BSc Acoustics and Music Technology
The University of Edinburgh, a prestigious institution in the United Kingdom, offers a ...
MSc Creative Writing
Central Campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Creative Writing program at the University of Edinburgh is designed to provide students with both the technical skills and the creative freedom needed to thrive as writers. The program offers a balance of structured study and independent writing, with a strong focus on improving writing techniques, critical thinking, and self-editing. Students are encouraged to experiment with different genres and explore how creative writing intersects with various forms of art, culture, and media. The program is taught by an experienced team of published authors, poets, and creative writing scholars, all of whom bring valuable industry experience and creative insight to the classroom. In addition to practical writing exercises, students engage in peer review and receive constructive feedback from faculty and fellow students, fostering an environment of collaboration and growth. The program culminates in a final dissertation, which allows students to produce a substantial piece of creative work, such as a novel, collection of poetry, or short stories, demonstrating their developed skills.
Curriculum: The MSc Creative Writing curriculum is carefully designed to balance creative practice with critical theory, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the writing process. Core modules typically include Creative Writing Workshops, where students engage in writing exercises, peer critique, and develop their storytelling abilities. Other key modules focus on the craft of writing, exploring structure, narrative, and character development, as well as techniques for writing in different genres. The program also covers literary criticism and theory, helping students to analyze and understand the broader context of their work. Students can choose from a variety of elective modules based on their interests, such as writing for children and young adults, writing for the screen, or experimental writing. The program includes individual tutorials with faculty members, where students receive tailored feedback and guidance on their creative projects. In the final stages of the program, students complete a dissertation project, which is an extended piece of creative writing, allowing them to showcase their growth as writers.
Research Focus: The MSc Creative Writing program at the University of Edinburgh is embedded in the university’s vibrant literary research environment. The university boasts an impressive range of resources for creative writers, including access to the Edinburgh International Book Festival, specialist literary archives, and connections with publishers and literary agents. Research within the program focuses on the art of writing, the history of literature, and the cultural impact of storytelling. Students are encouraged to engage with contemporary debates in the writing world, such as issues of representation, gender, and identity in literature. The university’s Edinburgh College of Art and the School of Literatures, Languages, and Cultures collaborate to provide students with opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research that bridges creative writing with other forms of artistic and cultural practice. Students are also encouraged to pursue their own creative research, exploring new forms of writing and experimenting with innovative narrative techniques.
Industry Engagement: The MSc Creative Writing program has strong ties with the literary industry, offering students access to a variety of industry events, workshops, and networking opportunities. The University of Edinburgh hosts the Edinburgh International Book Festival, one of the largest and most prestigious literary events in the world, providing students with the chance to engage with celebrated authors, publishers, and literary agents. The program also organizes guest lectures and masterclasses with established writers, editors, and industry professionals, offering students insights into the writing, publishing, and editing processes. In addition, the university’s careers service offers support for students seeking employment in the creative industries, helping them to build their professional portfolio and navigate the publishing world. Students also benefit from connections to the Edinburgh Writers’ Festival and other regional literary organizations, which provide a platform for aspiring authors to showcase their work.
Global Perspective: The MSc Creative Writing program at the University of Edinburgh offers a truly global perspective on creative writing, drawing students and faculty from around the world. The diverse student body brings a range of international voices and experiences to the classroom, enriching the learning environment and fostering cross-cultural dialogue about storytelling. The program’s emphasis on global literature and multicultural writing provides students with the opportunity to explore the ways in which literature reflects and shapes diverse cultural experiences. The university’s strong reputation in creative writing attracts renowned authors from various countries, and students benefit from exposure to international literary traditions and writing practices. The global reach of the program ensures that students graduate with an understanding of how their writing fits into the broader world of contemporary literature, preparing them to contribute to the global literary conversation and to connect with readers worldwide.
Location
Central Campus
Score
IELTS: 7
Tuition Fee
£ 28800
Postgraduate entry requirements:
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Academic Qualifications: Prospective postgraduate applicants to the University of Edinburgh are typically required to have achieved a minimum academic qualification of approximately 60%, based on their previous academic achievements and qualifications.
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English Language Proficiency:
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IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
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TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT), with at least 20 in each component (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).
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PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum overall score of 70, with at least 59 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
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Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These scholarships aim to promote diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement.
Global Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh offers Global Scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees and living expenses, enabling talented students from around the world to access quality education at Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: International postgraduate students pursuing research-based programs (Ph.D., MSc by Research) can apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses during the research program.
School-specific Scholarships: Some academic schools and departments within the university offer scholarships targeting international students in specific disciplines or programs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh participates in various Commonwealth scholarship schemes, providing opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and other organizations.
External Funding Sources: International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government scholarships, private organizations, and international foundations, to support their studies at the University of Edinburgh.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.
Graduating with an MSc in Creative Writing from the University of Edinburgh opens up a multitude of exciting career pathways within the literary and creative industries. This program equips students with the essential skills, knowledge, and industry connections necessary to thrive in various professional roles related to writing, publishing, and beyond.
Professional Writer: Many MSc Creative Writing graduates pursue careers as professional writers, publishing novels, short stories, poetry collections, or non-fiction works. They may work independently or with publishing houses, literary agencies, or magazines.
Editorial Roles: Graduates can explore opportunities in editing and publishing, working as editors for publishing houses, literary magazines, or online platforms. Their strong writing and editing skills make them valuable assets in the editorial process.
Content Creation and Copywriting: With a solid foundation in creative writing, graduates excel in content creation roles for digital media, advertising agencies, or corporate communications departments. They craft engaging content for websites, blogs, social media, and marketing campaigns.
Literary Agent: Some graduates choose to become literary agents, representing authors and negotiating publishing deals on their behalf. A deep understanding of the publishing industry gained during the MSc program prepares graduates for this role.
Teaching and Academia: For those interested in academia, the MSc can serve as a stepping stone towards teaching creative writing at schools, colleges, or universities. Graduates may pursue further studies (Ph.D.) to establish careers as writing instructors or researchers in the field of literature and creative writing.
Scriptwriting and Screenwriting: The program also prepares students for careers in scriptwriting for film, television, or theatre. Graduates with a flair for storytelling and dialogue find success in these highly creative industries.
Freelance Writing and Journalism: Many graduates choose the flexibility of freelance writing, contributing articles, reviews, or features to newspapers, magazines, and online publications. They leverage their writing skills to build diverse portfolios and establish themselves in the industry.
