PhD Creative Writing at Swansea University

Programme overview

The Swansea Creative Writing research programme supports PhD and MPhil projects across genres including poetry, fiction, drama and screenwriting. Each student is supervised by a specialist writer-teacher within a closely bonded community of writers. It is delivered on the Singleton Park Campus.

Faculty: School of Culture and Communication | Department: English Literature and Creative Writing | Duration: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time | Intake: October, January, April and July | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Research students work with a specialist writer-supervisor and a second supervisor, with one-to-one meetings every three to four weeks and monthly Creative Writing Methodology Workshops. A first substantial piece of writing, such as a draft thesis chapter, and a detailed thesis plan are presented nine months into candidature, and progress is assessed every six months.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) and a master's degree with a minimum overall grade of Merit. Applicants with a UK first class honours degree (or non-UK equivalent) and no master's degree are considered individually. IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.5 (or Swansea University recognised equivalent). Admissions decisions may also take into account the standard of the research synopsis or proposal, performance at interview, competition for places and relevant professional experience. One reference is required.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,006 a year (2025/26). UK student full-time annual rate (2025/26 entry point); part-time is half. Charged over the minimum candidature period. Bench fees may apply. Source

International applicants: GBP 19,300 a year (2026/27). Full-time tuition, year 1; rate for an October start in the year shown Source

Intake: October, January, April and July

Duration: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

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