MA English - Poetry at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The MA in Poetry: Creativity and Criticism combines critical and creative approaches to modern poetry, inheriting the Belfast Group tradition of poets and critics working together. Students follow a critical pathway, a creative pathway, or a combination, and work with the Seamus Heaney Centre, visiting poetry fellows and the McClay Library's Irish special collections.

Department: School of Arts, English and Languages (Seamus Heaney Centre) | Duration: 1 year full-time; 3 years part-time | Intake: Academic year 2027/28 (late-September start); places to be confirmed | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules are Dissertation Modern Poetry (60 credits), The Poetry Collection (20), Form in Poetry (20) and Reading and Writing Poetry (40). Optional modules include Poetry: Creative Writing Workshop, Irish Poetry, Special Topic Creative Writing, Special Topic Irish Writing and Love Poetry (20 credits each).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent in English, Comparative or World Literature, or Creative Writing (or joint/combined Honours with these as a major). Applicants submit a sample of literary-critical written work (for example an undergraduate essay) and, for creative assessment options, 8-10 poems/pages of poetry. Creative-writing-only applicants normally need a 2.2 in any discipline plus 8-10 poems/pages of poetry. Exceptions may be made for a strong record of publication, prizes or professional experience. Apply by 13 August 2027 (ideally) for a late-September start. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component (taken within the last 2 years) or an equivalent qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,250 a year (2027/28). Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland (ROI nationals resident in ROI) rate. Single-year fee. Source

International applicants: GBP 24,400 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other rate. Single-year fee. Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 3 years part-time

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities