PhD Creative Writing at Bath Spa University

Programme overview

The PhD in Creative Writing combines a proposed manuscript (e.g. novel, short story collection, poems, playscript, narrative non-fiction, digital writing) with an element of supporting or contextualising research. The proposed creative manuscript will be volume length (the natural length of a book, depending on genre). The supporting research will be 20,000 words.

Faculty: School of Education and Humanities | Duration: 24 months (minimum) to 60 months (maximum). | Location: Bath, England, United Kingdom

Career pathways

When it comes to academic posts, a PhD will be a requirement for some and will always help. As Creative Writing is relatively new in British higher education, quite a few people have secured jobs without having doctorates, but this may change gradually as more and more people complete PhDs.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Our Creative Writing PhD students come from a variety of academic backgrounds, nationalities, and writing experiences, but what successful applicants have in common is enormous writing talent and potential, and the commitment and ability to engage critically with the contexts in which they write, and the processes and techniques they employ. We would normally expect applicants for this programme to hold a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent), as well as an MA in Creative Writing with Distinction (or comparable achievement, such as an MFA in which the applicant averages A/A+). We certainly expect evidence of an exceptional level of creative writing achievements and experience, as well as the ability to engage in the supporting research.

Domestic applicants: GBP 8,050 a year (2026/27). Annual tuition fee, UK full time Source

International applicants: GBP 21,055 a year (2026/27). Annual tuition fee, International full time (low residency) Source

Duration: 24 months (minimum) to 60 months (maximum).

Apply through the official page: https://apphub.bathspa.ac.uk/connectors/paperless/PHD

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