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PhD Programme

• MA in English
• MA in Literature and Publishing
• Visiting Students
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• Careers with English
• Postgraduate Funding
• NEW*** PhD Scholarship in Digital Arts and Humanities – Call for Applications

Studying for a PhD in English at University of Galway enables you to undertake a major original research project within the field of literary studies. As you work together with a primary supervisor from the discipline, a Graduate Research Committee of complementary expertise supports your progress.

  Our four year Structured PhD programme represents a exceptional opportunity to allow researchers to enhance their work on a primary thesis by taking modules from across the university to enhance their research skills and professional development. Many hundreds of course modules are on offer from a huge variety of fields, with specialist courses in historical periods, research skills, languages old and new, and critical theories proving very popular. In exceptional circumstances some students may proceed with a purely research full-time or part-time PhD without access to these programmes.

  Over your years of study the chief focus is on preparing a doctoral thesis, typically consisting of an academic dissertation of up to 80,000 words. Researchers are encouraged to develop skills in presenting research papers at conferences, and preparing work for publication. Many researchers also grasp the excellent opportunities for undergraduate teaching,

  Choosing a practice-based PhD programme allows for the inclusion of non-traditional elements within the PhD thesis, such as a collection of short stories or creative non-fiction, alongside a reflective approach to writing practice. Our thriving Digital Humanities programme collaborates with four partner Irish universities and INSIGHT , University of Galway’s digital hub.

Why Study this Programme? PhD study represents the chance to explore a range of ideas, texts, arguments, and cultural developments in great depth. If you are interested in reading, writing, and the detailed analysis of literature and culture, and keen to explore the intellectual and personal development PhDs can bring, you will find a home at University of Galway. The Discipline of English has an exemplary track record in guiding students to successful funding applications .

New researchers join a thriving community of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers . Stunning state-of-the-art research facilities at the  Moore Institute  and  Hardiman Research Building  (featuring research hubs and individual workstations for all researchers) provide a home for new ideas and make cross-disciplinary collaboration routine. Researchers participate in a programme of seminars, research days, performances, conferences, symposiums, and invited speakers on campus. Workshops prepare researchers for international conferences and give advice on writing, teaching, and publishing.

  The James Hardiman Library is host to exceptional archive collections providing the foundation for numerous innovative doctoral research projects. Rare books, scholarly journals, and microfilms are enhanced by subscriptions to global online journals and resources, so students have instant access to the latest and best research.

  Career Opportunities Employers increasingly value creativity above all other qualities in the workforce. PhD researchers in English study at firsthand the processes of creativity, and evaluate how language performs in social and political contexts. PhD study develops high-level skills in critical thinking, research, data analysis, communication, and information/project management. Many PhD graduates proceed to third-level teaching and research, and many find success in publishing, media, advertising, and public service, as well as in the ICT, business, and financial sectors.

  Areas of Interest Research activity in the   Discipline of English   extends from sexuality to technology, embracing many periods and methodologies from early manuscript studies and book history to new media landscapes and digital poetics. Keynotes of our approach are interdisciplinarity, textuality, and cultural exchange. Our researchers are very keen to discuss possibilities for doctoral study in their areas of interest . 

Visit University of Galway's  Courses page  for information on how to apply, entry requirements and assessment.

We welcome prospective researchers in English at University of Galway, You will find outstanding research facilities and a great record of securing funding. We would be delighted to hear more about your research ideas, and we urge prospective applicants to discuss their plans with a member of staff with appropriate areas of interest before submitting their application.

  Studying for a PhD thesis is a challenging but rewarding choice for study. Your work is supported chiefly by a primary supervisor from the discipline of English. Alongside your supervisor, a Graduate Research Committee of complementary expertise drawn from across the university supports your studies and helps to assess and progress your work.

  A PhD thesis is expected to make a substantial and original contribution to its field of knowledge. The PhD degree is awarded for work that is 'worthy of publication, in whole or in part, as a work of serious scholarship' (University of Galway Calendar). The length of the thesis in English is normally up to 80,000 words. The duration of research is usually four years: in a Structured PhD programme this includes courses to support your primary research. At the close of your research you will defend your thesis in a viva voce examination.

  The minimum qualification necessary to be considered for admission to the PhD programme is a high honours primary degree, or 'other such evidence as will satisfy the Head of Department and the Faculty of his/her fitness' (University of Galway Calendar). It is more usual, however, for successful applicants to have already gained a Master's degree.

Applying to do research in English

  Download a pdf of our  Application Guide to Research in English.

Applications to all postgraduate programmes in English are made online via  Ellucian Recruit Login .  You will need an active email account to use the application website, and will be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form. You will be asked to enter the course code for each programme you apply for.  Applicants should normally apply for a Structured PhD rather than a Full-time PhD or MLitt, unless permission is sought from the department. Structured PhDs allow you to take further courses to help your study. Your application includes the following: the title of your proposal, curriculum vitae details (including your qualifications and personal information), copies of degree certificates (if not currently held by the university), and two independent  academic references , which are submitted directly in confidence by the referees concerned. You must also submit a sample of academic writing . This might be a recent MA course  essay or chapter from an MA thesis; it might be a published piece of work. Our practice-based PhDs are divided equally between academic and practice-based work, so for these courses in addition you should submit a sample of creative writing , whether a group of poems, short story, piece of creative non-fiction, or other representative work.

  All applicants must submit a 1500 word  research proposal . The proposal should be structured under the following headings.

1. Title 2. Description of proposed research (800 words) 3. Critical context (350 words) 4. Methodology (250 words) 5. Sources and archives (100 words)

Admission is at the discretion of the Postgraduate Research Committee in the discipline, which assesses all applications. The success of your application depends on a number of factors: the quality and viability of your proposal, the standard of writing displayed, your qualifications and achievements to date, referees’ reports, and the availability of appropriate supervision. The postgraduate research committee in English considers the application at several opportunities throughout the year and its decision is final.

For more details contact the Director of Graduate Research in English:

Dr Frances McCormack Discipline of English School of English & Creative Arts University of Galway [email protected]

NUI Regulations on Submission and Formatting of PhD Theses You should become familiar with the National University of Ireland regulations for PhD theses. You will find these in the University of Galway General Calendar, or you may obtain them directly from the Registrar, National University of Ireland, 49 Merrion Square, Dublin 2.

University of Galway English has an excellent track-record of securing scholarships and receiving funding awards. Funding for PhD study is provided by many sources, including Hardiman Research Fellowships, Galway Doctoral Scholarships from the College of Arts, and externally from funding bodies like the Irish Research Council and the National University of Ireland. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential supervisors and the Director of Graduate Research as early as possible in the process. Once you are a registered PhD student at University of Galway there are also excellent opportunities available for travel bursaries and study abroad opportunities.

  The outstanding record of English in securing funding for postgraduate research transpires because full discussions are had with prospective candidates. If you are thinking of applying to funding bodies you must contact the Director of Graduate Research and your potential supervisor in the discipline to discuss and formulate the application. Clinching funding for study at University of Galway often depends upon a good fit between the project proposed and the university. For further information regarding collections and archives at the James Hardiman Library see http://www.library.nuigalway.ie

Funding opportunities for PhD study

The following provides a few common options for funding PhD research in English. For more information about funding opportunities and scholarships you should consult the university funding page and consider signing up to research professional .

Irish Research Council The Irish Research Council (IRC) is funded by the Government of Ireland and provides generous but competitive funding awards for PhD and postdoctoral research in all subjects. English at University of Galway has an outstanding record of successful funding through the scheme, but it should be stressed that the application process is intensive, and you should seek discussions with the discipline as early as possible. Calls and deadlines occur early in the academic year, usually by November of the year before study commences. Click here for details

Hardiman Scholarships These prestigious and generous scholarships provided by University of Galway match IRC funding and are named in honour of literary scholar, poet, and librarian James Hardiman. They apply to all fields of study and are very competitive, with applications followed by interviews. The application deadline is early in the academic year, with funding calls open in September and closing in November.   http://universityofgalway.ie/hardiman-scholarships/

Galway Doctoral Research Scholarships Funded through the College of Arts and the School of Humanities, Galway Doctoral Research Scholarships provide excellent opportunities for prospective scholars. The funding is competitive and applications usually close in early June. http://universityofgalway.ie/colleges-and-schools/arts-social-sciences-and-celtic-studies/phd-research-degrees/scholarships/index.html

National University of Ireland The National University of Ireland offers a range of doctoral scholarships, travelling studentships, and postdoctoral fellowships for study at universities in Ireland and abroad. These awards are competitive and deadlines vary. http://www.nui.ie/awards/

Student Support Especially if you have been in receipt of a student support grant during your BA degree, in some cases you may be eligible for grants towards a postgraduate degree. More information and eligibility criteria can be found at Student Universal Support Ireland https://susi.ie . For policies consult the Higher Education Authority http://www.hea.ie

University of Galway Further Education University of Galway is committed to supporting those that work for the university to undertake educational programmes to enhance their professional or personal development. In some cases this includes PhD study. To find out more consult the University of Galway Further Education Policy http://universityofgalway.ie/media/stafftraining/FEP-Scheme.pdf

Funding for current PhD students

Travel Bursaries All registered postgraduate students in the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies are eligible to apply for a travel bursary to assist them in their research. These bursaries are awarded annually; application forms are normally available in the early spring. Details and dates are available from the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies .

Study Abroad Opportunities There are many study abroad opportunities available for students at University of Galway. There are also opportunities for students abroad to study here. For more contact the International Office. http://universityofgalway.ie/international-students/

Ireland Canada University Foundation If you are a PhD student or post-doctoral academic in the early stages of your research career, you may be eligible for the Flaherty Research Scholarship . This award supports a short research visit of four to six weeks, and is designed to help scholars make contacts with researchers working in related research topics, with a view to widening and deepening the scholar’s research horizons, ideally leading to continued collaboration in future research. The James M. Flaherty Program is provided with the assistance of the Government of Canada , via the International Education Division of Global Affairs Canada, and with the assistance of the Irish Government , via the Emigrant Support Programme, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs. http://www.icuf.ie/scholarships/

Study Abroad at University of California   University of Galway is a partner with the University of California for study abroad. Reciprocal exchange students can attend the University of California for up to one academic year on a no-fee-exchange, non-degree basis. UC is the major public research university in the state of California serving both undergraduate and graduate students. There are ten campus locations: Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Diego and San Francisco. http://eap.ucop.edu/ReciprocalExchanges/Pages/default.aspx

If you are thinking of applying for funding, or for more details on the university or funding opportunities please contact the Director of Graduate Research in English:

Dr Frances McCormack Discipline of English School of English & Creative Arts University of Galway

[email protected]

PhD Scholarship in Digital Arts and Humanities – Call for Applications

University of Galway invites applications for a four-year structured PhD scholarship in Digital Arts & Humanities to commence in September 2017.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 14 April 2017 . Applications are made via Ellucian Recruit Login  (see below).

The Structured PhD in Digital Arts & Humanities at University of Galway is a full-time four-year interdisciplinary programme from which seven students have graduated since its inception in 2011. This PhD programme provides fourth-level researchers with the platform, structures, partnerships, and innovation models to engage and collaborate with a wide range of academics and practitioners. Our ambition is for students to contribute to the developing digital arts and humanities community world-wide. The programme welcomes proposals on the use of digital tools and methodologies in the scholarly analysis of cultural texts and phenomena, and on practice-based research in digital art and media. Students will gain exposure to transferable skills in digital content creation and analysis that are academically and professionally beneficial.

See http://mooreinstitute.ie/2017/02/01/phd-scholarship-digital-arts-humanities-call-applications/ for further details

Undergraduate Prospectus 2024 PDF (14.6MB)

Postgraduate Prospectus 2024 PDF (3.3MB)

Quick Guide to Courses 2024 PDF (1.20MB)

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School of English

• Head of School: Dr. Jarlath Killeen
• Director of Teaching & Learning (Postgraduate): Dr. Jane Carroll
• Telephone: +353-1-896 2547
• Fax: +353-1-671 7114
• Email: [email protected]
• Url: www.tcd.ie/English
• How to apply:   Please see links below

Please do not apply for PhD or M.Litt. study in the School before you have followed the instructions detailed in the ‘How Do I Apply?’ section of this webpage.  

School Description:

The School comprises more than twenty permanent members of teaching staff, and a substantial number of Postdoctoral Fellows, Teaching Associates, Research Associates and Teaching Assistants. There are over 100 visiting students each year, and around 30 students who are reading for research degrees. Despite large numbers of students, the School maintains a strong commitment to small group teaching and to individually directed research. The School of English is committed to leadership in the development of English Studies as a vigorous, multidisciplinary subject. We are a School which attracts postgraduates of the highest quality, which is committed to building on our already vibrant culture of excellence in teaching and research, and which has at its core our firmly held belief that research and teaching are intimately connected and mutually stimulating.

Taught M.Phil. Programmes The School has four taught M.Phil. programmes. Further information about these programmes can be found here:  https://www.tcd.ie/English/postgraduate/

Research Programmes The School of English has a vibrant research culture, with opportunities in a wide range of subjects and areas. We especially welcome applications in: medieval and renaissance literature, eighteenth-century literature, Irish Studies, American literature, popular literature, creative writing, Victorian literature, postcolonial literature, Old English, and children’s literature. Research opportunities in all areas are considerably enhanced by Trinity Library. As well being a copyright library, it holds manuscripts and special collections that can form the basis of research projects, particularly in the early period, in Irish writing and in children’s literature.

Our research culture places special emphasis on the individual researcher, though we also encourage forms of research collaboration where this is appropriate. The School of English provides doctoral training through provision of a structured programme of research and study.

The School of English welcomes applications for two research degrees: the M.Litt. and the Ph.D. Both involve a student working closely with one or more supervisors to undertake an original independent research project, resulting in a dissertation thesis. The M.Litt. normally takes two years and the dissertation is up to 60,000 words. The Ph.D. takes up to four years and the dissertation is up 100,000 words. As well as the more conventional research dissertation, we offer the Ph.D. in Literary Practice, which comprises of an original piece of creative writing and a critical essay. We also have a Distance Ph.D. programme, to enable students to pursue a research degree remotely. Further details can be found on our School website.

As part of their structured PhD programme, students are expected to undertake taught modules during their PhD (a minimum of 10 ECTS and a maximum 30 ECTS within the first 18 months of enrolment). Research students must also take a compulsory School of English module in postgraduate professional development during their first year. While our research students work closely with their supervisor, their development of independent and original thought is crucial to the research process. When their work is established, research students may provide teaching in the School in areas cognate to their research.

PhD in Literary Practice The Ph.D. in Literary Practice is aimed at those interested in undertaking a combination of creative and critical writing at doctoral level. Further information about this programme can be found on our School’s postgraduate research website.

Non-Resident PhD Programme The Non-Resident Ph.D. programme allows students to undertake a research degree within the School of English remotely. Further information about this programme can be found on our School’s postgraduate research website. Please note that prospective applicants can only proceed with their application once they been granted permission to do so by the School’s Director of Postgraduate Teaching and Learning.

How Do I Apply? The School receives many postgraduate research admissions and supervision inquiries each year. To facilitate the efficient processing of these initial expressions of interest we require prospective PhD and M.Litt. applicants to fill in an inquiry template. This template, along with everything you need to know about making an application to the School (including dates and funding information), can be found on our School website - click here and scroll down to the heading ‘Admissions Information’.

https://www.tcd.ie/English/postgraduate/research-students/

It is  strongly advised  that you develop your proposal in consultation with a relevant staff member, rather than applying online without contacting the School beforehand. If a staff member is interested in your initial project outline and has supervision capacity, they may ask you for further information and they may subsequently agree to work with you as you develop your proposal. Information about the required formatting and details required from a PhD or M.Litt. proposal can again be found on our webpage.

The School regularly hosts visiting lecturers and writers and organizes international conferences and symposia. Research students are always involved in the organization of these events and frequently will present research papers. The postgraduates also organize weekly research seminars, and all research students are expected to contribute to and attend these events. As well as fostering individual research, we also help students develop a profile that will make them strong candidates for academic posts. Recent Ph.D. graduates hold permanent lectureships and prestigious post-doctoral fellowships at universities in Ireland, the UK, Europe and the US.

Testimonials: Eva Burke, Recent PhD Graduate: "I began my PhD at the School of English in September 2016 after having done the M.Phil. in Popular Literature in 2014-2015, so I’ve been part of the School of English for almost six years. My PhD focused on the domestic noir fiction of Gillian Flynn, and my supervisor was Dr. Clare Clarke. My experience as a PhD student at the School of English was incredibly formative. I had the opportunity to present my research at staff-postgraduate seminars, published my work in the Trinity Postgraduate Review, and co-organised a successful symposium at the Trinity Long Room Hub with my supervisor. In the second year of my PhD, I started working as a teaching assistant in the School of English, organizing and running tutorials within the school. I’ve learned so much from my involvement with teaching within the school; the academic and administrative staff have been really supportive and I’ve found that engaging with students as they navigate the curriculum is a really valuable experience. I’m so grateful for the encouragement and support that I’ve found within the School of English, and for the opportunities it has given me."

Dr Jenny Daly, Research Strategy Office, Office of the Dean of Research, Trinity College Dublin. "The time I spent doing my PhD in the School of English was the most fulfilling and intellectually stimulating experience I could ever have hoped for. Having the time and space to work on my research while being supported by an excellent mentor was an immense privilege, but it also prepared me for life beyond the PhD. The research and communication skills that I developed during the PhD are invaluable to me in my career now as a Research Strategy Officer and are, I believe, essential attributes for anyone working in academic administration. Coming from an Arts and Humanities background also enables me to bring a different critical perspective to an area that is so important for everyone in the university."

