Master of Creative Writing MCW

at University of Auckland

Programme structure

The MCW is a one-year, full-time programme of study with entry in Semester Two only. You will enrol in CREWRIT 797 Creative Writing (120 points).

 

If you are writing a novel, short stories or creative non-fiction, you are expected to produce a portfolio of between 40,000 and 80,000 words. Poetry collections should have a minimum of 80 pages.

 

Class contact time and peer interaction are an essential part of the programme. In both semesters of the MCW, you must be able to attend two weekly classes – workshops and seminars. In the workshop you will submit drafts for discussion and give considered feedback to the other writers in your cohort. The weekly seminar is a forum for thinking and talking about writing. In these classes we discuss published work and explore the key issues of technique you need to consider in your work.

Programme requirements

 

The MCW is a highly competitive programme.

 

You should have a book project in mind or already underway and demonstrate a clear creative focus and accomplishment in your chosen genre.

 

To enrol in a MCW you need to have completed one of the following at a recognised university (or similar institution):

• A four-year bachelors degree
• An honours degree
• A three-year bachelors degree, and a professional qualification in writing or at least three years of professional experience in writing

 

Professional experience can include previously published creative writing, working in a field involving writing such as journalism or copywriting, involvement in writers’ groups or participation in writing events.

 

You will also need to submit a portfolio of creative writing that is judged by the convenor to be of sufficient standard for entry into the programme.

 

Further programme requirements
 
English language requirements

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.

 

You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0. equirements.
 

2022 fees

Domestic students
NZ$7,914

International students
NZ$37,891

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.16 per point, estimated at $979.20 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

 

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Where could this programme take you?

This programme will help refine the skills you need to finish your book and develop your creative practice. Our graduates have published books with a range of publishers including Allen and Unwin, Penguin Random House, Cuba Press, Bloomsbury, Auckland University Press, Canterbury University Press, Huia and Text. These graduates include Rosetta Allan, Caroline Barron, Rose Carlyle, Gina Cole, Jack Remiel Cottrell, Daren Kamali, Angelique Kasmara, Renee Liang, Amy McDaid, Linda Olsson, Emily Perkins and Ruby Porter. As the MCW is entirely comprised of creative practice research, it is not a qualifying programme for a PhD at the University of Auckland. If you are considering a PhD with a creating writing component please contact p.morris@auckland.ac.nz to discuss entry requirements.