MA in Creative Writing (Online)

Transform your passion for reading into the ability to produce prose worthy of public recognition . 

APPLY NOW ❯

  • WHAT YOU LEARN
  • COURSE MODULES
  • HOW YOU'RE ASSESSED
  • ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
  • CAREER PROSPECTS

Course details

100%
two years (part-time)
£10,600 ( )
January, May and September
16 September 2024
23 September 2024
9 September 2024

Additional costs:   due to the nature of the subject, and copyright restrictions placed on institutional libraries by some publishers, students will need to purchase some core texts.

Support with your application:   Contact our adviser team today for application advice.

APPLICATION PROCESS ❯

Why this MA in Creative Writing?

It was Hull where Philip Larkin lived and worked at the University's Brynmor Jones Library for 30 years, writing most of his best work. A seafaring city that connected outwards and brought some of the exotic back to northern England.

Embracing Hull's global-facing outlook, MA Professor and accomplished author Martin Goodman describes the University's MA Creative Writing as an inspiring and collegial environment for online students who want to develop their distinctive voice as a creative writer.

There is also the option to attend face-to-face events , as you seek public recognition and become a valued, active member of a vibrant international creative writing community.

The University of Hull was ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction with Creative Writing in The Complete University Guide 2024 .

What you learn

Transform your passion for reading into the ability to produce prose worthy of public recognition. Whatever your genre of preference, be it literary fiction, nonfiction, or the likes of fantasy, mystery or romance – you will have the opportunity to hone your creative writing skills and discover the techniques seminal writers have used to significant effect:

push your creative boundaries and give shape to a strong and original creative voice

expand your knowledge of the literary canon and acquire the art of reading as a literary writer 

gain an in-depth knowledge of structure which will help you towards a deeper understanding of your writing process 

become conversant with a range of textual elements such as the use of dialogue, point of view, perspective and sensory detail and apply learned technique to your preferred writing genre 

take your place within the international creative writing community. Critique the work of others and engender the view of published writers as colleagues from who you can learn 

  • develop your practice as a creative writer, understand the editing and re-drafting process necessary to produce prose of a publishable standard.

Your questions answered Programme Director Dr Chris Westoby answers some key questions about the course, including which modules you'll study, how you'll learn online, and the entry requirements.

Grey

[upbeat music plays throughout]

Dr Chris Westoby: So there are five modules over the course of two years. You're introduced to the programme with The Writer's Craft, which is designed by our programme founder, Martin Goodman. The Writer's Craft teaches you key writing concepts at MA level, how to analyze the work of exemplary authors and locate what makes their writing successful, so that you may apply such skills within your own practice, and you work upon and strengthen your unique writing voice.

This acts as your your foundation, your springboard, from which you launch into the central three genre specific modules. So you have Writing the Short Story, Writing from Life and Writing the Novel where you study and practice specific modes of writing in-depth.

By the end of these four taught modules, you'll be well equipped and raring to embark upon The Writer's Portfolio. This double length and double weighted module sees you liftoff into an extended writing project of your own design.

With the support of a supervisor chosen to help bring out the very best in your work. You learn through a a combination of writing exercises, lectures, guided critical reading, discussion, forums, workshops and webinars.

Well, this is hard to quantify because everyone works at different speeds, which is absolutely fine and part of what we're proud to accommodate. There are also extra elements to each model, which some students may wish to engage in such as further recommended reading.

Our standard entry requirements are a 2:2 BA honours degree or international equivalent.

However, we also recognize other forms of prior experience and therefore encourage anyone who is interested in the programme to get in touch.

Your application may discuss where your career has taken you so far and why this equips you with the skills designed to join this program. You might discuss other writing courses you've attended, which have provided a strong foundation. You might discuss inroads you have made into publication, all of which shows that you are ready to start sharing your work and have practiced polishing it.

Or you may simply demonstrate the strength of your potential as a writer through your creative writing sample.

Even without the standard entry requirements, you may be the ideal candidate for this programme. There are a number of non standard ways in which you may be considered, so please do get in touch.

Your assigned course advisor will help you form an application that lets your unique strengths shine.

Student work

Jinny Alexander - Dear Isobel

Dear Isobel

Sonia Ferrigno - Bedtime stories for kids

Bedtime Stories for Kids

The Watcher of the Night Sky - Rachel Pudsey

The Watcher Of The Night Sky (Book 1)

Post-Midnight Blues - Rae Toonery

Post-Midnight Blues

Eileen Dunne Crescenzi - Festa

Festa: A Year of Italian Celebrations - Recipes and Recollections

Ian Cartwright - Mental Health Home Group Material

Mental Health Home Group Material

Sarah Jane Wilson - Out there

Into Your Blues

Pack of Lies - Roz Levens

Pack of Lies

The Twinkling of an Eye - Sue Brown

The Twinkling Of An Eye

Thin - Ann K. Morris

Distant Voices: An anthology of stories

Course modules.

This masters degree allows you to develop your confidence and craft as a writer within a supportive, creative environment.

You study the following compulsory modules.

Because writing takes fire in the readers' mind, in this module, you will examine a wide range of literary works. Focusing primarily on textual elements including; sentence length and flow, perspective, choices of tense you will develop an understanding of how writers achieve their effects. Presented with sections of exemplary writing, you will move from your own visceral responses (e.g., excitement, intrigue, fear) to tracking how the writer deploys elements of craft to trigger desired emotions and atmosphere.

Short stories allow emerging writers to complete narrative arcs and establish a reputation through published works before tackling the longer form of a novel. In this module not only will you develop an appreciation of short stories from a range of international writers, but you will take the short story form and make it your own. Note that this module will also cover two sub-genres within the form; micro-fiction and flash fiction.

This module will introduce you to a wide range of nonfiction prose with a particular focus on travel writing, the essay, memoir, nature writing, and true-crime. You will produce your portfolio of work while practising a range of narrative nonfiction forms within a supportive, peer-driven environment.

What is it about an opening chapter of a novel that makes it virtually impossible to put it down? Throughout this module, you will improve upon your novel writing skills. The critique of your writing in a workshop setting will help you develop a keen awareness of narrative and narration along with a deep understanding of archetypes as an essential part of storytelling. As you develop plot and structure, you will employ editing and redrafting techniques to produce work you are proud to publish.

Creative writing is a rewarding process which requires immense personal discipline. In this module, you will receive guidance on how to structure your writing practice in this respect. Your prose portfolio (up to 15,000 words) represents the culmination of your MA Creative Writing programme. Here you will demonstrate your originality of ideas, grasp of technique and craft, presenting a unique and accomplished body of work to a publishable or near publishable standard.

Hear from our Alumni

Hear their stories, discover their motivations and the obstacles they overcame, and gain valuable insider perspectives.

Join us in Sep 2024

What are the entry requirements.

A minimum 2.2 Bachelor Honours degree  or international equivalent . Applicants who do not meet this requirement may still be considered, but will need to present examples of relevant prior experience, courses, job roles, or published work.

A creative writing sample (fiction or non-fiction) of 1,500 to 2,000 words

  • A personal statement of around 300-500 words. Click here for details of what should be included

An IELTS 6.0 score (with minimum 5.5 in each skill) if your first language isn’t English (or other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull )

One professional or academic reference

If you're unsure whether you're eligible to apply, please get in touch with our friendly course adviser team for advice:

DISCUSS MY OPTIONS ❯

“I chose Hull because I wanted to study somewhere where I would be pushed to break free from my comfort zone."

How you're assessed.

All assessments for the course are based on coursework and submitted online. There are no exams. 

Assessment methods

Your performance on the course will be assessed through a range of methods including:

ongoing tutor and peer feedback

practical work, including group projects and discussion forums

Written assessments

You’ll also be asked to complete a variety of written assessments including:

Critical and creative responses, where you provide examples of crafting skills in work that interests you, and then provide short writing samples that utilise those techniques in your own work

Prose portfolios, comprising one or two pieces of original work

Commentary pieces, describing your ambitions and intent for your prose portfolios

Get more detailed information on the course assessment methods page:

FIND OUT MORE  ❯

Teaching team

Martin Goodman

Professor Martin Goodman

Christopher Westoby

Dr Christopher Westoby

Mick Jackson

Dr Mick Jackson

Kate Horsley

Dr Kate Horsley

Barbara Henderson

Barbara Henderson

Tim Hannigan

Tim Hannigan

Megan Hayes

Dr Megan Hayes

Gaar Adams

Dr Elizabeth Watkinson

KR Moorhead

KR Moorhead

Broaden your horizons with face-to-face events.

At the University of Hull, we believe it’s important for students to feel a sense of connectedness, whether they’re studying on campus or online. This is why we hold up to two face-to-face events per year with creative workshops, talks from visionary academics, and a glance into the UK’s thriving creative writing community. Students from previous events have:  

  • Formed lasting friendships with fellow creatives  
  • Refined their creative writing style on the back of discussion and constructive criticism  
  • Drawn inspiration from new perspectives and literary genres  
  • Picked up insider knowledge on how to get their work published   

Want to flex your creative muscles, meet your tutors in-person, or form a rapport with like-minded people? You can do all this and more, while exploring topics outside of your course modules. Stay tuned for updates on our face-to-face events – we’d love to have you join us!  

SEE OUR EVENTS ❯

What makes this course stand out? Hear from Programme Founder Professor Martin Goodman about what sets this Creative Writing masters degree apart.

[inspirational music plays throughout]

Hello I'm Martin Goodman, Professor of Creative Writing here at the University of Hull. I'm Director of this MA Online Creative Writing program. And I'm a writer like you. So part of our program here is to welcome fellow writers and encourage you to be the best writer you can be. This course for anybody who wants to take their creative writing seriously, for whom it's something very important. It's probably been very private 'til now, but you're ready to share it, and you're ready to share it, ideally in this online environment. This suits you. Writing is quite a private thing that happens on paper. But we know we have to share it at some times if we're going to reach other readers. So this is what we aim to do with you. The way this course works is to bring you through several different modules. The first one is writer's craft, where we will examine other writers and exemplary pieces of writing and their techniques, how they make their writing work and other readers' minds. And then you build up these skills as you're going through modules about writing the story of writing the novel, writing from life, and then you're released into an extended piece of writing, and that is where you're following the form that most appeals to you. We designed this course to help you build yourself into being the complete prose writer. For me, it's actually been very important to try out all of these fields. So I write novels, I write short stories. I also write non-fiction, I write biographies, I write travel pieces, I write reviews. All of these things are part of what makes a writer able to sustain a living in the world. And you don't have to always be working from your imagination. There's always something you can go to. And in each of these, you're also building up your own skills. So if your main desire in life is to be a novelist, the skills that you can find from learning how to write the creative nonfiction, writing from life, or how to build a little character arc within a short story. These are all essential to you. Every little piece of skill that you develop in writing any form will go into the form of your choosing. It's very important to me that we create a protected space around you. So you're not writing according to what some publisher takes as being that fits my box. You're writing the best work that can emerge from yourself inside this protected space, so it's not judgmental at all. We're completely free. We're saying, begin to yourself and write from that hidden space inside of you. I know that a lot of students are really bursting with their creative writing and looking for feedback, but they find it very hard to get into the classroom. Sometimes it's not good if you're a quiet person to have to face the bustle of a classroom, to have to put out your writing at this particular moment. It's much simpler to do that in your own time, to sort of breathe in. You post it online, and then other people can review it in their own time. That's really what this online course is doing. It is connecting the world through brilliant writers. 

Career prospects

By studying this course, you should gain the confidence and practical skills necessary to produce creative writing of a publishable or near-publishable standard, in your genre of choice.

Want to get published?

Programme Director Dr Chris Westoby discusses how studying creative writing at Hull led to his first book:

READ THE FULL STORY ❯

You'll also gain valuable transferrable skills which are in-demand across the creative industries and beyond.

MA Creative Writing graduates often go into successful careers in a broad range of industries, such as

professional writing/authorship

marketing and PR

heritage and tourism

journalism and broadcasting

museum curating

Ready to apply?

Our step-by-step application process is easy to follow.

The University of Hull and its digital courses provider, Hull Online Limited, delivered in partnership with Cambridge Education Group Digital (CEGD), will only use your personal data to contact you in relation to our courses. For further information, please see the privacy policy .

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Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning)

Home > Postgraduate study > Postgraduate courses > Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning)

Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning)

Why choose this course.

The Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning) offers you the chance to study with a range of well-established and award-winning writers in a dynamic writing environment, but without having to relocate or give up current commitments. Taught in our virtual forums and classrooms, modules can be accessed at a time of the week to suit your schedule.

You will learn in workshops, one-to-one or in small groups, with support from practising and published writers and fellow students. Our award-winning former creative writing students include Booker-shortlisted Oyinkan Braithwaite, Joe Pierson, who won the Bridport Prize, Stefan Mohammed, awarded the Dylan Thomas Prize, Bafta-winner, Sarah Woolner, the acclaimed poet Dom Bury and celebrated novelist Faiqa Mansab. 

The non-compulsory campus days give you a chance to visit the campus and attend a relevant lecture, as well as to meet fellow workshop students. Those travelling longer distances who wish to stay longer and explore the cultural opportunities that London offers, or simply to write, are also welcome to attend events taking place on campus for the rest of the week, featuring staff, writers in residences, students and guests.

Mode Duration Attendance Start date
Full time 1 year Full-time students can attend two campus days, scheduled annually in mid-October and early January. September 2024
September 2025
Part time 2 years Part-time students normally attend the October campus day in the first year and the January campus day in the second year. September 2024
September 2025

Curtis Brown Agent's Choice competition

All successful applicants who take up their place with us in September will be entered into our competition to have a consultation with Annabel White , an agent at top London literary agency Curtis Brown.

So make sure the creative work you submit with your application is your very best – it might win you a meeting with a literary agent.

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • Delivered by Distance Learning, this Creative Writing MA helps you to develop the craft of creative writing, either on a general level or through specialising in your chosen genre. Taught in virtual forums and classrooms, your studies can suit your schedule, and you will not have to relocate or give up your job.
  • The creative dissertation and critical essay give you the chance to further specialise. You also explore writing in a range of forms and styles and take a module exploring critical theory and experimental/avant-garde writing.
  • You will become part of Kingston's thriving community, with events such as readings, lectures from published authors, editors and agents, masterclasses and enriching discussions.
  • You will have the opportunity to contribute to Kingston University's publication, Ripple, which includes fiction, poetry, reviews and creative non-fiction and is edited by students on the course.
  • You'll study in workshops, learning one-on-one or in small groups with experts in your chosen area. The course is taught by a combination of:
  • appointed staff - many are published authors or active researchers, which keeps your learning dynamic.
  • peer review - giving you the chance to discuss your own and other students' work in a mutually-supportive environment.

