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Students
Tuition Fee
EUR 17,000
Per year
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
12 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Creative Writing | Literature
Area of study
Arts
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
EUR 17,000
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


MA in Creative Writing

Course Details

Course Code:

DC784


Course Type:

Postgraduate


NFQ Level:

9 - Please see for further information


Delivery Modes:

Full-Time, Part-Time


Duration:

1 Year FT - 2 Years PT


Overview

The DCU MA in Creative Writing is designed to help you discover your inner writer by immersing you in the world of Drama, Poetry, and Fiction.


This exciting programme gives early-career and up-and-coming writers the chance to spend a year working with experienced writers in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. You can develop your writing skills and connect with the broader literary community.


The MA in Creative Writing provides intensive, practical courses in drama, poetry, screenwriting, and prose fiction. It also offers specialised classes in critical reading and creative practice.


Why DCU

  • In the 2024 QS Subject Rankings, English is the University’s highest-ranked subject, placing it within the top 150 universities worldwide for this discipline
  • 23% of current HSS students are part-time
  • 93% of FHSS graduates are in work or further study 6 months to a year after graduation, including 75% in employment and 18% in further studies

Entry Requirements

  • A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent, in a Humanities discipline but holders of other degrees or appropriate professional experience should provide information in their personal statement.
  • Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL.
  • International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Programme Structure

  • A core module called "Reading like a writer," worth 30 credits, is spread across both the first and second semesters.
  • Students can then select three out of four 10-credit modules focusing on Fiction, Drama, Poetry, and Screenwriting.
  • In addition, there is a 30-credit writing project.

Fees and Funding

Fees

  • Full time: €7,900 (EU), €17,000 (Non-EU)
  • Part time: €4,300 Per Annum (EU), €8,300 Per Annum (Non-EU)

How To Apply

  • All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal.
  • Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
  • Provide an example of writing, creative or otherwise, on a topic/theme of your choice maximum 3,000 words prose / 15 pages drama (correctly formatted) / 12 pages of poems.
  • Personal Statement (250-750 words)
  • If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.

Life On Campus

  • DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
  • Each campus has a library, study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies.
  • There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

FAQs

  • Is DCU all one campus?
    • No, DCU is a multi-campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses.
  • If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
    • Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
  • Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
    • Yes, we have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
  • Does DCU provide accommodation?
    • Yes, DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.

Program Outline

Extracted Information from the Provided Context for the MA in Creative Writing Programme at Dublin City University (DCU):


Degree Overview:


Overview:

The MA in Creative Writing at DCU is designed for early-career and emerging writers of all kinds. It aims to help writers complete a body of work in their chosen field (drama, fiction, poetry, screenwriting), and develop the critical skills necessary to evaluate their own work and the work of others.


Programme Aims:

Introduce students to a comprehensive range of creative writing techniques in the forms of drama, fiction, poetry and screenwriting. Promote an understanding of how aspects of writing technique (e.g., imagery, rhythm, narrative structure, voice/language register, rhetorical tropes) are applicable across multiple forms and genres. Encourage student engagement with seminal texts from Irish and global literature. Facilitate the development of critical and writing skills through workshops and individual practice.


Objectives:

  • Develop strong technical skills in various creative writing formats.
  • Hone critical thinking skills through analysis of literary texts.
  • Produce a substantial body of creative work within a chosen genre.
  • Refine the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback on creative writing.
  • Foster professional writing habits and a strong work ethic.

Programme Structure:


Overall Structure:

One-year full-time or two-year part-time programme leading to a Level 9 qualification.


Core Module:

"Reading like a writer" (30 credits) - Runs across both semesters, focusing on developing critical reading and analysis skills through engagement with diverse literary works.


Elective Modules (Choose three out of four):

  • Fiction (10 credits) - Explores the key elements of fiction writing, including character development, plot structure, setting, and narrative voice.
  • Drama (10 credits) - Delves into the techniques of playwriting, including dialogue, stagecraft, characterization, and dramatic conflict.
  • Poetry (10 credits) - Examines the different approaches to poetry writing, exploring form, imagery, rhythm, and sound.
  • Screenwriting (10 credits) - Introduces the fundamental principles of screenplay writing, covering story structure, character development, scene description, and dialogue writing.

Careers:


Career opportunities for graduates:

Journalism (online, radio, print), arts administration, publishing, directing & producing (theatre, film, radio, television), librarian & bookselling, advertising, education/teaching, web content creation/management, theatre sector (playwrights, literary managers, dramaturges).


Other:

  • Emphasis on fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating learning environment.
  • Small class sizes for personalized attention and strong peer interaction.
  • Faculty includes renowned writers with extensive national and international reputations (e.g., Marina Carr, Kevin Power, Kit Fryatt).
  • Programme aims to equip graduates with a wide range of transferable skills, including critical analysis, professional discipline, and creative thinking.

Additional Notes:

  • Information on admission requirements, fees, specific deadlines, and contact details is available on the DCU website.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Full time EU Status Fee €7,700 Non EU Fee. €16,500 Part time EU Status Fee Part-time €4,200 Per Annum Non EU Fee Part time €8,100 Per Annum

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