manchester met english and creative writing

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English and Creative Writing BA (Hons) Manchester Metropolitan University

Course options

Qualification.

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

• TUITION FEES
• ENTRY REQUIREMENT
• UNIVERSITY INFO

Course summary

Our creative writing courses are taught by world-renowned writers from The Manchester Writing School; one of the most successful of its kind in the UK, with more than 95 graduates and MA students who’ve gone on to become published writers. But skilled writers must also be well-developed readers and this course offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to combine Creative Writing and English as part of a joint degree.While studying and practising creative writing, you’ll take a range of options from the English degree, including American literature, film, television and cultural studies. As you progress, you’ll have the chance to take part in creative writing workshops, focussing on two options from the selection of: prose, poetry, script and digital. Our placement route offers you the opportunity to spend your third year on an industry placement, allowing you to apply university-based knowledge, skills and understanding to the world of work, and giving you an advantage when you begin looking for your first job after graduation. Or you may have the chance to spend a year expanding your horizons, studying with one of our partner universities overseas. In your final year, you’ll be ready to undertake an all-important independent creative project. By the time you leave us, you’ll have an excellent understanding of the critical and cultural contexts in which you’re writing, together with the skills and experience to excel in the creative journey from original idea to finished work.This course has a foundation year available.Placement and/or study abroad options may be available, potentially extending the duration of study up to 4 years. Study abroad will be subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability.

- You’ll learn from the experience and expertise of a wide range of leading poets, novelists and scriptwriters based at The Manchester Writing School, one of the largest and most successful of its kind in the UK. Staff include award-winning poets and writers, including winners of the Costa First Novel Award and the Ted Hughes Award.- We are a world-class English department — 70% of our research impact is rated as world-leading (REF21). - Ranked in the top 10 universities in the UK for creative writing (Good University Guide 2022).- You’ll have access to the many conferences, readings, research programmes, festivals and competitions run by the department.- Engage with the Manchester Children’s Book Festival, a year-long programme of events and activities.- We’ll help you build your own network among our many partners within the creative and culturally rich city of Manchester, a UNESCO City of Literature.- You can take the four-year route, spending a year studying abroad, or boost your career prospects with a placement in industry.

Application deadline

Modules (Year 1)

Modules (year 2), modules (year 3), tuition fees.

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Entry requirements

Choose a qualification.

QUALIFICATION TYPE

• UCAS Points
• Access to HE Diploma
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

A level : BCC - BBC

An English subject at GCE A Level is preferred, e.g. English Language, English Literature, English Language/Literature or Creative Writing. Subjects such as Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Religious Education, History, Media Studies and General Studies will also be considered

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University information

Manchester Metropolitan University

University league table, campus address.

Manchester Metropolitan University, All Saints Building, All Saints, Manchester, Manchester, M15 6BH, England

Subject rankings

Subject ranking.

• Creative Writing

47th out of 96 12

13th out of 50 6

Entry standards

Graduate prospects

Student satisfaction

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Manchester Metropolitan University

Degree level: undergraduate, creative writing, course options.

This course is available in Clearing. If you have submitted an application, you can add this course. If you haven’t sent us an application yet, you can do this until 25th September 2024.

Manchester Metropolitan University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Course summary

Embark on our creative writing degree and from the very start you’ll study and practise the art and craft of writing in a wide range of established and new forms, from prose fiction, screenwriting and poetry, to digital art, spoken word and writing for computer games. You'll also focus on how writers read texts, how we can learn from them and how to add your own voice into the ongoing conversation of literature. You’ll learn from award-winning, leading poets, novelists and scriptwriters at the renowned Manchester Writing School – writers who know what it takes to turn a flash of inspiration into brilliant words on the page. The course also has a strong emphasis on professional development, and in our practical 'Beyond the Page' units you’ll look at professional practice in the literary industry and working in the cultural industry in general. In our workshops, you’ll study the formal aspects of creative writing as well as putting your own skills into practice. If you choose the placement route, you will be able to spend Year 3 of your studies on an industry placement. A placement is a key element of the course as it allows you to apply university-based knowledge, skills and understanding to the real world of work. It also gives you an advantage when you begin looking for your first job upon graduating. You may also have the opportunity to spend a year expanding your horizons, either studying with one of our partner universities overseas, or working on a placement within the industry.* All of this culminates, in your final year, in a challenging creative writing project of your own. And for those looking to develop their craft still further, this degree is excellent preparation for our MA/MFA Creative Writing. This course is also available with a foundation year. *Placement and/or study abroad options may be available, potentially extending the duration of study up to 4 years. Study abroad will be subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability. Features and Benefits

• You’ll learn from the experience and expertise of a wide range of leading poets, novelists and scriptwriters based at The Manchester Writing School, one of the largest and one of the most successful of its kind in the UK.
• Ranked in the top 10 universities in the UK for creative writing (Complete University Guide 2022).
• Staff include award-winning poets and writers, including winners of the Costa First Novel Award, the Forward Prize and the Ted Hughes Award.
• You’ll have access to the many conferences, readings, research programmes, festivals and competitions run by the department.
• We’ll help you build your own network among our many partners within the creative and culturally rich, UNESCO City of Literature, Manchester.
• You can take the four-year route, spending a year studying overseas, or boost your career prospects with a placement in industry.
• We are a world-class English department - 70% of our research impact is rated as world-leading (REF21).

How to apply

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Points of entry.

The following entry points are available for this course:

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements, ucas tariff - 104 - 112 points, a level - bcc - bbc, pearson btec level 3 national extended diploma (first teaching from september 2016) - dmm, access to he diploma, pearson btec level 3 national diploma (first teaching from september 2016) - d*d, international baccalaureate diploma programme - 26 points, t level - m.

GCSE grade C/4 in English Language or Level 2 Functional Skills English pass

Student Outcomes

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website .

Fees and funding

Tuition fees.

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Provider information.

Visit our website

Our COVID-19 information

Manchester Metropolitan University All Saints Building All Saints Manchester M15 6BH

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0161 247 3000

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Course contact details

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English and Creative Writing BA (Hons)

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days ?

Different course options

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

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Course info

Entry requirements, popular a-level subjects, latest reviews.

Our creative writing courses are taught by world-renowned writers from The Manchester Writing School; one of the most successful of its kind in the UK, with more than 95 graduates and MA students who’ve gone on to become published writers. But skilled writers must also be well-developed readers and this course offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to combine Creative Writing and English as part of a joint degree.While studying and practising creative writing, you’ll take a range of options from the English degree, including American literature, film, television and cultural studies. As you progress, you’ll have the chance to take part in creative writing workshops, focussing on two options from the selection of: prose, poetry, script and digital. Our placement route offers you the opportunity to spend your third year on an industry placement, allowing you to apply university-based knowledge, skills and understanding to the world of work, and giving you an advantage when you begin looking for your first job after graduation. Or you may have the chance to spend a year expanding your horizons, studying with one of our partner universities overseas.* In your final year, you’ll be ready to undertake an all-important independent creative project. By the time you leave us, you’ll have an excellent understanding of the critical and cultural contexts in which you’re writing, together with the skills and experience to excel in the creative journey from original idea to finished work.This course has a foundation year available.*Placement and/or study abroad options may be available, potentially extending the duration of study up to 4 years. Study abroad will be subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability.

- You’ll learn from the experience and expertise of a wide range of leading poets, novelists and scriptwriters based at The Manchester Writing School, one of the largest and most successful of its kind in the UK. Staff include award-winning poets and writers, including winners of the Costa First Novel Award and the Ted Hughes Award.- We are a world-class English department — 70% of our research impact is rated as world-leading (REF21). - Ranked in the top 10 universities in the UK for creative writing (Good University Guide 2022).- You’ll have access to the many conferences, readings, research programmes, festivals and competitions run by the department.- Engage with the Manchester Children’s Book Festival, a year-long programme of events and activities.- We’ll help you build your own network among our many partners within the creative and culturally rich city of Manchester, a UNESCO City of Literature.- You can take the four-year route, spending a year studying abroad, or boost your career prospects with a placement in industry.

