MA Creative Writing at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

One of the UK's longest-running MA Creative Writing programmes, taught by experienced writers across fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and dramatic writing for stage and screen. Students finish with a major creative dissertation.

Department: School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences | Duration: 1 year, full-time (part-time route available) | Study mode: full-time, part-time route available | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Four workshop-based seminars: Fiction: Stories and Novels; Poetry and Creative Non-Fiction; Dramatic Writing: Stage and Screen; and The Business of Writing: Before and After Dissertation. The dissertation is a poetry collection, a stage or screenplay, or about 15,000 words of prose.

Career pathways

Prepares graduates for writing for publication and careers in writing, publishing and related creative industries, with opportunities to engage with publishers, editors and literary agents.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first or upper second (2:1) honours degree or equivalent professional qualification; or an ordinary degree, foundation degree, HND or university diploma with substantial experience in an appropriate field. A sample of no more than ten pages of original writing must be submitted, and an informal interview with the Programme Leader is required. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element; a personal statement of about 250-400 words, CV and evidence of qualifications are also needed.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,000 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 18,700 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

Duration: 1 year

Arts & Humanities