Master of Arts - Creative Writing

The MA Creative Writing programme provides a range of opportunities to explore, research, and workshop different approaches to creative writing while critically reflecting on practice. According to the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (2021), 100% of students reported overall satisfaction with the course.

The programme supports the development of creative writing across multiple forms, including prose, poetry, life writing, creative non-fiction, and scriptwriting for films, plays, and video games. Industry-focused pathways include Creative Writing for Gaming, which focuses on script and narrative design for various game types, and Creative Writing with Publishing, which allows engagement with book production through modules from the MA in Publishing.

The degree places a strong emphasis on employability, offering opportunities to pitch work to literary agents and receive guidance from experienced writers on contracts, taxation, publishing, and workshop management. Students also gain arranged work experience in the arts or communication sectors; in 2022/2023, opportunities included participation in the prestigious Writer’s Conference with Writing East Midlands. Graduates complete the MA with a portfolio of original writing, prepared for careers in the arts or for progression to doctoral-level study and teaching.

Teaching employs a variety of formats to prepare students for the creative, intellectual, and practical challenges of a writing career. Instruction includes lectures, tutor-led seminars, and workshops where critical approaches to literature are explored, and creative work is developed and shared in response to briefs and exercises. Guest speakers contribute industry knowledge and insights to enhance the learning experience.