Sarah Cullen, Recent PhD Graduate: "Working at the intersection of race, gender and literature in my thesis, I found Trinity College Dublin to be an excellent space for such an undertaking. With support from specialists in relevant fields, opportunities to present at and engage with international conferences, and discussion with enthusiastic peers from the School of English, its environment is highly conducive to producing original research."

Janice Deitner, Current PhD Researcher in the School: "As a PhD student in the School of English at Trinity I get to be a part of a dynamic and encouraging community of researchers and scholars, both within the School and in the wider college population. My academic supervisor is an important part of this community, providing essential guidance while encouraging me to forge my own path. As a part of the structured PhD, I have been able to investigate topics beyond my expertise that have positively influenced my thinking. In general, the support of Postgraduates by the School of English has given me the space to explore, challenge, and develop my own ideas within a variety of academic arenas while also providing me with avenues and resources to expand my knowledge and understanding."

In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to register retrospectively. Applicants wishing to be considered for retrospective admission should contact the Graduate Studies Office by emailing  [email protected]

March 2025 Entry

• Master in Letters in School of English (Part-Time) - Part-Time 31/Mar/2025
• Master in Letters in School of English (Full-Time) - Full-Time 31/Mar/2025
• Doctor in Philosophy, English (Part-Time) - Part-Time 31/Mar/2025
• Doctor in Philosophy, English (Full-Time) - Full-Time 31/Mar/2025

September 2024 Entry

• Master in Letters in School of English (Part-Time) - Part-Time 30/Sep/2024
• Master in Letters in School of English (Full-Time) - Full-Time 30/Sep/2024
• Doctor in Philosophy, English (Part-Time) - Part-Time 30/Sep/2024
• Doctor in Philosophy, English (Full-Time) - Full-Time 30/Sep/2024

We are happy to receive applications for research projects focusing on Literary Studies or Creative Writing and the Department welcomes enquiries from students who wish to pursue a PhD in any of the areas in which members of staff have expertise.   

  Part of what makes Aberystwyth special is our thriving research culture : you’ll get to join an engaging and interactive community where staff, students, and guest speakers come together to share and showcase their research. You’ll also work alongside researchers who are recognised internationally for their contributions to knowledge and the furthering of the discipline.   

Department Expertise  

The Department’s particular areas of expertise include:  

• Contemporary poetry  
• Crime fiction  
• Life writing
• Nature writing
• Black diaspora literature
• Postcolonial fiction
• Women’s writing
• Children’s literature
• Literary geography and ecocriticism
• LGBT writing
• Welsh writing in English
• Literatures of surveillance
• Literature and disability
• Irish writing
• Gothic literature and ghost stories
• Psychoanalysis
• Late Medieval secular literature
• Contemporary medievalism
• Romanticism
• Victorian literature
• Modernism and late modernism
• Postmodernism.

What does a PhD in the  Department of English and Creative Writing involve?  

A PhD in literary studies is awarded upon satisfactory completion of a thesis of 80–100,000 words followed by a viva voce examination.   

  A PhD in creative writing has two parts: the creative work (comprising 75–80,000 words of prose or 60 pages of poetry) plus a 20,000-word critical commentary. Award of the PhD in creative writing is subject to satisfactory completion of this twin written element, followed by a viva voce examination.  

  For both literary studies and creative writing PhDs, the normal period of registration is three years (full-time) or five years (part-time). For full-time students, it is expected that the thesis will be submitted within four years of initial registration. For part-time students, submission is expected within seven years of initial registration. Full-time research students are expected to be based in Aberystwyth. Part-time research students can pursue their studies at a distance but may need to be available to attend sessions on campus on occasion.  

  Each research student is assigned two supervisors, who offer support and advice at every stage of the research project. The primary supervisor works closely with the student and will be a specialist in the chosen field of research/creative writing.  

  All full-time doctoral candidates are required to undertake a selection of research skills and professional development modules that are provided by the Aberystwyth University Graduate School. These modules are undertaken over the first two years of study. Under the guidance of their supervisors, students will be expected to develop advanced skills in handling a sustained project, which makes an original, rigorous contribution to the candidate’s chosen field of literary studies or creative writing practice.  

For further information, or to discuss options for the shorter MPhil research degree, please contact us directly on [email protected]    

Guidelines for PhD Proposals  

PhD proposals should include the following information:  

Literary Studies (c. 3,000 words)   

• Synopsis of project (your project’s primary research ideas/aims, key texts, and theoretical perspectives) (250 words)    
• Contribution to knowledge (what your work will contribute to the relevant field of study) (250 words)   
• Research questions (outline the two primary research questions that will drive your project, and briefly explain how your research will address them) (250 words)   
• Full research proposal (detailed description of your planned research, including an outline plan of the proposed sections of the thesis) (2,000 words)    
• Your work to date in this or related areas (250 words)  

You should also submit a sample of your critical work of c. 5000 words.   

  Creative Writing (c. 3,000 words)     

• Synopsis of project (an outline of your project’s central creative ideas, proposed stylistic engagements, key critical engagements, and theoretical perspectives) (250 words) 
• Contribution to creative and critical practice (what your work will contribute to the relevant creative and critical fields) (250 words) 
• Creative Aims (outline the two primary creative aims that will drive your project and explain how your work will address them) (250 words) 
• Full proposal (detailed description of your planned work, including outline plans of both the creative and critical components) (2,000 words)

You should also submit a sample of your creative work of c. 5000 words of prose or 100 lines of poetry. 

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MA Creative Writing

Graduate taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90).

UCD offers two graduate courses in creative writing, an MA and MFA. The MA programme includes workshops, seminars and supervision meetings, providing committed students with the support they need to produce a major piece of writing by the end of the course. 

The MA in Creative Writing  builds on the well established commitment of the UCD School of English, Drama and Film to fostering and supporting new writing. The university has long been associated with some of Ireland’s greatest writers, including James Joyce, Flann O’Brien, Mary Lavin, Anthony Cronin, John McGahern, Neil Jordan, Conor McPherson, Marina Carr, Colm Tóibín, Emma Donoghue, Maeve Binchy and many others. The Booker Prize winning novelist Anne Enright is Professor of Creative Writing, and among the teaching staff are novelist Sarah Moss, poet Ian Davidson, poet and novelist Paul Perry, novelist and playwright Declan Hughes, life writer and critic Catherine Morris and novelist Paula McGrath. 

The MA programme :

• Provides opportunities to explore and develop your own creative writing skills supervised by experienced published staff of international reputation.
• Actively fosters the development of students' capacity to edit their own work.
• Ensures that the art of writing is informed by contemporary theory and practice.
• Offers courses incorporating the manuscripts of works of leading writers held in Special Collections and courses which explore material in the National Folklore Collection in UCD, one of the richest archives of oral tradition in the world.

Careers & Employability

Many graduates of the MA in Creative Writing establish successful writing careers. Graduate of the programme Colin Barrett won the Guardian First Fiction Prize with Young Skins  then went on to win both the Frank O'Conner International short story award and the Rooney Prize for Literature. Other graduates go into the publishing industry, while some go on to do an MFA in Creative Writing. 

Curricular information is subject to change

Who should apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Course Description

Lectures, seminars, workshops and supervision meetings aim to provide committed writers with taught classes on the theory and practices of writing. These include presentation and editing techniques, creative reading of selected texts as well as the supervision of a major writing project. Among the important issues addressed on an on-going basis are voice and structure. Every effort is made to ensure that a student progresses on these as well as many other fronts.

Vision and Values Statement

A fundamental tenet of the MA in Creative Writing is a belief in the value of learning from writers who have mastered their craft. The writers who contribute to the course will vary from year to year, but recent module conveners have included Anne Enright, Laureate for Irish Fiction, Paula Meehan, Ireland Professor of Poetry, Eilis Ni Dhuibhne, Writer Fellow, Sinéad Gleeson, Writer in Residence,  and Paul Perry, Poetry co-ordinator. 

Towards that end the MA in creative writing offers a selection of modules in the first semester which direct and encourage students to explore several literary forms, the novel, the short story and poetry.  The aim here is to present students with a broad range of possibilities, set them on a course of discovery for a form, or combination of forms, where they will best realise their creative potential. The learning environment is positive, enabling and friendly and the class group, fourteen or less students, are actively encouraged to support each other in their creative endeavours.

The second semester modules provide an opportunity to embark on a more specific path, while at the same time continuing to extend the boundaries of what is possible in fiction. As the semester progresses a student’s individual work is increasingly guided by course conveners and supervisors, both in workshop settings and on a one-to-one basis.  The end goal is the creation of a substantial piece of writing, a solid basis from which a student will continue towards the completion of a full work, whether that be a collection of short stories, a novel or a collection of poetry.

Programme Outcomes

• Have a solid working knowledge of genres and forms.
• Have created a substantial piece of writing, a solid basis from which to continue towards the completion of a full work, whether that be a collection of short stories, a novel or a collection of poetry.
• Have developed a positive sense of themselves as writers, with an active role to play in the literary/artistic culture wherever they should find themselves.
• Have learned to read like writers, to recognise the challenges facing authors at various stages in the creation of a piece of fiction and to critically assess the extent to which these challenge have been met.
• On successful completion of the programme, students will have a thorough understanding of how to meet many of the challenges confronted in the construction of a piece of fiction; character, voice, place etc.
• Participated in a weekly visiting writer’s programme, contributed to an anthology and attended a selection of the literary events and festivals for which the city is renowned.

What modules can I take?

View All Modules Here

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fee information is available on the  UCD Fees website . Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see  International Scholarships .

Entry Requirements

The entry requirement for the  MA programme  is a BA Hons English or equivalent (NFQ Level 8), and/or proven commitment to and experience in the field of creative writing; a portfolio (a 3,000 word sample of prose or 6 poems, or a combination of prose and poetry) of recent creative work; a personal statement of reasons for taking the course and references. Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 7.5 (no band less than 7.0 in each element), or equivalent. 

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 

Testimonial

Dave Rudden MA 2013 Award-winning author

The Creative Writing Masters in UCD has been incredibly useful to me as an author. I still use some of the lessons I learned in that year in my creative writing classes, and the expert advice of the lecturers contributed massively to me finding a home for my Knights of the Borrowed Dark trilogy at Puffin. I cannot recommend it highly enough.  

Graduate Profile Erika Meyers, USA Although there are many programmes that offer masters in Creative Writing in North America, I decided to attend UCD because it allowed me the opportunity to pursue my interests in poetry and fiction, rather than forcing me to choose one over the other. The creative versatility of the programme not only resulted in the publication of a novel and a poetry collection (both written while under the guidance of James Ryan and Éilís Ní Dhuibhne during my MA), but also provided me with the knowledge and experience necessary to earn a Santander scholarship and pursue my PhD in Irish Literature at the University of Edinburgh.

Related Programmes

• MA Drama & Performance Studies FT

How to apply?

The following entry routes are available:

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

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Graduate Research Duration

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Creative Writing - MA

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Read instructions on how to apply

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

This programme is available full-time over one academic year or part-time over two years. It enables students to develop their Creative Writing skills through consideration of the work of established writers; through study of the many aspects of a piece of successful Creative Writing; through assignments that foster strategies for revision of work; and through an understanding of the requirements of the redrafting, submission and publication processes

The University of Limerick offers a Master of Arts in Creative Writing. Our Chair of Creative Writing is Prof Joseph O’Connor (author of nine novels including Ghost Light, The Thrill of it All, the million-selling Star of the Sea, and Shadowplay, winner of the Novel of the Year Award  at the 2019 Irish Book Awards, shortlisted for the UK's prestigious Costa Novel Award, 2020). Our outstanding teachers include twice Booker-Prize-longlisted Donal Ryan, (author of The Spinning Heart, From a Low and Quiet Sea and Strange Flowers), widely acclaimed Rob Doyle (Here Are the Young Men and This is the Ritual), and Irish Book Award nominee Prof Sarah Moore Fitzgerald (The Apple Tart of Hope and A Strange Kind of Brave), internationally published Young Adult author and lecturer on self-motivation for writers.

Our Creative Writing students enjoy teaching-visits and readings from outstanding contemporary authors. Visitors to UL Creative Writing have included Colum McCann, Anne Enright, Louise O’Neill, Claire Keegan, Melatu Uche Okorie, Colin Barrett, Anna Carey, Paul Lynch, Christine Dwyer Hickey, Sarah Davis-Goff, John Boyne, Kit de Waal, Kevin Barry, Mary O’Malley, Sara Baume, Liz Nugent, Marian Keyes, Sinead Gleeson, Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Ford and Laureate for Irish Fiction Sebastian Barry.

Students gain practical experience through working on our literary journal The Ogham Stone, through meeting publishers, editors and literary agents, and in the preparation of their dissertation portfolios.

For dissertation, recent students have offered work across a range of creative genres, from memoir to short stories, chapters of novels, collections of poems and song lyrics. Our Creative Writing student cohort is always diverse and has attracted students from the United States, Puerto Rico, Australia, Brazil, India, South Africa and the UK as well as wider Europe and Ireland. Mature students are always a welcome part of our MA class.

Local literary attractions include the Limerick Literary Weekend in Honour of Kate O’Brien; the Doolin Writers’ Weekend, the Eigse Michael Hartnett Poetry Arts and Literary Festival; Cuisle, the Limerick International Poetry Festival, the Ennis Book Clubs Festival, and the world-famous Listowel Writers' Week in north County Kerry.

Full time Programme:

Part time Programme:

How to Apply Applications are open for the MA in Creative Writing for Academic Year 2023/4. We do not operate a deadline; instead we close applications when the class is full. Generally we accept a maximum of 24 applicants. Many applicants for our Creative Writing MA have a first or second class Level 8 honours degree (NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalent) but application is open to everyone, including applicants who do not have a primary degree but have what might be considered equivalent experience, perhaps in the arts, publishing, bookselling, writing, creativity or some related activity. Please note, we always receive more applications than we have places to offer.

Applicants must accompany their formal online application with a 3,000 word sample of their creative writing (this can be one single piece or several pieces totalling 3,000 words) and a one-page letter setting out why they would like to work with us on our MA programme as opposed to the many other Creative Writing MA programmes now available.

Previous experience of Creative Writing workshops is helpful.

The Application Portfolio is assessed by a small committee of staff, who judge submissions on their originality, technique, and readability.  Please note that we are not in a position to offer feedback to applicants who are not offered a place.

Applicants must satisfy the English Language Requirements of the University. 

Visit www.ul.ie/graduateschool/prospective‐students for details.

Applications should be submitted online. Further details can be found here: www.ul.ie/graduateschool

Admission will also be based upon a piece or pieces of creative work up to 3000 words submitted by the student as part of the application process. This might be a novel extract, a short story, a set of poems or a screenplay. This creative work will be assessed by a small committee of staff, who will judge submissions on their originality, technique, and intellectual rigour.

What to include with your application

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• Supporting Statement
• English language qualification if English is not your first language
• A copy of your birth certificate/passport
• If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice

If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided: • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND • English language competency certificate

For more information  Click Here

EU - €4,328 per annum

Non- EU - €10,100 per annum

EU - €8,002

Non- EU - €18,800

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email [email protected]. )

Recent graduates of our Creative Writing MA have been published nationally and internationally and have won or been short-listed for major literary prizes, including the prestigious Hennessy New Writer of the Year Award, the RTE Francis McManus Award, the Listowel Writers’ Week Bryan MacMahon Short Story Award, the Arts Council Next Generation Award and the Irish Writers’ Centre Novel Fair Award

Pippa Slattery, MA Creative Writing 2020/21

“My confidence in my writing has also developed immensely. Because of the MA, I now feel like I’m on my way to becoming an author, not just a writer.”

William Keohane

“If you love writing, I would encourage you to pursue it. This MA is the perfect way to do that.”

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Graduate and Professional Studies

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UCC Postgraduate courses

• Creative Writing

Course Outline

Course practicalities, why choose this course, requirements, fees and costs, how to apply.

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• Taught Courses

Only you can write the book that you would like to write, be it a collection of poetry, or essays, or a novel, or a memoir… nobody else can write that book. The purpose of the MA in Creative Writing at UCC is to give you the tools to write the book waiting to be written, and many more after it. As well as honing the techniques and craft of creative writing, our MA is also designed to introduce you to the publishing industry, and prepare you for a variety of career options, including publishing and the creative arts.

Engaging on a weekly basis with published authors and publishing professionals, we will provide access to the community of writers that exists, both in the wider world and in Cork, with its thriving literary scene. This programme affords you time to write; it will introduce you to other emerging writers, and like-minded individuals on the same pathway as yourself. Ultimately we aim to empower you to connect with your most creative and productive self.

This MA Creative Writing programme is offered by the Department of English which is part of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies & Social Sciences ( CACSSS ) at UCC.

Our Department of English treats writing as a living, evolving practice: students taking the course will read and write in a context in which literature is being performed, transformed and adapted, and in doing so offer you a safe space to learn, to practice, and to develop your craft towards inventive and authentic forms of expression. The course as a whole encourages and supports a full exploration of the creative self while also maintaining a strong vocational emphasis.

Directed by IMPAC longlistee Dr Eibhear Walshe , all of our courses are embedded in Cork’s thriving artistic scene, rooted in expert practice and taught by highly accomplished professionals.

A rich variety of modules are available covering fiction, poetry, life writing, creative non-fiction, and reading creatively.

Additionally, the Business of Writing module is dedicated to the professional life of the creative writer, including work placements, and a series of visiting speakers (writers, agents & publishers) such as Mike McCormack, Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe, Nicole Flattery, Lisa McInerney,  Tramp Press ,  The Stinging Fly , John Connolly, Will Keohane, Eimear Ryan, Róisín Kiberd, New Island Press and many more.