The Art School Experience

As part of  Kingston School of Art , students on this course benefit from joining a creative community where collaborative working and critical practice are encouraged.

Our  workshops and studios  are open to all disciplines, enabling students and staff to work together, share ideas and explore multi-disciplinary making.

Two students collaborate on a design project.

What our students say

In this video, one of our creative writing alumna and a current student discuss why they chose the course, what they enjoyed about it and why they'd recommend it to future applicants.

What you will study

The Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning) follows the same course structure as the successful and popular Creative Writing MA. You'll be taught through individual tutorials, streamed lectures and readings held at or sponsored by the University.

The Writers' Workshop module will encourage you to develop your writing 'voice' through engagement with fellow students across a range of genres (in fiction or creative non-fiction), while the Special Study module enables you to specialise in one genre, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry or drama.

You will learn the elements of fiction, poetry and drama as well as studying relevant critical theory and trying out your own fictional experiments in the Critical Challenges module. You'll take part in online masterclasses and put all you have learned into practice in the dissertation module. It is possible to use both workshop modules and the dissertation together to work towards a substantial part of a longer piece such as a novel.

This Creative Writing MA will give you the knowledge and confidence to enter the cultural debate and to begin to identify outlets for your own writing.

Full-time students can attend two campus days, scheduled annually, usually in November and February.

Part-time students normally attend the November campus day in the first year and the February campus day in the second year.

Full-time students take two 30-credit modules each semester, including a Special Study workshop on a particular genre e.g. poetry, drama or fiction, in the second semester. You'll participate in general workshops, reading sessions and tutorials with your assigned dissertation supervisor throughout the course.

You may then choose to complete a 15,000-word 60-credit dissertation accompanied by a 3,000-word critical review, for which you'll receive one-to-one supervision as you work towards a September completion.

Core modules

Creative writing dissertation.

This module focuses on your own creative writing and research into your chosen form or genre, developed in consultation with your supervisor. You learn via one-to-one tutorials with your personal supervisor. You produce two pieces of writing:

  • a creative dissertation – a portion of a novel, a body of poetry, a play screenplay or other creative form of no more than 15,000 words; and
  • a critical essay of approximately 3,000 words – considering the relationships between your own writing and the literary contexts/theoretical concerns that inform published writing in your chosen genre or form.

Your supervisor must agree in advance the final structure, approximate word length and for presentation conventions of these pieces.

Special Study: Workshops in Popular Genre Writing

This online workshop module will be devoted to the creative writing of students all working in the same form and genre of their choice.  It will enable students to develop drafts in their chosen form and genre, and to master its specific codes and conventions. Draft work to be reviewed may include, for example, poetry, prose fiction, non-fiction, writing for the stage, or screenwriting, perhaps in a choice of genres such as crime writing, fantasy fiction, writing for children, historical fiction, science fiction, romance and autobiography. Students will be advised how best to strengthen their knowledge of that form or genre in order to reflect critically and constructively on their own writing.  Attention will then be given to the production of a substantial piece or a collection of pieces of creative writing that reflects their knowledge of and engagement with their chosen form or genre.

Writing the Contemporary

This module provides the opportunity to examine ways in which reading is essential to writing practice and teaches you to apply literary techniques and strategies from contemporary fiction, life writing and poetry texts to your own work. You will develop the concept of ‘reading as a writer' in order to explore how contemporary concerns are brought to the fore by artistic strategies, and examine how an understanding of these can provide models for your own creative practice. You will submit work including a reflective reading journal as well as a creative piece in a genre of your choice.

Writers' Workshop

This is a workshop-based online module in which students will present and discuss their own work and that of their peers within a group of students writing in a variety of genres and forms. The draft work presented in the module will normally include forms such as poetry, prose fiction, non-fiction, writing for the stage or screenwriting, in a variety of genres, but it may also include genres such as science fiction, romance, crime fiction, writing for children, historical fictional, and autobiography. Students will develop a strong knowledge of the writing workshop ethos, its requirements and etiquette as mutual practical criticism of peer writing will be accompanied by discussion of the scope or constraints of the various genres as well as the implications of working in various forms. Attention will be paid to the relevant components of good writing: appropriate use of language, narrative pace, dialogue, expression, characterisation and mood.

Critical Challenges for Creative Writers

The module is designed to introduce students to some issues of critical and literary theory. The module is also designed to make students more aware of how their work impacts upon wider literary, cultural, political and philosophical issues. Awareness of these theories and of some of the issues surrounding the production and reception of literary texts will stimulate them, encouraging creative and conceptual thinking. The module will explore debates about literature and the practice of creative writing through readings of essays and texts that are relevant to criticism and theory. The academic component of the assessment will support the creative work with the objective that students will also have to demonstrate critical, academic, analytical skills.

Entry requirements

Typical offer.

We normally expect applicants to have:

  • A second class degree or above, or equivalent, in creative writing, English literature, literature and language, drama or theatre studies or a humanities subject.
  • Applicants with academic qualifications in other subjects, or relevant work experience, will be considered on an individual basis.
  • A demonstrable interest in creative writing.

You may also submit a sample of creative writing (maximum of 3,000 words) and a personal statement (maximum of 1,000 words) to support your application for this course.

International

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with 5.5 in all elements. Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements , which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider.

Applicants from one of the recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

  • Middle East

Teaching and assessment

Continuous assessments in individual accredited modules plus assessment of final dissertation.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically involves reading and analysing articles, regulations, policy documents and key texts, documenting individual projects, preparing coursework assignments and completing your PEDRs, etc.

Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the University's online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

At Kingston University, we know that postgraduate students have particular needs and therefore we have a range of support available to help you during your time here.

Your workload

Year 1: 5% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.

  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 93 hours

Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1,707 hours

For part time students

  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 44 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 556 hours
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 49 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1,151 hours

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

Full time - Year 1

Part time - year 1, part time - year 2.

  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1707 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1151 hours

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises portfolios and a dissertation.

The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course in each full time or part time year:

Type of assessment

  • Coursework: 100%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Class sizes

Class sizes are kept small for this course and usually limited to 10. However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course?

This course is delivered by Kingston School of Art. As a student on this course, you will benefit from a lively study environment, thanks to the wide range of postgraduate courses on offer. The combination of academics and practitioners makes it a unique environment in which to further your studies and your career.

The University provides a vibrant and forward-thinking environment for study with:

  • courses designed in collaboration with industry professionals  –  enabling you to keep right up to date with the latest developments in the creative and professional writing environment;
  • established connections with the London arts and media scene  –  with a range of guest speakers, professors and lecturers visiting the University; and
  • committed and enthusiastic staff  –  many of whom are expert practitioners as well as leading academics and researchers.
  • opportunity to contribute to Kingston University's publications, such as Ripple. They include fiction, poetry, reviews and creative non-fiction and are edited by postgraduate creative writing students.

Postgraduate students may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

creative writing online course uk

Dr Wendy Vaizey

Course leader.

creative writing online course uk

Mr Oludiran Adebayo

creative writing online course uk

Mr Steven J. Fowler

creative writing online course uk

Professor Hanif Kureishi

creative writing online course uk

Dr Marina Lambrou

Fees for this course, 2025/26 fees for this course, home 2025/26.

  • MA part time distance learning £5,665
  • MA full time (distance learning) £10,300

International 2025/26

  • MA part time distance learning £9,680
  • MA full time (distance learning) £17,600

2024/25 fees for this course

Home 2024/25.

  • MA part time distance learning £5,445
  • MA full time (distance learning) £9,900

International 2024/25

  • MA part time distance learning £9,295
  • MA full time (distance learning) £16,900

Tuition fee information for future course years

If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.

If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.

Postgraduate loans

If you are a UK student, resident in England and are aged under the age of 60, you will be able to apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. For more information, read the postgraduate loan information on the government's website .

Funding and bursaries

Bursaries are available from the School of Arts, Culture and Communications for students working on the Kingston University Press (KUP), Ripple magazine or other related activities (find out more and apply after you have enrolled).

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan . You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

After you graduate

Some of our departmental graduates have achieved notable successes, having published short stories and novels which were started as part of their degree, and attracted good literary agents, for example:

  • Oyinkan Braithwaite 's novel,  My Sister the Serial Killer , reviewed by The New Yorker and BBC Radio 4's Open Book and Front Row, has won the Crime and Thriller book of the year at the British Book Awards; Oyinkan is the first black woman to do so.  
  • Grainne Murphy has recently signed a two-book deal with Legend Press. Her debut novel,  Where the Edge Is , was published in September 2020, with The Ghostlights to be published in 2021. 
  • Ben Halls ' debut  The Quarry  was book of the day in The Guardian in March 2020. 
  • Amy Clarke has signed a two-book deal.  Like Clockwork  is a psychological suspense novel about a true-crime podcast host who's obsessively trying to solve the decades-old cold case of a notorious Minnesotan serial killer whose victims were each one year younger than the last. It is due to be published in March/April 2021 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, with a second book to follow. 
  • A story Seraphina Madsen wrote for the MA Critical Challenges module was published in the UK's pre-eminent literary journal, The White Review, and secured her an agent and a book deal. 
  • Stevan Alcock is another MA student whose debut novel – workshopped on our MA – was published by 4th Estate.  
  • Hannah Vincent is a former MFA student with novels out with Myriad Editions and Salt. 
  • Myriad Editions also run a writing competition each year aimed at finding new writers, with MFA student Karly Stilling winning in 2015. This year the award was won by another current Kingston student, Sylvia Carr . Former MA (now PhD student) Joseph Pierson was a recent runner-up. 
  • Julia Lewis is a former MFA student and experimental poet who has gone on to publish a wide range of work. She also rewrote MA tutor James Miller's novel Lost Boys as a collection of experimental poetry. 
  • Stefan Mohamed won the Dylan Thomas Prize and has gone to have a successful career as a writer of YA fiction. 
  • MA student Vicky Newham signed a two book deal for her crime series. Vicky is on the Daggers longlist for the best crime novel by a first-time author. 
  • Faiqa Mansab published her debut novel  This House of Clay and Water in Pakistan and India to great acclaim and it  has been optioned by the talented Sheherzade Sheikh for screen adaptation. 
  • Other successes include Susie Lynes and Lauren Forry . 
  • Other former students have gone on to work in editorial posts in the publishing industry.

Why I chose Kingston

What our students and graduates say

Initially, it was a bit daunting returning to university as a mature student (in my early 50s) but as there were quite a number of us older students we soon formed a little group and in fact became quite good friends. The thing I possibly enjoyed most about Kingston was the number of workshops on offer pretty much throughout my time there. I found myself signing up for everything, from fiction to thriller to life writing courses. I just loved the vibe of being in that academic and literary environment. It was a huge privilege being able to attend workshops, free of charge, presented by some of the most esteemed literary personalities. In addition, there were publishing events that put us in direct contact with editors, agents and publishers. Weekly events hosted by Kingston Writing School were also hugely inspiring. Listening to authors relating their journeys about the long road from writing to being published was hugely encouraging and something I rarely missed.

The actual MA course and the various modules we had to complete pushed me beyond my comfort zone, particularly in poetry, which is something I'd never had a penchant for. But, thanks to my accomplished lecturers, I ended up enjoying every single one of them.

However, it was one of the extra-curricular workshops that inspired my book, Secrets of a Stewardess . The memoir/life writing workshop was hosted by John Man, author of more than 13 books. I was convinced that I was in the wrong class as I felt that I had absolutely no story to tell, but he somehow managed to coax out of me my years as an airline stewardess in the ‘80s. I also wrote a children's book (which was signed up by an agent) while I was at Kingston University, but used the memoir as part of my dissertation.

I can honestly say that completing my MA in Creative Writing at Kingston University and then being published is one of the most rewarding things I have done. It taught me that you are never too old to achieve your goals - you just need to set them and then work towards them. Studying creative writing gave me the confidence to believe that I actually could write and the whole support system offered at Kingston University, finally helped me to get published.

Secrets of a Stewardess has been published by The History Press who has done an outstanding job of marketing it. WHS Smith Travel bought 2,500 copies upfront; I have been interviewed on BBC Radio 4; I have featured on BBC World Services', The Conversation; I have been interviewed live on Talk Radio Europe; I have had a feature in The Daily Mail newspaper; I have been interviewed and photographed by The Sun newspaper and I featured in Prima magazine's August edition.

Gretchen Ryan

Links with business and industry

A range of additional events and lectures will enhance your studies and add an extra perspective to your learning. Activities for this course include:

Masterclasses

Live online masterclasses in each teaching block with distinguished professors and researchers such as Hanif Kureishi and Paul Bailey.

Distance Learning students who attend Campus Days are able to attend events and readings with publishing specialists and professionals that take place on these days. These have included agents such as Briony Woods, Jemima Hunt and others.

Overseas student visiting for Campus Days who wish to stay for a few days longer will find other lectures and events of interest to attend.

Students within reach of London are also welcome to attend events on campus such as talks from writer and film director Shelagh McLeod, Influx Press editor Sanya Semakula and writers Michael Hughes, Catherine McNamara and Susan Lynes.

Guest lectures

Weekly guest lectures by leading journalists including:

  • Samira Ahmed , an award-winning journalist with 20 years' experience in print and broadcast;
  • David Jenkins , editor of Little White Lies, a bi-monthly movie magazine powered by illustration;
  • Richard Moynihan , Head of digital journalism, The Telegraph and
  • Alex Stedman , fashion blogger at The Frugality and former style editor at Red magazine.

Regular readings through Writers' Centre Kingston, which offers an annual programme of events from talks to workshops and festivals, hosted and curated in partnership with institutions local to Kingston University and in London, from The Rose Theatre to the Rich Mix Cultural Foundation, from the Museum of Futures to Kingston First.

Lunchtime lectures

Frequent philosophy lunchtime lectures which focus on a major figure in the history of Western philosophy, introducing students to that thinker's work, usually through the discussion of one of her or his emblematic works. There are also weekly Journalism lunchtime lectures with a range of industry experts.

Ripple magazine

The literary magazine Ripple is edited by MA students, providing a platform for the publication of creative work; and a chance to get hands-on experience of the publishing process.

