Program Overview

Overview

The Writing Poetry MA is a master's program that focuses on the development of poetry-writing and reflective abilities through reading, discussion, and revision. The program is led by award-winning tutors and offers expert tuition from nationally and internationally renowned poets.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this master's program, students will have:

• Advanced awareness of the processes of writing in their own work and that of others
• Advanced their creative ability through practice, reading, discussion, and revision
• Learned new ways to generate work and refine it through the development of enhanced revision skills
• A range of knowledge on the writing of poetry in English
• Enhanced sensitivity to verbal creativity
• An advanced ability to understand and judge the timing and duration of creative projects
• The ability to revise and prepare poetry for submission and publication
• Knowledge of the professional world of writing and publishing

Modules

The program consists of various modules, including:

• MA Writing Poetry: Portfolio (60 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Creative Writing: Workshop 1 (20 credits)
  • Creative Writing: Workshop 2 (20 credits)
  • Creative Writing: Masterclass 1 (20 credits)
  • Creative Writing: Craft (20 credits)
  • MA Writing Poetry: Summer School 1 (20 credits)
  • MA Writing Poetry: Annual Submission 1 (20 credits)
  • MA Writing Poetry: Summer School 2 (20 credits)
  • MA Writing Poetry: Annual Submission 2 (20 credits)

How You'll Learn

The program is typically delivered through workshops and masterclasses, focusing on reading, discussion, and revision of students' own work. Assessment methods include a portfolio.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked among the top universities globally, with:

• 42% of its research classified as 4* world-leading research (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• A 65% increase in research power since 2014 (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• Ranked among the top 140 universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2026)
• Ranked among the top 160 universities globally (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025)

Facilities

The program is based in the Percy Building, with access to:

• Dedicated computer clusters
• Meeting rooms
• A kitchen and lounge area
• The award-winning Phillip Robinson Library
• The Newcastle Centre for Literary Arts (NCLA), a world-class centre of excellence in the field of creative writing

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry:

• Home students: £5,700 per year (part-time, 24 months)
• International students: £5,700 per year (part-time, 24 months) Scholarships and funding opportunities are available.

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in a related subject
• A portfolio of up to ten poems
• English language requirements: IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, or TOEFL

How to Apply

Applications are accepted throughout the year, with no closing date. International students are advised to apply at least two months before the course starts. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students who need a visa to study in the UK. The application portal has instructions to guide applicants through the process.