MA (by Dissertation) Creative Writing at University of Essex

Programme overview

Masters by Dissertation (MAD) in Creative Writing in the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies, with supervision in all genres alongside published novelists, poets and playwrights on staff and a programme of visiting writers through the Essex Book Festival. Part-time study is also available.

Department: Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies (School of Language, Literature, and Media) | Duration: 1 year - 2 years full-time | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; part-time | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Research degree without a taught structure: you carry out a research project under supervision and write a dissertation.

Career pathways

Graduates have gone on to careers as writers, scholars, university lecturers, teachers, publishers, publishers' editors, journalists, arts administrators, theatre artistic directors, drama advisers and translators.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

2:1 or above (or international equivalent) considered in a relevant subject such as creative writing, theatre/drama studies, literature, film and media studies, modern languages and art history. An interview (including by video call) is normally required, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department. English language (if first language is not English): IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and 5.5 in all other components.

International applicants: GBP 21,675 a year. International fee; fees increase for each academic year of study. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 1 year - 2 years full-time

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