MLitt in Creative Writing
Saint Andrews, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
07 Aug 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 25,880 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* overseas / home: £11,680
Key Summary
Introduction
The MLitt in Creative Writing develops original work while providing critical and creative study in either poetry or prose. The MLitt offers practice-based, technically and creatively oriented tuition by leading contemporary authors with an emphasis on the development of individual style, and the goal of literary excellence.
Course details
The MLitt in Creative Writing is a one-year taught program run by the School of English. The course consists of two semesters with taught components followed by an individual creative writing project taking place over the whole year but with a particular focus during the last three months.
Highlights
- Have the opportunity to study with leading contemporary authors
- Gain a firm grounding in style and technique
- Learning critical thinking and the ability to be your own best editor
- Learn the importance of broad and well-informed reading in the development of an original ‘voice’
- Develop an awareness of creative industry norms in publication and networking.
Admissions
Curriculum
The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your program.
Students take one compulsory module on research skills in Semester 1 and two modules in a chosen area over both semesters.
Compulsory
The following module is compulsory for everyone studying Creative Writing:
- Research Skills for Creative Writing: an introduction to primary skills such as proofreading and copy-editing; the literary marketplace, and the roles of editors, publishers, agents, and festival organizers; the use of IT resources and library materials.
Students who select the prose option for the MLitt will study the following compulsory modules over Semesters 1 and 2:
- Writing Prose 1 and Writing Prose 2: a critical and practical study of the writing of literary prose, including short and long fiction, as well as literary essays, life writing, and other non-fiction forms.
Students who select the poetry option for the MLitt will study the following compulsory modules over Semesters 1 and 2:
Writing Poetry 1 and Writing Poetry 2: these cover a range of essential topics in poetry and its composition, including the creative process, the poetic line, the use of lyric, imagery, metaphor, meter, experimental practice, meaning, and interpretation.
Original work
In August, students will submit a dissertation comprising original work in one of the following forms:
- Poetry: a collection of at least 20 pages of verse. Candidates who opt to submit a long poem or poem should do so only after consultation with their supervisor.
- Prose: a prose extract of around 15,000 words. It need not be the opening of the book, but it should be a continuous excerpt and it must be supported by a one-page outline or synopsis showing the intended development of the book.
- Short stories: one or more stories of 15,000 words in total. Prose work in other forms (for example, creative non-fiction) may be submitted but should be discussed in detail with a supervisor.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.
Teaching
Teaching format
Teaching methods include seminars, workshops, and individual tutorials.
Class sizes typically range from three to ten students, ensuring high levels of individual attention.
Assessment
Modules are assessed through coursework essays, original writing, and the final dissertation.
The School of English prides itself on its support of student work through detailed feedback and commentary.
Scholarships and Funding
The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of financial circumstances.
The University of St Andrews offers postgraduate scholarships and other financial awards. These may be held in addition to external funding or awards from a government body. These may also cover (fully or partially) tuition fees, maintenance (living costs including accommodation), or both.
Scholarships are available based on academic merit and financial need. There are scholarships available for both home and overseas fee status. The scholarship team recommends reading the terms of each award carefully and applying to a range of funding sources.
Postgraduate scholarships
Postgraduate study is an investment in your intellectual development and career potential. The University of St Andrews provides scholarships to help as many students as possible continue in higher education.
Scholarship availability may depend on your area of study or fee status (for example, whether you are a 'Home' or 'Overseas' student).
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the course have gone on to become published writers or pursue careers in a range of sectors including journalism, marketing, publishing, and teaching.