Creative Writing MA

This programme is ideal if you are keen to explore genres such as fiction, nonfiction and poetry, and the creative and critical connections between them. We will introduce you to a wide variety of approaches to writing and contemporary examples. You willDevelop your creative work with the support of internationally renowned, award-winning novelists, poets and nonfiction writers. The Creative Writing team at Queen Mary includes Rachael Allen, Katherine Angel, Brian Dillon, Michael Hughes, Nisha Ramayya, Rivers Solomon, and Isabel Waidner. Guest speakers on the programme have included Alexander Chee, Olivia Laing, Darran Anderson, A.K. Blakemore and more.Consider fundamental questions about contemporary writing.Complete a substantial independent writing project in your chosen genre, with one-to-one support and supervision.Study on the only Creative Writing MA offered by a Russell Group university in London.Get involved with our thriving practice and research culture, with special focus on innovative and hybrid writing. The Subtexts event series hosts the most exciting local and international writers in warm, accessible spaces in East London, as well as more intimate work-in-progress events for research students. Our brand-new Centre for Contemporary Writing has strong links to wider literary culture and publishing, and programmes public events, symposia, and interdisciplinary workshops. And you can join the editorial team or submit to our fabulous literary journal Subtexts, gaining vital experience in publishing from both sides.Creative Writing at Queen Mary has a diverse and dynamic research culture that welcomes writers who want to experiment, innovate, take risks and push boundaries of form and genre. If you are ready to take your writing to the next level, to find your own distinctive voice and subject, and to be challenged and inspired to produce your best work, we would love to hear from you.AssessmentCritical and research essaysClose-reading exercises and critical commentariesWritten exercises (e.g. blog posts, blurbs, walking journals, creative non-fiction, reviews, imitations, bibliographical exercises)Translation exercisesPresentations (group and individual), postersPortfolios (written and e-portfolios), log books and learning journalsPerformance projects (group and individual)Multi-media (e.g. podcasts, annotated videos, websites)Dissertation

Degree requirements – You need a 2:1 or above or above at undergraduate level in a humanities discipline such as English, History, Cultural Studies or Media Studies. Applicants are required to submit a sample of creative writing (between 1,000 and 2,000 words). This sample may include fiction, non-fiction, poetry or unclassifiable/hybrid writing. Other routes - Promising applicants who do not meet the formal academic criteria but who possess relevant credentials and who can demonstrate their potential to produce written work at Masters level will also be considered on an individual basis. As part of the admissions process we may  interview candidates. Applications from mature and non-traditional candidates are welcomed.