A pioneering course when it launched in 2005, this master's remains dedicated to providing a unique and innovative curriculum, taught by world-leading writers and academic staff.
Start Date:
September 2022
Duration:
1 year (full-time)
2 years (part-time)
Degree Type:
MA/PGDip
Number of credits:
120 PGDip
180 MA
School:
Entry Requirements
A second-class honours degree is normally required as well as a portfolio of writing, consisting of approximately 2000 words of prose (Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Journalism) or 15 pages of poetry. If a candidate demonstrates sufficient skill and professional experience in writing, the previous degree requirement may be waived. Please upload your portfolio of writing on the online application form, which can be found by clicking the 'apply for the course' button.
Why this course
Benefit from the department’s excellent contacts with agents, editors and publishers across the field of writing.
One of the very few universities in the UK to offer modules in the areas of formally innovative poetry.
Roehampton's in-house Fincham Press provides opportunities for you to see your writing published, and gain hands-on experience of the publishing process.
Course and Module Details
Overview:
The MA in Creative Writing degree is designed for ambitious, committed writers who want to hone and develop their writing practice and develop their creative, critical and professional writing skills in preparation for a career in the creative industries.
The programme explores three main forms of writing: fiction, poetry and fiction for young readers. You will tailor your degree by selecting modules that align with your interests, with options that include the short story, the novel, lyric and alternative poetry, visual narratives and fiction for young adults.
Whether you have previously studied creative writing or have an entirely different background, if you are returning to education after a break or continuing straight from an undergraduate degree, you will be supported to develop your personal writing style. On this programme you will discover how to make your writing more effective, break bad habits and learn how to assess your work professionally. You will graduate with the skills required for professional practice in the creative writing industries and with an understanding of the necessary marketing skills.
We will prepare you for your career after you graduate, whether it is as a published writer, working in the professional arts sector, or continuing in academia. We regularly invite writers, who have previously included Emma Donoghue and Kazuo Ishiguru, to give guest lectures and workshops. You will be encouraged to make the most of Roehampton’s connections with the literary world and make professional contacts with publishers and agents. You will also have opportunities to give readings of your work at soirees, and participate in local literary festivals such as Wimbledon Bookfest and Barnes Children’s Literature Festival.
No matter which modules you select, you will engage with a range of social, cultural and political positions, including writing by BME and LGBTQ+ authors, drawing upon the strengths of our diverse teaching staff. The combination of tradition and innovation in the programme will provide you with ample opportunity to consolidate as well as broaden your writing practices.
As well as creative writing modules, you will also take the Archives module, which will give you practical, hands-on research experience allowing you to explore fully the university library’s collections. You will also have options to take modules from other master’s programmes in the department such as the Creative Arts in the Community module, which is partly taught at Battersea Arts Centre, and a module from our Publishing MA programme. As part of your degree you will be able attend literary readings and events, and participate in field trips to enrich your experience. You will also be invited to attend sessions where you will learn about making a living as a writer, develop your marketing skills, and consider the financial, legal and regulatory aspects of writing.
Modules
Indicative Timetable
Students on this course are normally in on weekday evenings.
Career Options
Alongside writing for publication, graduates of this programme may pursue careers in journalism, copywriting and arts management.
‘My lecturers really care about all of us succeeding in our chosen careers. They encourage me to push myself and experiment with my writing, which is also helping prepare me for a career in publishing’.
Samantha Jo Gale, MA Creative Writing
How to apply
Postgraduate programmes
You can apply now for any programme starting in Autumn 2021, January or February 2022 or September 2022.
All postgraduate taught applications can be made via our online application form.
- Check our application deadlines
- View our entry requirements for postgraduate programmes
- View our general entry criteria and application FAQs
If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.
International students
Please note that most international applicants have to pay a deposit before securing their place.
- See our Finance pages for more details
Postgraduate application process FAQs
How do I apply?
To apply, you need to complete our online application form.
Do I need to complete all of my online application at once?
No, you can save and revisit your application form and can contact us directly at any time if you need advice or assistance.
What are the entry criteria and fees?
We have general entry requirements for postgraduate courses. Many of our courses also have specific entry requirements. You can find details of these, and the fees for individual courses, on our postgraduate course pages.
What is the deadline for postgraduate applications?
If you are a prospective postgraduate student who has home fee status, then you can apply close to the start of the course of study. However, if you have international fee status and require a Tier 4 Visa, then you will normally need to apply much earlier. Please see our application deadlines for postgraduate study.
We encourage all students to apply as early as possible, as some programmes have limited numbers.
Does Roehampton offer financial support for postgraduates?
Yes, we offer a range of scholarships, alongside support on managing your finances while you are with us.
You can find more information on our postgraduate home and postgraduate international financial support pages. There are also other sources of external funding for international students available.
Do you offer student accommodation for postgraduates?
Yes, we have a wide range of high quality and competitively priced on-campus student residences. We are able to offer quiet rooms and can adjust for those with specific access needs.
Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Need help before you apply?
Our Research
You can read about some of the research from Roehampton's English and creative writing academics on the Humanities and Social Sciences departmental pages.
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