PhD Creative Writing at University of Aberdeen

Programme overview

Our Creative Writing PhD programme offers a dedicated, supportive, multi-award-winning team of full-time supervisory staff specialising in poetry, fiction, non-fiction prose, and screenwriting.

Department: School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

Career pathways

As well as being successful published writers, graduates of our PhD in Creative Writing programme have gone on to work in academia and teaching, the creative industries including publishing and arts engagement, and exciting portfolio careers across these industries and beyond.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Our minimum requirement is a 2:1 Hons degree or better in a cognate discipline (such as Creative Writing, English Literature, or other literature-focused discipline). Strong performance at PGT level (folio dissertation at Merit or above) is strongly preferred but not essential if UG performance has been outstanding. Where applicants possess relevant professional expertise (such as in Journalism or accredited authorship), the degree requirement may be waived, but this would only apply where applicants can clearly demonstrate an ability to work at an advanced level in both creative practice and academic research.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Full-time Home/RUK research rate (set by UKRI); part-time is 50% of the full-time rate. Source

International applicants: GBP 21,700 a year (2026/27). Full-time international rate for research degrees admitted 2026/27; part-time is 50% of the full-time rate. Source

Apply through the official page: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/apply/

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