mfa creative writing europe

• From the Director
• About the MFA
• The MFA Experience
• Program Schedule
• Residencies
• Travel Arrangements
• Tuition & Costs
• Writer’s Resources
• MFA Program Handbook
• MFA Spotlight

CONTACT: School of Adult and Graduate Education Blaney Hall 105 [email protected] 610-740-3770

Welcome to the Cedar Crest College Low-Residency Pan-European MFA in Creative Writing.

We’d like you to join us on a creative journey as you work toward the completion of your master’s degree and the creation of a publishable work of literature. Study fiction, poetry, nonfiction, travel writing, or a dual genre with award-winning faculty members in inspiring locations across Europe.

The Cedar Crest College Pan-European Creative Writing MFA program offers gifted students from around the world a unique opportunity to unite for three fifteen-day intensive workshops, held in European locations rich in culture and literary significance. The remainder of your studies will take place on your time and in your home, led by faculty members and supported by an international community of students.

Our residencies rotate between Dublin, Ireland; Barcelona, Spain; and Vienna, Austria, with new locations to be offered in the future. The residencies take place during the first two weeks of July.

Wherever you live, wherever you write, you become part of a vibrant literary community when you join the Pan-European MFA program. We look forward to meeting you, working with you, and guiding you toward publication.

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“A book is simply the container of an idea—like a bottle; what is inside the book is what matters.” - Angela Carter

“The writer is an explorer. Every step is an advance into a new land.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

“A word after a word after a word is power.” - Margaret Atwood

Learn More:The MFA Experience

“Going to different cities and being able to write about those experiences has been invaluable to me.” - Angela Griffin ‘15

“I’ve worked with amazing professors who have said go deeper, go further, explore this more, and who have been encouraging throughout this course.” - Uma Mishra ‘15

Featured News & Events

Best Universities for Creative Writing in Europe

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Europe ranked based on their research performance in Creative Writing. A graph of 1.17M citations received by 136K academic papers made by 486 universities in Europe was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. University of Oxford

For Creative Writing

2. University College London

3. University of Cambridge

4. King's College London

5. University of Manchester

6. University of Edinburgh

7. University of Exeter

8. University of Sheffield

9. University of Birmingham

10. University of Nottingham

11. University of Leeds

12. University of Bristol

13. Lancaster University

14. Durham University

15. University of York

16. University of Warwick

17. University of Glasgow

18. University of Amsterdam

19. Cardiff University

20. University of Sussex

21. University of London

22. London School of Economics and Political Science

23. Catholic University of Leuven

24. Aarhus University

25. University of Southampton

26. Queen Mary University of London

27. University of Oslo

28. University of St Andrews

29. Lund University

30. Royal Holloway, University of London

31. University of Liverpool

32. University of Helsinki

33. Newcastle University

34. University of Copenhagen

35. Umea University

36. Loughborough University

37. University of Leicester

38. Radboud University

39. Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin

40. University College Dublin

41. University of East Anglia

42. University of Kent

43. Stockholm University

44. Utrecht University

45. University of Reading

46. University of Gothenburg

47. Goldsmiths, University of London

48. Birkbeck, University of London

49. Leiden University

50. Queen's University Belfast

51. Complutense University of Madrid

52. Free University of Berlin

53. Keele University

54. University of Strathclyde

55. Manchester Metropolitan University

56. Free University Amsterdam

57. University of Tampere

58. University of Aberdeen

59. Ulster University

60. Aalborg University

61. University of Bergen

62. University of Warsaw

63. University of Bath

64. University of Groningen

65. Sapienza University of Rome

66. University of Liege

67. Northumbria University

68. University of Southern Denmark

69. University of Lisbon

70. University of Jyvaskyla

71. Autonomous University of Barcelona

72. University of Portsmouth

73. University of Surrey

74. University of Vienna

75. University of Stirling

76. University of Padua

77. Brunel University London

78. Linkoping University

79. University of Granada

80. University of Turin

81. University of Hull

82. Norwegian University of Science and Technology

83. Adam Mickiewicz University

84. Nottingham Trent University

85. Teesside University

86. Ghent University

87. University of Minho

88. Maastricht University

89. Goethe University of Frankfurt am Main

90. University of Florence

91. University of Milan

92. De Montfort University

93. SOAS, University of London

94. Uppsala University

95. Bournemouth University

96. Oxford Brookes University

97. University of Bologna

98. University of the West of England

99. University of Plymouth

100. University of Essex

Art & Design subfields in Europe

Master of Fine Arts

An MFA is a higher credential than the MLitt , and is the internationally recognized standard for teachers of Creative Writing in secondary and tertiary higher education; most consider the MFA the qualification required to teach creative writing in North America and Europe.

St Andrews is one of the first universities in the UK to confer an MFA degree. Within the programme, students will be able to focus on producing a substantial piece of creative work under the supervision of a world-class writing faculty, and on preparing themselves as teachers of writing in a variety of instructional contexts. Since our MFA Year 1 students complete the same taught classes as our  MLitt  students, there is a far stronger emphasis placed on contact time than in other universities.

The School offers two Master of Fine Arts degrees:

• Creative Writing
• Playwriting & Screenwriting. 

About the MFAs

Both Masters of Fine Arts degrees are two-year postgraduate degrees, and consist of two distinct phases of study.  In addition, there are two career skills modules – in MFA Year 1, ‘Research Skills for Creative Writers’; in MFA Year 2, ‘Practical Pedagogy for Creative Writers’.

• MFA Year 1 is taught through technical seminars, workshops and individual tuition.
• MFA Year 2 consists of two semesters of postgraduate supervision, at the end of which students will submit a substantial piece of creative work.

MLitt students will have the option to transfer into the MFA programme upon successful completion of the taught element of their course, where their MLitt year will count as MFA Year 1.

The MFA in Creative Writing has two separate streams: Poetry and Prose, and prospective students should apply for one stream only. For their final submission, students on the prose track will submit a thesis of publishable quality of around 40,000 words; for poetry, a thesis of about 40 pages of verse.

Students taking the MFA in Playwriting & Screenwriting will submit a thesis of approximately 90 minutes performance time.

MFA applications

Mfa entry requirements.

MFA entrants will normally be required to hold a good honours level undergraduate degree or equivalent.

How to apply

MFA study Applications should be submitted via the research degree option of the fully automated  online application system  and you should ensure that you have all additional documents required available for upload at point of application.

The writing samples provided within your application are incredibly important in the assessment process. Ideally, this should be a piece of distinction-grade writing which you have recently completed, and must be on a theme related to your programme intention.

Application document requirements

• CV or resume
• 2 academic references (directly from referees via the automated system)
• An academic critical writing sample of approximately 2,000 words which should be on an English literature topic.
• A portfolio of original verse, prose, playwriting or screenwriting (approximately 10 poems or around 10-15 pages of prose, playwriting or screenwriting). Please add this sample as a section of your academic writing sample and upload as one document.
• Certified academic transcripts of study, including modular grades (interim UG level transcripts are permitted at this stage where final results are not yet known)
• MFA research proposal: you should merely state the strand and year of the programme that you are applying for, and confirm that your intended project will be relevant for that genre
• Statement of Purpose
• IELTS/CPE/TOEFL certificate (if applicable) with an IELTS 8.0 grade minimum or equivalent in each sub-category

Application deadline

Application deadlines for receipt of complete study application:

• 15 January  for students also applying for internal scholarships
• 31 May  for all other applicants

Overseas applicants should apply as early as possible for international visa purposes.

In the first year, students pay the equivalent fee for taught postgraduate students. Taught tuition fee information can be found on the University's Fees and Funding page . This page also includes links to other relevant information, such as residence fees etc.

In the second year, fees will be charged in line with the equivalent research fee for the relevant academic year. Please see  tuition fees for research postgraduate programmes  for current fee levels.

Following submission of a study application, students should apply separately through the scholarships and funding catalogue for any available awards. Awards can be viewed on the scholarships and funding pages . Deadline dates and eligibility are separately listed for named individual awards within the catalogue, and students normally do not require to hold a study offer prior to application.

For general information about any aspect of funding, please contact the Scholarships Office at [email protected]

Staff teaching on the MFAs

Year one entrants are not required to contact a prospective supervisor prior to application submission since one will be allocated during their studies automatically, but for Year 2 direct entrants this is a crucial step in the process. The following members of staff may be available to supervise research topics:

Ms Anne Boyer

Anne Boyer welcomes enquiries from students working in poetry and poetics, autotheory, and experimental literature. Of particular interest are the intersections of literature with critical theory or philosophy, social movements, and the visual arts. 

Professor Zinnie Harris

Professor Harris is a playwright and screenwriter, and she hopes to supervise students who are interested in writing for stage or screen. She has also adapted novels and classic texts for both theatre and television, and has written for radio.

Mrs Jillian Mannion

Jillian Mannion welcomes enquiries from postgraduate students who are interested in writing for film and television or in studying script and story analysis. She has a particular interest in script structure, character construction and the design of the TV pilot episode. Jillian is happy to supervise projects across a number of genres including drama, comedy, action, thriller, crime and period.

Ms Dina Nayeri

Ms Nayeri would be happy to supervise fiction or non-fiction, in a range of narrative forms, relating to displacement and movement of all kinds: not only across borders or in language and culture (though the middle east is one of her own focal points), but stories that reflect upon and dramatize moments of profound change, undoings, and times of estrangement and otherness in a variety of lives.

Ms Karen Solie

Karen Solie is interested in supervising students working with 20th-century and contemporary poetry. Particular interests include writing about work and place, ecopoetics, form and the potential of hybrid genres, epistemology and the influence of philosophy, research methods, and Canadian poetry.

Testimonials

The Creative Writing community cultivated at St Andrews is necessary for growth as writers. The people that I have met and write with have confirmed to me that St Andrews is a special place to work on my novel.

Jenna Rogers 2018

The quality of the poets who teach at St Andrews is still very difficult to fully appreciate. I could spend the next decade learning from them, and probably will keep doing so through their poetry, once I’ve left. Second best thing I’ve done in my life, taking my MFA in poetry here.

Sean Robinson 2018

I LOVE St Andrews. Living in this small stone town by the sea is the best thing that ever happened to me. The town practically begs you to write poetry to it. Professors are totally available and classmates are some of the best advocates. People here are rooting for you. There is something so magical– the berries in fall, icy dips in the sea in winter, sunsets all year round. And the English department has the best community for postgraduates by far. We take care of each other!

Lily Clarke 2017

I initially came to St Andrews as an MLitt student to study abroad, learn in a global context, and meet new people. I stayed on for the MFA to continue writing alongside my cohort and gleaning from accomplished professors. I also wasn’t ready to give up the view of the North Sea from Castle House steps..

Rachel Hall 2017

The benefits of postgraduate study at St Andrews stretch far beyond graduation. As well as joining a long line of notable alumni and academics, postgraduate students are supported in their next steps by both the Careers Centre and the University alumni relations team. See the University's page on Using your English degree .

The University also provides an extensive and award-winning generic skills development programme – GRADskills – for all of its early career researchers, including MFA students.

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Home > Postgraduate study > Postgraduate courses > Creative Writing MFA

Creative Writing MFA

Why choose this course.

The first Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing in the UK, this course offers talented and aspiring writers the chance to refine their craft under the tutelage of acclaimed professionals and develop a unique combination of creative and practical skills on this course, in preparation for a career as a published writer.

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.

Our external examiner has rated this course highly:

• 'This course has developed a strong identity in terms of encouraging students to fuse disparate, varied influences in their work.'
• 'I'm a fan of this course - well done!'

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

• The Creative Writing MFA (Master of Fine Arts) is designed for serious writers who would like to build upon their publishing record or become a published writer.
• 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.
• It uses a practical approach to develop your writing skills and is ideal if your writing is already of a good standard but you want to progress towards producing potentially publishable material.
• You also have the chance to learn more about professional elements of writing, such as working with agents/publishers and presenting proposals.
• You can enrol on the MFA at the beginning of your postgraduate degree at Kingston or after completing an MA in Creative Writing (or related subject).

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.

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

You'll attend writing workshops; examine literary genre and texts; take a module designed to prepare you for the world of publishing; and write a 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice in the first year of the course. In the second year you progress to smaller group writing workshops. The extensive one-to-one supervision for the dissertation leading to the MFA (no less than 40,000 words) will be provided by one of the course's permanent staff, one of our distinguished professors.

MFA students need to complete all four MA modules (120 credits) before they can progress to the MFA (second) year. The MFA dissertation has 120 credits. The option modules and dissertation give you the chance to further specialise and pursue an area of interest in depth.

Core modules

Mfa dissertation.

120 credits

This module provides students with one-to-one supervision over an extended period of time (approximately one year for full time students and two years for part time students). The module is assessed in two ways: firstly, by a creative dissertation of 40,000 words that may take the form of a single sustained piece of writing or a collection of pieces from a suitable range of genres; and secondly, by a critical reading log of approximately 4,500 words.

Special Study: Workshop in Popular Genre Writing

This module offers a regular and intensive review of your writing in one of the following genres: poetry, crime writing, prose fiction, biography, drama, scriptwriting or writing for children. You will be advised on how to strengthen your knowledge of the codes and conventions of your chosen genre to produce a substantial piece or collection of work that will reflect your knowledge of and engagement with your chosen genre. You will apply detailed feedback on your work to your writing as well as using your increased knowledge of your chosen genre to make your writing more effective. These elements will help you improve the key transferable skills of analysis and implementation that will feed forward into your dissertation module and into all analytical/practical tasks you subsequently undertake.

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.

Ten 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.

Writers' Workshop

In this module you will present and discuss your own and each other's work in a weekly workshop. The draft work presented may include several genres and forms, such as crime writing, fantasy fiction, children's literature, historical fiction, science fiction, romance and autobiography. Practical criticism of student writing will be accompanied by discussion of the scope or constraints of the various genres, as well as the implications of particular forms. Attention will be paid to the transferable components of good writing: appropriate use of language, narrative pace, dialogue, expression, characterisation and mood.

Entry requirements

Typical offer.

A 2:2 or above honours degree, or equivalent, in creative writing, English literature, literature and language, drama or theatre studies or a humanities subject.

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

Book-length creative dissertation; critical reading log of approximately 4,500 words.

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: 7% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

Type of learning and teaching

• Scheduled learning and teaching: 88 hours
• Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1112 hours

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation).

The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:

Type of assessment

• Coursework: 100%

The MFA dissertation is a 45,000-word creative project plus a 4,500-word critical essay.

Feedback summary

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

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 10-12 students and lecture sizes are normally 8-15. However, this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course?

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:

• committed and enthusiastic staff – many of whom are published authors and expert practitioners as well as leading academics and researchers;
• courses designed in collaboration with industry professionals – keeping you up to date with the latest developments;
• established connections with the London arts and media scene – with a range of guest speakers, professors and lecturers visiting the University; and
• a range of opportunities to take part and attend author events, including readings, poetry festivals, industry masterclasses.

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

Dr James Miller

Course director.

Mr Oludiran Adebayo

Dr Adam Baron

Dr Martin Dines

Mr Steven J. Fowler

Dr Meg Jensen

Dr Wendy Vaizey

Fees for this course, 2024/25 fees for this course, home 2024/25.

• MFA full time £9,900
• MFA part time £5,445

International 2024/25

• MFA full time £16,900
• MFA part time £9,295

2023/24 fees for this course

Home 2023/24.

• MFA full time £9,860
• MFA part time £5,423

International 2023/24

• MFA full time £16,200
• MFA part time £8,910

Tuition fee information for future course years

This is a two year full time course with the published full time fee payable in each year of study.

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 .

Scholarships and bursaries

Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including:

• Inspire the Future scholarship
• Postgraduate scholarships for international students

If you are an international student, find out more about  scholarships and bursaries .

We also offer the following discounts for Kingston University alumni:

• Alumni discount
• Progression Scholarship

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.

There is a wide range of facilities at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including the Learning Resources Centre. This offers:

• subject libraries, plus a free inter-library loan scheme to other libraries in the Greater London area
• online database subscriptions
• a growing selection of resource materials.

The Iris Murdoch Archives

Kingston University has two major archives relating to Iris Murdoch, a significant philosopher and one of the 20th century's greatest novelists. These archives currently comprise:

• Iris Murdoch's Oxford library (more than 1,000 volumes, many of them heavily annotated by Murdoch)
• the papers, tapes, interviews and manuscripts collected by Peter Conradi, Iris Murdoch's official biographer and Murdoch scholar
• various letter runs and documents donated by well-wishers.

Resources in London

Kingston is just a 30-minute train journey from central London. Here you can access a wealth of additional libraries and archives, including the British Library.

After you graduate

Former graduates have achieved multi-book publishing deals or gone on to work in the publishing industry; others have progressed in careers in translating, writing, journalism, advertising and film.

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;
• narratives of slavery;
• women's writing from the 18th century to the present;
• New Woman and fin de siècle fictions;
• Shakespeare;
• literature of the English Reformation period;
• English women's religious poetry during the seventeenth century; and
• postcolonial studies.

It focuses around the following research initiatives:

• Centre for Iris Murdoch Studies – established in 2004 to oversee research on the Iris Murdoch archives acquired by Kingston University in 2003/04).
• Centre for Life Narratives – 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.

Related courses

Creative Writing and Publishing MA

Creative Writing MA

Publishing MA

Secondary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) PGCE English

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• MFA Creative Writing

Creative Writing

Join our community of internationally renowned, award-winning writers at the Manchester Writing School, where collaboration and experimentation are at the heart of what we do.

Course overview

On our Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programme, you will explore and practice techniques and styles of modern and contemporary writing and apply these through the development of your own full-length book or script. 

MFA students undertake all of the elements of our MA Creative Writing programme (a taught element blending writing workshops with reading units, option units, and a dissertation), then take an additional unit about the publishing, literary and arts industries and submit a full-length manuscript: a completed novel or short story collection, poetry collection, book for children or young adults, script for stage, screen or radio, or book of creative non-fiction.

You will be introduced to professionals from the publishing industries, which may include literary agents, publishers...

What you need to know

• When does the course start? September 2024 January 2025

2 years full-time (campus) 3 years part-time (campus or online)

Students can begin studying in January or September.

• Where will I study this course? Manchester , Online

Features and benefits

"One of the greatest pleasures of my working life continues to be the Manchester Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University, a department with a real sense of family, achievement and celebration, and an ethos of nurturing and innovation." Professor Carol Ann Duffy DBE – Creative Director of the Manchester Writing School

Course Information

At the heart of the Manchester Writing School are our masters programmes in Creative Writing, available to study on campus in Manchester, and also from anywhere in the world via online distance learning. 

MFA Creative Writing can be tailored to suit your writing preferences by following a specialist route in Novel (including Short Fiction), Poetry, Writing for Children & Young Adults, Scriptwriting (for stage, screen or radio) or Creative Non-Fiction. Watch our playlist to find out more about each route.

This MFA blends writing workshops, where you produce and develop your own work-in-progress, with regular feedback from tutors and fellow students, with reading courses, which look at the techniques, forms and styles used by a range of writers in modern and contemporary literature. All students also take 30 credits of optional units and can choose from a range of creative writing units or options from courses across arts and humanities subjects. MFA students also take a unit about the publishing, literary and arts industries, introducing you to a range of professional opportunities. The final piece of work for the MFA is the Manuscript – a full-length book or script completed with one-to-one supervision from a Manuscript Mentor. 

The MFA is available to complete in two years full-time or three years part-time. The novel and poetry routes are available to study on campus (full-time or part-time) or online (part-time only). The writing for children and creative non-fiction routes are online (part-time) only. The scriptwriting route is available to study on campus only. We have intakes to the programme in September and January each year. 

Visit the Manchester Writing School website for more information, including profiles of staff and published students, news, events and projects.

Please visit our scholarships page for information on funding opportunities .

The programme leader for this course is James Draper . 

Classes for core Workshop and Reading units take place in the evenings (6-8pm UK time) during the autumn and spring semesters. Full-time students take all of these units in a single year and usually have classes two evenings per week. Part-time students spread these units over two years (running order may vary depending on specialist route) and usually have classes one evening per week. All students take 30 credits of option units, which run in the spring semester; delivery models and scheduling vary depending on choice and availability. This part of the MFA concludes with the submission of the Creative Dissertation, completed through independent study with one-to-one support from a Dissertation Supervisor. 

Creative Dissertation

This unit will build on and progress material produced during the Workshop units. You will compile and edit your creative writing into a substantial, continuous extract from a proposed longer work-in-progress and provide a Genesis Document: an account of the origins of and inspirations for your writing.

Reading Unit 1

This route-specific unit looks at the forms, themes, styles and techniques used by a range of writers in literature. Outstanding writing is considered in terms of composition, process and presentation, and its relevance to your own work-in-progress. 

The Workshop

Workshops are led by established practitioners in the specialist literary field (Novel, Poetry, Writing for Children/Young Adults, Scriptwriting or Creative Non-Fiction), giving student writers a committed editorial readership of professionals and peers, and generating and developing material for a proposed full-length book or script. It is expected that the creative work generated will eventually contribute to your Dissertation and Manuscript.

Option units

Creative project.

On this unit, you will be asked to devise, scope, plan, conduct, report and reflect on a creative project of your own choosing. The project should involve a significant stretch from your core work on the programme and explore a new practice. This can be either working in a writing discipline different to your main route through the course, or by adapting or applying your work in a new context.

Green Writing

This unit will explore how creative writers can engage with ecological emergency during a time of crisis. The unit will examine different approaches to writing about nature, ecology and the environment, and demonstrate ways to respond creatively to contemporary climate science. You will study key texts in the field and produce your own original creative work using techniques drawn from those materials, learning how to bring traditionally ‘non-fiction’ perspectives into the realm of fiction.

Reading Unit 2 (30 credits)

Remaking games: creativity, play and communication.

This unit explores the theory and practice of hacking and making games as a research method and mode of creative practice. It considers the intersection between creative writing and game design. In the unit we introduce students to reading and making games as a new methodology that combines creative and critical thinking with public engagement and impact at the point of research. For creative writers, the unit helps develop new ways to explore narrative and storytelling through interactive fiction, videogames and analogue games. You will develop new communication skills as part of the research process, creating games to share with other students and wider audiences as a way of engaging the public with your research.  

Teaching Creative Writing

This unit introduces techniques for developing and delivering creative writing workshops in a range of settings and considers how to encourage would-be participants to produce original writing in a variety of styles and genres. Consideration of key pedagogic theories and analyses of demonstrations will offer background context and enable critical reflection on workshop practice.

Writing About Relationships

This course unit explores writing about love and partnership and is designed to help you gain confidence, avoid cliché and improve the quality of your prose style as you write about human relationships and intimacy. 

Study and assessment breakdown

10 credits equates to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and independent study. A masters qualification typically comprises of 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits and an MFA 300 credits. The exact composition of your study time and assessments for the course will vary according to your option choices and style of learning, but it could be:

• Full-time 34% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 66% independent study
• Part-time 34% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 66% independent study
• Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
• Part-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination

Placement options

The Manchester Writing School is one of the UK's leading schools of creative writing. It is also home to ground-breaking outreach activities, international writing competitions, a series of city-wide literary events, innovative publishing projects, the Manchester Children's Book Festival , and Manchester Poetry Library . These activities will provide you with many opportunities to get involved and develop your experience in a number of exciting directions.

Year two of our MFA includes the development of a manuscript for a full-length book or script within your specialist route, completed through independent study with one-to-one support from a Manuscript Mentor. This is usually a continuation of the Creative Dissertation, but can be a new project. The year also includes a series of seminars and Q&A sessions with experts from the publishing, literary and arts industries in the spring semester. These units take place in year three for those studying the MFA part-time. 

The Industry (30 credits)

You will learn and acquire practical information about various aspects of the publishing, literary, arts and related industries through seminars and Q&A sessions with guest speakers. These may include agents, editors, publishers, publicists, booksellers, directors, producers, broadcasters, filmmakers, freelancers, performers, artists and illustrators. This unit is designed to give you a broad overview of the state of the industry, as well as some specialist knowledge about opportunities available for those working in your specialist area, as you complete your manuscript.

Manuscript (90 credits)

On this practice-driven unit, you will complete a full-length manuscript for a book or script within your chosen MFA route: Novel (or Short Fiction), Poetry, Writing for Children/Young Adults, Scriptwriting (for stage, screen or radio), or Creative Non-Fiction. The unit is completed over a full year and involves ongoing independent writing with regular one-to-one editorial input from a dedicated Manuscript Mentor. The final submission will consolidate your learning, research and writing to-date into a fully-realised and complete body of work.

Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.

• a virtual experience campus tour
• chats with current students

Taught by Experts

Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.

We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.

Entry Requirements

Application is by submission of an online form including a personal statement, and a sample of your own creative work. Your application should be tailored to one of our specialist routes: Novel, Poetry, Writing for Children & YA, Scriptwriting or Creative Non-Fiction. You can apply online here: mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/postgraduate-taught-course .

Please indicate at the top of your personal statement which specialist route you are applying for. You should use the rest of the statement to tell us a bit about yourself, give a good overview of your reading and writing interests, and a sense of what has led you to apply for our course and any ideas you have for what you’d like to write with us. Personal statements should be approximately 500 words long.

For the creative sample, applicants to the Novel, Children's & YA and Creative Non-Fiction routes should submit up to 2,000 words of prose; poetry applicants should submit up to 15 poems; and scriptwriting applicants should submit up to 15 minutes running time of script. The work submitted can be a complete piece, or an extract, or a number of extracts from a longer work or works, but must all be within the chosen specialist route.

We have intakes into the programme in September and January each year. For application deadlines, and links to apply, please see the 'How to Apply section'. 

In each application assessed we will be looking for evidence of:

A very high standard of written English;  Control of form, style and technique;  Substantial reading of contemporary work within the relevant field;  Commitment to the craft of writing and willingness to engage with the editorial process of receiving feedback and redrafting work-in-progress;   Experience of the development of writing skills through workshops, supervision, mentoring or previous study.    

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to produce evidence of English Language proficiency. Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5, with no sub-component below 5.5, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. 

 Accepted English qualifications can be viewed  here .

Fees and Funding

Uk and channel island students.

Full-time fee: £1584 per 30 credits per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Part-time fee: £1584 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Distance learning fee: £1584 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

EU and Non-EU International Students

Full-time fee: £3084 per 30 credits per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Part-time fee: £3084 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Distance learning fee: £3084 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional Information

A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional Costs

Specialist costs.

Compulsory estimate : £300

Optional estimate : £2200

Books (novels, poetry collections, children/young adult books, scripts in print, or books of creative non-fiction depending on the specialist route of study) for study on Reading units (up to 10 books per unit for two units). Costs spread across years one and two for part-time students. There is also a list of additional, optional recommended reading for each unit students can access much of this via the Manchester Met library (either by loaning books or via the e-book system). All students will require access to a computer in order to undertake their studies (accessing online resources, forums and communication systems). Students can use loan laptops on campus. Students will also need access to broadband internet. While most students choose to purchase these for home use, computers with internet access are available to use on campus.

placement Costs

Compulsory estimate : £100

There is an optional summer school each year, where students are invited to spend two full days on campus for a suite of masterclass workshops, talks and social activities. Attendance at the school is free of charge, but students are asked to make their own arrangements for travel, accommodation and food. Students undertaking units which involve creating artwork, producing objects, or travelling to conduct research or interviews, etc. will need to cover the costs of any materials used and also make arrangements for accommodation, travel and food. Students based outside of Manchester, including distance learners, who wish to attend on-campus or in-person events, activities or classes are asked to cover the costs of accommodation, food, travel and additional fees for these.

other Costs

Optional estimate : £500

Students may be invited to take part in optional public events (e.g. reading from their own work) and are expected to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and food.

Career Prospects

More than 100 of our students and graduates have embarked upon publishing careers, launching first books, with many more achieving publication in journals and magazines, winning writing awards and prizes, and setting up small presses and anthologies. Our alumni include winners of the Costa First Novel Award, Forward Poetry Prize and Yale Windham-Campell Prize, and a long-listing for the Man Booker Prize. 

Our School plays a leading role in establishing Manchester as a city of writers with a commitment to finding diverse new voices and creating opportunities for writer development, enabling new writing and building audiences for the next generation of talent. Manchester has been designated a UNESCO City of Literature in recognition of its thriving live literature scene, with a year-round programme of author events, writers’ forums, networking opportunities and open mic nights. 

We are home to a suite of ground-breaking outreach projects including the Manchester Children’s Book Festival and Mother Tongue Other Tongue , an international multilingual poetry competition that celebrates cultural diversity and the many languages spoken in schools in the UK. Our Manchester Poetry Library holds over 12,000 books and recordings that can be explored through our online catalogue, in person and through our annual events programme. Our School has a strong Manchester presence, with links to many of the city’s major cultural and arts organisations, and also a global reach with students and alumni based across the UK and continental Europe, and in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia. 

Our strong partnerships and innovative projects mean that you will have plenty of opportunities to develop your industry experience and network. 

On completion of this course you may decide to pursue PhD study, or to develop a career in bookselling, agenting, publishing, editing, the media, or in teaching creative writing. Students have access to the  Careers and Employability Hub located in the Business School, offering a host of information resources, one-to-one careers support and employability events throughout the year. This service is also available for up to three years after you graduate. 

The Power of Words Led by Professor Carol Ann Duffy DBE (UK Poet Laureate 2009-2019), the Manchester Writing School is the beating literary heart of a city alive with culture. Find out more about its prestigious past, present and future by watching our video, 'The Power of Words'.   Watch the video Manchester Writing School

Want to know more

Register your interest, got a question.

Please contact our course enquiries team.

Please remember to tailor your application to one of our specialist routes (Novel, Poetry, Writing for Children, Scriptwriting or Creative Non-Fiction) and to include a creative sample relevant to that chosen route.

Please upload your creative sample under the 'Degree Transcript' section of the application portal. 

The novel and poetry routes are available to study on campus (full-time or part-time) or online (part-time only). The writing for children and creative non-fiction routes are online (part-time) only. The scriptwriting route is available to study on campus only.

Get advice and support on making a successful application.

You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.

Manchester is your city, be part of it

Your new home, your new city, why university, related courses, english studies.

Programme Review Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the latest online learning technology. For further information on when we may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our Terms and Conditions .

Important Notice This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most up to date information for your chosen course of study.

Confirmation of Regulator The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory framework can be found at officeforstudents.org.uk .

All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current Student Protection Plan .

• Schools & departments

Creative Writing MSc

Awards: MSc

Study modes: Full-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Creative Writing

The community has been one of my favourite parts. The department has very warm and encouraging staff. Some of my classmates are now close friends, and we still workshop stories across time zones, and complain to each other about writing - and not writing! Bhavika Govil, prize-winning fiction writer MSc in Creative Writing, 2020

Discovery Day

Join us online on 18th April to learn more about postgraduate study at Edinburgh

View sessions and register

Programme description

Based in the first UNESCO World City of Literature, this one-year, full-time taught Masters programme is tailored towards your practice in either fiction or poetry.

There is a strong practical element to the programme, helping you develop your creative skills through:

• presenting your work for peer discussion
• hearing from guest writers and other professionals on the practicalities of life as a writer

You will also sharpen your critical skills through:

• seminars exploring the particulars of your chosen form
• option courses in literature, helping you move from theoretical considerations to practical applications

The programme culminates with the publication of ‘From Arthur’s Seat,’ an anthology of student work.

Why Edinburgh

Literature has been taught here for over 250 years, and today Edinburgh thrives on its designation as the first UNESCO World City of Literature. The city is home to the National Library of Scotland and the Scottish Poetry Library, and a number of celebrated publishing outlets, from Canongate and Polygon, to Luath Press, Birlinn and Mariscat. The University hosts the prestigious James Tait Black Awards, established in 1919 and one of the oldest literary prizes in Britain.

There are lots of opportunities to write and share your work, from ‘The Student,’ the UK’s oldest student newspaper (founded in 1887 by Robert Louis Stevenson), to The Selkie, which was founded by Creative Writing students in 2018 to showcase work by people who self-identify as underrepresented.

Around the city, you will find:

• library readings and bookshop launches
• spoken word gigs
• cabaret nights
• poetry slams

Edinburgh isn’t just historic – it’s a modern hub for literature. That’s part of what makes the city great for writing.

Austin Crowley, MSc in Creative Writing, 2023

We team teach our programme so that you benefit from the input of a range of tutors, as well as your fellow students and our Writer in Residence, the poet and author Michael Pedersen, who also co-ordinates a range of student writing prizes and our annual industry and networking event.

The academic staff you will be working with are all active researchers or authors, including well-published and prize-winning writers of poetry, prose fiction and drama. They include:

• Dr Jane Alexander - Fiction
• Dr Lynda Clark
• Dr Patrick Errington - Poetry/Fiction
• Dr Miriam Gamble - Poetry
• Professor Alan Gillis - Poetry
• Dr Jane McKie - Poetry
• Dr Allyson Stack - Fiction
• Kim Sherwood - Fiction
• Alice Thompson - Fiction

Programme structure

Over the duration of the programme, you will:

• take two core courses, both worth 40 credits
• two optional courses chosen from a wide range of subjects, both worth 20 credits

The core activities in Creative Writing are:

• tutor-led workshops, in which you will present your work-in-progress and critique the work of your fellow students
• regular seminars exploring techniques and issues specific to your practice (either fiction or poetry) and the statements and theories of practitioners

Optional courses

We have a large number of option courses to choose from, including preferred courses for fiction and poetry (which will be offered to Creative Writing students in the first instance), and courses from across the Department of English Literature and the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures.

Visiting speakers

Throughout the programme, you will be expected to attend readings and talks by visiting speakers. Early on, these will be from published writers and, later, advisors from the writing business: literary agents, magazine editors and publishers.

Dissertation

The final element of the programme is your dissertation, a piece of creative writing (worth 60 credits) written with the advice and support of a designated supervisor.

Fiction dissertations are between 15,000 words and 20,000 words, and poetry dissertations between 25 and 30 pages.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• identify, conceptualise and define formal elements of craft in your chosen field (poetry or fiction) within published works and within works by your peers
• remain open to criticism and respond effectively and creatively to feedback on your own creative work
• work from initial conception through multiple drafts to the final version of a creative piece within your chosen field (fiction or poetry)
• transfer editorial skills and creative abilities from one context to another
• analyse creative works within your chosen field (fiction or poetry), work with a focus on craft effectiveness, and articulate strengths and weaknesses in a piece of writing in a constructive manner

Career opportunities

Over the course of this programme, you will complete a body of creative work that has been rigorously peer reviewed.

Our students go on to careers in a wide variety of fields, including:

• arts administration
• web and audio book editing
• script and ghost writing
• gaming narrative design

Some decide to extend their studies and take a PhD with us.

Many of our alumni go on to achieve literary success, publishing novels and short story and poetry collections, and winning awards. Our graduates’ recent successes include:

debut novels from:

• Amanda Block (The Lost Storyteller, published by Hodder Studio)
• Karin Nordin (Where Ravens Roost, published by Harper Collins)
• Marielle Thompson (Where Ivy Dares to Grow, published by Kensington Books)
• August Thomas (Liar’s Candle, published by Simon and Schuster)
• Rosie Walker (Secrets of a Serial Killer, published by One More Chapter)
• Mark Wightman (Waking the Tiger, published by Hobeck Books and shortlisted for Scottish Crime Debut of the Year 2021)

debut short story collections from:

• Dayle Furlong (Lake Effect, published by Cormorant Books)
• Dima Alzayat (Alligator and Other Stories, shortlisted for the James Tait Black Award for Fiction)
• a non-fiction debut from Sonali Misra (21 Fantastic Failures, published by Rupa Publications India)

debut poetry collections from:

• Rebecca Tamás (WITCH, published by Penned in the Margins)
• Naomi Morris (Hyperlove, published by Makina Books)
• Aileen Ballantyne (Taking Flight, published by Luath Press)
• the 2022 Edwin Morgan Poetry Award, won by Alyson Kissner
• the 2021 Brotherton Poetry Prize, won by Lauren Pope
• the 2021 Pontas & JJ Bola Emerging Writers Prize, won by Bhavika Govil

Meet our graduates

From Arthur’s Seat – stories from the heart of Edinburgh

Tim Tim Cheng

• Bhavika Govil
• Dima Alzayat

What's the best type of masters programme for you?

Entry requirements.

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in any discipline. This will often be in a directly related subject like English Literature/Creative Writing, but we welcome applicants from all academic backgrounds.

Applicants who are entered into selection will be asked to provide a sample of written work to enable their suitability for the programme to be assessed.

Students from China

This degree is Band C.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 62 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Scholarships and funding, featured funding.

If you are intending to study full time on this Creative Writing programme, you are eligible for a William Hunter Sharpe Memorial Scholarship which will contribute towards your tuition fees.

You do not need to apply for this scholarship – all eligible candidates who apply for the programme by Monday 6 May 2024 will be considered for them and contacted if successful.

• Find out more about the William Hunter Sharpe Memorial Scholarship and other scholarships in literatures, languages and cultures

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
• Contact: College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Admissions Office
• School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures
• 50 George Square
• Central Campus
• Programme: Creative Writing
• School: Literatures, Languages & Cultures
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

MSc Creative Writing - 1 Year (Full-time)

Application deadlines.

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines. We will make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis, but hold the majority of applications until the next published selection deadline when we will offer a proportion of the places available to applicants selected through a competitive process.

Please be aware that applications must be submitted and complete, i.e. all required documents uploaded, by the relevant application deadline in order to be considered in that round. Your application will still be considered if you have not yet met the English language requirement for the programme.

Deadlines for applicants applying to study in 2024/25:

(Revised 27 March 2024 to extend Round 3 application deadline)

• How to apply

You must submit one reference with your application.

The online application process involves the completion of a web form and the submission of supporting documents.

You should supply a portfolio of writing.

• For poetry, this should be six (6) pages of poetry, starting a new page for each new poem of 14 lines or over.
• For fiction, this should be a complete story or stories, or an equivalent amount from a longer work (between 2,500 and 3,500 words).

These are firm limits.

If you are undecided about whether to apply for fiction or poetry, you should send a sample of both, i.e. six (6) pages of poetry and 2,500-3,500 words of fiction (if offered a place it will be for one or the other).

Work in other forms (for example journalism, life writing or advertising) will not be considered.

Personal statement

When writing your personal statement, consider the following questions:

• What do you most hope to learn/gain from a Creative Writing degree, and why is ours the programme for you?
• Tell us about your writing: what are you interested in and why? Are there aspects of your current practice you're particularly proud of? Things you know you need to work on?

What (if any) prior experience do you have of studying Creative Writing?

Guidance on the application process and supporting documents

All supporting documents, including references, must be uploaded to the online application system by the deadline date.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

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Postgraduate Courses in Creative Writing in Europe - 391 Courses

Swansea university english language and literature.

• Creative Writing Doctor of Philosophy - PhD MA Master of Philosophy - MPhil
• Creative Writing (Extended) MA

University of Aberdeen School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture

• Comparative Literature MLitt
• Creative Writing MLitt
• Cultural and Creative Communication MSc
• English Language and Literature MLitt
• Ethnology and Folklore MLitt

Aberystwyth University Department of English and Creative Writing

• Creative Writing Doctor of Philosophy - PhD MA

Bangor University School of English Literature

• Creative Writing MA Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip

Bangor University School of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics

• Creative and Critical Writing Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Master of Philosophy - MPhil

Bangor University School of Music and Media

• Creative Practice Master of Research - MRes
• Professional Writing Master of Research - MRes
• Professional Writing, Film, Media, New Media, Journalism, Creative Studies, Drama, Professional Writing Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Master of Philosophy - MPhil

Bath Spa University School of Creative Industries

• Creative Writing MA
• Writing for Young People MA

Bath Spa University School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities

• Children's Publishing MA
• Nature and Travel Writing MA
• Scriptwriting MA

Birkbeck, University of London School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication

• Creative Writing and Contemporary Studies MA
• Screenwriting MA Postgraduate Certificate - PgCert
• Text and Performance MA

University of Birmingham Department of Film and Creative Writing

• Creative Writing Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

University of Birmingham School of English, Drama, and Creative Studies

Bournemouth University Department of Communication and Journalism

• Creative Writing and Publishing MA

University of Brighton School of Humanities and Social Science

Canterbury Christ Church University School of Humanities

University of Chichester Humanities - English and Creative Writing

• English and Creative Writing (Including Literature) Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Master of Philosophy - MPhil

City, University of London Department of English

• Creative Writing MA Master of Fine Arts - MFA (PG)

City, University of London School of Communication and Creativity

De montfort university arts, design and humanities.

University of Derby Humanities

University College Dublin UCD School of English, Drama and Film

• Creative Writing MA MFA
• Writing for Stage & Screen MA

Durham University English Studies

University of East Anglia UEA School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing

• Creative Writing (Non-Fiction) MA
• Creative Writing Crime Fiction MA
• Creative Writing Poetry MA
• Creative Writing Prose Fiction MA
• Creative Writing Scriptwriting MA
• Literary Translation MA

The University of Edinburgh School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

• Creative Writing Doctor of Philosophy - PhD MSc

University of Essex Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies

• Literature and Creative Writing MA
• Wild Writing: Literature, Landscape and the Environment MA

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MFA in Creative Writing

‌ mfa in creative writing  .

** Please note that the MFA does not have a poetry strand**

Creative writing in the UCD School of English, Drama and Film draws on the long literary heritage of Dublin as a place that has produced many world-famous authors. It takes full advantage of the range of vibrant and dynamic literary activities in a country and a city where writers and writing are celebrated. The University has played a major role in the development of literary cultures both in Ireland and internationally and has long been associated with some of Ireland's greatest writers, including James Joyce, Flann O' Brien, Mary Lavin, Patrick Kavanagh, Maeve Binchy, Thomas Kinsella, Eilis Ni Dhuibne and Marina Carr. It is committed to supporting writers in all fields, including fiction, poetry and performance writing, as well as a diverse range of creative non-fiction. 

UCD offers two taught graduate courses in creative writing, an MA and MFA.  The MA is usually the most suitable programme for someone coming directly from a BA. Most students on the MFA have an MA or an equivalently developed writing practice. Admission to the MFA programme is very competitive. You will be taught in a small group by writers of international reputation. Our focus is on prose fiction and non-fiction, and the degree suits students working to finish a draft of a full-length novel, memoir or short story collection. Writing workshops run twice weekly through two semesters, and over the summer students receive individual supervision as they complete a final project. 

Writers currently involved with the MA and MFA programmes in creative writing include the playwright, novelist and poet Frank McGuiness, poet Ian Davidson, novelist and poet Paul Perry, novelist Anne Enright, short story writer and novelist Katy Hayes, novelist Declan Hughes, novelist Gavin Corbett and Sinéad Gleeson as Arts Council Writer in Residence. Participants in the MFA also get the opportunity to attend the very many cultural and literary events that take place in UCD, and recent visitors include Margaret Atwood, Kevin Barry, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanain, Paula Meehan and Paul Muldoon.

The School of English, Drama and Film has always included in its programme of extra-curricular activities a rich array of readings, writing workshops, writers’ groups, and special seminars offered by writers-in-residence. In 2006, we introuced the MFA in Creative Writing to enable committed writers to develop their potential within a supportive framework. It is a one-year course of seminars, workshops and supervisions providing teaching in theories and practices of writing. 

There are first-rate libraries and archives in UCD and the Dublin area. Over many years, the School has established a worldwide reputation for excellence in fostering postgraduate research and in teaching. Designated as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2009, Dublin has an immense amount to offer aspiring writers.

Further Information

What can i hope to achieve on the mfa.

As a participant on the MFA programme you will be part of a large world-class School of English, Drama and Film and will:

• be taught by experienced published writers with international reputations;
• experience and develop knowledge of the best contemporary writing;
• learn how to produce and develop new ideas for your own writing;
• gain skills in editing and revising;
• take part in workshops, seminars and one to one tutorials;
• explore the archives of some of the world’s leading writers in the Special Collections held in UCD;
• develop a portfolio of work in your own chosen genre. 

A fundamental tenet of the Creative Writing Programme at UCD is a belief in the value of learning from writers who have mastered their craft. Accordingly, the emphasis is on learning to read like writers.  Students who embark on this course will already have acquired many of the skills associated with a programme such as the MFA in Creative Writing. In addition to sharing the objectives as outlined above with the MA programme, they will have a full work in progress and will be given close individual supervision in the progress and completion of that work (50,000 words) with a view to offering it for publication at the end of the course.  Class sizes are small, so the learning environment while upbeat and in every sense enabling, is necessarily quite concentrated.  

What will I study?

As an indication of content, MFA students 2022-23 take the following core modules:

(Please be aware that module offerings are subject to change)

Semester 2 , what are the time commitments.

The majority of teaching on MFA in Creative Writing is structured around two intense block teaching days and requires students to be on campus on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please bear in mind that on occasion you may be required to attend lectures/seminars/launches outside of these hours.

(Please be aware that timetables can be subject to change due to spacing and resourcing schedules).

What are the demographics of the class?

Students on the MA and MFA come from diverse backgrounds. Some come straight from their undergraduate studies while others might have spent some years in different jobs before coming to the course to fulfil their ambition to be writers. The student group is international, and students come to UCD from many countries to pursue their writing ambitions including Ireland, the UK, US, New Zealand, India, Austria and Germany.  Most have a good deal of writing experience and wish to pursue professional careers in writing, with specialisations in novel writing/short stories or poetry. Several of our alumni have won prestigious awards.

Will I have the opportunity to work on a literary journal?

Yes. The HCE Review is an online quarterly journal run by the staff and students on the MA and MFA in Creative Writing.  The journal aims to publish fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and visual art from both established and emerging writers and artists from around the world.

You can read more about the journal  (opens in a new window) here .

What are the portfolio requirements? What should the personal statement reflect?

Applicants applying for the MFA should present a clear vision of the writing project they wish to develop during the programme.  A strong portfolio should contain an outline [approx 1 page] of the novel in progress, together with the opening 25 /30 pages. In the case of a short story collection, two stories; and finally, a personal statement of reasons for taking the course and references.

The  personal   statement should  include a short summary of your writing experience to date and any courses or workshops you have attended.  Include a brief introduction of your history as a writer and how and why you want to apply for the MFA.  What do you hope to achieve and how do you believe that the MFA will help develop as a writer? If you have been previously published or are the recipient of any literary awards, please include details of these, but bear in mind that a publication history is not required to apply.

What do students do following completion of the MFA?

Many of our alumni from the MA and MFA have gone on to successful careers in writing, publishing and media.

• Disha Bose MA (2015-2016)  Born and raised in India, Disha now lives in Ireland. She attended University College Dublin, where she completed a Masters in Creative Writing (2016).  Disha Bose’s debut novel Dirty Laundry, a domestic noir, is to be published by Viking Books in the UK and Commonwealth (May, '23), and by Ballantine Books in North America.
• Sonya Gildea MA (2019 - 2020) Winner of the John McGahern Literature Award 2021; Poetry Ireland Introductions poet 2021/22 (selected by Seán Hewitt), winner of an Ireland Chair of Poetry Student Award 2020; recipient of a literature Bursary Award 2021 from the Irish Arts Council and winner of the Cúirt International New Writer’s Award (2015). Sonya has published in Crannog; the Stinging Fly; the Irish Times; Tolka journal; the Cormorant Broadsheet; the Night Heron Barks; The Maynard journal of poetry; the commemorative anthology Hold Open the Door (UCD & Chicago Press 2020); the Poetry Ireland Introductions anthology This Is What You Mean To Me (2021); Arlen House Publishing anthology of contemporary Irish poetry (2022); and The Common literary journal (2022).
• Sree Sen MA (2019-2020)  Published in Poetry Ireland Review, The Honest Ulsterman, Local Wonders (poetry anthology by Dedalus Press), bath magg, Crossways, nether Quarterly, Headstuff and others. She’s the winner of the UCD Maeve Binchy Travel Award 2020, recipient of Cill Rialaig Residency 2020 & Agility Award 2021 by the Arts Council of Ireland. 
• Aingeala Flannery MFA (2018-2019) The Amusements debut novel published by Penguin Sandycove June 2022 Arts Council Literature Bursary 2020 and 2021 Winner Harper's Bazaar Short Story Competition 2019

'The MFA in Creative Writing at UCD gave me the encouragement and space I needed to focus on my writing. It was challenging and inspiring, I came away with fresh ideas and a stronger sense of my natural writing style and the themes that excite me.  Our class stayed in touch and it's wonderful to have that ongoing support - for the rejections as well as the celebrations. The MFA in Creative Writing changed my life'

• Aoife Fitzpatrick MFA (2018 - 2019) Debut novel, The Red Bird Sings, from Virago Press, June 2023 “I miss the MFA. Not just the notable experience and insight of its teachers, but their authentic interest and vital engagement. That's what makes this course special; why it can transform both writer and work-in-progress.“
• Liz Houchin MA (2018 - 2019) ‘Anatomy of a Honey girl (poems for tired women)’ published by Southword, 2021. Awarded Literature Bursary from Arts Council of Ireland, 2021. 
• Brendan Casey, MA (2018-2019) She That Lay, Silent-like, Upon Our Shore, was long-listed for the Deborah Rogers Foundation Award and will be published by John Murray Originals in 2023.

'The course allowed me to dedicate myself to writing in a structured nurturing environment in which I had the time and space to develop ideas. Since graduating I have signed with RCW literary agency in London, and the thesis I submitted in UCD went on to form the basis of my novel .' 

• Sarah Gilmartin MFA (2018-2019) Her debut novel Dinner Party (Pushkin, 2021) was shortlisted for best newcomer at the Irish Book Awards and the Kate O’Brien Award 2022. Her stories have been published in The Dublin Review, New Irish Writing and The Tangerine. Her story The Wife won the 2020 Máirtín Crawford Award at Belfast Book Festival.
• Colin Barrett  won the Guardian First Fiction Prize with  Young Skins  [Pub. Stinging Fly Press / Jonathan Cape (UK) Grove Black Cat editions (US)] then went on to win both the Frank O'Connor International short story award and the Rooney Prize for Literature.  in 2015, Colin was nominated as one of the five under 35 honourees by the National Book Foundation in the US. His stories have appeared in  Five Dials ,  A Public Space  and  The New Yorker .
• Dave Rudden  is a leading writer of YA fiction and has been short-listed for the Hennessy New Writing Award and the Bath Short Story Prize. He is the author of numerous novels, most recent,  The Endless King ,  Doctor Who: Twelve Angels Weeping: Twelve Stories of the Villains from Doctor Who, The Forever Court  and  Knights of the Borrowed Dark.
• Jessica Traynor  won the Hennessy Emerging Poet Award and the Hennessy Writer of the Year Award in 2013 and was the recipient of the Ireland Chair of Poetry Bursary in 2014. She is the author of two collections of poetry,  The Quick  and  Liffey Swim  runner-up in the 2015 Troubadour International Poetry Prize and Liffey Swim which was nominated for the 2015 Strong/Shine Award for first collections. 
• Julie Morrissy  is an Irish poet, critic, and activist. Her first collection  Where, the Mile End  is forthcoming in February 2019 with  (opens in a new window) BookThug  (Canada) and  (opens in a new window) tall-lighthouse  (UK & Ireland). Her debut poetry pamphlet  I Am Where  (Eyewear 2015)   was shortlisted for Best Poetry Pamphlet in the Saboteur Awards 2016.
• Henrietta McKervey  has published three novels,  What Becomes Of Us  [Pub. Hachette Ireland],  The Heart of   Everything  and  Violet Hill .  Henrietta won both the Hennessy First Fiction Award and the UCD Maeve Binchy Travel Award in 2014. 
• Helena Nolan  is a poet and short fiction writer and was selected for the 2015  Poetry Ireland Introductions Series  and will read as part of the International Literature Festival in May. She won the Patrick Kavanagh Award in 2011, having come second in 2010. 
• Eamon McGuinness  is from Dublin. His poetry has appeared in  Poetry Ireland Review ,  Boyne Berries, Abridged, The Honest Ulsterman , and elsewhere. In 2017, he was featured on the Poetry Jukebox in Belfast and shortlisted for the Strokestown International Poetry Prize. His debut collection is forthcoming from Salmon Poetry.

How to Apply

• Applications for 2024-25 will open on 1st October 2023 
• The entry requirements for the MFA programme are any of the following; an MA, M Phil [Creative Writing], BFA [Creative Writing], BA Creative Writing Major/Joint Major or equivalent, an outline [approx 1 page] of the novel in progress, together with the opening 25 /30 pages. In the case of a short story collection, two stories; and finally, a personal statement of reasons for taking the course and references.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all places have been filled by suitably qualified and capable applicants. We advise applying early to avoid disappointment.

Application requirements are:

1. Academic Transcript(s)

2. Outline of the novel (1 page approx) plus the first 25/30 pages; or two short stories

3. Personal statement

4. Any other supporting documentation that may be relevant to your application.

5. English Language test certificate (IELTS or equivalent at 7.5 with no component less than 7.0)

6. The email addresses of two academic referees.

Scanned copies of relevant academic qualifications and the writing sample should be included in the online application.

Once you submit your application, your referees will receive an email and a link to upload their reference letters. References should be on headed paper and signed. 

• For further details, module information and to start an application, please see our MFA Creative Writing UCD webpages.
• If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please contact Fiona French, Graduate Administrator at  (opens in a new window) [email protected] .

Creative Writing Programs in Europe: Explore Your Options Abroad

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Introduction to Creative Writing Programs in Europe

Why consider studying creative writing in europe, top creative writing programs in europe: overview and rankings, location, language, and cultural immersion: factors to consider, unleash your creativity: unique features of european creative writing programs, scholarships, funding, and financial considerations for european writing programs, recommendations for choosing the right creative writing program in europe, frequently asked questions, key takeaways.

If you have a passion for writing and yearn to enhance your creativity, look no further than the captivating world of creative writing programs in Europe. Renowned for their rich literary traditions and diverse cultural landscapes, Europe offers a plethora of opportunities for aspiring writers to refine their craft and immerse themselves in an inspiring environment. These programs, varying in duration and intensity, provide an ideal platform for budding writers to unleash their imagination and explore the depths of their literary potential.

Whether you dream of penning captivating novels, engaging short stories, or expressive poetry, creative writing programs in Europe offer a remarkable array of specialized courses and workshops to hone your skills. From mastering the art of crafting compelling characters and building intricate plotlines to experimenting with different genres, these programs are designed to cater to all facets of the writing process. Delve into the world of descriptive prose, learn the nuances of dialogue, and develop your unique voice under the guidance of experienced mentors who are well-versed in the complexities of the literary world. Immerse yourself in a vibrant community of like-minded writers, where you can exchange ideas, share feedback, and draw inspiration from fellow wordsmiths.

When it comes to pursuing a creative writing education, Europe offers a wealth of unique and inspiring opportunities. Whether you’re a budding novelist, poet, or playwright, studying creative writing in Europe can expand your horizons and provide a transformative learning experience. Here are a few reasons why considering Europe as your destination for creative writing studies:

• Rich Literary Heritage: Europe is renowned for its rich literary heritage. From Shakespeare’s plays in the United Kingdom to the poetry of Pablo Neruda in Spain, studying in Europe means immersing yourself in the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest literary minds.
• Multicultural Exposure: Europe is a melting pot of diverse cultures and languages. By studying creative writing here, you’ll be immersed in a multicultural environment that fosters creativity and encourages cross-cultural exploration. Exposing yourself to different perspectives and storytelling traditions can greatly enhance your own writing skills.
• Expert Instruction: Many European institutions offer prestigious creative writing programs taught by renowned writers and industry professionals. The opportunity to learn from experienced mentors who are passionate about the craft can provide invaluable guidance and help you develop your own voice and style.
• Inspiring Surroundings: Draw endless inspiration from Europe’s breathtaking landscapes, architectural marvels, and historic sites. Whether it’s strolling through the cobblestone streets of Paris, finding solace near the serene Scottish lochs, or getting lost in the vivid colors of Italy’s countryside, Europe offers a limitless canvas that can fuel your creativity.

Studying creative writing in Europe allows you not only to refine your craft but also to immerse yourself in a vibrant and creative community of like-minded individuals. You’ll have the chance to attend literary festivals, workshops, and interact with published authors who can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities. Ultimately, studying creative writing in Europe can be a transformative experience that ignites your passion for storytelling and shapes you as a writer.

Europe boasts a wide range of exceptional creative writing programs that cater to aspiring writers looking to hone their skills and unleash their creativity. With the continent’s rich literary heritage and diverse cultural landscape, these programs offer a unique and inspiring environment for writers to flourish. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, or even a short-term workshop, Europe has something for everyone.

Here are some of the top creative writing programs in Europe, known for their excellent faculty, innovative curriculum, and unparalleled resources:

1. University College Dublin (UCD) – Located in the vibrant city of Dublin, UCD’s Creative Writing program is highly regarded for its strong focus on the craft of writing and its emphasis on nurturing students’ individual voice. With a dynamic range of courses covering fiction, poetry, scriptwriting, and more, UCD provides aspiring writers with a solid foundation in the art of storytelling.

2. University of East Anglia (UEA) – Situated in Norwich, the first UNESCO City of Literature in England, UEA offers a renowned Creative Writing program that has produced notable alumni such as Ian McEwan and Kazuo Ishiguro. With a prestigious faculty and a supportive writing community, UEA provides students with ample opportunities for collaboration and growth. The program also boasts a literary festival and hosts various events featuring acclaimed writers, making it an enriching experience for aspiring authors.

When embarking on a new adventure, such as traveling abroad or studying in a foreign country, it’s essential to consider several factors that will shape your experience. Location plays a crucial role in determining the kind of cultural immersion you can achieve. It’s important to choose a destination that aligns with your interests and preferences. Whether you are drawn to the bustling streets of a cosmopolitan city, the serene landscapes of a rural area, or the rich historical sites of an ancient town, the location you choose will significantly influence the cultural experiences available to you.

Language is another key factor to consider when seeking cultural immersion. By choosing a destination where the local language is different from your own, you have an incredible opportunity to dive into a new linguistic world. Learning a new language not only enhances your travel experience but also broadens your perspectives. Engaging in conversations with locals in their native tongue allows you to truly connect with the culture and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. Moreover, by immersing yourself in language, you can uncover hidden gems and experiences that are often inaccessible to those strictly relying on English.

• Research the local customs and traditions to ensure your compatibility with the culture
• Consider the availability of language classes or language exchange programs in your chosen destination
• Connect with fellow travelers or join local communities to foster cultural interactions and understanding

Furthermore, cultural immersion goes beyond language and location. It’s about immersing yourself in the daily life, customs, and traditions of the locals. Experiencing the local traditions firsthand can bring you closer to their values and way of life. Whether it’s joining a local festival, participating in traditional ceremonies, or indulging in authentic cuisine, embracing these cultural elements allows you to create meaningful connections and memories that will last a lifetime. Remember, cultural immersion is a transformative journey that provides you with a profound insight into the world and its diverse people.

• Be open-minded and respectful towards local customs and traditions
• Try local dishes and engage in cultural activities to fully immerse yourself in the local lifestyle
• Immerse yourself in the arts, music, and literature of the culture to gain a deeper understanding

European creative writing programs are known for their unique features that truly unleash the creativity of aspiring writers. These programs provide a supportive and dynamic environment that fosters innovation and encourages students to think outside the box. Here are some key features that set European creative writing programs apart:

• Multi-disciplinary approach: European creative writing programs often incorporate a multi-disciplinary approach, allowing students to explore various literary genres, styles, and techniques. This broadens their horizons and encourages them to experiment with different forms of expression, leading to the development of their own unique writing voice.
• Emphasis on cultural diversity: European creative writing programs celebrate diversity by encouraging an exploration of different cultures and perspectives. Students are exposed to a rich tapestry of literary traditions from across Europe, inspiring them to incorporate diverse elements into their own writing. This not only enhances their creativity but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of global literature.
• Integration of writing workshops and masterclasses: European creative writing programs place a strong emphasis on practical learning through workshops and masterclasses conducted by established writers. These sessions provide invaluable opportunities for students to receive personalized feedback and guidance from industry professionals, enhancing their writing skills and allowing them to grow as writers.

European creative writing programs truly offer a unique and inspiring experience for aspiring writers. By combining a multi-disciplinary approach, cultural diversity, and practical learning opportunities, these programs empower students to unleash their creativity and develop their unique writing abilities. Whether you are interested in traditional literature, experimental forms, or even cross-genre exploration, European creative writing programs have something to offer for every writer seeking to embark on a transformative journey of self-expression.

If you are considering a European writing program but are concerned about the financial implications, worry no more! There are various scholarships and funding options available to support your literary journey. Here are a few considerations to help alleviate your financial concerns:

• Scholarship Opportunities: Many European universities and educational institutions offer scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships can cover part or all of your tuition fees, accommodation expenses, and even provide a stipend for living costs. Don’t hesitate to explore these opportunities as they can greatly reduce the financial burden.
• Government Grants: Several European countries provide grants and financial aid to support international students studying in their respective countries. These grants can be merit-based, need-based, or specific to certain writing programs. Research the governmental institutions and agencies that offer such grants and see if you meet their eligibility criteria.

External Funding Organizations: There are numerous external funding organizations that aim to support individuals pursuing a writing career. These organizations often offer scholarships, grants, and fellowships specifically for aspiring writers. Do some thorough research to find out which organizations align with your goals and aspirations, and apply for their funding opportunities. Remember, persistence and determination can pay off when it comes to securing financial support for your European writing program.

If you’re an aspiring writer seeking to hone your craft in picturesque European settings, choosing the right creative writing program can be an exciting yet daunting task. To make your decision easier, consider the following recommendations:

• Program Accreditation: Ensure that the creative writing program you select is accredited by a reputable organization or university. This will guarantee the program’s quality and help you receive recognition for your studies.
• Curriculum Diversity: Look for a program that offers a diverse curriculum, including courses in various genres such as fiction, poetry, playwriting, and screenwriting. A well-rounded curriculum will allow you to explore different writing styles and find your unique voice.
• Small Class Sizes: Opt for programs with small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and feedback from experienced instructors. This intimate learning environment will foster a supportive community that nurtures your creativity.

Continuing…

Q: What are some of the benefits of participating in a creative writing program in Europe? A: Participating in a creative writing program in Europe offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it offers a diverse cultural experience that can inspire and enrich your writing. Secondly, European programs often have renowned faculty members who provide valuable guidance and mentorship. Lastly, networking opportunities with fellow writers from around the world can lead to lifelong friendships and potential collaborations.

Q: What countries in Europe are known for their exceptional creative writing programs? A: Several European countries have exceptional creative writing programs. The United Kingdom, particularly England, is renowned for institutions such as the University of East Anglia and Oxford University. Ireland is also recognized for its rich literary tradition, with renowned programs at Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. Additionally, countries like France, Germany, and Spain offer unique programs with a continental perspective.

Q: What types of creative writing programs are available in Europe? A: Europe offers a diverse range of creative writing programs. You can find programs that offer degrees such as Bachelor’s, Master’s, and even PhDs in creative writing. Apart from full-time programs, many universities offer part-time and online courses to accommodate various needs. Some programs focus on specific genres like poetry, fiction, or scriptwriting, while others offer a more holistic approach to creative writing.

Q: Are there scholarships available for international students interested in creative writing programs in Europe? A: Yes, many universities and organizations in Europe offer scholarships specifically tailored for international students interested in creative writing programs. These scholarships can help alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad and provide opportunities to students who demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication. However, it is advisable to research and apply for scholarships well in advance, as they can be highly competitive.

Q: Can non-native English speakers participate in creative writing programs in Europe? A: Absolutely! Many creative writing programs in Europe welcome non-native English speakers. In fact, some programs specifically appreciate the unique perspectives and diverse linguistic backgrounds of international students. While a proficient level of English is generally required, non-native speakers can benefit from immersing themselves in an English-speaking environment, honing their language skills, and gaining new perspectives on their writing.

Q: How do creative writing programs in Europe contribute to a writer’s professional development? A: Creative writing programs in Europe contribute significantly to a writer’s professional development. They provide a platform for writers to enhance their skills, broaden their writing repertoire, and receive critical feedback from experienced mentors. Additionally, programs often host workshops, guest lectures, and literary events that expose participants to the publishing industry, professional authors, and literary agents, offering invaluable insights and potential career opportunities.

Q: Is it possible to publish one’s work after completing a creative writing program in Europe? A: Yes, it is absolutely possible to publish work after completing a creative writing program in Europe. Many successful authors have emerged from these programs, and faculty members often have extensive publishing connections. Furthermore, participating in workshops and receiving feedback from both peers and mentors can greatly enhance your writing skills, helping you develop a publication-ready manuscript.

Q: What should I consider when choosing a creative writing program in Europe? A: When choosing a creative writing program in Europe, consider factors such as faculty expertise, program reputation, curriculum structure, available resources, location, and cost. It is crucial to research the program thoroughly, read reviews, and perhaps even reach out to current or former students to get a better understanding of the program’s quality and suitability for your goals. Additionally, consider your personal preferences, such as the type of program, genre focus, and whether you prefer a bustling city or a quieter location.

In conclusion, Europe offers a rich and diverse range of creative writing programs. Whether you’re looking for traditional courses or unique experiences, studying abroad in Europe can provide you with valuable skills and inspiration to further your writing journey.

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Low-Residency MFA Writers Workshop in Paris

Write in paris.

The NYU Creative Writing Program has distinguished itself for over forty years as a leading national center for the study of writing and literature, inviting promising new writers to work closely with a faculty of today's finest writers of poetry , fiction , and creative nonfiction .

That tradition continues with the low-residency MFA Writers Workshop in Paris, which offers students the opportunity to develop their craft under the guidance of internationally-acclaimed faculty—including Catherine Barnett, Alex Dimitrov, Nathan Englander, Jonathan Safran Foer, Tess Gunty, Uzodinma Iweala, Jonas Hassen Khemiri, Katie Kitamura, Hari Kunzru, Raven Leilani, Leigh Newman, Matthew Rohrer, Nicole Sealey, Parul Sehgal, Darin Strauss, and Brandon Taylor —while writing and studying in one of the world's most inspiring literary capitals.

Recent visiting writers and editors include Kaveh Akbar, Jericho Brown, Anne Carson, Sandra Cisneros, Rachel Cusk, Edwidge Danticat, Lydia Davis, Hernan Diaz, Geoff Dyer, Mariana Enríquez, Melissa Febos, John Freeman, Terrance Hayes, Mira Jacob, Leslie Jamison, Donika Kelly, Etgar Keret, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Rachel Kushner, Nick Laird, Édouard Louis, Valeria Luiselli, David Mitchell, Nadifa Mohamed, Maggie Nelson, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Joyce Carol Oates, Meghan O'Rourke, ZZ Packer, Claudia Rankine, Taiye Selasi, Kamila Shamsie, Brenda Shaughnessy, Leila Slimani, Tracy K. Smith, Zadie Smith, Ocean Vuong, and Kevin Young, among many others . 

PROGRAM FORMAT

The MFA Writers Workshop in Paris constitutes an intimate creative apprenticeship that extends beyond traditional classroom walls.

Over two years, students and faculty convene regularly in Paris for five intensive ten-day residency periods held biannually in January and July ( click  here  for a sample residency calendar ). While in residency in Paris, students participate in a vibrant community engaged in all aspects of the literary arts, including workshops, craft talks, lectures, individual conferences and manuscript consultations, as well as a diverse series of readings, special events and professional development panels. The city of Paris itself—with its literary history and rich cultural attractions—provides an ideal opportunity for students to learn the art and craft of writing, immerse themselves in the creative process, and live the writer’s life.

During the intervals between residencies, students pursue focused courses of study, completing reading and writing assignments under the close supervision of individual faculty members. These ongoing dialogues with faculty are tailored to specific student interests and needs; students are mentored by a different professor each term and work closely with four different writers during the two-year program.

Unlike the traditional MFA, the low-residency program offers both freedom and rigor, balancing the intense and stimulating community of each residency and the sustained solitary work completed in the intervals between. Students are expected to complete substantial writing and reading assignments each term, regularly submitting packets of work in exchange for detailed feedback and critique. Graduating students leave the program with four new literary mentors and a portfolio of letters written by acclaimed writers in response to their work.

