Creative Writing - MA

University of Birmingham School of English, Drama and Creative Studies

Full time & Part time September MA 1 year full time, 2 years part time

FindAMasters summary

Are you a graduate with a passion for writing? Look no further than the MA in Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham. This innovative programme allows you to define and refine your chosen genre, whether it's short fiction, poetry, plays, or screenplays. With dedicated workshop time and feedback from industry professionals, you'll develop your own voice and ideas while gaining valuable skills for the writing industry. The programme offers a breadth of study, opportunities for experimentation, and a supportive writing community. Plus, you'll have access to excellent facilities and support services. Don't miss your chance to join this vibrant and acclaimed programme. Apply now!

About the course

Short fiction, the novel, poetry, plays and screenplays: define and refine your chosen genre at the University of Birmingham, and explore genres that are new to your writing experience.

If you are a graduate with considerable experience in writing creatively and wish to proceed to a career or further study in this area, then our innovative MA in Creative Writing is for you.

The programme will allow you to develop your own work, your own voice and your own ideas with dedicated workshop time and opportunities to give and receive feedback to and from your peers. You will also benefit from professional skills training to prepare you for your encounters with the writing industry, with insights from industry professional such as editors and publishers.

Entry Requirements

We ask for a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, preferably in English and/or Creative Writing, but other disciplines will be considered. Applicants should also have considerable experience of writing creatively.

All prospective students must also submit a sample of written work as part of the online application process. Your sample should be in the form of a portfolio of creative writing of c. 3,000 words. This may be a prose sample (e.g. one or more short stories; part of a novel); a play or film script; or a selection of poems.

Fees

Please see the university website for further information on fees for this course.

Where will I study?

University of Birmingham

We work to provide the best possible teaching, research facilities and support services to ensure our postgraduates reach the peak of their potential.

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Student Profile

Moyo Abiona

Graduated in 2020

Why did you choose Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham?

“I was excited about the opportunity to study abroad and gain new experiences. As a writer, I think it’s vital and energising to step into novel environments and simply explore. The University of Birmingham’s Creative Writing program is designed for exploration. I’ve written pieces across different genres and styles, from poems and short stories to satirical articles and feature-length screenplays. Sampling various writing styles has helped me hone my own voice and expand the depth of my writing.”

What has been the highlight of your course?

“The collaborative atmosphere of the program has been incredibly helpful to my growth as a writer. Giving and receiving feedback is central to the course as it helps us improve not only with our writing, but also our editing skills. Having an array of opinions and suggestions has been invaluable for me, especially from the department whose expertise covers a range of writing styles. Our modules also had a great mix of theoretical teaching with writing practice and professional development. Writing, for me, is no longer just a skill or a hobby, but the core of my career path.”

What have you learnt from your programme?

“The most important skill I’ve learned is how to edit—what to look for in a piece of writing and how to offer useful suggestions. Being able to evaluate my peers’ work has directly impacted my ability to self-edit. I also appreciate the critical focus of the course on research and academic writing. Doing research for my papers has helped to contextualise, bolster and even inspire my creative work.”