Research areas

Research in English literature and creative writing at Kingston University covers the following areas:

  • 19th and 20th century British and American fiction;
  • fictions of globalisation;
  • gothic writing;
  • travel writing;
  • women's writing from the 18th century to the present;
  • New Woman and fin de siècle fictions;
  • Shakespeare;
  • literature of the English Reformation period;
  • postcolonial studies;
  • theories of gender;
  • life writing and trauma;

It focuses around the following research initiatives:

  • Iris Murdoch Studies - research on the Iris Murdoch archives acquired by Kingston University in 2003/04).
  • Life Narratives Research Group - bringing together best practice from all genres of life narrative work.
  • Cultural Histories at Kingston - centred around the concept of the 'cultural text', the group includes scholars from the fields of literature, film, media, history, music, dance, performance, and journalism.
  • Writers' Centre Kingston - a literary cultural centre dedicated to creative writing in all its forms, with an annual programme of events, talks, workshops and festivals.
  • Race/Gender Matters - captures and concentrates research on theoretical, critical and creative engagements with the materiality of race, gender and language.

We also hold regular seminars and host presentations by visiting speakers.

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course.  Course changes explained .

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course  can be found on our website.

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Certificate Live Online

  • Certificate

Live Online course

live online

Deadline for enrolment: 30th August 2024

September 2024

£945 ( Easy-pay plan available)

Approximately 3 months

Unleash your creativity and begin your journey as a writer. Our certificate course is designed for beginners, covering the fundamentals of creative writing across genres. Learn character creation, plot development, and delve into fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction.

Designed around five practical assignments, you will develop a writing routine and compile a portfolio to showcase your work, enabling you to start writing confidently and creatively!

As a Live Online student, you will attend tutor-led classes online taught by industry professionals. You will also have full access to the Online Learning Centre, which contains course material created by industry experts including instructional videos, written content and assignments.

Our tutors provide all the support, knowledge and in-depth feedback you need to progress through your course and are always contactable through the Online Learning Centre.

This course can be completed in approximately 3 months*.

*Completion time is based on the approximate time it has taken past students to complete the course. Students have up to 36 months to complete the course.

Class Schedule

View the schedule for the evening classes and the weekend classes in Live Online .

The list below provides an overview of the topics covered in this course.

Introduction to Creative Writing

In this module, you will explore the foundational elements of creative writing across various genres including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Learn how to build a compelling narrative structure, create memorable characters, effectively use different settings and atmospheres, and master various points of view to enhance your storytelling.

  • Understanding different genres: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama
  • Basics of narrative structure: beginning, middle, and end
  • Character development: creating memorable characters
  • Setting and atmosphere: using location to enhance storytelling
  • Point of view: first person, third person, and omniscient

Writing Techniques

Sharpen your writing skills with techniques that bring your prose to life. This module covers how to 'show, not tell' to improve descriptive writing, craft realistic dialogues, control pacing, and use flashbacks and foreshadowing. You'll also begin to develop your editing skills with practical self-editing techniques.

  • Show, don’t tell: improving descriptive writing
  • Dialogue basics: crafting realistic conversations
  • Pacing your story: controlling speed and tension
  • Using flashbacks and foreshadowing effectively
  • Introduction to editing: self-editing techniques

Poetry and Creative Non-Fiction

Delve into the forms and functions of poetry, exploring structures from sonnets to free verse. Understand how imagery and symbolism enrich your poems. You’ll also learn to write compelling personal essays and memoirs, conduct research for non-fiction, and discover the pathways to publishing your work.

  • Forms of poetry: sonnet, haiku, free verse, and others
  • Imagery and symbolism in poetry
  • Writing personal essays and memoirs
  • Research for non-fiction: gathering and organising information
  • Publishing poetry and creative non-fiction: avenues and tips

Short Stories

Focus on crafting engaging short stories by understanding essential story elements, developing plots, and creating suspense and drama. This module also covers themes, motifs, and the practicalities of getting your short stories published.

  • Elements of a short story
  • Themes and motifs: enriching your story
  • Developing a plot for short stories
  • Creating suspense and drama
  • Markets for short stories: submission and publication

Fundamentals of Dramatic Writing

Explore the basics of playwriting and scriptwriting, from structuring a play to script formatting. Learn how to develop characters for the stage and screen and use dialogue and subtext effectively to engage audiences.

  • Introduction to playwriting and scriptwriting
  • Structure of a play: acts, scenes, and sequences
  • Basics of script formatting
  • Developing characters for stage and screen
  • Dialogue and subtext in dramatic writing

All our tutors are creative writing professionals working in the industry.

Ian Murphy

Course Tutor

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Roy Calley

I would certainly recommend the Post Grad Dip to friends or other students looking to gain a professional qualification, so many new skills to learn.

Student testimonial

Mark Powell

Student - BAPH

The support I get from the student community and my tutor are essential. It isn't always easy and it's clearly demanding, but the whole experience is extraordinary

Student testimonial

Daniel Oliver

This course has taken me on an amazing journey - there has been a lot of learning with tutors who have given constructive feedback to help with progression.

Student testimonial

Tiffany Hayes

Between the forums online and our Facebook page I feel more connected with students and staff and I never feel silly asking my tutor even basic questions!

Student testimonial

Sonya O'Donoghue

Student - PAI

The British Academy of Creative Writing

Our philosophy at the British Academy of Creative Writing is to make high-quality education accessible to all by empowering people to do what they love. Through the power of online and blended learning, our students are able to harness their creativity and practically apply it to succeed in their chosen careers.

Pursue your ambition - because the future is today!

Choosing the right course

We offer a range of creative writing courses to suit your goals.

Why not contact our experienced staff for advice, or browse to our other courses.

Ask a question

Our experienced team can answer any questions you have about our courses, general enquiries and payment options. Simply complete this form and we will contact you as soon as possible.

The British Academy of Creative Writing is a leading provider of accredited, industry recognised creative writing qualifications in UK.

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Creative Writing Courses Online & in London

Learn from published authors in a relaxed and safe environment!

Fancy trying your hand at creative writing? Or are you looking to take your passion for writing to the next level? Find your inspiration to write at the college where Andrea Levy, Malorie Blackman, Anna Burns, and other celebrated authors studied.

Learn the art of creative writing from published writers in a range of courses designed to support and encourage your creativity. You'll explore your own potential, discover a range of literary forms and techniques, and develop your writing skills. Our courses will help you grow your confidence and passion for writing, while motivating you to achieve your personal goals.

Workshops available both online and in-person

To help you fit your studies around your busy life, you have the freedom to either learn online in the comfort of your own home, or in a classroom setting from our Central London location. Whatever your preference, you'll be able to meet fellow learners, interact, share, and learn in a way that motivates and inspires you. For more information about our live online courses, please see our  guide to online learning .

Choosing a level that's right for you – beginner to advanced level

Whether you're completely new to creative writing, have some previous experience, or you're writing at the professional level, we have courses that can support your needs. Our goal is to provide a supportive space in which you feel empowered to experiment, express your ideas, and challenge yourself to write creatively to a level that feels right for you.

Find your voice and nurture your creativity

On our courses, you'll receive guidance on how to give and receive constructive feedback on written work, and learn how to use that feedback to improve your writing. You'll share ideas and sharpen your critical thinking skills through close analysis of peer and published work, as well as growing your vocabulary, your communication skills, and your knowledge of the mechanics of writing.

For the latest news, courses, events and competitions, stay in touch with the Department on  Facebook  and  Twitter .

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Introduction

There are lots of online creative writing courses to choose from. But, choosing the best online creative writing course for you can be challenging. This is because value is hard to compare as so many courses offer differing levels of expertise, tutor access and duration. Some will just be better than others. It may also be unclear what level of course you should choose.

This guide will help you choose the best online creative writing course by defining exactly what you want to achieve as well as offering guidance on trusted brands, on- vs offline and cost.

First, get a piece of paper or open a new document on your computer – and be ready to start making notes!

What do you want to achieve?

This may sound obvious, but there are so many courses available with particular focuses, that it’s easy to choose the wrong one.

First, write down what you are. For example:

  • A complete beginner with no formal training
  • An early career writer
  • A lover of crime writing
  • A professional writer (journalism, marketing)
  • A ghostwriter.

Write down what you want to get out of your online creative writing course. Get really specific with what you want to achieve, from the emotional to the tangible.

For example:

  • Are you a new writer looking for the foundational skills to get started?
  • Do you have an established writing hobby and are looking for particular skills to build on your existing expertise?
  • Do you just love learning and want to have some fun?
  • Are you looking for feedback on your writing?
  • Do you want to end up with a finished novel by the end?
  • Do you want to feel like you’ve achieved something by the end of the course?
  • Do you want to meet other people who are doing what you’re doing?
  • Do you have a particular project that you need help with?
  • Do you want to make money from writing and publishing?
  • Are you a freelance writer who wants to develop better business writing skills?
  • Are you a marketing professional who wants to improve your brand storytelling skills?
  • Do you want to become proficient in a particular genre (for example: general fiction , crime , memoir , historical fiction , creative non-fiction , poetry , scriptwriting , etc.)

Add as many as occur to you to your list. This will guide you to specific courses that meet your specific needs. Companies will also use language in their marketing and this may resonate with your emotional desires: achievement, satisfaction, community etc.

First, you must define what level you are at. This can be more complex than it at first seems: for example, you may be an intermediate writer of one genre, but new to another.

  • No writing experience at all
  • Some writing experience, especially professional
  • You may have taken a course
  • You may have done lots of online research
  • You may have self-published your own work
  • You may have had a book published or be working on a finished manuscript that is in discussion with publishers
  • You may already have an established career with multiple published books.

Add the answer to your list.

NCW Academy offers courses for writers at different stages of their career, for example: Kickstart Your Poetry (Beginner) and Develop Your Poetry (Intermediate) .

Course topic

Have you defined precisely what course you need to do in order achieve what you want?

There may not be a specific course for your exact needs, but start specific and get broader. A fiction writing course might be appropriate for crime writers or sci-fi writers alike, but if you want to write either of the latter, you may find specific courses for you.

Look at your objectives. If you could create your dream course, what would it be called?

  • Epic feminist steampunk for beginners
  • Young adult period romance
  • Vampire novels for Stephen King fans

While there may not be a specific course for these, you will have an idea of what you want (sci-fi, YA, horror respectively) and you will certainly know what you don’t want – which can stop you from picking the wrong course.

For example, we have courses in the following genres:

  • General fiction
  • Crime fiction
  • Screenwriting
  • Creative non-fiction
  • Romantic fiction

Course format

It is essential that the creative writing course you choose is delivered in a format that suits your situation. Courses come in two main formats, for example:

  • Self-paced courses
  • Guided courses.

Self-paced courses don’t have a face-to-face or ‘live’ element, though they may contain video lectures or sessions. As the description suggests, self-paced courses allow you to fit the course into your schedule, around work, children or other commitments. Explore examples of self-paced creative writing courses here .

Guided courses are usually led by a tutor and include a ‘real time’ or ‘live’ element such as webinars, seminars and/or workshops. This live element will tend to complement writing exercises and studying that happens in between sessions. For example, our 12-18-week online tutored courses include two weeks of exercises, followed by a feedback and discussion session with the course tutor. Guided courses tend to be in terms or semesters like schools and universities so you may not be able to start/finish with the flexibility of a self-paced course.

Do you have the time and flexibility to attend sessions at a fixed time? What are those fixed times?

Check your objectives. Write down how you want to do your course.

The amount of tutor time relates to the format point above.

Tutor time is frequently what makes a course cost more or less. The business model for many providers (such as Masterclass) is: create assets once and you can sell them a thousand times; all money over your setup costs is all profit. Online courses like this include no live sessions such as webinars, no access to tutors and no 1-2-1 feedback. This may be in line with what you want to achieve and therefore perfect for you.

Some courses have no tutor, they are simply information, guidance and exercises.

Tutored (recorded)

Some courses will include audio/video materials that feature a tutor.

Tutored (no 1-2-1 access)

Many courses include live sessions (for example lectures) but do not offer 1-2-1 access to the tutor.

Tutored (shared access)

There are courses where the tutor will host online sessions with everyone on the course, allowing people to ask questions.

Tutored (1-2-1 access)

Some courses, in addition to writing and exercises, will include 1-2-1 sessions which allow students to discuss their writing for a set period (usually 30-60 minutes).

Many of the tutor courses will include feedback, or the option to pay for specific feedback – usually in the form of a written report. If you have chosen a course with 1-2-1 time you will be able to discuss your written feedback with them.

Check your objectives. How much contact time – and of what type – do you need to ensure you get what you want?

Other formats

It is also worth considering other learning formats, such as mentorship. Look at your objectives, would mentorship suit you better? For example, have you been on web-based courses without tutor feedback and self-published one or more books? Do you need specific guidance on your projects or skills? If so, mentorship may be a better solution. Read more about how mentoring works .

Workshops can also offer a great way to learn. You can explore our workshops here to see what kinds of things on offer.

There are also some fun-looking writers retreats available for those who have the budget to stay at a venue and immerse themselves in courses with tutors and fellow writers.

Course location

This article is about online creative writing courses, but, depending on your objectives, a location-based in-person course may suit you as multiple options exist.

For example, is the course:

  • In-the-flesh, location-based
  • A combination of the two.

By choosing an online course you are widening your choices significantly. Even if you live in a big city, there is a larger choice of online courses – and this has been accelerated by the COVID pandemic, when demand for everything to be available online exploded.

However, you may still prefer a location-based course if your objective is to meet people or even ‘get me out of the house’.

If you do decide to take a location-based course, check how long it will take you to get to as this may influence your decision.

Add your preference to your list.

Course ‘home’

Where is the course based? This is important because it is easy to end up signing up for a course in another country (that speaks the same language). For example, if you are in the UK, you may not want to take a US-based course. Again, this will be guided by your objectives. For example: you might be a UK writer wanting to break into the US market or a US expat in the UK looking to study a US course. While the differences in language, style and a nation’s publishing industries may be small, they may be meaningful depending on your needs.

Conversely, the course’s home might not be relevant to your objectives. For example, a screenwriting or poetry course might be internationally universal.

Who created the course?

The online learning industry has exploded in recent years. But not all courses are created equal. Great writers may not be great teachers. And not all course vendors will have access to high-level expertise with which to build a great creative writing course.

As such it is important to see who created the course and how it’s delivered, for example many published writers offer courses but may lack the didactic skills and technology to deliver a course which truly helps different types of student get what they need to improve. Similarly, there are e-learning businesses who do not specialise in or understand creative writing or the publishing industry, and have invited an inappropriate person to create the course.

