MSc Accounting
The MSc Accounting at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is a specialized po...
MA Creative Writing
Manchester, England
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The MA Creative Writing program at the University of Manchester is designed for students who are passionate about writing and wish to enhance their craft through a structured, supportive, and challenging environment. This program provides a unique blend of creative and critical skills, allowing students to refine their writing talents while engaging deeply with the theoretical and practical aspects of writing. The course encourages students to explore a variety of genres, styles, and voices, offering the flexibility to develop their writing in their chosen medium—whether fiction, poetry, or non-fiction. The University of Manchester is renowned for its distinguished faculty of writers and literary professionals, ensuring a rich and inspiring academic environment. Upon completion, graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in writing, publishing, and the wider creative industries.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Creative Writing program is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in the art of writing while allowing room for individual creativity. The core modules offer guidance in fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction, while students can tailor their studies by choosing from a wide selection of optional modules based on their interests. These optional modules cover topics such as literary theory, writing for performance, and the business of publishing, among others. The program emphasizes practical experience in writing and offers opportunities for students to submit their work to journals and publishers, as well as participate in readings and workshops. The curriculum also incorporates critical analysis and reflection, encouraging students to assess their work and the work of others critically. A substantial portion of the program is dedicated to the completion of a final creative writing project, typically in the form of a novella, short story collection, poetry portfolio, or non-fiction manuscript.
Research Focus: The MA Creative Writing program at the University of Manchester has a strong research focus on the craft of writing, literary studies, and the exploration of contemporary writing practices. Students engage with both practical and theoretical elements of writing, learning about literary form, genre conventions, and narrative structures. The research focus also includes an exploration of the role of literature in society and culture, with an emphasis on the evolving nature of the creative industries in the digital age. Students are encouraged to explore new literary forms and experiment with innovative writing techniques while developing a deeper understanding of the relationship between author and reader, as well as the impact of the publishing industry. Faculty members contribute to the research culture with their expertise in various genres and critical approaches, creating a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.
Industry Engagement: The University of Manchester’s MA Creative Writing program offers excellent industry engagement opportunities to help students build professional networks and gain real-world experience. Throughout the course, students have access to literary agents, publishers, and established authors through workshops, masterclasses, and guest speaker events. The program also facilitates connections with the publishing industry, offering students a platform to share their work and gain feedback from professionals in the field. There are opportunities for students to participate in writing competitions, submit their work to journals, and collaborate with other creative professionals. Additionally, the university’s location in Manchester—one of the UK's cultural hubs—provides students with access to a wealth of literary events, book festivals, and literary networks that further enrich their learning experience. Industry engagement is integrated into the curriculum, ensuring students are well-prepared for the demands of the creative industries upon graduation.
Global Perspective: The MA Creative Writing program at the University of Manchester provides a global perspective on writing, encouraging students to explore diverse cultural influences and literary traditions. The program attracts students from around the world, fostering a multicultural environment that encourages cross-cultural exchange and dialogue. Through discussions of global literary trends, international publishing practices, and the role of literature in different cultures, students gain an understanding of the broader global context in which contemporary writers operate. The program also provides students with opportunities to engage with global writers and literary communities through conferences, international collaborations, and virtual workshops. The global perspective is an integral part of the course, ensuring that students develop a nuanced and diverse approach to writing that resonates across borders.
Location
Manchester, England
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 27000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application fee: £60
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.
Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Manchester Master’s Bursary: The Manchester Master’s Bursary is a financial aid program aimed at helping postgraduate students who come from lower-income backgrounds. This bursary offers support for UK, EU, and international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at the university. The bursary can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and is awarded based on financial need.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.
Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships for international students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships support students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and education. They cover the full cost of tuition fees, travel, and living expenses during the duration of the program.
Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.
Graduates of the MA Creative Writing program at the University of Manchester have a diverse array of career options available to them due to the well-rounded skillset they acquire during the course. The program not only enhances creative writing abilities but also provides students with critical thinking, communication, and professional development skills that are highly valued in various industries.
Writer/Author: Many students pursue careers as published authors, working in genres such as fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and more. The program’s focus on developing a strong writing portfolio helps students hone their craft and gives them a competitive edge in the literary world.
Editor/Proofreader: Graduates can find work as editors and proofreaders, either independently or for publishing houses, magazines, or online platforms. The strong writing and critical analysis skills developed during the program make graduates highly suited for these roles.
Journalist: Some students transition into journalism, where they can use their writing expertise to create compelling articles, reports, and features. The program’s focus on writing for different media can help students adapt their skills for print, online, and broadcast journalism.
Content Creator/Copywriter: Many graduates enter the marketing and advertising industries, where they write content for websites, blogs, advertisements, and other digital media. The program's emphasis on writing for various purposes and audiences equips students with the ability to create persuasive and engaging copy.
Publishing Professional: Graduates can pursue careers in the publishing industry, taking on roles such as literary agents, book editors, or production assistants. The University of Manchester's connections with the publishing world help students navigate this competitive field.
Creative Writing Teacher/Lecturer: For those interested in academia, the MA Creative Writing program provides a foundation for teaching at the secondary or tertiary level. Graduates may also pursue further study and research in writing and literature to embark on a career as a lecturer or professor.
Screenwriter/Playwright: Some students choose to specialize in writing scripts for film, television, or theater. The skills gained in the program, including storytelling and structure, prepare graduates for success in these creative fields.
Freelance Writer: The flexible nature of the MA Creative Writing program enables graduates to work as freelance writers, taking on diverse projects ranging from ghostwriting and blogging to writing for commercial publications. Freelancing offers the freedom to work on a variety of topics and projects, giving graduates control over their careers.
Arts Administrator/Project Manager: Graduates can also explore career opportunities in arts organizations, galleries, and cultural institutions. Roles such as arts manager, project coordinator, or event organizer offer a chance to work behind the scenes and promote creative projects and initiatives.
Public Relations and Communications Specialist: With strong writing and communication skills, many graduates go into PR and corporate communications, crafting press releases, speeches, and public statements for companies, non-profits, and government agencies.
