester
• University Of Leeds
• Queen's University Belfast
• Newcastle University
• Cardiff University
• University Of Nottingham
• University Of Essex
• University Of Strathclyde
• Northumbria University, Newcastle
• University Of Reading
• University Of Leicester

Creative Writing degrees

98 universities offer 360 courses. to get the best results for undergraduate creative writing degrees, enter your predicted grades. new search -->, add your grades.

To get the best results, simply enter your predicted grades here.

Related subjects:

• Creative Writing (360)
• Communication and Media (2390)
• Audio and Visual Media (7)
• Audiovisual Studies (2)
• Broadcasting Studies (95)
• Cinematography (4)
• Communication Design (11)
• Communication Studies (424)
• Computer Graphics (468)
• Digital Arts (41)
• Digital Media (150)
• Digital Photography (5)
• Digital Processing (3)
• Documentary Photography (10)
• Fashion Journalism (8)
• Fashion Photography (28)
• Film / Video Direction (5)
• Film / Video Editing (7)
• Film / Video Lighting (1)
• Film / Video Production (180)
• Film History (12)
• Film Music (3)
• Film Photography (12)
• Film Special Effects (69)
• Film Studies (472)
• Film and Television (389)
• Film/TV Makeup (25)
• Interacticve Media (12)
• Journalism (250)
• Mass Communication (4)
• Media Studies (298)
• Mobile Communications Systems (1)
• Multimedia (306)
• Multimedia Computing (57)
• Photographic Processing (3)
• Photographic Techniques (39)
• Photography (196)
• Photography history (3)
• Photojournalism (3)
• Play Writing (32)
• Press Journalism (1)
• Publishing (24)
• Radio Journalism (1)
• Screenplay Writing (27)
• Script Writing (5)
• Sound Recording (4)
• Sports Journalism (51)
• Telecommunications (10)
• Television Journalism (9)
• Television Production (63)
• Visual Communication (143)
• Writing (361)
• Our top picks
• CUG ranking
• Entry requirements
• Student ranking

University of Hull

3 Creative Writing degrees

• OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.1) 516 reviews
• Employment rate: 95% Source: UNISTATS , 2019
• CUG ranking : 14th Source: Complete University Guide 2025

Creative Writing and English BA (Hons)

• UCAS points 120
• UCAS code WQ83
• Request info
• Get prospectus
• BOOK OPEN DAY
• Visit website

University of Reading

5 Creative Writing degrees

• OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.2) 1796 reviews
• Employment rate: 100% Source: UNISTATS , 2019

English Literature with Creative Writing BA (Hons)

• UCAS points 120-141
• UCAS code Q3W8

University of Southampton

1 Creative Writing degree

• OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.1) 1579 reviews
• Employment rate: 93% Source: UNISTATS , 2019

English with Creative Writing BA (Hons)

• UCAS points 136
• UCAS code CW01

Bangor University

7 Creative Writing degrees Next open day in 5 days

• OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.4) 2648 reviews
• CUG ranking : 26th Source: Complete University Guide 2025

Cymraeg gydag Ysgrifennu Creadigol (Welsh with Creative Writing) BA (Hons)

• UCAS points 104-128
• UCAS code Q5WK

University of Essex

14 Creative Writing degrees

• OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.2) 2011 reviews
• CUG ranking : 24th Source: Complete University Guide 2025

Creative Writing BA (Hons)

• UCAS points 112-120
• UCAS code W800

Northumbria University

• OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.3) 1799 reviews
• Employment rate: 89% Source: UNISTATS , 2019

English Literature and Creative Writing BA (Hons)

• UCAS points 112
• UCAS code QW38

University of Portsmouth

4 Creative Writing degrees

• OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.2) 2534 reviews
• CUG ranking : 27th Source: Complete University Guide 2025
• UCAS code WW80

University of Leicester

2 Creative Writing degrees

• OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.2) 1355 reviews
• Employment rate: 92% Source: UNISTATS , 2019

Journalism with Creative Writing BA (Hons)

• UCAS code P502

University of Gloucestershire

• OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.2) 1810 reviews
• Employment rate: 90% Source: UNISTATS , 2019
• CUG ranking : 33rd Source: Complete University Guide 2025
• UCAS points 96-112

University of Westminster

• OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.0) 894 reviews
• CUG ranking : 25th Source: Complete University Guide 2025

Creative Writing and English Language BA (Hons)

• UCAS points 104

Studying creative writing

Studying creative writing at uni is a great way of giving yourself the platform to become the best writer you can be. Whether you want to write novels, poems, scripts, copy or something completely different, a creative writing degree will help you develop the technical skills to allow you to do so. You’ll look at writing in the context of the wider world and could explore the written word’s relationship with sound and images in relation to production and publication. Creative projects, workshops and possible work placements will also give you practical experience in the field. With a creative writing degree, you could explore many different career options, such as novel writer, screenwriter, copywriter, journalist, web content editor, proofreader and social media specialist. 

YOUR UCAS POINTS 0

• 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 online on 18 December at our live webinar session for an overview of postgraduate study and life 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?

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 is 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

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

We teach our programme in a team 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.

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 poetry collections from:

• Tim Tim Cheng (The Tattoo Collector, published by Nine Arches Press)
• Rebecca Tamás (WITCH, published by Penned in the Margins)
• Naomi Morris (Hyperlove, published by Makina Books)
• Aileen Ballantyne (Taking Flight, published by Luath Press)

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)

the 2024 Edwin Morgan Poetry Award, won by Wendelin Law

• the Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award 2024 (Poetry), won by Medha Singh
• the Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award 2024 (Children's/YA Writing), won by Amos O'Connor
• the Society of Authors' ALCS Tom-Gallon Trust Award 2024, won by Alexandra Ye
• the 2023 Nebula Award for best novella, won by Ai Jiang
• 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

I think what is most important for a writer is meeting new people, walking across the world, and learning to understand cultures and perspectives outside their own. Edinburgh held a wealth of experiences from across the world in one location, which I found extremely enriching and refreshing.

Ai Jiang, MSc in Creative Writing, 2022

• A conversation with From Arthur's Seat
• Tim Tim Cheng
• Bhavika Govil

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

Entry requirements.

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

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 which 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 73 with at least 65 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT : 8 overall with at least 7 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.

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Scholarships and funding.

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

borrowing money

taking out a loan

family support

personal savings

income from work

employer sponsorship

• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Featured funding

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

You do not need to apply for this award – all eligible candidates who apply for the programme by Monday 5 May 2025 will be considered and contacted if successful.

• Find out more about the William Hunter Sharpe Memorial Award and other funding opportunities in literatures, languages and cultures

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, this programme operates a gathered field approach to admissions, with two application deadlines as noted below.

Each application round has a decision deadline, also listed below, but note that we may make offers to the strongest candidates on an ongoing basis, in advance of the published decision deadline.

We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible, especially if you intend to apply for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand. If you are considering applying for our pre-sessional English Language programme, please make sure you apply in Round 1.

Please note that for an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts. English language documentation can be submitted later but if you have already met the English language entry requirements for your programme at the time of application, your application may be considered more competitive in selection than applications where an English language test still needs to be taken.

Selection deadlines

Deadlines for uk/scotland fee status.

After Round 2, if there are still places available, applications will remain open only to applicants who are eligible for the UK/Scotland fee rate, including the EU/EEA Pre-settled Scotland fee status. Applications will remain open no later than 30 June 2025 and may close earlier than this if the programme becomes full, so we strongly recommend you apply as soon as possible.

If you apply with another fee status after 29 May 2025, your application will be rejected.

(Revised 17 October 2024 to add application deadlines and selection process information)

• 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: