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University of Southampton: Creative Writing
| Institution | University of Southampton View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | English |
| Web | www.southampton.ac.uk/postgraduate |
| AdmissionsPGT.AH@soton.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 023 8059 4732 |
| Study type | Taught |
MA
Summary
About this course The MA in Creative Writing is a stimulating course designed to prepare you for a career as a professional writer. You will develop advanced skills and become an expert in up to five areas of contemporary writing: fiction, scriptwriting, creative non-fiction, writing for young people, and poetry. The programme encourages you to think deeply and critically about your work in a supportive environment, challenging your preconceptions about the genres you wish to pursue. You will be taught by practicing, award-winning writers and lecturers, including published novelists and acclaimed non-fiction writers. The course has an international focus, with students and staff coming from across the world, enriching the range of writing traditions you will encounter. We're ranked 6th for research quality in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).
Your future career This degree allows you to develop essential subject-specific and targeted employability skills, including Critical Thinking, Communication, and Creativity. Graduates commonly work in a wide range of sectors, including the Creative Industries, Arts Organisations, Publishers, Television and Radio Stations, Journalism, and Self-employment. Careers directly related to this course include: Writer, Digital Copywriter, Magazine Editor, Journalist, Copy Editor, Proofreader, and Social Media Content Creator. The course also prepares you for further study, such as a PhD.
Key features of this course At Southampton you'll: • Have the opportunity to publish and edit an end-of-year anthology and take part in a literary festival. • Participate in a lively programme of literary events, including the 'Writers in Conversation' reading series, featuring acclaimed, published authors. • Pursue creative collaborations with people across the University, including scientists and visiting actors (such as the annual Litmus project). • Take advantage of the University’s rich arts environment, including the on-campus Turner Sims Concert Hall and the John Hansard Gallery. • Be able to specialise in topics that interest you by choosing from a wide variety of optional modules offered by the School of Humanities.
Further information This master's degree can be studied full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 or more years). Your studies culminate in a supervised independent Final Project, which involves submitting a significant body of creative work supported by a critical commentary that addresses a key question raised by your practice. You will have regular, supportive advice and guidance from your supervisors throughout this project. You will also have access to the Creative Skills workshop, a weekly forum focused on your own writing.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You’ll need a 2:2 degree in English literature or a related subject. You must also provide a sample of creative writing, please check our course page for further informtion. |
| Location | Avenue Campus University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Road Southampton SO17 1BF |
Summary
Our Master of Arts in Creative Writing is a stimulating course which will prepare you to be a professional writer. You’ll have opportunities to publish and edit an anthology, take part in a literary festival, and pursue creative collaborations with everyone from scientists to visiting actors. Your fellow students will come from all over the world and bring with them a wide range of experiences and writing traditions.
You can take part in a lively programme of literary events, including our own 'Writers in Conversation' reading series. We hold this event 3 times each semester, featuring authors such as Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Egan, American writer Gish Jen, and BBC scriptwriter Stephen M. Thompson. We'll also encourage you to take advantage of the University's rich arts environment, including the on-campus Turner Sims Concert Hall and affiliation with Southampton's John Hansard Gallery.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You’ll need a 2:1 degree in English literature or a related subject. |
| Location | Avenue Campus University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Road Southampton SO17 1BF |
Summary
Our Master of Arts in Creative Writing is a stimulating course which will prepare you to be a professional writer. You’ll have opportunities to publish and edit an anthology, take part in a literary festival, and pursue creative collaborations with everyone from scientists to visiting actors. Your fellow students will come from all over the world and bring with them a wide range of experiences and writing traditions.
You can take part in a lively programme of literary events, including our own 'Writers in Conversation' reading series. We hold this event 3 times each semester, featuring authors such as Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Egan, American writer Gish Jen, and BBC scriptwriter Stephen M. Thompson. We'll also encourage you to take advantage of the University's rich arts environment, including the on-campus Turner Sims Concert Hall and affiliation with Southampton's John Hansard Gallery.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | first or upper second-class degree or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University in English literature or a cognate discipline |
| Location | Avenue Campus University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Road Southampton SO17 1BF |
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Study your postgraduate degree at the University of Southampton, a Russell Group university ranked in the top 17 in the UK* and 87th among global universities**.
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