Creative Writing (MA)

at Cardiff University

Overall, the degree programme is worth 180 credits. You will study a mixture of core modules and a selection from a range of optional modules (either from within Creative Writing or the English Literature MA programme).  
 

The programme is divided into two stages. Stage 1 is comprised of all of your taught modules. On successful completion of Stage 1 you will progress to Stage 2 of the programme.  
 

As the focus of Stage 2, from May to September of your year of study, you will devote your time to completing your extended portfolio of writing and accompanying critical commentary produced exclusively during the course. You will be supported in this through one-to-one tutorial meetings with your portfolio supervisor. You must successfully complete Stage 2 and pass the module to gain your Master’s degree.
 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/23 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

Stage one is comprised entirely of taught modules and takes places across the autumn and spring semesters.  It consists of a mixture of core modules and a selection from a range of optional modules that make up a total of 120 credits.
 

A selection of optional modules in Creative Writing provides you with the opportunity to learn about further areas of creative and critical practice; these may include ideas and approaches in the practice of translating creative work; how literary theory informs creative writing; or creative writing pedagogy, with an emphasis on practical applications and the chance to gain teaching experience.
 

Each year a wide selection of English Literature modules are made available to Creative Writing students that may be taken; if you decide to study an English Literature module you may need to submit a sample of critical writing to demonstrate the requisite writing skills, and potentially meet with the module tutor to ensure you have the required background knowledge to study on that module.  

This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path. No prior knowledge or degree in the subject is required.
 

Academic requirements: 

Typically, you will need to have either: 

• a 2:1 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree
• or a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification 
   

English Language requirements:

IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 with at least 6.5 in all other subskills, or an accepted equivalent. 
 

Other essential requirements: 

You will also need to provide:

• a 750-word personal statement outlining your motivations for undertaking the course and an awareness of the programme aims and learning outcomes
• 2000 words of prose or drama, or up 10 poems - the number of pages will vary according to the genre or work you are submitting. Something you have previously submitted as part of your BA degree or another course is acceptable
• 1000 words of additional writing, made up of one of the following: literary criticism, an academic essay, journalism, an arts review, or a piece of creative analysis (as required for 'commentaries' on standard Creative Writing assignments).
   

​Application deadline:

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. 
 

Selection process: 

We will review your application and the quality of the portfolio of creative writing submitted and if you meet the entry requirements, we will make you an offer. 

Fees for home status

Tution Fees - £8950
Deposit - £

Fees for overseas status

Tution Fees - £19,700
Deposit-£1,000
 

Postgraduate study is a gateway to many careers within and beyond academia. Many overseas postgraduates return to lectureships with much enhanced career prospects. Example employers in the UK include Cardiff University, Mencap, Poetry Wales magazine, Teach First, and the Welsh Government, with jobs that include Creative Writing Lecturer, Copyeditor, Copywriter, Librarian, Literary Agent, Literary Editor, Marketing Officer, Novelist, Poet, Publicist, Publisher, Playwright, Recruitment Consultant, Teacher, and Screenwriter, among many others.
 

Among our roll-call of alumni are Susmita Bhattacharya (Table Manners, Dahlia), Wales Book of the Year winner Deborah Kay Davies (True Things About Me, Canongate) and science fiction novelist James Smythe (I Still Dream, HarperCollins).
 

Placements
 

Those opting to undertake the optional module Teaching Creative Writing module, will have the chance to sit in on undergraduate classes and to teach a session, and potentially to visit local schools and colleges.