Program Overview

Master of Writing

The Master of Writing is a coursework-based Master's degree that allows students to specialise and deepen their expertise in professional, academic, creative, and technical writing.

Introduction

This degree is designed for anyone with an interest in writing, and it enables students to apply skills of advanced textual analysis and written communication to a wide range of contexts, audiences, and styles. By bringing together a diverse range of writing modes, graduates of the Master of Writing degree will be set up for diverse careers, from creative industries to business and government.

Why Study a Master of Writing at UC?

• One year, taught master's degree.
• Graduates who are confident and competent in many different written communication styles will stand out in a competitive job market.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the Master of Writing, students should have achieved at least a B Grade Point Average in 300-level courses in their undergraduate degree, which should have also had a strong written component. If English is not the first language, students will also need to provide evidence of their English language ability as IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with no individual score below 6.5. Preference will be given to those with a score of 7 or over.

Degree Structure

Within the Master of Writing, students will complete 180 points of coursework, including one 60-point project. This can be completed in 1 year or up to 18 months of full-time study, or up to 3 years part-time.

Subjects and Courses

The Master of Writing requires 180 points of coursework, with two compulsory courses:

• WRIT401 Advanced Reading and Writing
• WRIT680 Extended Writing Project And a choice of:
• WRIT402 Writing for Community Change and/or WRIT403 Creative Writing, and
• 30 points (or 60 if only doing one of WRIT402 or WRIT403) from 400 or 600-level English courses, or another subject approved by the Head of Department

Fees

Domestic Students

• 2025 tuition fee estimate: $13,013 (180 points)
• 2026 tuition fee estimate: $13,794 (180 points)

International Students

• 2025 Special Programme Fee: $48,600 (180 points)
• 2026 Special Programme Fee: $51,000 (180 points)
• 2027 Special Programme Fee: $54,000 (180 points)

Student Services Levy (SSL)

• 2025 SSL: $9.72 per point ($1,166.40 per 120 points)
• 2026 SSL: $10.30 per point ($1,236.00 per 120 points)

Further Study

Students can choose to go on to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this applied Master's degree will be able to:

• Apply advanced skills in writing to a range of professional, technical, organisational, community, and creative contexts;
• Write effectively within a range of registers and genres, and for a range of purposes;
• Respond to the requirements of different audiences and media;
• Engage the creative dimensions of professional writing and the professional dimensions of creative writing;
• Undertake research relevant to their writing tasks;
• Analyse critically the writing of others and apply what they discover to their own writing;
• Provide editorial advice for other writers;
• Understand and articulate the implications of being a writer in Aotearoa New Zealand/Niu Sila, especially in regard to te ao me te reo Māori, and the Pasifika philosophy of teu le va.