Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Creative and Critical Writing

The PhD in Creative and Critical Writing is designed for students seeking to produce a substantial and original piece of creative work of publishable quality, alongside a critical reflection on their practice. The programme supports a wide range of creative forms, including novels, poetry collections, short stories, plays, film scripts, and creative non-fiction. It is particularly suited to those with a background in creative writing who wish to develop their work within a structured research environment.

Students become part of a vibrant community of writers, working alongside peers engaged in diverse creative projects. The programme includes a compulsory critical component, requiring students to situate their creative work within broader cultural, theoretical, and literary contexts, and to articulate its conceptual contribution. This combination of creative practice and critical analysis prepares students for careers in higher education as well as other roles requiring advanced research and writing skills.

The programme offers a supportive and well-resourced environment, including regular seminars, workshops, and opportunities to present work in progress. Students are encouraged to publish their work and can seek guidance from experienced academic staff who are also published authors. Additional features include funding for research-related activities, access to dedicated research facilities, participation in events such as an annual writers’ retreat, and opportunities to gain teaching experience with appropriate training and support.