When researching courses, ensure that the provider matches the level of expertise you need and that they are credible in the area you need. For example, don’t take a poetry course from a crime writer.

To ensure students get a valuable and enjoyable learning experience, National Centre for Writing worked with the University of East Anglia’s School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing to build our online tutored courses . This delivers the expertise of both teaching and writing – and at the highest level.

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This relates to the above point: you need to ensure that the tutor has the expertise you need, and that they are a good educator.

Is the tutor authoritative in the area you need? We italicise this as there are lots of talented writers, but they may not have the specific expertise you need, so ensure that the tutor has relevant expertise. How can you know this? Most course providers will have a section on tutor with a biography that includes what they’ve written and/or their academic credentials. You may decide that academic credentials are more likely to yield better learning that a celebrity writer with published works under their belt. Again this will depend on your objectives – a university lecturer may know less about the cut and  thrust of getting published than a published author, while a published author may have no idea how to teach, coach or mentor.

Generally, the more of a beginner you are, the more you should favour academia over publishing: a teacher will know how to support beginners, while a published writer may have valuable insights for more experienced writers.

If you want a course which includes tutor interaction you might also consider chemistry: do you think you will get on well with the tutor. Of course it’s unlikely that you’ll have the opportunity to meet the tutor(s) ahead of time, but the course provider may have audio, video or blogs with the tutor so you can decide whether you’re likely to get on with them. Are they friendly, down-to-earth, domineering, opinionated, supportive etc.?

There are many aspects of time that are important to consider when choosing an online course. This relates to the ability of a course to deliver what you want as well as its relative value.

  • What is the course duration? For example, is it a one, two or three-month course?
  • How much time will it take to complete the various elements of the course? For example, are there two hours of exercises to complete each week?
  • How much tutor time (if relevant) do you get? For example, a one-hour lecture each fortnight; a one-hour lecture and 30-minutes of 1-2-1 time
  • How many hours of video/audio tutelage is there?

As you research courses, make a note not only of the course duration, but of the total time you need to complete it, as well as the amount of contact time you will have with tutors. This will help ensure:

  • You will get what you want from the course
  • It is good value.

Cost, value and your budget

It is hard to compare course value across different providers as there is no uniformity of products. For example, a 12-week course from one provider might include 12 hours of exercises, while a 6-week course from another might include 24 hours of exercises.

Refer to the Time section above to work out exactly what you get for your money.

While time is a key consideration when it comes to the value of your creative writing course, for example quality. Lots of poor-quality assets or more time with a lower-quality tutor may not be as valuable as a smaller amount of time with better assets/tutors. Similarly, don’t choose a cheaper course if it’s less relevant than a more relevant, more expensive one. For example, you may be better off choosing a crime writing course than a generic fiction one if that’s your objective.

Bestselling US epic fantasy author Brandon Sanderson runs a writing course at Brigham Young University, Utah that focuses on fantasy and science fiction. Many of his lectures are available for free on YouTube, but this isn’t good value if you want to learn how to write crime fiction.

Create a shortlist of courses that look relevant first, then assess which is the best value. Include quality, expertise level, total time and access in your assessment.

Course output

Is there something in particular you want to create on the course?

This is worth noting as some courses specify that you will write a complete short story or even a whole novel.

Credibility

How do you know if a creative writing course will be any good? Even before a time of internet scams, there were fly-by-night businesses promising the world and delivering Hell. As such it is important that the course provider is reputable. While recognisable brands can be a safer bet, there may be great providers you haven’t heard of.

While researching online creative writing courses, look out for:

  • Tutors with academic/commercial credentials – including university links (for example, our online tutored courses have been created in partnership with the University of East Anglia). Research the tutor on YouTube or they might have done podcasts (as many of our tutors have).
  • Providers with links to publishing (for example book publishers and not-for-profits such as National Centre for Writing)
  • Reviews around the web (including Google reviews)
  • Testimonials and case studies on the website from people who have taken the course
  • Well-established, longstanding and trusted brands.

Other things to consider

  • Some providers of creative writing courses offer access to online communities to help students stay in touch and deliver peer support
  • Many providers use off-the-shelf online teaching platforms and some will be better than others. Find out which platform a provider uses and research whether people like it or not. For example, Obby, Teachable, Thinkific and Baluu are four examples of good quality platforms.

It is also important that the provider helps you to use the platform, for example, this is the video guide to our platform, Teachable.

How is your list coming on? Hopefully you have built a picture of:

  • Who you are and what you want to achieve
  • The topic and format of the course you need – from length to amount and types of tutor time
  • How to check that a provider will deliver high-quality tutors and assets.

While you’re hear, why not check out our courses, workshops and mentoring .

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  • Postgraduate study
  • Taught degree programmes A‑Z
  • Creative Writing (online distance learning)

Postgraduate taught  

Creative Writing (online) MLitt: Online distance learning

Two students with laptops having a conversation

Note: This programme is also delivered on campus. To find out more about this programme or the research opportunities available, visit our Creative Writing subject page

If you're a talented and ambitious writer looking to develop your craft and take your writing to the next level, Glasgow's renowned Creative Writing MLitt is ideal. Develop your writing practice wherever you are in the world by gaining creative and critical skills on this exciting and supportive online course.

  • Online distance learning
  • Academic contact: Dr Colin Herd  [email protected]
  • Teaching start: September
  • MLitt: 12 months full-time; 24 months part‑time

Register your interest for more information

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Why this programme

  • Our MLitt in Creative Writing is delivered within a clear three-part structure, focused on creative, critical and editorial skills.
  • Our Creative Writing programme has gained an excellent reputation with writers, agents and publishers. The University's writing courses are among the most challenging and popular in the UK.
  • These courses have helped launch the careers of an impressive list of acclaimed authors including, but not limited to: Anne Donovan, Helen Sedgwick, Kirsty Logan, Jen Hadfield, JL Williams, Louise Welsh, Zoe Strachan, Elizabeth Reeder and many others.
  • You'll be taught by successful and well-regarded writers who specialise across diverse genres. We are happy to supervise students working in established genres but just as keen to see students mix genres or create new forms. In addition, you'll be able to tap into the University's strong network of literary agents and publishers, as well as an impressive list of published alumni. 
  • This online programme is 1 year full time. If you are already working full time or have family commitments, the course can also be completed on a part-time flexible study basis over 2 years.
  • Listen to our podcast: Stories from Glasgow – Writing Space with Dr Oliver K. Langmead .
  • Read From Glasgow to Saturn, our literary journal .

Programme structure

The full-time programme consists of the following courses. The part-time programme consists of the same courses split over two years.

  • CREATIVE WRITING: CRAFT AND EXPERIMENTATION 1 (DL)
  • CREATIVE WRITING: EDITING AND PUBLICATION 1 (DL)
  • CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP (DLEARNING)
  • CREATIVE WRITING: CRAFT AND EXPERIMENTATION 2 (DL)
  • CREATIVE WRITING: EDITING AND PUBLICATION 2 (DL)

Summer Semester

  • CREATIVE WRITING PORTFOLIO (PGT) (DLEARNING)

Programme outcomes

  • Experiment with a range of voices, techniques and genres and consider major creative and editorial engagements
  • Develop a critical understanding of a diverse creative, theoretic and critical texts
  • Develop editorial skills
  • Gain an understanding of literary techniques and ideas
  • Access the work and thought of a wide range of literary artists
  • Produce extended portfolios of creative and editorial work
  • Understand the writing context (audience, publishing in all its forms, the legal framework, modes of transmission)
  • Become disciplined in writing regularly in a stimulating workshop and tutorial environment in which writing skills can be acquired, discussed and honed
  • Be part of a stimulating and critical peer group that reads, engages with, and appraises one others work
  • Understand the means of literary transmission and how these means affect your own work
  • Meet, hear and talk to professional writers and individuals from publishing and other transmission industries
  • Display an understanding of the mechanisms (historical and contemporary) of literary textual transmission and other forms of transmission (including performance) in their various technological, commercial and artistic aspects

"I can honestly say that the programme was the best thing that has ever happened for my writing." Nichola Deadman, Creative Writing student

Programme alteration or discontinuation The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract .

Career prospects

Skills gained in the study of our Creative Writing MLitt may lead to career opportunities in literary and cultural fields such as editing, publishing and arts development. Many of our alumni are successful authors. Our graduates have also gone into journalism, publishing, and a range of other professions. Positions held by recent graduates include managing director, freelance writer, author, copywriter and community arts worker.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2024-25

  • Full-time fee: £10650
  • Part-time fee: £1184 per 20 credits

International & EU

  • Full-time fee: £22140

Part-time fees:

  • UK :  £1,184 per 20 credits (180 credits in total)
  • International & EU : £2,460 per 20 credits (180 credits in total)

The credits are split: 

  • Year 1 : 80 credits (4 x £1,184 / £2,460) for Craft & Experimentation 1 and 2, and Workshops
  • Year 2 : 100 credits (5 x £1,184 / £2,460) for Editing & Publication 1 and 2, and Portfolio

Additional fees

  • Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
  • Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
  • Registration/exam only fee: £170

Funding opportunities

  • UK Study Online Scholarship

The UK Study Online scholarship is open to UK, EU and international students taking online undergraduate and postgraduate courses. 

Please see  UK Study Online for more details.

  • Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students

If you are a Welsh student looking to study a postgraduate programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a Welsh University.

* does not apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes

Postgraduate Master's Finance

If you’re starting a full-time or part-time Postgraduate Master’s course (taught or research based) from 1 August 2019, you can apply for Postgraduate Master's Finance and receive up to £17,000 as a combination of grant and loan:

  • a maximum grant of £6,885 and loan of £10,115 if your household income is £18,370 and below
  • a grant of £1,000 and loan of £16,000 if your household income is not taken into account or is above £59,200.

For more information visit  Student Finance Wales

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

If you’re starting a full-time or part-time postgraduate Doctoral course (such as a PhD) from 1 August 2019 you can apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan of up to £25,700.

  • Alumni Discount

In response to the current unprecedented economic climate, the University is offering a 20% discount on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni, commencing study in Academic session 2024/25. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed a Study Abroad programme, International Summer School programme or the Erasmus Programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. This discount can be awarded alongside most University scholarships.

  • Postgraduate Student Loan (NI)

If you are a Northern Irish student looking to study a taught Masters programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a University in Northern Ireland.

Northern Irish students are able to apply for non-means-tested tuition fee loans of up to £5,500, to help with the costs of funding.

For more information visit  www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/types-of-finance/postgraduate  .

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

Entry requirements

  • You will normally have a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent), though this is not a pre-requisite.
  • The primary basis for admission is the appraisal of a portfolio of your creative work.
  • You submit a portfolio of original work (poetry, fiction, life-writing or other prose, drama, and in some instances a portfolio of translation work). A maximum of 20 pages (one side only, double spaced throughout) per submission will be considered, and the portfolio can contain prose, verse, script, or a combination of these.
  • We also require a letter of reference. Your referee should be an academic or a creative referee where possible. Where this is not possible, you can provide a referee who can vouch that you are who you say you are and that your work and achievements are your own. It is particularly helpful if your referee is familiar with your writing and can provide references on that basis.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

  • 7.0 with no subtests under 7.0
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test
  • IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

Toefl (ibt, my best or athome).

  • 94; with Reading 24; Listening 24; Speaking 23; Writing 27
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

  • 66 with no subtest less than: Listening 66;Reading 68; Speaking 65; Writing 82
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

  • 185 overall, no subtest less than 185

Oxford English Test

  • Oxford ELLT 8
  • R&L: OIDI level no less than 8 with Reading: 27-28 and Listening: 20
  • W&S: OIDI level no less than 8.

Trinity College Tests

Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Pass with Pass in all sub-tests.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
  • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our  enquiry form

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

  • A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
  • A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
  • Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
  • One reference letter on headed paper
  • Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
  • Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
  • A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see  how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see  Application System Help .

  • Name and Date of birth:  must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
  • Contact Details : Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
  • Choice of course : Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
  • Proposed date of entry:  Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
  • Education and Qualifications : Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
  • English Language Proficiency : Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
  • Employment and Experience : Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference : Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

Application deadlines

September 2024, all applicants.

As there is extremely high demand for places on this degree programme, the University has established an application process with application rounds. This process aims to ensure fairness and equity to applicants and should support applications being open for the full admission cycle.

Round 1 application dates

1 October 2023 to 19 November 2023 . You will receive our decision on your application by 3 February 2024 .

Round 2 application dates

20 November 2023 to 18 February . You will receive our decision on your application by 24 March 2024 .

Round 3 application dates

19 February 2024 to 27 May . You will receive our decision on your application by 8 July 2024.

Round 4 application dates

28 May 2024 to 1 July . You will receive our decision on your application by 11 August 2024 .  

As we receive a great number of applications, prospective students are only allowed to apply once per year.

More information about this programme

  • Core and optional courses
  • Creative Writing at Glasgow

Related programmes

Online postgraduate.

  • See the range of online postgraduate taught programmes available

Creative Writing

  • Creative Writing [MLitt]

English Literature

  • English Literature [MLitt]
  • English Literature: American Modern Literature [MLitt]
  • English Literature: Fantasy [MLitt]

more related English Literature programmes

Related links

  • About postgraduate study
  • How to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
  • Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z
  • How to apply for a postgraduate research degree
  • Fees and funding

creative writing online course uk

Postgraduate events

Open Days, information sessions, campus tours, events near you

creative writing online course uk

Postgraduate prospectus

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Open College of the Arts

BA (Hons) Creative Writing

Part-time, online, study creative writing for your degree with oca.

Have you always wanted to write a novel, create a screenplay, or perfect your poetry? Whatever you’re looking to write, our BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree will give you the tools to achieve it.

Our BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree will empower you with effective practices, insights and skills, encouraging you to write more frequently and with more purpose than ever before. Shared experiences are reflected throughout the course, which is packed full of options so you can develop your writing in your own way and in your preferred genre.

You’ll study the basics of writing, how to remain engaged and will uncover different styles of writing, from poetry and scriptwriting to short fiction and children’s books. You’ll be encouraged to read the best writers, exploring what makes To Kill A Mockingbird so compelling, or why the script of Casablanca works so well, and then apply these techniques to your own writing.

Become the protagonist of your own story. Start writing today.

Unique online Creative Writing courses

Our BA Hons Creative Writing degree is a specialist degree covering scriptwriting, writing for children, life writing, writing a novel, poetry, and more. You can study creative writing online – completely at our own pace – while being supported by OCA’s tutors.

It aims to equip students with skills, confidence, motivation and ambition, through a learning design programme that starts from fundamental writing skills through to the contemporary professional practice in a form or genre of the student’s choice.

Students are equipped with some fundamental writing techniques applicable to all genres, before allowing students to sample poetry, screenwriting or prose writing, and can pursue the poetry or scriptwriting forms at a more advanced level and/or will have the option to try more niche forms of writing, to enable them to gain further skills and expertise.

The programme draws on creative writing pedagogy by utilising the group or workshop activity as well as the individual assignment and close study of others’ work, but accommodates OCA’s distinctive demographic and the desires of lone writers by enabling some to create alternative submissions in the form of traditional writing portfolios.

Course Structure

Our Creative Writing degree covers the full breadth of writing practice, allowing you to take the options that are of most interest to you. As of September 2021, the BA Hons Creative Arts course will deliver 3x 40 credit units in each Level of the course.*

Students are introduced to the basic skills and techniques of creative writing in the initial unit, Essential Writing Skills 1.1. In their second unit, Further Writing Skills, students will choose two options from a choice of three pathways: they can either try basic poetry or screenwriting or the prose option. These choices remain with them for their third unit at Level 1, Developing Your Writing Skills. By the end of Level 1, students will have the skills and knowledge needed to deepen their poetry, prose or scriptwriting craft at Level 2.

Students are supported in the transition from novice undergraduate to knowledgeable and independent learners, putting into practice skills acquired at Level 1 and developing a personal approach to their writing practice. The units at this stage allow students to develop skills from Level 1 in poetry or screenwriting or else to try something new and more specialised, such as writing narrative non-fiction, writing for children or teens or writing short fiction.

Students will begin to understand the iterative and skills-building requirements of creative writing, and will actively consider how their work may become outward-facing. Peer sessions with other writers will inform their writing and raise critiquing skills, with an understanding that in some cases alternative methods are more appropriate.

Level 3 equips students with knowledge, understanding and skills for continuing personal development and professional writing practice. The units provide a framework for the learners to generate projects based on the personal vision and ambition gained throughout Level 1 and Level 2. The aim is to strengthen each individual’s writing practice and inform their creative development through rigorous intellectual enquiry, resulting in a distinctive body of creative work.

*For current students enrolled to a Level of this degree prior to September 2021, existing units across all levels will remain available as ‘teach out’ units to ensure no students are disadvantaged due to the changes. Once enrolled to a new level, students will follow the new degree pathway. 

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available units – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which OCA might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us . This description was last updated on 14 December 2022.

Programme Specification 2024/25 New Curriculum

This Programme Specification is for all units on the new curriculum.

Programme Specification 2024/25 Running Out Curriculum

This Programme Specification details the units and learning outcomes that are being taught out.

Creative Writing Accessibility Statements

Accessibility statements give an indication of the type and format of content, teaching, and learning activities on the course, and how these are ordinarily delivered.

Foundations

Stage 1 (he4).

For the stage

Stage 2 (HE5)

Stage 3 (he6), breakdown of costs....

£2,062

Per course unit (4o credits)

All of the OCA’s Stage 1 (HE4) course units are worth 40 credits each. If you’re studying towards an Open degree, you’ll need three Stage 1 (HE4) course units to gain the necessary 120 credits to move on to Stage 2 (HE5).

If you choose to pay by instalments, each unit would be a deposit of £619 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £240.50.

£2,062

Per course unit (4o credits)

£3,093 for a 60 credit unit.

OCA’s new curriculum runs three 40 credit units at each stage of study. Some courses may run two 60 credit units instead.

You need 120 credits at this stage to advance to Stage 3 (HE6).

If you choose to pay by instalments, each 40 credit unit would be a deposit of £619 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £240.50. For a 60 credit unit, this would be a £928 deposit followed by 10 monthly instalments of £216.50.

£2,062

Per course unit (4o credits)

All of the OCA’s Level 3 (HE6) course units are worth 40 credits each. If you’re studying towards an Open degree, you’ll need three Stage 3 (HE6) course units to gain the necessary 120 credits (plus 240 credits at HE4 and HE5) to be awarded a Bachelor’s degree..

If you choose to pay by instalments, each unit would be a deposit of £619 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £240.50.

£2,362

Per course unit (40 credits)

All of the OCA’s Stage 1 (HE4) course units are worth 40 credits each. If you’re studying towards an Open degree, you’ll need three Stage 1 (HE4) course units to gain the necessary 120 credits to move on to Stage 2 (HE5).

If you choose to pay by instalments, each unit would be a deposit of £709 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £275.50.

£2,362

Per course unit (40 credits)

£3,543 for a 60 credit unit.

OCA’s new curriculum runs three 40 credit units at each stage of study. Some courses may run two 60 credit units instead.

You need 120 credits at this stage to advance to Stage 3 (HE6).

If you choose to pay by instalments, each 40 credit unit would be a deposit of £709 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £275.50. For a 60 credit unit, this would be a £1,063 deposit followed by 10 monthly instalments of £248.

£2,362

Per course unit (40 credits)

All of the OCA’s Level 3 (HE6) course units are worth 40 credits each. If you’re studying towards an Open degree, you’ll need three Stage 3 (HE6) course units to gain the necessary 120 credits (plus 240 credits at HE4 and HE5) to be awarded a Bachelor’s degree..

If you choose to pay by instalments, each unit would be a deposit of £709 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £275.50.

More Information

With the OCA, you can study a BA (Hons) degree in our flexible online learning model at approximately one third the cost of a degree at a traditional physical university.

Students study and pay for the course on a unit-by-unit basis, so you only pay for the course as you enrol to each unit.

This course is eligible for a part-time tuition fee loan from Student Finance England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or you can self-fund the course and break down costs even further through the deposit and instalment option.  Find out more about your funding options  here .

You will require regular use of a computer or laptop and internet access. Most essential reading materials can be accessed through the digital library services and eBooks.

Students are responsible for sourcing and, where necessary, purchasing any additional software and resources specified. These can be around £400 at Level 1, £500 at Level 2, and £550 at Level 3. Where possible, open or freeware equivalents will be discussed alongside industry standard options.

On this course, you’ll need some type of word document software, such as Microsoft Word and a place to keep your learning logs and journals – this could be digital or handwritten, though your assignments will need to be typed. If you choose to study Scriptwriting, you may need some software to support this.

You may be eligible for any student discounts on computer equipment and software by using your student email, and you can find out more information about student discounts  here .

Our courses are designed with open access in mind, meaning you don’t need specific subject qualifications to enrol.

You can review the study requirements  here so you’re prepared for online study at higher education. This will include a good standard of English and IT literacy skills.

We accept enrolments for our BA (HONS) courses in monthly intakes throughout the year.

Review the key enrolment deadlines on the link below.

How to Apply

Our part-time degree courses are completed on average between 6 and 9 years. The degree is structured into three levels (instead of three years) so you’re able manage study around other commitments.

Once enrolled, you’ll have a maximum of 12 years to complete your degree course. There are unit and level timeframes within the overall degree time frame, and you’ll need a minimum of 10 study hours per week to keep on track. To find out more about course duration and managing your time, click here .

Your course materials are accessible online through the virtual learning environment, OCA Learn, where you’ll also have access to student forums, a subject space, the student handbook and the online library. You’ll work primarily from a set text of course materials and resources, but can also sign up to webinars, workshops and study groups in addition to your core learning.

Once you’ve completed the required assignments within a course unit and received tutor feedback, you’ll submit a portfolio of work to an assessment event. This gives you the opportunity to develop your work before you have it formally assessed to achieve credits towards your degree.

Upon completing the BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree, as a fully-fledged creative writer you could embark on being a novelist, a poet, a scriptwriter – you name it, you can do it. Prospects have great tips on what it is to be a professional writer. They also cover the many roles you could take on, freshly equipped with your degree.

While you’re pursuing your dream of becoming a professional writer, you can find a range of options to support your art while you write that amazing script or novel. Some include:

  • Marketing Professional
  • Communications specialist
  • Editor / Copywriter

In May 2022 the Department for Culture, Media, & Sport  estimated there were some 2.3 million jobs  in the UK creative industries, and  post pandemic the Creative Industries are growing faster than the UK economy  as a whole.

The Academic Regulations for Subsidiary Institutions of The Open University are applicable to all taught courses offered by the Open College of the Arts (OCA).

You can review the Academic Regulations on our policy page .

Get started with our BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree here!

Step 1 of 14

Ba hons creative writing enrolment form.

  • I am a new student beginning a degree course
  • I am a current student continuing my degree studies
  • What is/was your student number? (Required) This is the six digit number at the end of your student email.

About You: Student Details

  • Legal Name (Required) Please input your name as it appears on legal documentation for example, birth certificate or passport. This is for reporting purposes and issuance of final award. Prefix Dr Miss Mr Mrs Ms Mx Prof. Rev. First Middle Last
  • Telephone Number (Required) Please provide a contact telephone number
  • Email (Required)
  • Date of Birth (Required) Students must be at least 18 years of age when submitting this application. Day Month Year
  • 96 Information refused
  • Legal Nationality (Required) Please select... 97 Not known AA Stateless AD Andorra AE United Arab Emirates AF Afghanistan AG Antigua and Barbuda AI Anguilla AL Albania AM Armenia AO Angola AR Argentina AS American Samoa AT Austria AU Australia AZ Azerbaijan BA Bosnia and Herzegovina BB Barbados BD Bangladesh BE Belgium BF Burkina Faso BG Bulgaria BH Bahrain BI Burundi BJ Benin BM Bermuda BN Brunei [Brunei Darussalam] BO Bolivia [Bolivia, Plurinational State of] BR Brazil BS Bahamas, The BT Bhutan BW Botswana BY Belarus BZ Belize CA Canada CD Congo (Democratic Republic) [Congo (The Democratic Republic of the)] CF Central African Republic CG Congo CH Switzerland CI Ivory Coast [Côte D'ivoire] CL Chile CM Cameroon CN China CO Colombia CR Costa Rica CU Cuba CV Cape Verde CZ Czech Republic DE Germany DJ Djibouti DK Denmark DM Dominica DO Dominican Republic DZ Algeria EC Ecuador EE Estonia EG Egypt EH Western Sahara ER Eritrea ES Spain ET Ethiopia FI Finland FJ Fiji FK Falkland Islands [Falkland Islands (Malvinas)] FM Micronesia [Micronesia, Federated States of] FO Faroe Islands FR France GA Gabon GB United Kingdom GD Grenada GE Georgia GG Guernsey GH Ghana GI Gibraltar GL Greenland GM Gambia, The GN Guinea GQ Equatorial Guinea GR Greece GS South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands GT Guatemala GU Guam GW Guinea-Bissau GY Guyana HK Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) [Hong Kong] HN Honduras HR Croatia HT Haiti HU Hungary ID Indonesia IE Ireland IL Israel IM Isle of Man IN India IO British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) IQ Iraq IR Iran [Iran, Islamic Republic of] IS Iceland IT Italy JE Jersey JM Jamaica JO Jordan JP Japan KE Kenya KG Kyrgyzstan KH Cambodia KI Kiribati KM Comoros KN St Kitts and Nevis KP Korea (North) [Korea, Democratic People's Republic of] KR Korea (South) [Korea, Republic of] KW Kuwait KY Cayman Islands KZ Kazakhstan LA Laos [Lao People's Democratic Republic] LB Lebanon LC St Lucia LI Liechtenstein LK Sri Lanka LR Liberia LS Lesotho LT Lithuania LU Luxembourg LV Latvia LY Libya MA Morocco MC Monaco MD Moldova [Moldova, Republic of] ME Montenegro MG Madagascar MH Marshall Islands MK North Macedonia ML Mali MM Myanmar (Burma) [The Republic of the Union of Myanmar] MN Mongolia MO Macao (Special Administrative Region of China) [Macao] MP Northern Mariana Islands MR Mauritania MS Montserrat MT Malta MU Mauritius MV Maldives MW Malawi MX Mexico MY Malaysia MZ Mozambique NA Namibia NE Niger NG Nigeria NI Nicaragua NL Netherlands NO Norway NP Nepal NR Nauru NZ New Zealand OM Oman PA Panama PE Peru PG Papua New Guinea PH Philippines PK Pakistan PL Poland PN Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands [Pitcairn] PS Occupied Palestinian Territories [Palestine, State of] PT Portugal PW Palau PY Paraguay QA Qatar QO Kosovo RO Romania RS Serbia RU Russia [Russian Federation] RW Rwanda SA Saudi Arabia SB Solomon Islands SC Seychelles SD Sudan SE Sweden SG Singapore SH St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha SI Slovenia SK Slovakia SL Sierra Leone SM San Marino SN Senegal SO Somalia SR Suriname SS South Sudan ST Sao Tome and Principe SV El Salvador SY Syria [Syrian Arab Republic] SZ Eswatini TC Turks and Caicos Islands TD Chad TG Togo TH Thailand TJ Tajikistan TL East Timor [Timor Leste] TM Turkmenistan TN Tunisia TO Tonga TR Turkey TT Trinidad and Tobago TV Tuvalu TW Taiwan [Taiwan, Province of China] TZ Tanzania [Tanzania, United Republic of] UA Ukraine UG Uganda US United States UY Uruguay UZ Uzbekistan VA Vatican City [Holy See (Vatican City State)] VC St Vincent and The Grenadines VE Venezuela [Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of] VG British Virgin Islands [Virgin Islands, British] VN Vietnam [Viet Nam] VU Vanuatu WS Samoa XA Cyprus (European Union) XB Cyprus (Non-European Union) XC Cyprus not otherwise specified XL Channel Islands not otherwise specified XM Czechoslovakia not otherwise specified XN Union of Soviet Socialist Republics not otherwise specified XO Yugoslavia not otherwise specified XP Europe not otherwise specified YE Yemen ZA South Africa ZM Zambia ZW Zimbabwe
  • What country do you share dual nationality with? Please select... AF Afghanistan AL Albania DZ Algeria AS American Samoa AD Andorra AO Angola AI Anguilla AG Antigua and Barbuda AR Argentina AM Armenia AU Australia AT Austria AZ Azerbaijan BS Bahamas, The BH Bahrain BD Bangladesh BB Barbados BY Belarus BE Belgium BZ Belize BJ Benin BM Bermuda BT Bhutan BO Bolivia [Bolivia, Plurinational State of] BA Bosnia and Herzegovina BW Botswana BR Brazil IO British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) VG British Virgin Islands [Virgin Islands, British] BN Brunei [Brunei Darussalam] BG Bulgaria BF Burkina [Burkina Faso] MM Burma [Myanmar] BI Burundi KH Cambodia CM Cameroon CA Canada CV Cape Verde KY Cayman Islands CF Central African Republic TD Chad XL Channel Islands not otherwise specified CL Chile CN China CO Colombia KM Comoros CG Congo CD Congo (Democratic Republic) [Congo (The Democratic Republic of the)] {formerly Zaire} CR Costa Rica HR Croatia CU Cuba XA Cyprus (European Union) XB Cyprus (Non-European Union) XC Cyprus not otherwise specified CZ Czech Republic XM Czechoslovakia not otherwise specified DK Denmark DJ Djibouti DM Dominica DO Dominican Republic TL East Timor [Timor Leste] EC Ecuador EG Egypt SV El Salvador GQ Equatorial Guinea ER Eritrea EE Estonia ET Ethiopia FK Falkland Islands [Falkland Islands (Malvinas)] FO Faroe Islands FJ Fiji FI Finland FR France {includes Corsica} GA Gabon GM Gambia, The GE Georgia DE Germany GH Ghana GI Gibraltar GR Greece GL Greenland GD Grenada GU Guam GT Guatemala GG Guernsey GN Guinea GW Guinea-Bissau GY Guyana HT Haiti HN Honduras HK Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) [Hong Kong] HU Hungary IS Iceland IN India ID Indonesia IR Iran [Iran, Islamic Republic of] IQ Iraq IE Ireland IM Isle of Man IL Israel IT Italy {Includes Sardinia, Sicily} CI Ivory Coast [Côte D'ivoire] JM Jamaica JP Japan JE Jersey JO Jordan KZ Kazakhstan KE Kenya KI Kiribati KP Korea (North) [Korea, Democratic People's Republic of] KR Korea (South) [Korea, Republic of] QO Kosovo KW Kuwait KG Kyrgyzstan LA Laos [Lao People's Democratic Republic] LV Latvia LB Lebanon LS Lesotho LR Liberia LY Libya LI Liechtenstein LT Lithuania LU Luxembourg MO Macao (Special Administrative Region of China) [Macao] MK Macedonia [Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of] MG Madagascar MW Malawi MY Malaysia MV Maldives ML Mali MT Malta MH Marshall Islands MR Mauritania MU Mauritius MX Mexico FM Micronesia [Micronesia, Federated States of] MD Moldova [Moldova, Republic of] MC Monaco MN Mongolia ME Montenegro MS Montserrat MA Morocco MZ Mozambique NA Namibia NR Nauru NP Nepal NL Netherlands NZ New Zealand NI Nicaragua NE Niger NG Nigeria MP Northern Mariana Islands NO Norway ZZ Not known PS Occupied Palestinian Territories [Palestine, State of] {formerly West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and Gaza Strip} OM Oman PK Pakistan PW Palau PA Panama PG Papua New Guinea PY Paraguay PE Peru PH Philippines PN Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands [Pitcairn] PL Poland PT Portugal {includes Madeira, Azores} QA Qatar RO Romania RU Russia [Russian Federation] RW Rwanda WS Samoa SM San Marino ST Sao Tome and Principe SA Saudi Arabia SN Senegal RS Serbia QN Serbia and Montenegro not otherwise specified SC Seychelles SL Sierra Leone SG Singapore SK Slovakia SI Slovenia SB Solomon Islands SO Somalia ZA South Africa GS South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands SS South Sudan ES Spain {includes Ceuta, Melilla} LK Sri Lanka SH St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha KN St Kitts and Nevis LC St Lucia VC St Vincent and The Grenadines AA Stateless SD Sudan SR Surinam [Suriname] SZ Swaziland SE Sweden CH Switzerland SY Syria [Syrian Arab Republic] TW Taiwan [Taiwan, Province of China] TJ Tajikistan TZ Tanzania [Tanzania, United Republic of] TH Thailand TG Togo TO Tonga TT Trinidad and Tobago TN Tunisia TR Turkey TM Turkmenistan TC Turks and Caicos Islands TV Tuvalu UG Uganda UA Ukraine XN Union of Soviet Socialist Republics not otherwise specified AE United Arab Emirates GB United Kingdom US United States UY Uruguay UZ Uzbekistan VU Vanuatu VA Vatican City [Holy See (Vatican City State)] VE Venezuela [Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of] VN Vietnam [Viet Nam] EH Western Sahara YE Yemen XO Yugoslavia not otherwise specified ZM Zambia ZW Zimbabwe
  • I have a relevant unspent conviction as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
  • I do not have a relevant unspent conviction as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
  • Northern Ireland
  • Isle of Man or Channel Islands
  • 1 British Sign Language user - first or preferred language
  • 2 Not a British Sign Language user
  • 9 British Sign Language User - NOT first or preferred language
  • 98 I do not wish to declare
  • 1 Fluent Welsh speaker
  • 2 Welsh speaker not fluent
  • 3 Not Welsh speaker
  • 9 Not known
  • Which language would you prefer to be contacted in? (Required) Please ensure you read this question thoroughly. You are not indicating your nationality, but in what language you will be communicated with. 1 Welsh 2 English
  • Yes - I am serving in the British Armed Forces
  • Yes - I am a family member of someone who is
  • Please provide a letter which confirms you or a family member are serving in the Armed Forces, including confirmation of where the serving member resided when they joined up Max. file size: 100 MB.
  • 1 Has never been full-time employed in British armed forces
  • 4 Is currently employed in British armed forces
  • 10 Left employment in British armed forces within last 5 years
  • 11 Left employment in British armed forces over 5 years ago
  • Please advise your previous addresses of the last 3 years and your reason for being abroad (Required)
  • Non UK National serving in the British Armed Forces
  • Asylum Seeker
  • Limited Leave
  • EU Pre Settled Status
  • Student Visa / Visitor Visa / Working Holiday Visa
  • Settled Status / Indefinite Leave to Remain / Indefinite Leave to Enter / Right of Abode
  • Refugee / Humanitarian Protection / Discretionary Leave / Afghan related leave / Ukraine related leave
  • Residential Address (Required) Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands

About You: Entry Requirements (1/3)

OCA offers open access courses, meaning you can start studying something you may have been interested in for years but haven't been able to pursue. What we are interested in is your aptitude and enthusiasm for your chosen subject.

You don’t need specific subject related qualifications to study with us, however there are minimum entry requirements you need to meet to ensure you have the right tools to get started.

English Language

As your legal nationality features on the majority English speaking countries list or you are a continuing student, you do not need to provide evidence of English Language proficiency. You will still need to confirm that you have a good standard of English to study this course.

You have indicated a legal nationality that is not featured on the majority English speaking countries list as provided by the CEFR. You must provide evidence of your English language proficiency equating to B2 of the CEFR.

You can evidence you meet this requirement through one of the following documents:

- A Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider, taken two years or less before the date of enrolment to the course. IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Academic may be accepted as meeting these requirements, provided the student has achieved a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four elements of language learning. - Have successfully completed an academic course (not professional or vocational) at Bachelors degree level or above from an educational institution in the UK or in a majority English speaking country as listed below. - A passport provided as evidence of nationality of a majority English speaking country as listed above. - TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT taken two years or less before the date of enrolment to the course, with minimum scores in each of the four elements of language learning as follows: reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20 and writing 17. - Cambridge English B2 First qualification with scale range 160-179 taken in the last two years as of the date of enrolment to the course. - An online Duolingo test. You would need an overall score of 90 or above to meet Level B2 of the CEFR, and a minimum score of 85 in each category (providing your overall score is still above 90).

  • I confirm I have a good standard of English
  • Upload English Language Evidence Here (Required) We recommend uploading a PDF or image file. Max. file size: 100 MB.

About You: Entry Requirements (2/3)

As our courses are hosted on the virtual learning platform, OCA Learn, it is essential that you have access to a laptop or computer, and can easily manage a range of basic functions through ICT. This includes being able to;

  • I have a good level of IT literacy and am confident with using web-based technologies.
  • I have regular access to a computer/laptop with internet access.

About You: Entry Requirements (3/3)

Distance learning is great for anyone who wants to be creative, expand their skills and/or gain a qualification on your own terms. A lot of our ­­­students study alongside other commitments such as work, childcare and health issues, adding distance learning to their existing lifestyle.

Self-motivation is key to a successful distance learning student. You will be able to set aside several study hours per week and be comfortable working independently. As a higher education student, you are responsible for your studies and managing your time effectively, and will need a minimum of 10 study hours per week complete within the maximum time frames available.

  • I confirm I have at least 10 study hours a week available
  • I can dedicate this many study hours per week (Required)
  • You do not have enough study hours per week available. You need at least a minimum of 10 study hours to complete a degree within the available time frames.
  • Your dedicated study hours per week suggests that you will complete your degree course in 9 years.
  • Your dedicated study hours per week suggests that you will complete your degree course in 8 years.
  • Your dedicated study hours per week suggests that you will complete your degree course in 7 years.
  • Your dedicated study hours per week suggests that you will complete your degree course in 6 years.

About You: Issues that may affect your learning

  • 95 No known impairment, health condition or learning difference
  • 51 Learning difference such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or AD(H)D
  • 53 Social/communication conditions such as a speech and language impairment or an autistic spectrum condition
  • 54 Long-term illness or health condition such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, chronic heart disease, or epilepsy
  • 55 Mental health condition, challenge or disorder, such as depression, schizophrenia or anxiety
  • 56 Physical impairment (a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting or carrying)
  • 57 D/deaf or have a hearing impairment
  • 58 Blind or have a visual impairment uncorrected by glasses
  • 59 Development condition that you have had since childhood which affects motor, cognitive, social and emotional skills, and speech and language
  • 96 An impairment, health condition or learning difference not listed above
  • 98 Prefer not to say
  • 99 Not available

Learning Difficulty

If you think you may have a SpLD but do not have a formal diagnosis, please take a look at the Adult Checklist on the British Dyslexia Association website: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/screening

This does not confirm a diagnosis itself but may give an indication as to whether you should consider looking into a formal diagnosis.

A full diagnostic test is required for UK students to access support via the Disabled Students Allowance process. For OCA students who need help to pay for a diagnostic test, you may be able to apply for part-funding towards a diagnostic assessment via OCA’s Learner Support Scheme.

If you already have a full (post-16) diagnostic assessment, we would encourage you to apply for additional support via the Disabled Students Allowance process. You will need to get reassessed if you had this done when you were under 16 years old.

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

If you are eligible for Student Finance, you may wish to consider applying for Disabled Students Allowance (Student Finance). This has been invaluable to many of our students. Students may be awarded a mentor which provides regular face-to-face interaction to support you with your planning and motivation, or software and equipment may be awarded to help you study the course depending on your needs. It's all individual - they will look at what the requirements of the course are, where your areas of difficulty may be due to your symptoms and let you know what options there are that could help.

We advise students applying for DSA to enrol to the course when DSA is in place, however you can start before this - the decision is yours. DSA applications can take 14 weeks to process, so please consider this when selecting your start date later on.

You can still apply for DSA even if you are a part through your studies.

  • I have reviewed how DSA might be able to support me and do not wish to apply for DSA support.
  • Only when DSA is approved
  • On a set date regardless if DSA is in place or not
  • I have a medical condition or disability meaning I require physical course materials.
  • I do not have a medical condition or disability meaning I require physical course materials.
  • My residential address
  • Please provide a delivery address (Required) If you are have indicated you are studying this course in UK, your delivery address must also be UK address Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
  • Please tell us about any health issues, disability or caring responsibilities that may affect your learning.

Course Information

Students must achieve 360 credits to complete their BA Hons course, which is structured into three 120 credit levels. Students begin at Level 1, and enrol on a unit by unit basis. Each level is made up of three 40 credit units.

The first number of the unit name indicates the level of study, and the second number of the unit indicates what order they unit should be studied at that level e.g. unit 1.1 is the first unit at Level 1.

  • Select which course unit of the degree you are enrolling to (Required) Please select... 1.1 Essential Writing Skills (new students select this) 1.2 Further Writing Skills 1.3 Developing Your Writing Skills 2.1 Investigation and Experiment 2.2 Skill and Proficiency 2.3 Innovation and Challenge 3.1 Practice and Research 3.2 Your Work in Progress 3.3: Reaching Your Audience Writing 1: Writing Skills Visual Studies 1:  Creative Arts Today Writing 1: Starting Your Novel Writing 1: The Art of Poetry Writing 1: Scriptwriting Writing 2: Writing for Children Writing 2:  Writing Short Fiction Writing 2: Poetry – Form and Experience Writing 2: Life Writing Writing 2: Moving on with Scriptwriting Writing 3: Independent Project
  • Enrol before progression discussion complete
  • Enrol after progression discussion complete
  • Which Academic Year would you like to start in? (Required) 2024/25 (1st August 2024 to 31st July 2025)
  • Which intake point would you like to join? (Required) 7th October 2024 4th November 2024 6th January 2025 3rd February 2025 3rd March 2025 6th May 2025 2nd June 2025 7th July 2025 Please select an intake point to join. Please note that  the cut off to join an intake is two works before the stated start date of the course. If you select a start date after the deadline has already passed, you will automatically be deferred to the following intake.
  • I understand that the fee for this unit is £1,650, or a deposit of £495 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £192.50.
  • I understand that the fee for this unit is £2,475, or a deposit of £550 followed by 10 monthly instalments of £192.50.
  • I understand that the fee for this unit is £1,890, or a deposit of £567 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £220.50.
  • I understand that the fee for this unit is £2,835, or a deposit of £630 followed by 10 monthly instalments of £220.50
  • I understand that the fee for this unit is £2,062, or a deposit of £619 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £240.50.
  • I understand that the fee for this unit is £3,093, or a deposit of £928 followed by 10 monthly instalments of £216.50.
  • I understand that the fee for this unit is £2,362, or a deposit of £709 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £275.50.
  • I understand that the fee for this unit is £3,543, or a deposit of £1,063 followed by 10 monthly instalments of £248.00
  • Product Name

Funding and Payment

  • Student Finance (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)
  • Self-funding
  • SAAS Part-time Fee Grant
  • Learner Support Scheme Bursary
  • What is your Student Finance Customer Reference Number? (Required) You'll be given a customer reference number (CRN) when an application to the Student Loans Company for financial support is made. You'll receive this CRN in a letter or email.
  • I understand that if applying for funding from SAAS, funding is confirmed after the start date of the course, and if unsuccessful for funding from SAAS I will remain liable for the fees of the course once outside the cancellation period, and that SAAS does not cover the full cost of the tuition fees .

You are responsible for submitting your own Student Finance funding applications. The month you begin your course will mark the start of your personal academic year with Student Finance. For instance, if you begin your course in October, your funding year runs from October to September. This means you need to apply for funding to begin every October for the relevant academic year for as long as you are studying your course.

Mark the month you start your course in your calendar, so you know when your funding the following year needs to begin. We recommend applying for the maximum amount available each year. We will only claim the amount required.

Review the 22/23 Student Finance Guidance Here

  • I understand that I will be confirmed as studying 40 credits in my first year when I start my course
  • I am applying for a maintenance loan or already receive one (check your eligibility with Student Finance)
  • I am not applying or in receipt of a maintenance loan
  • Deposit and Instalment
  • If paying for the course by instalments, I undertake to pay the full sum once outside of the 14 day cancellation period per the course fees structure , and if relevant, I give my permission for OCA to discuss my progress with a third party funder (e.g. employer, ELCAS).
  • Please upload your ELCAS CAN form (Required) Max. file size: 100 MB.

HESA Data Collection

  • Have you previously studied at Higher Education Level in the UK before? (Required) A Has had prior HE experience in UK lasting 6 months or more B Has not had prior HE experience in UK lasting 6 months or more C Not known if has had prior HE exp in UK of 6 months or more
  • What is your Highest Existing Qualification? (Required) DUK UK doctorate degree DZZ Non-UK doctorate degree D80 Other qualification at level D MUK UK masters degree MZZ Non-UK masters degree M2X Integrated undergraduate/postgraduate taught masters degree on the enhanced/extended pattern M41 Diploma at level M M44 Certificate at level M M71 Postgraduate Certificate in Education or Professional Graduate Diploma in Education M80 Other taught qualification at level M M90 Taught work at level M for provider credit HUK UK first degree with honours HZZ Non-UK first degree H11 First degree with honours leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)/registration with a General Teaching Council (GTC) H71 Professional Graduate Certificate in Education H80 Other qualification at level H JUK UK ordinary (non-honours) first degree J10 Foundation degree J20 Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) J30 Higher National Diploma (HND) J49 Foundation course at level J J48 Certificate in Education (CertEd) or Diploma in Education (DipEd) (i.e. non-graduate initial teacher training qualification) J80 Other qualification at level J C20 Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) C30 Higher National Certificate (HNC) C44 Higher Apprenticeship (level 4) C80 Other qualification at level C C90 Undergraduate credits P41 Diploma at level 3 P42 Certificate at level 3 P46 Award at level 3 P47 AQA Baccalaureate (Bacc) P50 A/AS level P51 14-19 Advanced Diploma (level 3) P53 Scottish Baccalaureate P54 Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers P62 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma P63 International Baccalaureate (IB) Certificate P64 Cambridge Pre-U Diploma P65 Cambridge Pre-U Certificate P68 Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma (level 3) P80 Other qualification at level 3 P92 Level 3 qualifications of which none are subject to UCAS Tariff P93 Level 3 qualifications of which all are subject to UCAS Tariff P94 Level 3 qualifications of which some are subject to UCAS Tariff Q51 14-19 Higher Diploma (level 2) Q52 Welsh Baccalaureate Intermediate Diploma (level 2) Q80 Other qualification at level 2 R51 14-19 Foundation Diploma (level 1) R52 Welsh Baccalaureate Foundation Diploma (level 1) R80 Other qualification at level 1 X00 Higher education (HE) access course, Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) recognised X01 Higher education (HE) access course, not Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) recognised X02 Mature student admitted on basis of previous experience and/or admissions test X04 Other qualification level not known X05 Student has no formal qualification X06 Not known
  • Please indicate the grading of that qualification (Required)
  • Please confirm the subject of your qualification (Required) Musical theatre Creative writing Textile design Ergonomics Fashion Fashion design Animation Film studies Fine art Graphic arts Graphic design Illustration Photography Music Performing arts Clothing production Footwear production Landscape architecture and design Housing Planning Textiles technology Music technology Audio technology Music production Film production Forestry and arboriculture Architectural design Drawing Landscape studies Painting Garden design Sculpture Fine art conservation Musicianship and performance studies Instrumental or vocal performance Music education and teaching Music and arts management Music marketing Jazz performance Popular music performance History of music Musicology Ethnomusicology and world music Music composition History of photography Cinematography Visual and audio effects Scriptwriting Poetry writing Professional writing Popular music Film music and screen music Jazz Sacred music Community music Sonic arts Electronic music Jazz composition Moving image techniques Film directing Film and sound recording Television studies Radio studies Publishing Electronic publishing Online publishing Research skills Cinematics Music therapy Interior design and architecture Folk music Opera Music theory and analysis Applied music and musicianship Popular music composition Other
  • Please confirm the year awarded (Required)
  • Last provider attended (Required) Fi4901 UK state school 4911 UK independent school 4921 UK FE college 4931 Any non-UK provider 4941 UK HEP 9999 Unknown
  • Which of the following best describes your sexual orientation? (Required) 10 Bisexual 11 Gay or lesbian 12 Heterosexual or straight 19 Other sexual orientation 98 Prefer not to say
  • What is your legal marital or registered civil partnership status? (Required) 10 Never married and never registered in a civil partnership 11 Married or in a registered civil partnership 12 Separated (but still legally married or in a civil partnership) 13 Divorced or formerly in a civil partnership which is now legally dissolved 14 Widowed or a surviving partner from a registered civil partnership 15 Co-habiting, with or without a legal contract 98 Prefer not to say
  • What do you consider to be your national identity? (Required) B British E English I Irish O Other R Information refused S Scottish U Unknown W Welsh
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Creative Writing (Distance Learning)

  • Entry year 2024 or 2025
  • Duration Part time 2 years

Top reasons to study with us

World Top 40 English Language and Literature QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

Our rich literary connections extend from Lancaster's LitFest and medieval castle to Grasmere's Wordsworth Centre

96% of research world leading or internationally recognised (REF21)

Why Lancaster?

  • Study from anywhere in the world, whenever it suits you, with our one-to-one tutorials and small group workshops
  • Sharpen your writing with detailed individual feedback from a published author in your chosen genre
  • Join us for a summer school on campus to spend time with our friendly community, share your work and learn from brilliant writers
  • Learn from published writers who specialise in long prose fiction, memoir, short stories, poetry and work for stage and screen
  • Work towards your ambition of being a published writer – we’ll help you turn your passion into a career path

We believe distance learning should be like a book – you should be able to pick it up and put it down when it suits you. By studying with us, you can benefit from invaluable one-to-one support from one of our published writers and work on your writing project without changing your lifestyle.

A global community

The DLMA Creative Writing at Lancaster has an established track record of success: our list of graduates who have published their work speaks for itself. Studying with us, you’ll become part of our diverse community of students who connect with each other from all corners of the globe, each bringing their unique personal experiences and cultural perspectives to the course.

Supporting your success

To support your writing project, you’ll learn from detailed online one-to-one tutorials and group conferences. We’ll match you with a published writer in your chosen genre who will be your personal tutor throughout the programme. As well as this one-to-one support, you’ll take part in virtual conferences where you’ll share your work with other students and members of our expert team.

Unmissable summer school

In the summer term of your first year, we run a week-long summer school on campus. Past students have travelled to Lancaster from locations ranging from the USA to Singapore. While this is an optional part of the programme, previous participants have said this is a highlight of the programme as they have the chance to meet other students in person, join interactive workshops and review their progress face-to-face.

During this exciting week, you’ll also benefit from interacting with professionals such as agents, publishers and writers who join us from across the UK. You’ll also take part in a field trip to the Wordsworth Trust in the beautiful Lake District.

Your department

  • English Literature and Creative Writing Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Master's Programmes in Creative Writing at Lancaster University

Discover the key features of studying a master's degree in Creative Writing at Lancaster University. Our Creative Writing courses offer flexible study options, to allow the opportunity for you learn in the way that suits you best.

The DLMA Creative writing is taught by a dedicated team of award-winning, critically-acclaimed authors of fiction, poetry and script. The staff may change from time to time, but the following gives you a good idea of our current team.

by Professor Jenn Ashworth

creative writing online course uk

by Sarah Corbett

creative writing online course uk

by Tajinder Hayer

creative writing online course uk

by Conor O'Callaghan

creative writing online course uk

by Professor Paul Farley

creative writing online course uk

by Michelene Wandor

creative writing online course uk

by Eoghan Walls

creative writing online course uk

by Professor Emeritus & Course Founder Graham Mort

creative writing online course uk

Being so close to the spectacular Lake District, home of the Romantic poets, the Department has world-class strengths in Romanticism. Our partnership with the Wordsworth Trust, at Grasmere, is long-established, and has a number of new benefits for all our students.

creative writing online course uk

The Castle Quarter is both a wonderful place to enjoy, with many excellent places to eat and drink, and a wonderful resource for literary studies here at Lancaster. Our students in the Department of English Literature & Creative Writing have many opportunities to make the most of this resource.

creative writing online course uk

Many of our past students have gone on to publish their work and make a career out of their passion for writing. So, if you’ve always wanted to get your work published, this course is for you.

We’ll give you the support you need to become the best writer you can be, and our staff will share their own experiences with you to inspire you on your journey.

Other students have combined their writing with careers in teaching. Journalism and the media are also potential career paths.

Published graduates

Many of our graduates have gone on to successful publishing careers. You too might become one of these.

by Amali Rodrigo

creative writing online course uk

by Barbara Schoichet

creative writing online course uk

by Ruth Taaffe

creative writing online course uk

by Nguyan Phan Que Mai

creative writing online course uk

by Jacob Anthony Ramirez

creative writing online course uk

by Helen Taylor

creative writing online course uk

by Liz Monument

creative writing online course uk

by Gail Kirkpatrick

creative writing online course uk

Advance your career with a Master's at Lancaster University - Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Hear from alumni in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Lancaster University. What did they study and how did their course propel their career?

Entry requirements

Academic requirements.

2:1 degree in a related subject is normally required. We will also consider applications on an individual basis where you have a degree in other subjects, have a 2:2 or equivalent result or extensive relevant experience. You should clearly be able to demonstrate how your skills have prepared you for relevant discussions and assessments during postgraduate study.

Please contact us for more information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Additional Requirements

As part of your application you also need to provide

  • A portfolio of original writing (no more than 12 poems or 20 pages of prose/scriptwriting) showing potential for publication.
  • An outline (approximately 300-400 words) of your proposed project, which is the single point of assessment and is submitted at the end of the course. This could be a collection of short stories, poems, a script, extracts from a longer fiction, creative non-fiction, or life writing piece.

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 7.0, and a minimum of 6.5 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications .

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email [email protected]

Course structure

You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

core modules accordion

The distance learning MA in Creative Writing is a two-year part-time course. It allows the convenience of study from home, enabling online tutorials with a professional writer who will respond to your work through detailed written reports. The course accommodates a range of writing, from poetry to fictional forms and is mediated through a simple virtual learning environment. Our approach is student-centred and designed to support a writing project that you will outline at the point of application.

Personal online tutorials are held twice a term and you will also participate in termly online conferences, sharing work and critical perspectives with other students. There is a week-long optional Summer school at the end of the first year. This takes the form of an intensive week of workshops, and provides a valuable addition to the course when you can meet your tutors and fellow students as well as industry professionals such as writers, editors and agents.

Fees and funding

 Year 1      Year 2    
Home £5,625 £5,625
International    £9,000 £9,000

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.

Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.

For students starting in 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.

Computer equipment and internet access

To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.

The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.

For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.

For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.

The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status .

If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years .

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities .

Scheme Based on Amount
Based on {{item.eligibility_basis}} Amount {{item.amount}}

We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries .

Similar courses

English literature and creative writing.

  • Creative Writing PhD
  • Creative Writing (modular) MA
  • Creative Writing with English Literary Studies MA
  • English Literary Research MA
  • English Literary Studies MA
  • English Literary Studies with Creative Writing MA
  • English Literature PhD
  • English Literature and Creative Writing PhD
  • Gender Studies and English MA

David Craig crouching down beside his labrador dog.

David Craig Memorial Fund

Level of Study: Master's degree

Details of Award: The David Craig Writing Award was set up in David’s memory by his four children, Marian, Peter, Donald and Neil, and his wife Anne Spillard Craig, with the support of Lancaster University. One award is made each year to a student starting a Master’s programme in Creative Writing . The award is made on the basis of the student having applied and received an offer to join the programme, and a short statement about how they would use the award. We look for evidence that the award will help them become a successful writer whose work connects experience, place, and history.

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information .

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies .

creative writing online course uk

League tables and reputation

A highly-ranked university with a global reputation.

creative writing online course uk

Colleges and community

Your college will be your home away from home.

creative writing online course uk

Careers and employability

Career support for our students through university and beyond.

creative writing online course uk

Student life

Lancaster has so much to offer. On our campus, in our city and in our community, you’ll find your place – whoever you are.

creative writing online course uk

Where is Lancaster?

Lancaster is easy to get to and surrounded by natural beauty.

creative writing online course uk

The campus and the city

Our campus and the surrounding area is a great place to call home.

creative writing online course uk

Your global experience

Build your global community on campus and around the world.

creative writing online course uk

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Services to help you fulfil your potential at Lancaster.

creative writing online course uk

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Start writing fiction

Start writing fiction

Course description

Course content, course reviews, course learning outcomes.

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • identify strengths and weaknesses as a writer of fiction
  • demonstrate a general awareness of fiction writing
  • discuss fiction using basic vocabulary.

First Published: 09/08/2012

Updated: 14/05/2018

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creative writing online course uk

Introduction to creative writing

Introduction to creative writing  teaches you skills central to three of the main forms of creative writing: poetry, fiction and scriptwriting. Throughout   this online short CPD course, you’ll learn methods for appealing to the senses, strategies for building characters, and ways to create compelling dialogue. Along the way, you’ll glean tips from a wide range of contemporary poetry, fiction and scripts. And you’ll get to hear professional writers share their writing habits: processes such as reading as writers, balancing instinct with intellect, and redrafting. Most important of all, you’ll get to try out each of these approaches for yourself.

Standalone study only

This module is available for standalone study only. Any credits from this module cannot be counted towards an OU qualification.

Module code

Study level.

Level of Study
OU SCQF FHEQ
0

Study method

Module cost, entry requirements, request your prospectus, explore our subjects and courses, what you will study.

