PhD Creative Writing

About the course

We welcome applications from postgraduate students interested in pursuing innovative research in Creative Writing. A Creative Writing thesis takes the form of an original full-length creative work and a critical work on a subject or subjects integral to the creative component. The critical work might take the form of a critical investigation of a related author or authors’ work or an investigation of the PhD’s candidate’s own creative practice and the practical or theoretical underpinnings of the creative work. The exact content of the critical element will be devised by the candidate with the support of their supervisory team.

The creative work should be a fully realised work of literature, whether in prose, poetry or drama. The creative work thus is research into creative practice and therefore makes an original contribution to knowledge. The two elements must be written side by side, as the research undertaken across the project will be crucial to both written documents.

A Creative Writing PhD often draws on other disciplines, so a PhD candidate may have a second supervisor from History, Media, Life Sciences, or any other discipline. Please contact staff to discuss the requirements of your particular thesis.

Our members of staff can offer supervision on a wide range of potential research projects.

What’s next for my career?

• You will be able to develop a substantial, original and creative research project with the help and support of academics who are active researchers and writers themselves.
• You will acquire extensive subject expertise and independent research skills, honed over an extended period.
• You will join a thriving School of Creative Arts and become part of a burgeoning research culture. As a postgraduate student, you are invited to attend and participate in regular reading series, seminars and international conferences hosted by the Creative Writing group.
• All our students are encouraged to present work at national and international conferences and to submit their research for publication
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Before making your formal application, please acquaint yourself with the research expertise of our staff to establish whether there may be an appropriate supervisor for the research project you would like to undertake. Students should normally hold a first or upper second class Honours degree in the proposed study area in order to register for any form of research degree.