Creative Writing

Average salary, £17,000, english studies (non-specific), what students say.

... Read more

Modules (Year 1)

Modules (year 2), modules (year 3).

BCC - BBC Grades / Points required

UCAS Tariff:

104 - 112 Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

26 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

D*D Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DMM Grades / Points required

M Grades / Points required

An English subject at GCE A Level is preferred, e.g. English Language, English Literature, English Language/Literature or Creative Writing. Subjects such as Drama, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Religious Education, History, Media Studies and General Studies will also be considered

Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered. A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement. AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.

Pass Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff Points - units taken must include some element of literary or cultural study

IB Diploma with minimum 26 points overall or 104 UCAS Tariff points from Higher Level. If you plan to meet the Level 2 course requirements through your IB Diploma you will need to achieve Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 5 in English

Performing Arts, Production Arts or Creative Media Production are preferred from applicants studying BTEC qualifications

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Latest Creative Writing reviews

Review breakdown, how all students rated:, manchester metropolitan university , manchester.

Manchester Met is a contemporary university which is home to one of the biggest student communities in the UK....

Student rating

Cug ranking.

Academic Division Oxford Road All Saints Manchester M15 6BH

Manchester Metropolitan University

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BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing

1 Location : Main Campus

Course details

3 year course

Distance learning

Not Available

Placement year

Year abroad

Foundation year

National Student Survey results

What you need to know about the data

• The data is from students surveyed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Some courses and providers have been affected more than others.
• The data tells you about the experience of recent students, but your experience may be different.
• Read more about this data
• English studies (non-specific)
• Creative writing

The data displayed is from students on this and other courses in English studies (non-specific).

There was not enough data to publish information specifically for this course. This is because the course has not yet run or has not been running long enough for this data to be available.

Student Satisfaction

The Student satisfaction score is not available for courses in England because the question is not included in the survey for England.

The teaching on my course

Staff are good at explaining things

Staff often make the subject engaging.

The course is often intellectually stimulating.

The course often challenges me to achieve my best work.

Data for students graduating 2022-23

Source: NSS (National Student Survey)

Learning opportunities

Positive about the chances to explore ideas and concepts in depth.

The course introduces subjects and skills well in a way that builds on what I have already learned.

Positive about the chances to bring together information and ideas from different topics.

The course has the right balance of directed and independent study.

The course has developed the knowledge and skills I think I will need for my future.

Assessment and feedback

The criteria used in marking and assessing my work have been clear.

The marking and assessment of my course has been fair.

Assessments have allowed me to demonstrate what I have learned.

Assessment feedback has been received on time.

Feedback has often helped me improve my work.

Academic Support

It was easy to contact teaching staff when I needed to.

Teaching staff have supported my learning well.

Organisation and management

My course is well organised.

Changes to teaching on my course have been well communicated.

Learning resources

The IT resources and facilities provided have supported my learning well

The library resources (e.g. books, online services and learning spaces) have supported my learning well

It has been easy to access subject-specific resources (e.g. equipment, facilities, software, collections) when I needed to.

Student voice

I have had the right opportunities to provide feedback on my course

Staff value students’ views and opinions about the course.

It is clear that students' feedback on the course is acted on.

The students' union (association or guild) represents students' academic interest well.

Mental wellbeing

66% Information about mental wellbeing support services has been well communicated.

Freedom of expression

85% I have felt free to express my ideas, opinions and beliefs.

The data displayed is from students on this and other courses in Creative writing.

83% Information about mental wellbeing support services has been well communicated.

95% I have felt free to express my ideas, opinions and beliefs.

Entry information

What you need to know about entry data

• These are the qualifications students had when they were accepted onto this course. This is not a list of qualifications a person needs to have to be accepted onto this course

Read more about entry data

Qualification types: English studies (non-specific)

Data for entrants in 2021-22

Source: Data for individual students collected directly from universities and colleges

Chart labels explained

Different higher education qualification.

• Foundation degree

A-levels, Advanced Highers or similar

• Scottish Highers (including Advanced Highers)
• BTEC National or equivalent (including BTEC Nationals and SQA equivalents) Welsh Baccalaureate and HNCs

Qualification types: Creative writing

Ucas tariff points: english studies (non-specific), ucas tariff points: creative writing, after 1 year on the course.

89% of students are still on the course or have completed it

Data for entrants in 2020-21

The data displayed is from students on other courses in English studies (non-specific).

Because the course is new or has not been running long enough, there was not enough data to publish information specifically for this course. This does not reflect on the quality of the course.

After 1 year on the course: English studies (non-specific)

92% of students are still on the course or have completed it

The data displayed is from students on other courses in Creative writing.

After 1 year on the course: creative writing, earnings after the course.

What you need to know about earnings data

• Some data is from graduates surveyed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Labour markets change
• Salaries vary across regions in the UK
• There are lots of factors that affect graduate earnings.
• Read more about earnings

Average earnings for all full-time English studies (non-specific) courses

For graduates from Manchester Metropolitan University

After 15 months

Typical range: £21,000 - £25,500, data from 25 people (70% of those asked)., data for students graduating 2020-21 source: graduate outcomes survey, after 3 years, typical range: £16,500 - £23,500, data from 255 people., data for students graduating 2013-15 source: longitudinal education outcomes (leo) dataset, after 5 years, typical range: £18,500 - £27,500, data from 275 people., view for all full-time english studies (non-specific) graduates in:, typical range: £21,000 - £27,000, data from 2080 people., 100% of uk-resident english studies (non-specific) graduates from manchester metropolitan university are employed in england., (excludes northern ireland), typical range: £17,500 - £27,000, data from 7970 people., 99% of uk-resident english studies (non-specific) graduates from manchester metropolitan university are based in england., typical range: £21,000 - £32,500, data from 8285 people., 98% of uk-resident english studies (non-specific) graduates from manchester metropolitan university are based in england., average earnings for all full-time creative writing courses, typical range: £18,000 - £23,000, data from 10 people (60% of those asked)., typical range: £13,000 - £19,500, data from 35 people., typical range: £14,500 - £24,000, view for all full-time creative writing graduates in:, typical range: £18,000 - £25,000, data from 555 people., 95% of uk-resident creative writing graduates from manchester metropolitan university are employed in england., typical range: £13,500 - £23,000, data from 1550 people., 95% of uk-resident creative writing graduates from manchester metropolitan university are based in england., typical range: £16,500 - £27,000, data from 1565 people., employment 15 months after the course.

What you need to know about employment data

• Some data is from graduates surveyed during Covid-19 pandemic
• Labour markets vary and change over time
• Employment and job opportunities vary across regions in the UK
• Read more about employment

95% of the students go on to work and / or study

Data for students graduating 2020-21

Source: Graduate Outcomes survey

What graduates are doing 15 months after the course

85% of the students go on to work and / or study

Occupation types 15 months after the course

65% in highly skilled work.

• 20% Teaching Professionals
• 20% Business and public service associate professionals
• 10% Artistic, literary and media occupations
• 5% Media Professionals
• Less than 5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals

35% In other work

• 10% Administrative occupations
• 10% Elementary occupations
• 5% Sales occupations
• 5% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation
• 5% Skilled trades occupations

5% In unknown work

• Employed after finishing the course but employment type is not known

In highly skilled work

Percentage of those employed who are in a professional or managerial job after finishing the course

In other work

Percentage of those employed who are not in a professional or managerial job after finishing the course

75% In highly skilled work

• 20% Artistic, literary and media occupations
• 15% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
• 10% Managers, directors and senior officials
• 10% Business and public service associate professionals
• 5% Teaching Professionals
• 5% Librarians and Related Professionals
• 5% Welfare and housing associate professionals

25% In other work

• 10% Sales occupations

0% In unknown work

Graduate perceptions.

• Some data is from graduates surveyed during the Covid-19 pandemic
• Read more about Graduate Perceptions

70% of graduates find their current work meaningful

Perception of work after graduating

55% usefulness.

I am utilising what I learnt during my studies in my current work.

70% Meaningfulness

My current work is meaningful.

My current work fits with my future plans.

55% of graduates find their current work meaningful

Data for students graduating 2019-21

The data displayed is from students on other courses in Creative writing over the previous two years.

Because the course is new or has not been running long enough, there was not enough data to publish information specifically for this course.

50% Usefulness

55% meaningfulness, information on the uni website.

• Course page
• How the course is taught
• How the course is assessed
• Employment information
• Course costs
• Accommodation costs and information
• Financial support

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MA Creative Writing

Manchester metropolitan university, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, university information, similar courses at this uni, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

MA - Master of Arts

Subject areas

Creative Writing

Course type

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.

On our Master of Arts (MA) Creative Writing programme, you will explore and practise techniques and styles of modern and contemporary writing and apply these through the development of your own creative work. You will undertake a taught element blending writing workshops with reading units and an elective, and then complete their studies through submission of an extended piece of writing from a proposed full-length book or script.

You will specialise in one of the following routes: Novel (including Short Fiction), Poetry, Writing for Children & Young Adults, Scriptwriting (for stage, screen or radio) or Creative Non-Fiction.

The MA is available to complete in one year full-time or two years part-time. The Novel, Poetry and Scriptwriting 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. We have intakes to the programme in September and January each year.

You can also choose to pursue our MFA Creative Writing masters.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• One of the most successful programmes of its kind in the UK today – with more than 100 students and graduates publishing first books in the past ten years.
• Extensive calendar of events - including The Manchester Children's Book Festival, The National Creative Writing Industry Conference, Manchester Writing Competition Gala, Poetry Festivals, book launches, podcasts, and question and answer sessions with guest writers at Manchester Met and Manchester arts venues.
• Industry links - strong links to the publishing industry with visits from major agents, editors and publishers.
• Flexible learning - core Reading and Workshop units take place in the evenings (6-8pm UK time) during the autumn or spring semesters. Full-time students usually have classes two evenings per week, and part-time students one evening per week.
• Extended piece of writing - all MA students will complete an extended piece of writing from a proposed full-length book or script, supported by a term of one-to-one supervision.
• Gain an MFA – students who successfully complete the MA can continue their studies with an additional year, completing a further 120 credits (which includes writing a full-length book or script) and gaining an MFA.
• Live online teaching - the course can be completed entirely online, with core teaching for distance learning students via weekly online classes in Microsoft Teams.
• Academic expertise - taught by high-profile writers and critics including: Carol Ann Duffy DBE, Susan Barker, Laura Barnett, Andrew Biswell, Malika Booker and Kirsty Bunting.
• Visiting Fellows - our course features contributions from our visiting fellows, including: Ed Caesar, Mandy Coe, Tim Cresswell, Amanda Dalton and Steve Dearden.
• Home to Manchester Poetry Library - Manchester Poetry Library is the North West's first public poetry library and holds over 10,000 books and recordings that can be explored through the online catalogue, in person and through the annual programme of events.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

In order to apply, you will need to submit a completed application form, a sample of creative writing, a critical review and one reference. You can apply online or download an application form. Please visit website for more information. 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 (a complete piece, or an extract/extracts from a longer work); poetry applicants should submit up to 15 poems; and scriptwriting applicants should submit up to 15 minutes running time of script (a complete piece, or an extract/extracts from a longer work). The critical review should focus on a piece of 21st century work, be up to 500 words long, and show evidence of close reading, explaining what it is about the piece you find useful as a writer. Both the creative and critical samples should be relevant to the specialist route to which you are applying (Novel OR Poetry OR Writing for Children/YA OR Scriptwriting OR Creative Non-Fiction). Your reference can be from anyone of professional standing (e.g. a current/former employer or tutor) who can vouch for your suitability for study at postgraduate level or the quality of your writing, or, if you are unable to obtain a reference from someone who is familiar with your written work, simply verify your identity.

Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met) is a higher education institution that prides itself on providing a warm, engaging and supportive environment to over 6,000 postgraduate students. The university is divided into four distinct faculties, enabling the effective streamlining of expertise, resources and funding to the relevant schools and departments, and enhancing the postgraduate experience. These are: the Faculty of Arts and... more

MFA Creative Writing

Full time | 2 years | 30-SEP-24

PhD in Creative Writing and English Literature

Full time | 3 years | OCT-24

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Manchester Writing School

The Manchester Writing School at Manchester Met is one of the most successful literary centres running in the UK today, and home to the country’s largest postgraduate English and Creative Writing community.

The School’s Creative Director is Carol Ann Duffy DBE (Poet Laureate 2009-2019), and she teaches alongside a team of distinguished practising writers and critics. We also host a number of high-profile Visiting Fellows who contribute to Manchester Writing School teaching, projects and public events.

More than 95 of their 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. Alumni include winners of the Costa First Novel Award and Forward Poetry Prize, and a long-listing for the Man Booker Prize.

They are home to a suite of ambitious 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. The 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.

The annual Manchester Writing Competition seeks to celebrate Manchester as an international city of writers, finding and celebrating diverse new voices from around the world and creating opportunities for writer development. The Competition has awarded more than £195,000 to writers.

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• Mother Tongue Other Tongue
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Creative Writing

Entry requirements.

In order to apply, you will need to submit a completed application form, a sample of creative writing, a critical review and one reference. You can apply here:  mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/postgraduate-taught-course .

On the application form, you will be asked to give a personal statement and should use this to tell us a bit about yourself and give a good sense of what you have been reading and writing, what has led you to apply for our course, and which one of our specialist routes you are applying for. Personal statements should be up to 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 (a complete piece, or an extract/extracts from a longer work); poetry applicants should submit up to 15 poems; and scriptwriting applicants should submit up to 15 minutes running time of script (a complete piece, or an extract/extracts from a longer work).

The critical review should focus on a piece of published or produced work in your chosen specialist route, be up to 500 words long, and show evidence of close reading, explaining what it is about the piece you find useful as a writer. Both the creative and critical samples should be relevant to the specialist route to which you are applying (Novel OR Poetry OR Writing for Children/YA OR Scriptwriting OR Creative Non-Fiction). 

Your reference can be from anyone of professional standing (e.g. a current/former employer or tutor) who can vouch for your suitability for study at postgraduate level or the quality of your writing, or, if you are unable to obtain a reference from someone who is familiar with your written work, simply verify your identity.

Please collate and submit the application form, writing sample, review and reference, where possible. It will not speed up the processing of your application if you send some elements now with others to follow.  

We have intakes into the programme in September and January each year. For application deadlines, 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; 

Creative talent and potential; 

Control of form, style and technique; 

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;

Substantial reading within the relevant field.

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 .

If your application meets these criteria, a tutor may contact you to arrange a telephone or face-to-face interview at a mutually convenient time.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

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. 

On our Master of Arts (MA) Creative Writing programme, you will explore and practice techniques and styles of modern and contemporary writing and apply these through the development of your own creative work. You will undertake a taught element blending writing workshops with reading units and an elective, and then complete your studies through submission of an extended piece of writing from a proposed full-length book or script. 

You will specialise in one of the following routes: Novel (including Short Fiction), Poetry, Writing for Children & Young Adults, Scriptwriting (for stage, screen or radio) or Creative Non-Fiction. 

The MA is available to complete in one year full-time or two years part-time. The Novel, Poetry and Scriptwriting 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. We have intakes to the programme in September and January each year.

You can also choose to pursue our MFA Creative Writing masters. 

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

Features and Benefits

• One of the most successful programmes of its kind in the UK today – with more than 100 students and graduates publishing first books and having work produced, with many more achieving publication in journals and magazines, winning writing awards and prizes, setting up small presses and anthologies, and finding roles in the publishing industry.
• Extensive calendar of events - which may include author Q&As, book launches, festivals, podcasts and performances at Manchester Met, partner venues across the city, and online.
• Industry links - strong links to the publishing, arts and cultural industries, and visits from guest speakers which may include agents, publishers and producers.
• Flexible learning - classes for core Workshop and Reading units take place in the evenings (6-8pm UK time) during the autumn or spring semesters. Full-time students usually have classes two evenings per week, and part-time students one evening per week. 
• Live online teaching - the course can be completed entirely online, with core Workshop and Reading unit teaching for distance learning students via weekly online classes in Microsoft Teams, and some elective units also available online (availability varies each year). 
• Option units - all students take 30 credits of optional units and can choose from a range of 15- and 30-credit Creative Writing units or options from courses across arts and humanities subjects, including English studies and publishing. Option units run in the spring semester; delivery models and scheduling vary depending on choice and availability. 
• Extended piece of writing - all MA students will complete an extended piece of writing from a proposed full-length book or script, supported one-to-one supervision. 
• Gain an MFA – students can continue their studies with an additional year, completing a further 120 credits (which includes writing a full-length book or script) and gaining an MFA. 
• Academic expertise - taught by high-profile writers and critics including: Carol Ann Duffy DBE, Susan Barker, Laura Barnett, Andrew Biswell, Malika Booker, Kirsty Bunting, Sarah Butler, Eleanor Byrne, David Cooper, Nikolai Duffy, Paul Evans, Catherine Fox, Rachel Genn, Chloe Germaine, Blanka Grzegorczyk, Oliver Harris, Andrew Michael Hurley, Sarah Ilott, Rachel Lichtentsein, Anjum Malik, Andrew McMillan, Helen Mort, Kim Moore, Joe Ward Munroe, Gregory Norminton, Zodwa Nyoni, Adam O'Riordan, Minoli Salgado, Michael Symmons Roberts, Monique Roffey, Jean Sprackland, Simon Stephens, Joe Stretch, Alex Wheatle MBE and Lara Williams.
• Home to Manchester Poetry Library - Manchester Poetry Library is the North West's first public poetry library and holds over 12,000 books and recordings that can be explored through the online catalogue, in person and through the annual programme of events.
• Manchester City of Literature - Manchester has been designated an international UNESCO City of Literature in recognition of its thriving live literature scene, with a diverse range of regular author events, writers’ forums, networking opportunities and open mic nights.

Information for international students

https://www.mmu.ac.uk/international

Fees and funding

Find out more about Postgraduate funding here .

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

• Campus-based learning is available for this qualification
• Online learning is available for this qualification

Course contact details

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

New anthology highlights talented graduates from the Centre for New Writing

A new anthology is set to be published in September, celebrating the wealth of literary talent produced by The University of Manchester’s Centre for New Writing. The Manchester Anthology, Volume Fourteen highlights the work of twenty-one writers who have recently completed their Creative Writing MA, offering them a platform to share their voices and kickstart their careers. It will include short stories, poetry, non-fiction and novel extracts. Each year, the MA students are given a budget and have creative control over everything from editing submissions to the design of the cover, gaining valuable insight into the particulars of book production. This year’s cohort collaborated with artist Georgia Harmey and designer David Webb to develop a distinctive look and feel for the anthology. Each element of Georgia’s cover art draws on themes and characters from across the twenty-one pieces, while David took a classic approach with his design. The anthology will be launched on the evening of October 21st at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation, a centre devoted to the legacy of the renowned Manchester-born writer. The event will feature live readings from the contributors and presentation of the PFD Prize, as well as opportunities to connect with peers, editors and literary agents. Students who contributed to previous volumes have gone on to become successful writers. Beth Underdown’s debut novel, The Witchfinder’s Sister , was a Richard and Judy bestseller; Alys Conran was shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize for her debut novel, Pigeon ; Nat Ogle, author of In The Seeing Hands of Others , was shortlisted for  The White Review  Poet's Prize; Joe Carrick-Varty’s collection,  More Sky, was shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Prize; Thomas D. Lee’s novel, Perilous Times, was a Sunday Times bestseller; and Jessica Moor was named one of the ten best debut novelists of 2020 by Observer New Review, and was shortlisted for the Desmond Elliot Prize.

The MA in Creative Writing at Manchester has always been home to an array of writers whose imagination is both local to their own stories but with aspirations for larger, twenty-first century resonances, and this 2024 graduating class is no exception: from a university drama rehearsal space and a school run to a ruined Kyankyer village, corporate India's creative industries, West Ryedale Council chamber and other even more fantastical worlds: these writers situate crisis, recognition and discovery, finding a way to make sense of what poet Taira Deshpande calls life, and death, this 'great big swirling confusing thing.

Everyone who attends the launch event will have the opportunity to buy a physical copy of the anthology, which will also be made available in Blackwell’s Manchester bookshop and online as a PDF.

To learn more, visit www.mancanthology.co.uk .

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English, Publishing and Creative Writing

Continue a journey filled with creative possibilities – from writing your own full-length book to exploring the world of the Gothic or understanding the eco-systems of the publishing industry.

Course listing

Introduction.

The Department of English is home to several exciting and vibrant MA programmes. The department has close links to Manchester Poetry Library, the North West’s first public poetry library, is a key collaborator in Manchester’s UESCO City of Literature status, and hosts a varied programme of events that you can get involved in.

MA/MFA Creative Writing is based in the hugely successful Manchester Writing School and is taught by award-winning writers and critics with direct experience of the creative, editorial and publishing processes. You’ll have the opportunity to specialise in a route that interests you with the support of our internationally-renowned academics.

The programme for MA English Studies draws upon the wide-ranging expertise of the staff and various research centres, including the Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies, Centre for Migration and Postcolonial Studies, and Manchester Centre for Nineteenth-Century Studies. We are ranked 8th out of 92 UK universities for our Research Power in English Language and Literature (REF 2021).

Our MA Publishing will enable you to develop specialist skills in print and digital publishing, and pursue a variety of careers in the book and magazine industries. You’ll also benefit from our extensive industry connections with the many publishing houses in Manchester, giving you the chance to enhance your employability with a placement.

Find out more from our staff and students

• Dr Sarah Ilott
• Dr Paul Wake and Dr Chloe Germaine
• Professor Andrew McMillan
• Professor Simon Stephens
• Dr Rachel Lichtenstein
• Professor Monique Roffey

My research directly supports teaching on the MA English Studies unit ‘Narrating the Nation’, which focuses on twenty-first century Britain in the context of encroaching nationalisms.

Students are encouraged to take part in live research projects, such as working with us to develop the ecogame ludography, and are also invited to take part in our annual symposium and game jam – Multiplatform.

We’re really hoping you will expand your own ideas of what your work could do.

Over the last few years I’ve been encouraging quite exciting collaborations between our writers and our actors.

Creative non-fiction is a broad term that basically covers all writing where we’re telling compelling true stories.

The Manchester Writing School is a place for students to pollinate and cross pollinate their ideas.

From formulating my own ideas and defining my own thesis, to research skills and time management, the course has provided me with the necessary skills to be successful as a fully autonomous scholar.

It feels a privilege to know that we are working with leading researchers and champions of the gothic genre, from Walpole to today and beyond.

Courses (5)

Creative writing, english studies, secondary english with qts*.

Our open days and webinars can help with your study decision.