Master's specialising in Creative Writing (coursework and dissertation) at University of Cape Town

Programme overview

The MA specialising in Creative Writing is a 192-credit coursework and dissertation master's at HEQSF level 9 convened by Professor I Coovadia. Places are limited and acceptance depends on the availability of a supervisor.

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities | Department: School of Languages and Literatures: Centre for Creative Writing | Duration: Minimum of one year of registration; candidates are expected to complete within two years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Four taught courses (96 credits) and a 96-credit minor dissertation: the Creative Writing Workshop (or Creative Writing in isiXhosa: Prose and Poetry), a Part B creative project (Creative Writing Part B or Media Creative Production), and three postgraduate electives (24 credits each) from cognate departments approved by the Convener.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Faculty of Humanities master's rule (FM3) applies. Programme requirement: a portfolio of creative work. Applicants who do not meet the FM3 requirements must complete one semester of an honours or master's course (or an equivalent agreed with the Convener and Head of Department and approved by the Dean) with at least 65%; this course counts for entry, not for credit. Acceptance is on the recommendation of the programme's Steering Committee and subject to the availability of an appropriate supervisor; places are limited.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

The application fee is R100 for undergraduate and postgraduate applications from South Africa and the SADC region, and R300 for applications from outside the SADC region; it is non-refundable and payable by direct deposit, EFT or credit card (online). UCT students and graduates are exempt except for GSB programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.uct.ac.za

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