The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short course will introduce you to three forms of creative writing: poetry, fiction and scriptwriting.

Introduction to creative writing is split into three fortnightly sections. During the first section, you will focus on poetry, next you’ll explore fiction and finally you’ll look at scriptwriting.

Weeks 1–2 focus on poetry. Since we experience the world first through our bodies, you will explore ways to appeal to the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. You’ll see how poets such as Malika Booker, Owen Sheers and Jane Yeh have employed these techniques.

Weeks 3–4 concentrate on fiction. Fascinating characters lie at the heart of good stories. Drawing on your experiences, observations, and imagination, you will create convincing characters of your own. And then you’ll learn how to place them into compelling scenarios, following the examples of fiction writers such as Kevin Barry, Jhumpa Lahiri and Courttia Newland.

In Weeks 5–6 you will learn about scriptwriting. Here, you will be introduced to methods for putting words into the mouths of your characters. After all, what they say – and don’t say – is a core component of drama. This is something you’ll get to see for yourself in the work of scriptwriters such as Jonathan Harvey, Ming Ho and Julia Pascal.

At the mid-point of each week, you’ll pause to learn about writing habits – the kinds of rituals, routines and strategies writers tend to find useful for generating ideas, getting started and keeping going.

Each section builds to a 'Bringing it together' point, when you get to try out for yourself the writing skills and strategies you've looked at in published passages or heard discussed by working writers.

As you work through this course, you’ll be building a portfolio of creative writing, which, by the end of Week 6, will include a poem, a short passage of fiction and a few pages of script.

You will learn

Knowledge and understanding

You should gain a knowledge and understanding of:

  • wide-ranging creative processes and writing skills
  • the importance of experimentation
  • your own writerly strengths and interests.

Cognitive skills

You should gain an ability to:

  • identify a range of literary techniques
  • employ these techniques in your own writing
  • appraise your own work accurately.
  • develop helpful writing habits
  • generate ideas
  • compose and redraft a poem, a short passage of fiction and a few pages of script.

Practical and professional skills

You should develop:

  • an ability to manage a sequence of work to a series of deadlines
  • the capacity to consider different approaches
  • an understanding of future study opportunities.

Vocational relevance

This course has relevance for those interested in becoming professional writers as well as those interested in working in the literary industries.

Learner support

There is no tuition on this course and all study is self-directed. However, a Study Advisor is present to facilitate discussion within the online forums.

If you have a disability

The course is delivered online and makes use of a variety of online resources. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in using a computer or the internet you are advised to contact us about support which can be given to meet your needs.

Teaching and assessment

There's no formal assessment. However, there will be three 'Bringing it together' points built into the course, which will allow you to employ in your own writing some of the key techniques you've studied.

Regulations

There are no entry requirements for this course.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please  contact us .

Course length

You’ll study for around 8 hours 20 mins per week for 6 weeks. In total, this course will require around 50 hours to complete.

Start End England fee Register
05 Oct 2024 Nov 2024 £125.00

Registration closes 05/09/24 (places subject to availability)

01 Feb 2025 Mar 2025 £125.00

Registration closes 23/01/25 (places subject to availability)

This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2026.

Ways to pay

Credit/Debit Card – We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.

Sponsorship – If this course is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could ask your employer to sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees. Your sponsor just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.

The fee information provided here is valid for short courses starting in the 2024/25 academic year. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules .

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

  • be resident in England
  • have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
  • have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

How to apply to study an Access module for free

Once you've started the registration process , either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.

If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069 , or you can request a call back .

Not eligible to study for free?

Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

  • monthly payments through OUSBA
  • part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding .

What's included

All of this course’s study materials are online. Online materials are composed of pages of text with images, interactive activities, audio/video clips (with transcripts). Some online materials may also include links to external resources, and the Course-wide forum.

Printed materials are not provided for the course content. However, you are able to access the web pages in alternative formats (PDF, Word for screen readers, ebook) from the Downloads area on the course website and print them for your studies, if you wish. You are also able to download all course audio tracks and videos from this area. You will find further useful documents available in Word or PDF format in the Resources area of the course website.

Computing requirements

You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11), or macOS Ventura or higher.

Our module websites comply with web standards and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

Our OU Study mobile App will operate on all current, supported, versions of Android and iOS. It's not available on Kindle.

It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop as described above.

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The Home of Creative Writing

Arvon is a charity that runs creative writing courses, events and retreats both in-person and online. Our courses are tutored by leading authors and include a powerful mix of workshops and individual tutorials, with time and space to write, free from distractions of everyday life. Grants and concessions are available to help with course fees.

ARVON COURSES & RETREATS

Masterclass: ecopoetry.

Wild listening

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Masterclass: Writing for Performance

Improvisation; joyful tools for scriptwriting

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How I Write: Helen Oyeyemi

Q&A and Reading

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Residential Writing Week: Non-Fiction

Transforming travel experience into compelling writing

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Dashes, slashes and white space

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Transform your screenplay

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Poetry , Non-Fiction

Residential Writing Week: Poetry & Memoir

New ways of looking at the natural world

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Masterclass: Writing Difficult Stories

‘But how do I write about…that?’

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“Every time I’ve taught at Arvon - going back over fifteen years now - I’ve seen how much difference just a handful of days can make in the life of writers. There’s a perfect mix of tutorials, writing time, socializing, and discussion - all those elements come together to create an atmosphere in which writing projects move in that longed-for but often unattainable direction: forward.”

— Kamila Shamsie

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Our online programme of courses, events and writing support

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Arvon North is an ambitious capital project to adapt Lumb Bank into a beacon of creativity for the North

Help us transform Lumb Bank into an engine-house for creative writing development in the North of England, connecting the rich literary collateral of the region with a community of writers locally, regionally, nationally and globally.

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CLOCKHOUSE WRITERS' RETREAT

Give your writing the time and space it deserves with Arvon’s dedicated Writers Retreat at The Clockhouse

The Clockhouse is specifically designed for writers on retreat. It has four apartments for writers, each with bedroom, study-lounge and bathroom. All food is provided for you, so you can spend your time as you please.

creative writing online course uk

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Arvon is a charity that believes everyone deserves the freedom to imagine, write and explore ideas regardless of their age or financial background.

creative writing online course uk

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We offer residential weeks for schools, young people and adult groups.

Our weeks for schools and groups follow the same pattern as our adult course programme – led by two professional writers, with tutorials, group workshops, and time and space to write.

ARVON BLOGS

creative writing online course uk

My Arvon Week: Daphne Pleace

13 Aug 2024 / My Arvon Week

I consider myself to be quite well-travelled in the UK – always finding new places and new ways to write about…

creative writing online course uk

Northern Writers’ Awards 2024

26 Jun 2024 / Arvon Friends

New Writing North celebrated its 25th anniversary with an awards ceremony honouring writers in fiction and poetry. As part of the…

creative writing online course uk

Quay Words and Arvon Live: Fiction Writing Day

05 Jun 2024 / News

Do you have a novel writing project that needs attention? Perhaps you need some technical help, are looking for tips to…

creative writing online course uk

My Arvon Week: Jessica Eve Watkins

15 Apr 2024 / My Arvon Week

A preview of Jessica Eve Watkin’s experience on a week-long writing retreat at Arvon’s writing house, The Hurst. “ ‘The…

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Blaze: online creative writing courses

Our online courses will inspire you, motivate you to write and put you in the virtual company of other writers.

You can study these classes from your home, at whatever time you choose.

We offer three types of class:

  • Kindling: creative writing for beginners
  • Feeding the Flame: creative writing for writers
  • Inferno: novel writing

For class dates and times, please visit our online catalogue -  MyCLL  - on the right hand side of this page. 

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Who are we? 

We are the University of Cambridge Centre for Creative Writing, based within the Institute of Continuing Education.

We believe in the power of writing and reading to change lives and bring people together both locally and around the world.

Collaboration and partnership are at the heart of what we do. If you'd like to join us in building this exciting new phase in the development of the centre, please get in touch by filling out the form below.

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  2. Best Creative Writing Courses in UK

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  3. Top 5 Creative Writing Courses in The UK With Certificates in [year]

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COMMENTS

  1. Online courses in creative writing

    Diploma in Creative Writing. Our two-year, part-time Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing allows you to strengthen your ability in four major areas of literary activity — prose, poetry, drama and analytical reading — as well as the chance to specialise in the medium of your choice. You can now opt to take this course mostly online.

  2. Getting Started in Creative Writing (Online)

    Getting Started in Creative Writing (Online) There are no time-tabled sessions on this course. Using a specially designed virtual learning environment this online course guides students through weekly pathways of directed readings and learning activities. Students interact with their tutor and the other course participants through tutor-guided ...

  3. Advanced Creative Writing (Online)

    Advanced Creative Writing (Online) There are no time-tabled sessions on this course. Using a specially designed virtual learning environment this online course guides students through weekly pathways of directed readings and learning activities. Students interact with their tutor and the other course participants through tutor-guided, text ...

  4. MA in Creative Writing (Online)

    Embracing Hull's global-facing outlook, MA Professor and accomplished author Martin Goodman describes the University's MA Creative Writing as an inspiring and collegial environment for online students who want to develop their distinctive voice as a creative writer. There is also the option to attend face-to-face events, as you seek public ...

  5. Creative writing courses

    Our short courses in creative writing include in person and online live-time weekly classes, day and weekend schools and flexible online courses. Courses cover all genres: fiction, poetry, memoir, creative nonfiction, drama, writing for young adults and critical reading. There are courses for beginners and options for those with experience.

  6. Creative Writing Courses

    Creative Writing courses. Whether you're looking to develop your own writing skills and editorial practice for your profession or for purely personal interest, our creative writing courses have much to offer you. Choose below from our range of qualifications. Creative Writing Degrees. Stage 1 120 credits. Stage 2 120 credits. Stage 3 120 credits.

  7. Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning)

    A second class degree or above, or equivalent, in creative writing, English literature, literature and language, drama or theatre studies or a humanities subject. Applicants with academic qualifications in other subjects, or relevant work experience, will be considered on an individual basis. A demonstrable interest in creative writing.

  8. British Academy of Creative Writing

    At the British Academy of Creative Writing, we offer a range of accredited creative writing courses. Our flexible study options mean you can choose to study from home or attend class-based courses. ... industry recognised creative writing qualifications in UK. London [email protected] 020 3376 7945. Manchester [email protected] 0161 5246 537 ...

  9. Creative Writing Modules

    OU level 2. Creative writing. Literature matters. Telling stories: the novel and beyond. OU level 3. Advanced creative writing. English literature from Shakespeare to Austen. Literature in transition: from 1800 to the present. Access modules.

  10. British Academy of Creative Writing

    The British Academy of Creative Writing is accredited by the International Approval and Registrations Centre (IARC). Unleash your creativity and begin your journey as a writer. Our certificate course is designed for beginners, covering the fundamentals of creative writing across genres. Learn character creation, plot development, and delve into ...

  11. Creative Writing Courses Online & In London

    Craft focus: grammar, syntax, and style for creative writers. Course start date: Mon 16 Sep 2024 (and 2 other dates) Location on this date: Online. Tutors: William Brady. Great poetry and prose begin when the writer puts the right words in the right places. Learn how and why the rules and conventions of language matter in this course, which ...

  12. How to choose the best online creative writing course step-by-step

    This article is about online creative writing courses, but, depending on your objectives, a location-based in-person course may suit you as multiple options exist. For example, is the course: Online; In-the-flesh, location-based; A combination of the two. By choosing an online course you are widening your choices significantly.

  13. Creative Writing (online) MLitt: Online distance learning

    Our celebrated online Creative Writing Masters is perfect for talented and aspiring writers looking to gain creative and critical skills., If you're a talented and ambitious writer looking to develop your craft and take your writing to the next level, Glasgow's renowned Creative Writing MLitt is ideal. Develop your writing practice wherever you are in the world by gaining creative and critical ...

  14. BA Creative Writing Degree

    Start writing today. Our BA Hons Creative Writing degree is a specialist degree covering scriptwriting, writing for children, life writing, writing a novel, poetry, and more. You can study creative writing online - completely at our own pace - while being supported by OCA's tutors. It aims to equip students with skills, confidence ...

  15. Creative Writing (Online), MA, Online learning course

    Jenna Clake, course leader for our MA Creative Writing (Online) course, talks about working with authors and academics to develop your writing in a timeframe you choose. The course is taught by distance learning with no requirement to attend classes at a set time. You can access the course space and complete the coursework in your own time ...

  16. Creative Writing (Distance Learning) MA

    We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 7.0, and a minimum of 6.5 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications. Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email [email protected].

  17. Creative Writing BA(Hons) online degree

    Course overview. Explore the evolving needs of the marketplace while honing your writing practice on this Creative Writing online degree. Whether you dream of penning novels, writing for games, creating compelling digital content, or producing award-winning screenplays, you'll graduate with an assured voice - ready to make your mark.

  18. Start writing fiction

    This free course, Start writing fiction, will give you an insight into how authors create their characters and setting s. You will also be able to look at the different genre s for fiction. If you identify as being from a Black background, you could be eligible to study our MA in Creative Writing for free.

  19. AXS001

    The course will introduce you to three forms of creative writing: poetry, fiction and scriptwriting. Introduction to creative writing is split into three fortnightly sections. During the first section, you will focus on poetry, next you'll explore fiction and finally you'll look at scriptwriting. Weeks 1-2 focus on poetry.

  20. Arvon

    Browse online and in-person writing courses. Arvon is a charity that runs creative writing courses, events and retreats both in-person and online. Our courses are tutored by leading authors and include a powerful mix of workshops and individual tutorials, with time and space to write, free from distractions of everyday life.

  21. Online creative writing

    Blaze: online creative writing courses. Our online courses will inspire you, motivate you to write and put you in the virtual company of other writers. You can study these classes from your home, at whatever time you choose. We offer three types of class: Kindling: creative writing for beginners. Feeding the Flame: creative writing for writers.

  22. University of Cambridge Centre for Creative Writing

    We are the University of Cambridge Centre for Creative Writing, based within the Institute of Continuing Education. We believe in the power of writing and reading to change lives and bring people together both locally and around the world. Collaboration and partnership are at the heart of what we do.

  23. Online courses in creative writing and literature

    Learn techniques in writing fiction, poetry or short stories, read literature ranging from Old English to contemporary, or brush up on literary theory or your critical reading skills. Our short online courses in creative writing and literature include live-time weekly classes, day and weekend schools, and flexible online courses.