GOLDSMITHS COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON · UNITED KINGDOM
MA Creative and Life Writing
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€25k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Opportunity to experiment with poetry, fiction, short story, and life writing.Writing Forms
- Expert guidance and focused workshops in chosen genres.Specialisation
- Engage with visiting writers, editors, and literary agents.Industry Connections
- Showcase work in 'Goldfish', an annual student journal.Student Showcase
- Access to Adobe Creative Suite software for free.Software Access
- Develop transferable skills in communication, analysis, and evaluation.Skill Development
This Master's degree is designed to help you develop your creative writing practice, whether you are already writing regularly or returning to it after a break. You will explore various writing forms such as poetry, the novel, short story, and life writing, with the opportunity to specialise in your preferred area under expert guidance. The course welcomes students of all ages with diverse backgrounds and experiences, united by a shared passion for serious writing. Visiting writers, editors, and literary agents frequently engage with students through seminars, readings, and discussions, offering valuable insights into the writing and publishing world. The program is taught in person through workshops and seminars, typically held on one day per week.
Curriculum
The programme is taught through workshops and seminars. Full-time students take two modules per term (four in total) during the Autumn and Spring terms. Part-time students take one module per term over two years. All students participate in twelve one-on-one tutorials throughout the year.
- Full-time (Year 1)
- Workshop in Creative and Life Writing
- Contemporary Contexts for Creative and Life Writing
- Creative and Life Writing Portfolio
- Optional Module (e.g., Specialist Workshop in an Aspect of Creative and Life Writing)
- Part-time (Year 1)
- Workshop in Creative and Life Writing
- Contemporary Contexts for Creative and Life Writing
- Part-time (Year 2)
- Creative and Life Writing Portfolio
- Optional Module (e.g., Specialist Workshop in an Aspect of Creative and Life Writing)
Careers
Graduates from this MA have gone on to successful careers as published authors, poets, and writers across various genres. Alumni have received numerous prestigious awards and accolades, with some becoming fellows of the Royal Society of Literature. Beyond writing, graduates develop transferable skills applicable to fields such as publishing, journalism, public relations, teaching, advertising, business, and the media.
- Author
- Poet
- Novelist
- Life Writer
- Editor
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Teacher
- Advertiser
- Civil Servant
- Media Professional
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
Consideration may also be given to applicants with relevant professional experience and evidence of ability to study at postgraduate level, even without a traditional academic background. For non-literary backgrounds, relevant experience, portfolio quality, and evidence of wider reading are particularly important.
Fees
Tuition (international)£21,000 per year (full-time)
Tuition (home)£10,800 per year (full-time); £5,400 per year (part-time)
Living—
Fees are subject to change and stated for full-time study. Part-time fees are typically half the full-time rate per year.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and any other prerequisites for the programme. This includes holding an undergraduate degree of at least second-class standard in a relevant subject, or having equivalent experience.
2. Prepare Your ApplicationGather necessary documents, including academic transcripts and any required personal statements or portfolios. For this programme, evidence of relevant experience and wider reading might be crucial, especially if you do not have a literary background.
3. Submit Your Application OnlineComplete the online application form via the Goldsmiths' admissions portal. You will need to provide personal details, academic history, and upload supporting documents.
4. Attend Interview (if required)Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview to discuss their application, writing experience, and suitability for the course.
5. Await DecisionThe admissions team will review your application and notify you of the outcome.