Detailed program structure, curriculum, and requirements can be found here .

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

In order to receive the MFA, students must attend five residencies, successfully complete 32 credits of coursework, and submit a special project of at least 70 pages of fiction or creative nonfiction, or 25 pages of poetry. This project  consists of a substantial piece of writing—a novel, a collection of short stories, a memoir or essay collection, or a group of poems—submitted before the final residency. The project requires the approval of the student's faculty advisor and the program director.

The online application for the January 2025 residency will become available in the coming months. Students may apply for either the MFA in Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, or Poetry. All applicants must submit online using the GSAS Application Form (for the “Spring 2025” term) by September 01, 2024. 

Faculty Members Include:

Catherine Barnett is the author of four poetry collections,  Solutions for the Problem of Bodies in Space (2024 Graywolf); Human Hours  (2018 Believer Book Award in Poetry and New York Times "Best Poetry of 2018" selection),  The Game of Boxes  (James Laughlin Award of the Academy of American Poets) and  Into Perfect Spheres Such Holes Are Pierced (Beatrice Hawley Award). A Guggenheim fellow, she received a 2022 Arts and Letters Award in Literature, which honors exceptional accomplishment. Her work has been published in the  New Yorker ,  The New York Review of Books , The Nation , and  Harper’s , among many other places. She teaches in the NYU Program in Creative Writing and works as an independent editor.

Nathan Englander 's most recent novel is  kaddish.com . He is also the author of the  Dinner at the Center of the Earth , the collection  What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank , as well as the internationally bestselling story collection  For the Relief of Unbearable Urges , and the novel  The Ministry of Special Cases  (all published by Knopf/Vintage). He was the 2012 recipient of the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award and a finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for  What We Talk About . His short fiction and essays have appeared in  The New Yorker,  The New York Times , The Atlantic Monthly ,  The Washington Post ,   Vogue,  and  Esquire, a mong other places. His work has been anthologized   in The O. Henry Prize Stories and numerous editions of  The Best American Short Stories , including  100 Years of the Best American Short Stories . Translated into twenty-two languages, Englander was selected as one of “20 Writers for the 21st Century” by  The New Yorker , received a Guggenheim Fellowship, a PEN/Malamud Award, the Bard Fiction Prize, and the Sue Kaufman Prize from the American Academy of Arts & Letters. He’s been a fellow at the Dorothy & Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library, and at The American Academy of Berlin. In 2012 Englander's translation of the  New American Haggadah  (edited by Jonathan Safran Foer) was published by Little Brown. He also co-translated Etgar Keret's  Suddenly A Knock at the Door  and  Fly Already , published by FSG. His play  The Twenty-Seventh Man  premiered at the Public Theater in 2012, and his new play,  What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank , winner of a 2019 Edgerton Foundation New Play Award, and the 2020 Blanche and Irving Laurie Theatre Visions Fund Prize, was commissioned by Lincoln Center Theater and was supposed to be running at The Old Globe in San Diego right now—sigh. He is Distinguished Writer in Residence at New York University and lives with his family in Toronto.

Alex Dimitrov  is the author of three books of poems,  Love and Other Poems ,  Together and by Ourselves , and  Begging for It . His poems have been published in  The New Yorker , the  New York Times ,  The Paris Review , and  Poetry.  In addition to NYU, he has taught writing at Princeton University, Columbia University, and Barnard College. Previously, he was the Senior Content Editor at the Academy of American Poets, where he edited the popular series  Poem-a-Day  and  American Poets  magazine. With Dorothea Lasky he is the co-author of  Astro Poets: Your Guides to the Zodiac.  He lives in New York. 

Jonathan Safran Foer is the author of the bestselling novel Everything Is Illuminated , named Book of the Year by the Los Angeles Times and the winner of numerous awards, including the Guardian First Book Prize, the National Jewish Book Award, and the New York Public Library Young Lions Prize. His other novels include Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and, most recently, Here I Am . He is also the author of the nonfiction books, Eating Animals , and We Are the Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast (2019). Foer was one of Rolling Stone's "People of the Year" and Esquire's "Best and Brightest,” and was included in The New Yorker magazine's "20 Under 40" list of writers. He lives in Brooklyn.

Tess Gunty ’s debut novel, The Rabbit Hutch, is a New York Times Bestseller and the recipient of the 2022 National Book Award for Fiction. It has been translated into a dozen languages. The novel also received the Barnes and Noble Discover Prize, the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize, and the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award. It was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle John Leonard Prize, the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award, and the British Book Award for Debut Fiction, The Rabbit Hutch was named one of twelve Essential Reads by The New Yorker , and a best book of the year by The New York Times , People , TIME , Oprah Daily , LitHub , the Chicago Tribune , Kirkus, and NPR. It is currently a finalist for the inaugural Inside Literary Prize and the Open Bank Vanity Fair Award for best new author in Spain. The novel has been optioned for film rights by Richard Brown and Fremantle. Tess is the youngest recipient of the National Book Award for fiction since Philip Roth won in 1960.

Tess holds an MFA in creative writing from New York University, where she was a Lillian Vernon Fellow and a Graduate Institute Research Fellow in Paris. Recently, she was a Paul La Farge fellow at MacDowell, where she worked on her second novel. She currently lives between Los Angeles and New York.

Uzodinma Iweala is an award-winning writer, filmmaker, and medical doctor. He is the CEO of The Africa Center in New York, promoting a new narrative about Africa and its diaspora through a focus on culture, policy and business. Uzodinma is the Co-Founder of Ventures Africa Magazine, a publication that covers business, policy, culture and innovation spaces in Africa. He is a member of the Presidents Youth Advisory Group (PYAG) for Jobs for Youth Africa (JfYA) at the African Development Bank (AfDB). He is also on the Board of the NewNow, a subsidiary of the Virgin Group’s charitable arm, Virgin Unite. He has written three books: Beasts of No Nation (2005), a novel also adapted into a major motion picture; Our Kind of People (2012), a non-fiction account of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria; and Speak No Evil (2018), a novel about Washington, D.C.

Jonas Hassen Khemiri is the author of six novels, seven plays, and a collection of plays, essays, and short stories. His work has been translated into more than thirty languages and his plays have been performed by more than hundred international companies. He received the Village Voice Obie Award for his first play  Invasion!  and in 2015 he was awarded the August Prize, Sweden's highest literary honor for the novel  Everything I Don't Remember . In 2017 he became the first Swedish writer to have a short story published in  The New Yorker  and in 2020 his latest novel  The Family Clause  was a finalist for the National Book Award and won the Prix Médicis Étranger, France’s highest honor for translated books. Khemiri is currently based in New York, as a Cullman Fellow at the New York Public Library.

Katie Kitamura ’s most recent novel is Intimacies . One of The New York Times’ 10 Best Books of 2021, it was longlisted for the National Book Award and the PEN/Faulkner Award, and was a finalist for the Joyce Carol Oates Prize. It was also one of Barack Obama’s Favorite Books of 2021. Her third novel,  A Separation,  was a finalist for the Premio von Rezzori and a New York Times Notable Book. She is also the author of Gone To The Forest and The Longshot , both finalists for the New York Public Library’s Young Lions Fiction Award.

Her work has been translated into 21 languages and is being adapted for film and television. A recipient of fellowships from the Lannan, Santa Maddalena, and Jan Michalski foundations, Katie has written for publications including The New York Times Book Review, The Guardian, Granta, BOMB, Triple Canopy, and Frieze. She teaches in the creative writing program at New York University.

Hari Kunzru  is a Clinical Professor in the Creative Writing Program. He holds a BA in English Language and Literature from Oxford University and an MA in Philosophy and Literature from Warwick University. He is the author of five novels, most recently  White Tears , a finalist for the PEN Jean Stein Award, the Kirkus Prize, the Folio Prize, the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, One Book New York, the Prix du Livre Inter étranger, and a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. His novel  Red Pill  will be published in September 2020 by Knopf. He is also the author of  The Impressionist ,  Transmission, My Revolutions, Gods Without Men  and a short story collection,  Noise . His novella  Memory Palace  was presented as an exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 2013. His work has been translated into over twenty languages. His short stories and essays have appeared in publications including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Guardian, New York Review of Books, Granta, Bookforum, October and Frieze. He has written screenplays, radio drama, and experimental work using field recordings and voice-to-text software. He has taught at Hunter College and Columbia University. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and an Honorary Fellow of Wadham College, Oxford. He has been a Cullman Fellow at the New York Public Library, a Guggenheim Fellow and a Fellow of the American Academy in Berlin. He is a past deputy president of English PEN, a judge for the 2018 Man Booker International Prize and has been a frequent presenter, interviewer and guest on television and radio.

Raven Leilani ’s debut novel Luster (2020) was awarded the Kirkus Prize, Dylan Thomas Prize, NBCC John Leonard Prize, VCU Cabell First Novel Prize, Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, among others. Her work has been published in Granta , The Yale Review , McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern , Conjunctions , The Cut , and New England Review , among other publications. Leilani received her MFA from NYU and was an Axinn Foundation Writer-in-Residence . She was also selected as a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree. In 2022 she served as the John Grisham Fellow at the University of Mississippi and teaches creative writing at NYU.

Leigh Newman 's memoir about Alaska, Still Points North (Dial, 2013) was a finalist for the National Book Critic Circle’s John Leonard prize. Her short stories have appeared in the Paris Review , Harper’s, One Story ,  Tin House , and McSweeney’s. She is the winner of the Paris Reviews’s 2020 Terry Southern Prize for “humor, wit, and sprezzatura” and her story “Howl Palace” was selected for 2019 Best American Short Stories, as well as won the 2020 Pushcart prize and the Paris Review’s ASME-winning award for fiction. Her essays and book reviews have appeared in The New York Times, Bookforum, Vogue, O The Oprah Magazine, and other magazines. She has taught creative writing at Pratt, Sarah Lawrence, and New York University and has received fellowships from Yaddo, Breadloaf, and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is the former books editor of Oprah.com, the co-founder of Black Balloon/Catapult Publishing, and is now the senior editor-at-large at Catapult. Soon to come: the story collection Nobody Gets out Alive (2022) and an untitled novel (2023) from Scribner.

Matthew Rohrer  is the author of  The Sky Contains the Plans  (Wave Books, 2020),  The Others  (Wave Books, 2017), which was the winner of the 2017 Believer Book Award,  Surrounded by Friends  (Wave Books, 2015),  Destroyer and Preserver  (Wave Books, 2011),  A Plate of Chicken  (Ugly Duckling Presse, 2009),  Rise Up  (Wave Books, 2007) and  A Green Light  (Verse Press, 2004), which was shortlisted for the 2005 Griffin Poetry Prize. He is also the author of  Satellite  (Verse Press, 2001), and co-author, with Joshua Beckman, of  Nice Hat. Thanks.  (Verse Press, 2002), and the audio CD  Adventures While Preaching the Gospel of Beauty . With Joshua Beckman and Anthony McCann he wrote the secret book  Gentle Reader! It is not for sale . Octopus Books published his action/adventure chapbook-length poem  They All Seemed Asleep  in 2008. His first book,  A Hummock in the Malookas  was selected for the National Poetry Series by Mary Oliver in 1994. His poems have been widely anthologized and have appeared in many journals. He's received the Hopwood Award for poetry and a Pushcart prize, and was selected as a National Poetry Series winner, and was shortlisted for the Griffin International Poetry Prize. Recently he has participated in residencies/ performances at the Museum of Modern Art (New York City) and the Henry Art Gallery (Seattle). Matthew Rohrer was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was raised in Oklahoma, and attended universities in Ann Arbor, Dublin, and Iowa City. He teaches in the Creative Writing Program at NYU and lives in Brooklyn.

Nicole Sealey was born in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, and raised in Apopka, Florida. She is the author of Ordinary Beast (Ecco, 2017), which was a finalist for the PEN Open Book and Hurston/Wright Legacy Award. Sealey’s chapbook, The Animal After Whom Other Animals are Named  (Northwestern University Press, 2016), was the winner of the 2016 Drinking Gourd Chapbook Prize. In 2019, Sealey was named a 2019-2020 Hodder Fellow at Princeton University. She has received fellowships and awards from the American Academy in Rome, the Forward Foundation, CantoMundo, Cave Canem Foundation, the National Endowment and New York Foundation for the Arts, an Elizabeth George Foundation, among others. She was the Executive Director at Cave Canem Foundation from 2017–2019. Sealey lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Parul Sehgal  is a staff writer at  The New Yorker . She was previously a columnist and senior editor at  The New York Times Book Review  and a book critic   for  The New York Times.  Her work has appeared in  The Atlantic, Slate, Bookforum, The New Yorker, Tin House,  and  The Literary Review,  among other publications, and she was awarded the Nona Balakian Award from the National Book Critics Circle for her criticism. 

Darin Strauss  is the internationally bestselling author of the novels  Chang and Eng, The Real McCoy ,  More Than it Hurts You , the NBCC-winning memoir,  Half a Life , the comic-book series,  Olivia Twist, and most recently the acclaimed novel, The Queen of Tuesday: A Lucille Ball Story (Random House, 2020). A recipient of a National Book Critics Circle Award, the Guggenheim Fellowship, an American Library Association Award, and numerous other prizes, Strauss has written screenplays for Disney, Gary Oldman, and Julie Taymor. His work has been translated into fourteen languages and published in nineteen countries, and he is a Clinical Professor at the NYU Creative Writing Program.

Brandon Taylor  is the author of the novels  The Late Americans  and  Real Life , which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle John Leonard Prize, and named a  New York Times Book Review  Editors’ Choice and a Science + Literature Selected Title by the National Book Foundation. His collection  Filthy Animals , a national bestseller, was awarded The Story Prize and shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize. He is the 2022-2023 Mary Ellen von der Heyden Fellow at the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers.

Deborah Landau  (Director) is the author of five collections of poetry, most recently  Skeletons , which was named one of  The New Yorker’s  “Best Books of 2023.” She is also the author of  Soft Targets  (winner of the Believer Book Award),  The Uses of the Body ,  The Last Usable Hour , and  Orchidelirium , selected by Naomi Shihab Nye for the Robert Dana Anhinga Prize for Poetry. Her other honors include a Jacob K Javits Fellowship and a Guggenheim Fellowship.  The Uses of the Body  was featured on NPR’s  All Things Considered , and included on “Best of ″ lists by  The New Yorker, Vogue, BuzzFeed , and  O, The Oprah Magazine . A Spanish edition,  Los Usos Del Cuerpo , was published by Valparaiso Ediciones. Her work has appeared in  The New Yorker, The Paris Review, The Atlantic, New York Review of Books ,  The Nation ,  APR, Poetry, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times , and three volumes of  The Best American Poetry , and anthologized in  Please Excuse This Poem: 100 New Poets for the Next Generation, Not for Mothers Only, Resistance, Rebellion, Life ,  The Best American Erotic Poems , and  Women’s Work: Modern Poets Writing in English . Landau was educated at Stanford University, Columbia University, and Brown University, where she received a Ph.D. in English and American Literature. She is a Professor at NYU, where she directs the Creative Writing Program.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Best 15 Creative Writing MFA Programs in 2023

April 7, 2023

Whether you studied at a top creative writing university , or are a high school dropout who will one day become a bestselling author , you may be considering an MFA in Creative Writing. But is a writing MFA genuinely worth the time and potential costs? How do you know which program will best nurture your writing? This article walks you through the considerations for an MFA program, as well as the best Creative Writing MFA programs in the United States.

First of all, what is an MFA?

A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a graduate degree that usually takes from two to three years to complete. Applications require a sample portfolio for entry, usually of 10-20 pages of your best writing.

What actually goes on in a creative writing MFA beyond inspiring award-winning books and internet memes ? You enroll in workshops where you get feedback on your creative writing from your peers and a faculty member. You enroll in seminars where you get a foundation of theory and techniques. Then you finish the degree with a thesis project.

Reasons to Get an MFA in Creative Writing

You don’t need an MFA to be a writer. Just look at Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison or bestselling novelist Emily St. John Mandel.

Nonetheless, there are plenty of reasons you might still want to get a creative writing MFA. The first is, unfortunately, prestige. An MFA from a top program can help you stand out in a notoriously competitive industry to be published.

The second reason: time. Many MFA programs give you protected writing time, deadlines, and maybe even a (dainty) salary.

Third, an MFA in Creative Writing is a terminal degree. This means that this degree allows you to teach writing at the university level, especially after you publish a book.

But above all, the biggest reason to pursue an MFA is the community it brings you. You get to meet other writers, and share feedback, advice, and moral support, in relationships that can last for decades.

Types of Creative Writing MFA Programs

Here are the different types of programs to consider, depending on your needs:

Fully-Funded Full-Time Programs

These programs offer full-tuition scholarships and sweeten the deal by actually paying you to attend them.

• Pros: You’re paid to write (and teach).
• Cons: Uprooting your entire life to move somewhere possibly very cold.

Full-Time MFA Programs

These programs include attending in-person classes and paying tuition (though many offer need-based and merit scholarships).

• Pros: Lots of top-notch programs non-funded programs have more assets to attract world-class faculty and guests.
• Cons: It’s an investment that might not pay itself back.

Low-Residency MFA Programs

Low-residency programs usually meet biannually for short sessions. They also offer one-on-one support throughout the year. These MFAs are more independent, preparing you for what the writing life is actually like.

• Pros: No major life changes required. Cons: Less time dedicated to writing and less time to build relationships.

Online MFA Programs

Held 100% online. These programs have high acceptance rates and no residency requirement. That means zero travel or moving expenses.

• Pros: No major life changes required.
• Cons: These MFAs have less name-recognition

The Top 15 Creative Writing MFA Programs Ranked by Category

The following programs are selected for their balance of high funding, impressive return on investment, stellar faculty, major journal publications , and impressive alums.

Fully Funded MFA Programs

1) johns hopkins university, mfa in fiction/poetry (baltimore, md).

This is a two-year program, with $33,000 teaching fellowships per year. This MFA offers the most generous funding package. Not to mention, it offers that sweet, sweet health insurance, mind-boggling faculty, and a guaranteed lecture position after graduation (nice). No nonfiction MFA (boo).

• Incoming class size: 8 students
• Admissions rate: 11.1%
• Alumni: Chimamanda Adiche, Jeffrey Blitz, Wes Craven, Louise Erdrich, Porochista Khakpour, Phillis Levin, ZZ Packer, Tom Sleigh, Elizabeth Spires, Rosanna Warren

2) University of Texas, James Michener Center (Austin, TX)

A fully-funded 3-year program with a generous stipend of $29,500. The program offers fiction, poetry, playwriting and screenwriting. The Michener Center is also unique because you study a primary genre and a secondary genre, and also get $3,000 for the summer.

• Incoming class size : 12 students
• Acceptance rate: a bone-chilling less-than-1% in fiction; 2-3% in other genres
•   Alumni: Fiona McFarlane, Brian McGreevy, Karan Mahajan, Alix Ohlin, Kevin Powers, Lara Prescott, Roger Reeves, Maria Reva, Domenica Ruta, Sam Sax, Joseph Skibell, Dominic Smith

3) University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)

The Iowa Writers’ Workshop is a 2-year program on a residency model for fiction and poetry. This means there are low requirements, and lots of time to write groundbreaking novels or play pool at the local bar. Most students are funded, with fellowships worth up to $21,000. The Translation MFA, co-founded by Gayatri Chakravorti Spivak, is also two years, but with more intensive coursework. The Nonfiction Writing Program is a prestigious three-year MFA program and is also intensive.

• Incoming class size: 25 each for poetry and fiction; 10-12 for nonfiction and translation.
• Acceptance rate: 3.7%
• Fantastic Alumni: Raymond Carver, Flannery O’Connor, Sandra Cisneros, Joy Harjo, Garth Greenwell, Kiley Reid, Brandon Taylor, Eula Biss, Yiyun Li, Jennifer Croft

4) University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)

Anne Carson famously lives in Ann Arbor, as do the MFA students U-Michigan’s Helen Zell Writers’ Program. This is a big university town, which is less damaging to your social life. Plus, there’s lots to do when you have a $23,000 stipend, summer funding, and health care.

This is a 2-3-year program, with an impressive reputation. They also have a demonstrated commitment to “ push back against the darkness of intolerance and injustice ” and have outreach programs in the community.

• Incoming class size: 18
• Acceptance rate: 4% (which maybe seems high after less-than-1%)
• Alumni: Brit Bennett, Vievee Francis, Airea D. Matthews, Celeste Ng, Chigozie Obioma, Jia Tolentino, Jesmyn Ward

5) Brown University (Providence, RI)

Brown offers an edgy, well-funded program in a place that doesn’t dip into arctic temperatures. Students are all fully-funded for 2-3 years with $29,926 in 2021-22. Students also get summer funding and—you guessed it—that sweet, sweet health insurance.

In the Brown Literary Arts MFA, students take only one workshop and one elective per semester. It’s also the only program in the country to feature a Digital/Cross Disciplinary Track.

• Incoming class size: 12-13
• Acceptance rate: “highly selective”
• Alumni: Edwidge Danticat, Jaimy Gordon, Gayl Jones, Ben Lerner, Joanna Scott, Kevin Young, Ottessa Moshfegh

Best MFA Creative Writing Programs (Continued) 

6) university of arizona (tucson, az).

This 3-year program has many attractive qualities. It’s in “ the lushest desert in the world ”, and was recently ranked #4 in creative writing programs, and #2 in Nonfiction. You can take classes in multiple genres, and in fact, are encouraged to do so. Plus, Arizona dry heat is good for arthritis.

This notoriously supportive program pays $20,000 a year, and offers the potential to volunteer at multiple literary organizations. You can also do supported research at the US-Mexico Border.

• Incoming class size: 9
• Acceptance rate: 4.85% (a refreshingly specific number after Brown’s evasiveness)
• Alumni: Francisco Cantú, Jos Charles, Tony Hoagland, Nancy Mairs, Richard Russo, Richard Siken, Aisha Sabatini Sloan, David Foster Wallace

7) Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ):

Arizona State is also a three-year funded program in arthritis-friendly dry heat. It offers small class sizes, individual mentorships, and one of the most impressive faculty rosters in the game. Everyone gets a $19,000 stipend, with other opportunities for financial support.

• Incoming class size: 8-10
• Acceptance rate: 3% (sigh)
• Alumni: Tayari Jones, Venita Blackburn, Dorothy Chan, Adrienne Celt, Dana Diehl, Matthew Gavin Frank, Caitlin Horrocks, Allegra Hyde, Hugh Martin, Bonnie Nadzam

FULL-RESIDENCY MFAS (UNFUNDED)

8) new york university (new york, ny).

This two-year program is in New York City, meaning it comes with close access to literary opportunities and hot dogs. NYU is private, and has one of the most accomplished faculty lists anywhere. Students have large cohorts (more potential friends!) and have a penchant for winning top literary prizes.

• Incoming class size: 40-60
• Acceptance rate: 6%
• Alumni: Nick Flynn, Nell Freudenberger, Aracelis Girmay, Mitchell S. Jackson, Tyehimba Jess, John Keene, Raven Leilani, Robin Coste Lewis, Ada Limón, Ocean Vuong

9) Columbia University (New York, NY)

Another 2-3 year private MFA program with drool-worthy permanent and visiting faculty. Columbia offers courses in fiction, poetry, translation, and nonfiction. Beyond the Ivy League education, Columbia offers close access to agents, and its students have a high record of bestsellers.

• Incoming class size: 110
• Acceptance rate: 21%
• Alumni: Alexandra Kleeman, Rachel Kushner, Claudia Rankine, Rick Moody, Sigrid Nunez, Tracy K. Smith, Emma Cline, Adam Wilson, Marie Howe, Mary Jo Bang

10) Sarah Lawrence (Bronxville, NY)

Sarah Lawrence offers speculative fiction beyond the average fiction, poetry, and nonfiction course offerings. With intimate class sizes, this program is unique because it offers biweekly one-on-one conferences with its stunning faculty. It also has a notoriously supportive atmosphere.

• Incoming class size: 30-40
• Acceptance rate: N/A
• Alumni: Cynthia Cruz, Melissa Febos, T Kira Madden, Alex Dimitrov, Moncho Alvarado

LOW RESIDENCY

11 bennington college (bennington, vt).

This two-year program boasts truly stellar faculty, and meets twice a year for ten days in January and June. It’s like a biannual vacation in beautiful Vermont, plus mentorship by a famous writer, and then you get a degree. The tuition is $23,468 per year, with scholarships available.

• Acceptance rate: 53%
• Incoming class: 40
• Alumni: Larissa Pham, Andrew Reiner, Lisa Johnson Mitchell, and others

12)  Institute for American Indian Arts (Santa Fe, NM)

This two-year program emphasizes Native American and First Nations writing. With truly amazing faculty and visiting writers, they offer a wide range of genres offered, in screenwriting, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.

Students attend two eight-day residencies each year, in January and July, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. At $12,000 a year, it boasts being “ one of the most affordable MFA programs in the country .”

• Incoming class size : 22
• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Alumni: Tommy Orange, Dara Yen Elerath, Kathryn Wilder

13) Vermont College of Fine Arts

One of few MFAs where you can study the art of the picture book, middle grade and young adult literature, graphic literature, nonfiction, fiction, and poetry for young people. Students meet twice a year for nine days, in January and July, in Vermont. You can also do many travel residencies in exciting (and warm) places like Cozumel.

VCFA boasts amazing faculty and visiting writers, with individualized study options and plenty of one-on-one time. Tuition is $48,604.

• Incoming class size: 18-25
• Acceptance rate: 63%
• Alumnx: Lauren Markham, Mary-Kim Arnold, Cassie Beasley, Kate Beasley, Julie Berry, Bridget Birdsall, Gwenda Bond, Pablo Cartaya

ONLINE MFAS

14) university of texas at el paso (el paso, tx).

The world’s first bilingual and online MFA program in the world. UTEP is considered the best online MFA program, and features award-winning faculty from across the globe. Intensive workshops allow submitting in Spanish and English, and genres include poetry and fiction. This three-year program costs $14,766 a year, with rolling admissions.

• Alumni: Watch alumni testimonies here

15) Bay Path University (Long Meadow, MA)

This 2-year online program is dedicated entirely to nonfiction. A supportive, diverse community, Bay Path offers small class sizes, close mentorship, and a potential field trip in Ireland.

There are many tracks, including publishing, Narrative Medicine, and teaching. Core courses include memoir, narrative journalism, and the personal essay. The price is $785/credit, for 39 credits, with scholarships available.

• Incoming class size: 20
• Acceptance rate: an encouraging 78%
• Alumni: Read alumni testimonies here

Prepare for your MFA in advance:

• Best English Programs
• Best Creative Writing Schools
• Writing Summer Programs

Best MFA Creative Writing Programs – References:

• https://www.pw.org/mfa
• The Creative Writing MFA Handbook: A Guide for Prospective Graduate Students , by Tom Kealey (A&C Black 2005)
• Graduate School Admissions

Julia Conrad

With a Bachelor of Arts in English and Italian from Wesleyan University as well as MFAs in both Nonfiction Writing and Literary Translation from the University of Iowa, Julia is an experienced writer, editor, educator, and a former Fulbright Fellow. Julia’s work has been featured in  The Millions ,  Asymptote , and  The Massachusetts Review , among other publications. To read more of her work, visit  www.juliaconrad.net

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137 Degrees in Creative Writing in Europe for 2024

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Arts and Humanities (Creative Writing) (R14-CW)

Open university.

• The City, United Kingdom

Distance Learning

Awarded by: The Open University

BA (Honours) in Arts and Humanities (Creative Writing)

• Online United Kingdom

Full time, Part time

The degree starts by developing your understanding of the world we live in through a variety of perspectives, periods and subjects – including creative writing. You’ll then take two specialist creative writing modules, exploring a range of approaches to writing. You will develop your writing skills in several genres including fiction; poetry; life writing; and scriptwriting for film, radio and stage. Through being supported to develop your own pieces of writing, and by engagement with the module materials, you will develop important skills in complex argument and critical commentary.

BA (Honours) in English Literature and Creative Writing

This degree offers a stimulating and wide-ranging introduction to English literature and creative writing. You’ll have the opportunity to study and interpret literature from different historical periods and diverse cultural settings – including translations – and to develop your writing skills in several genres including fiction; poetry; life writing; and scriptwriting for film, radio and stage.

BA (Hons) Creative Writing

University of lincoln.

• Lincoln, United Kingdom

Live the Writing Life at the University of Lincoln. If you love to read and write and want to explore the boundaries of your own creativity, Creative Writing at Lincoln can provide you with a new appreciation of literature. Students can develop their own distinctive voice as an author and philosophy of composition, as well as explore the theory and practice of building a diverse portfolio of work across forms and styles. As a Creative Writing student at the University of Lincoln, you have the opportunity to work with and become part of, an international community of writers who will aim to help you develop your skills in genres as diverse as prose fiction, psychological thrillers, scriptwriting, poetry, creative non-fiction, and the graphic novel. Our aim is to help you to develop your writing in innovative and exciting ways, becoming the best writer you can be.

BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing

St mary's university twickenham, london.

• Twickenham, United Kingdom

University is a time to develop your own subject-specific knowledge and learn in-depth while also gaining the key skills you need to get ahead in the jobs marketplace. Creative and Professional Writing gives you the opportunity to grow as a thinker and creator through the medium of the written word in its myriad forms while honing your writing and critical thinking skills to the highest degree.

BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing

Study world literature, explore your talents, and build a solid technical foundation as a writer with this joint honours degree. BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing enables students to consider literature from a variety of theoretical, historical, and cultural perspectives.

BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing

Goldsmiths, university of london.

• London, United Kingdom

Combine the study of literature with the practice of creative writing. You’ll graduate with the ability to be informed and curious about literature, and with the imagination to turn that curiosity into creativity.

BA (Hons) Writing for Performance

The royal central school of speech and drama.

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn how to make socially engaged theatre while focusing on the role of the writer within a wide range of performance contexts. Students will participate practically with the processes of writing for performance, whilst also engaging with the different theories and practices of theatre making and performance. Building on its close relationship with the Drama, Applied Theatre and Education course, Writing for Performance focuses on socially engaged practice whilst introducing students to the dramaturgical skills of writing.

BA Drama and Creative Writing

University of essex.

• Colchester, United Kingdom

Are you impatient to have it all? No need to choose between subject areas, your degree is balanced equally between the disciplines of Drama and Creative Writing but there will be many modules where the two disciplines come together, for example in modules such as Writing For Radio and Writing for Theatre.

BA Film and Creative Writing

Our course combines hands-on practical filmmaking, creative writing workshops, and theoretical and contextual studies. We encourage you to forge links between theory and practice, and to make critically-informed choices in your own creative work through the knowledge you gain of film history, literary classics and writing across a range of genres.

BA H Creative Writing

The university of greenwich.

This creative writing degree uses the study of great writing from different periods and cultures to help you grow as a writer. Our degree in creative writing explores the written word across a wide variety of forms and genres. As well as studying fiction and poetry, you'll produce work for stage and screen and for online media.

BA H Creative Writing and English Literature

With our creative writing and English literature degree, you'll explore great literary works and be inspired to find your own creative voice. Our degree in creative writing and English literature explores literature, drama, poetry, fiction, visual art, and theatre, mostly from 1800 onwards.

BA H English Literature with Creative Writing

This English Literature with Creative Writing BA allows you to combine the two disciplines on a major/minor basis. In English Literature classes we cover fiction, poetry, drama and film with an emphasis on the period since 1800. In Creative Writing modules you'll be given the chance to produce your own work in these same genres.

BA Literature and Creative Writing

All writers are first of all readers and all readers are writers, for without the active participation of readers a book is never fully realised. Our BA Literature and Creative Writing offers a unique approach to the practice of reading and writing, combining more familiar British and American perspectives and readings with other influential schools of writing, from the study of tradition and myth to the innovative practice of the Workshop of Potential Literature or Oulipo in France.

BA in Creative Writing

Kingston university.

• Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom

Are you a budding novelist, Netflix screenwriter or experimental poet? On this degree, you'll learn the art and craft of writing in all its forms. Taught by published authors, you'll gain a wide range of skills across creative and non-fiction genres. You'll examine how writing can be used to communicate in a range of contexts, with appropriate uses of style, register and form.

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Degrees in Creative Writing

Many creative writing programs supplement classroom instruction with interactive hands-on events, so students can see writing in action. Students are encouraged to attend theater performances, poetry readings, film screenings and prose performances throughout the surrounding community.

In all, there are over 4000 Higher Education Institutions in Europe offering a wide range of courses at Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate level. With more and more of these organizations offering English as the language of education for at least some of their degree programs, universities in Europe are now of higher quality than ever before. Universities in Europe offer a friendly welcome to foreign students and to give a course of knowledge that meets their profession needs in today’s global demand.

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MFA Degree in Europe: What You Need to Know

Entry requirements:, master in conservation studies:, master program in painting and drawing:, master in printmaking:, master of arts in visual culture and contemporary art, master of fine arts in creative writing:, masters of visual arts and audiovisual arts programmes:, masters in art research collaboration:, masters in choreography:, studying in europe.

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College of Liberal Arts

Creative Writing, MFA

People with a passion for writing who want to sharpen their skills can sign up for the world’s only bilingual (English/Spanish) MFA in creative writing. The program, which includes an online version, offers writers a chance to thrive among classmates from throughout the Americas and Europe, guided by an award-winning international faculty. This program is great for those who want to become writers, translators or publishers.

Interdisciplinary work with English, Music, Theater, and Languages and Linguistics departments

Students publish the Rio Grande Review - the region’s premier literary journal

Students in the program have won major international literary awards

COHORT SUPPORT LED TO 3RD NOVEL

Award-winning novelist Alaíde Ventura Medina chose UTEP’s MFA program for its border location and multiculturalism. The native of Veracruz, Mexico, called the faculty supportive and passionate about their craft, and said the courses and student interaction helped her write her third novel. 

Career Opportunities

MFA in Creative Writing graduates could work as journalists, ad or technical writers, creative writing teachers in higher education or become full-time professional writers. Organizations who want a skilled writer prefer applicants with this degree.

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The Master of Fine Arts is a terminal academic degree in creative writing. The MFA program at Chapman fosters the growth of fiction writers, nonfiction writers, and poets through writing workshops, techniques courses, literature and rhetoric courses, the John Fowles Reading Series, the Tabula Poetica Reading Series, Pub(lishing) Crawl, and other opportunities to engage with literary culture. Some MFA graduates teach at two- and four-year colleges, and others publish their work or go on to professional careers in writing and editing.

Prerequisites

Students seeking admission to the program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. In certain cases, students may be required to complete specific prerequisites before or during their first year of enrollment.

Admission deadlines, application review

Fall Priority Deadline: February 1 Spring Priority Deadline: November 1

Fall applicants must submit the application including all supporting documents by the Priority Deadline to be considered for any fellowship or scholarship award. Applications received after the priority deadlines will be considered on a space available basis.

All applicants must provide the following materials:

• Official transcripts from ALL degree-granting (bachelor’s or master’s degrees) colleges and universities attended. An official transcript submitted in a sealed envelope which you have received from your college or university is acceptable.
• An essay expressing your reasons for wanting to join the particular academic program to which you are applying. What are your personal and career goals, and how will this particular degree from Chapman University help you reach those goals? Your essay should be double spaced, size 12 font, and 1-2 pages in length.
• Two letters of recommendation that speak to your academic preparation, intellectual ability, and aptitude for graduate study.
• A portfolio of creative work to be evaluated by the MFA faculty committee. You should submit work that you believe best represents your style and demonstrates your potential. The portfolio should include either 20-30 pages of fiction or nonfiction or 10-15 pages of poetry. Be advised that the purpose of the portfolio is to demonstrate your creative potential as an MFA student; however, you should also be aware that literature courses will be part of the degree and you should be comfortable writing critical essays as well. The portfolio should include a signed statement that the creative work is the sole product of the applicant.

Transfer policy

Students admitted to the MFA program with an earned master’s degree in literature may transfer up to six credits of graduate coursework upon approval of a petition by the program coordinator and the dean of the college. (See Academic Policies and Procedures    for transfer policies.)

Thesis review and completion

MFA students must prepare and defend, under the direction of an individual faculty member, a thesis project of distinction in order to complete the degree (please see Department of English Graduate Handbook for additional guidelines). The thesis project must be completed, reviewed and accepted before a student may participate in graduation.

Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.000 “B” to meet the minimum eligibility requirements to enroll in the thesis preparation class. (See the Academic Policies and Procedures    section for additional guidelines.)

Continuous enrollment requirement

Students who have previously registered for the thesis, but who have not completed the requirements, are required to be continuously enrolled for each semester the thesis/project remains outstanding. See  Continuous Enrollment    for additional information. The maximum time allowed for completion of the master’s degree is seven years.

Requirements for the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing degree

Students pursuing the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing degree are held to the University’s Academic Policies and Procedures   . In addition these specific degree standards apply:

• Minimum grade “C+” or above required in all coursework.
• Maintain 3.000 GPA in the degree.
• Complete, prepare and defend a book-length thesis project of distinction.

The following courses make up the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing degree curriculum:

requirements (6 credits)

• ENG 587 - Aspects of a Writer 3 credits
• ENG 597A - MFA Thesis 3 credits

one of the following (3 credits)

• ENG 503 - Techniques in Writing Fiction 3 credits
• ENG 504 - Techniques in Poetry Writing 3 credits
• ENG 518 - Techniques in Creative Nonfiction Writing 3 credits

twelve credits of the following (12 credits)

Courses are repeatable for credit and may be taken in any combination for a total of 12 credits.

• ENG 505 - Advanced Workshop in Poetry Writing 3 credits
• ENG 506A - Advanced Workshop in Writing Fiction 3 credits
• ENG 506B - Advanced Workshop in Writing Fiction: The Short Story 3 credits
• ENG 506C - Advanced Workshop in Writing Fiction: The Novel 3 credits
• ENG 519 - Advanced Workshop in Creative Nonfiction 3 credits

five of the following (15 credits)

• ENG 500 - Advanced Topics in Rhetoric and Composition 3 credits
• ENG 509 - Literary Forum: John Fowles Center Contemporary Writers Core 3 credits
• ENG 514 - Topics in British Literature Before 1840 3 credits
• ENG 515 - Topics in British Literature After 1840 3 credits
• ENG 516 - Topics in Literary and Cultural Studies 3 credits
• ENG 520 - Topics in American Literature Before 1870 3 credits
• ENG 522 - Topics in American Literature After 1870 3 credits
• ENG 529 - Experimental Course 3 credits
• ENG 540 - Techniques in Screenwriting 3 credits
• ENG 541 - Readings in War and Literature 3 credits
• ENG 543 - Written War/Writing War 3 credits
• ENG 545 - Major Authors 3 credits
• ENG 546 - Special Studies in Literature 1-6 credits
• ENG 555 - Theater in England 3 credits
• ENG 556 - Literary Theory and Critical Practice: 1920-Present 3 credits
• ENG 580 - Teaching Composition 3 credits
• ENG 581 - Theory and Practice of Writing Tutoring and Conferencing 3 credits
• ENG 582 - Composition Pedagogy and Research Practicum 3 credits
• ENG 584 - Introduction to Digital Humanities 3 credits
• ENG 590 - Independent Internship ½-6 credits
• ENG 594 - Seminar: Problems in Literary Analysis 3 credits
• ENG 598A - MFA Thesis II 1 credit
• ENG 599 - Independent Study in Literature or Language ½-6 credits

total credits 36

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Fellowships, Grants, & Scholarships

A collection of fellowships, grants, and scholarships for creative writing.

Here you will find a variety of opportunities to support your writing pursuits, whether you are a student, established writer, or emerging talent. Our selection includes funding for fiction, poetry, nonfiction, playwriting, and more. Explore the options below to find the perfect fit for your writing goals. 

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | #  

• Akademie Schloss Solitude
• Anisfield-Wolf Fellowship
• Bennett Fellowship at Exeter
• Gaius Charles Bolin Fellowship
• CAAP Creative Writing Fellowship
• Dalton Creative Writing Program Fellowship
• Barbara Deming Memorial Fund
• Emory Creative Writing Fellowship
• The Hodder Fellowship
• Kenan Visiting Writer
• Kenyon Review Fellowship
• Ruth Lily and Dorothy Sargent Rosenburg Poetry Fellowship
• Jenny McKean Moore Writer-in-Washington
• National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Fellowship
• Olive B. O’Connor Fellowship
• Penn State, Altoona, Emerging Writer-in-Residence
• Princeton Arts Fellowship
• Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center Fellowship
• Radcliffe Institute Fellowship
• Wallace Stegner Fellowship
• Stadler Fellowship
• Steinbeck Fellows Program
• Sustainable Arts Foundation Awards
• Reginald S. Tickner Writing Fellowship
• Tulsa Artist Fellowship
• The Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing Fellowship

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