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 will

Develop 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.

Career paths

The MA Creative Writing provides a grounding in research methodologies and practices for students who intended to progress to doctoral work, an enhanced understanding of the study of literature relevant to students who intended to follow a teaching career, and improved competence in transferable skills valued more generally in the market place, including the analysis of complex evidence, the oral and written presentation of arguments and information, and effective time-management. Employer feedback has particularly valued the research skills and high level of critical thinking acquired by graduates of similar MA programmes and the contribution these make to the problem-solving abilities required of those who work at senior levels in complex organizations.

Degree requirements: A 2:1 or above or above at undergraduate level in a humanities discipline such as English, History, Cultural Studies or Media Studies. 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. As part of the admissions process we may request examples of written and creative work and/or interview candidates. Applications from mature and non-traditional candidates are welcomed.