Writing and reading are intertwined as acts — opposite ends of an attempt to understand what it’s like to be in the world. Never has that been more important. Never has the world needed more writers, and more readers, and an over-arching guide to the UCC MA in Creative Writing’s approach is to foster such readers and writers in achieving their potential.

Part I (50 credits)

• EN6036  The Business of Writing (10 credits)

Plus choose 40 credits from the following:

• EN6031  Poetry I (10 credits)
• EN6032  Fiction Workshop: Serving the Idea (10 credits)
• EN6033  Writing the Self: Fiction & non-Fiction (10 credits)
• EN6042  Creative Writing Workshop (5 credits)
• EN6056  Reading the Novel Creatively (5 credits)
• EN6057  Writing for Other Media (5 credits) 
• EN6060  Poetry II: Mythology & Contemporary Poetry (10 credits)
• EN6061  Poetry Workshop (5 credits)

In order to ensure coherence and a good workload balance over the course of the programme, you will select modules in consultation with the programme coordinator and other members of the Board of Studies as appropriate. 

• EN6040  Dissertation in Creative Writing (40 credits)

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the  Academic Programme Catalogue  where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the  Book of Modules .

The MA in Creative Writing is taught on Mondays and Tuesdays during the Autumn and Spring Semesters (September to March). Seminar hours are approximately 6-8 per week and reading hours/writing assignments are likely to take a further 8 hours per week. The course involves a mixture of seminars, workshops, placement and writing practice, and students will work on self-reflexive essays and projects.

Our students are assessed continuously during the course, submitting specified creative work alongside commentaries on their own creative practice.

Part-time Option

The part-time option for the MA in Creative Writing is offered biannually and is taken over 24 months. This programme is taught during weekday working hours and evening hours over two years. 

After UCC I never looked back. I was treated as a writer by faculty and classmates. And so, I became one...

Tadhg Coakley, Graduate & author of The Game

"UCC’s MA in Creative Writing marked the start of my writing life. My first book came straight out of my dissertation & was published a year after my graduation. Now, six years later, I have had five books published & I’m working on number six. After UCC I never looked back. I was treated as a writer by faculty and classmates. And so, I became one."

UCC’s MA in Creative Writing helped me to develop my voice...

Molly Twomey, Graduate & author of Raised By Vultures

"UCC’s MA in Creative Writing helped me to develop my voice & to strengthen my editorial skills. Most importantly, it gave me access to a group of encouraging, kind & intelligent writers, some of whom I still send first drafts to today."

UCC’s MA in Creative Writing programme not only provided the opportunity to build a portfolio of work...

Mahito Indi Henderson, Graduate, author, & publisher with Skein Press

"UCC’s MA in Creative Writing programme not only provided the opportunity to build a portfolio of work, experiment with genre & receive guidance from renowned authors; it also provided a space for thinking about how writing & literature could become a viable career."

From UCC, I learned how writing can be put in the service of others…

Frani O’Toole, Graduate, author, & urban planner

"From UCC, I learned how writing can be put in the service of others… & can support & enliven whatever you choose to do… This is a faculty that thinks really seriously about writing & the community, & really brings people together."

I chose the MA in Creative Writing at UCC because the course has a specific focus on the crafting and development of each writer’s individual voice...

John McLeod, International Student

"I chose the MA Creative Writing at UCC because the course has a specific focus on the crafting and development of each writer’s individual voice, which is an aspect I had struggled developing. It also directly addresses the practical concerns of dedicating your life to writing, which is a focus that can be difficult to find at other universities. I was also really excited to step inside the rich literary tradition of Irish writing. The most rewarding aspect of the course was the sheer exposure to exceptionally kind and talented writers, from the teaching staff to guest speakers and workshop holders (writers, publishers, editors, agents, etc.), all of whom wanted to impart their experience to students in a safe and encouraging environment. Throughout the course, my confidence in drafting and developing my own creative work has increased exponentially. If I combine my continuous development with the wonderful network built throughout the course, I’d say my career path in creative writing has never looked brighter."

This Creative Writing MA programme will empower you in the honing and development of your craft as a writer; we will provide you with the tools and critical prowess to commence a career in writing and publishing.

Some of Ireland’s greatest writers have studied or taught at UCC, including Frank O’Connor, Sean O’Faolain, Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, and John Montague, while more recently the Creative Writing programme boasts published graduates including Madeleine D’Arcy, Tadhg Coakley, and Laura McKenna. Notable writers associated with UCC include Mary Noonan, Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh, Thomas McCarthy, Sean Dunne, Paul Durcan, Theo Dorgan, and Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin.

The School of English hosts an annual Writer-In-Residence and holders of this prestigious post have included Mary Morrissy, Claire Keegan, Danielle McLaughlin, Thomas Morris, Eimear Ryan,Danny Denton, Cathy Sweeney and Matthew Sweeney. In addition to this, we host a reading series that has included guests such as Max Porter, Jackie Kay, Kevin Barry, Claire-Louise Bennett, Conor O’Callaghan, Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe, Nuala O’Connor, Brian Turner, John Banville, and Zadie Smith.

Finally, outside of our for-credit modules, we also run series of optional craft-specific masterclasses from writers such as Dónal Ryan, Catherine Ryan Howard, Victoria Kennefick, Olivia Fitzsimons, Sean Williams and many others.

We encourage and support a full exploration of the creative self while also maintaining a strong vocational emphasis, sustaining and supporting a life-long relationship with writing.

Skills and Careers Information

This MA will provide an excellent foundation for a variety of writing and publishing careers, including authorship across a range of forms and styles, journalism, teaching, publishing, and arts administration.

The design of the MA fosters contacts with agents, publishers, and the professional world of the creative industries; it also produces well-crafted writing in one (or more) of the forms of creative writing.

Students experiment with, engage with, and reflect on a diversity of writing practices and establish an awareness of the role of technique and craft in their own work. They also learn how to interact with peers on an editorial level, and to understand the importance of editing and revision in the process of writing. Developing appropriate research methods and recording processes of self-reflection are also key components of the MA, encouraging students to reflect upon and discuss the conceptual challenges of the creative process, key contexts, and practical concerns. Finally, the MA fosters in its students an understanding of the practical constraints and professional opportunities of life as a writer, and a lifelong relationship with the written word.

Applications will be considered from graduates of all disciplines. Applicants will normally have a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or above, in any discipline. For North American students a cumulative GPA of 3.2 is normally expected. Applicants with relevant writing or arts experience (eg. working in publishing, journalism or arts administration) are also invited to apply.

All applicants will be asked to submit a short piece of creative writing (of 1000 words (any genre). This piece of creative writing will be used by the teaching team to evaluate each applicant's suitability. Further examples of the applicant's work may be requested.

For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison  page.

International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office .

English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements  page for more information.

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2024/2025

See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

Deposits 

If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.

Fee payment 

Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How can I pay? 

See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.

Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page .

1. Check dates

Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.

2. Gather documents

Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal  and include:

• Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
• Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.

3. Apply online

Apply online via the  UCC online application portal . Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.

Additional requirements (all applicants).

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
• Describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Submit a short portfolio (no more than 1000 words) of your creative writing. This can be in the form of a poem/poems, a short story or an extract from a novel, or an excerpt of memoir.
• Detail your computing/technical/IT skills.
• Add the name and email addresses two referees.

Please note that successful EU applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €500 on acceptance of their place.

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 1 May 2024. Early application is advised.

Contact Details For This Course

• Dr Eibhear Walshe
• [email protected]
• +353 (0)21 490 2584
• http://creativewritingucc.com/
• Mr Danny Denton
• [email protected]
• +353 (0)21 490 3292

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Ma creative writing.

• Study at Maynooth /

Qualification : MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : TAUGHT MASTERS (9)

CAO/PAC code : MHK84

CAO Points :

Closing Date : 30 June 2024

View FETAC details

• Entry Requirements
• Department People
• Course Structure
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• How to Apply

The MA in Creative Writing combines workshops and seminars with one-on-one mentoring of writing projects. Students may take optional modules in literature or other creative modules from across the Faculty, such as Writing for Screen Media. Assessment is through shorter pieces of writing, such as craft essays and reflective journals, and a longer project. The MA, taught by award-winning, internationally-renowned writers, will focus on guiding each student to further develop their voice as a writer, as well as to enrich their existing interests as a writer with new perspectives and a grasp of stylistic approaches. Tactics for editing and revision will be taught in tandem with generative exercises and practices aimed at deepening each student’s relationship to their creative process. Students will have the opportunity to build and develop networks which will sustain their writing practice beyond the MA degree. 

B.A. degree with a subject mark in English, or a cognate discipline, of 2.1 or higher, or international equivalent. 

Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Minimum English language requirements: Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here . The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Dr Conrad Brunstrom

Head of Department

Department of English

Read Full Biography

Prof Lauren Arrington

Dr Denis Condon

Department of Media Studies

Dr Íde Corley

Dr Michael G. Cronin

Department of Sexualities and Gender

Azelina Flint

Dr Oona Frawley

Dr Catherine Gander

Department of Diversifying Irish Poetry

Prof Colin Graham

Dr Sinead Kennedy

Dr Conor McCarthy

Belinda McKeon

Dr naoise murphy.

Prof Emer Nolan

Dr Karl O' Hanlon

Dr Stephen O'Neill

Prof Pat Palmer

Dr Rita Sakr

Prof Moynagh Sullivan

Department of Motherhood Project

Students take compulsory modules in Creative Prose (combined 20 credits), Literature, Creativity, and Society (10 credits), and Individual Project Development, which runs across two semesters (combined 20 credits). The creative dissertation (30 credits) is undertaken in the spring and summer (semester 2). Students take 10 credits in optional modules from a selection offered in the Department and across the Faculty, including literature modules and Writing for Screen Media.

The skills gained in the MA equip students for careers in fields such as professional editing, professional writing and the creative industries.

For some students, the MA serves as essential preparation for a PhD in Creative Writing. 

Online application only www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code MHK84

The following documents should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of their birth certificate or valid passport.

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Creative Writing

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The below information is indicative, and for more current options, please visit UCD's  Course Search  site.

Module Stages

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Spanish and Portuguese

Mariana mazer, phd candidate in spanish, 1 of 15 clas graduate students awarded prestigious fellowships to support their research and creative work, marcus bach fellowship .

The Marcus Bach Fellowship , named for the 1942 University of Iowa graduate of the same name, is awarded to graduate students in the humanities to support the completion of an MFA project or doctoral dissertation. The fellowship’s goal is to foster intercultural communication and the understanding of diverse philosophies and religious perspectives.  

Each fellow receives a semester of support including a $10,700 salary, a tuition scholarship for 2 semester hours credit, and more. 

The five recipients for the 2024-25 school year are: 

• Caelainn Barr , Department of English (Nonfiction Writing Program), "Written in the Land"  Barr’s project is a memoir grounded in archival research and interviews that explores the intersection of religion, spirituality in nature and family history. The work is set against the backdrop of conflict in in Northern Ireland. 
• Nathan Chaplin , Department of History, "Surveying the Tropics, Constructing the Heartland: Identify Formation in Nicaragua and the Midwest"  Chaplin’s project investigates the alliances formed between Nicaraguan and Midwestern elites as they attempted to manage public health crises, state policy, and capital investment during the 19th and 20th centuries. 
• Spencer Jones , Department of English (Nonfiction Writing Program), “All Skillful in the Wars”  Jones’s thesis explores political and theological tensions in the lives of radical-revolutionary schoolteachers Harriet Wheeldon and Simone Weil. 
• Xiaoyan Kang , Department of Theatre Arts, “The Words of Ants"  Kang’s thesis takes the form of a play drawing inspiration from the 1983 script Nüshu, or the script of women. Through it, the playwright intends to explore how individual experiences are interpreted to serve a particular narrative. 
• Mariana Mazer , Department of Spanish and Portuguese, “The book as an object and container of multiple stories"  Mazer’s dissertation explores the relationship between the book as a physical object and the narratives it contains, ultimately printing and binding eight copies of the finished thesis. 

NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement.