Program Overview

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MSt in Creative Writing

The Master of Studies (MSt) in Creative Writing is designed for those who wish to further their creative writing skills. The course is available in four pathways: fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and multi-disciplinary.

Course Overview

The course is taught part-time over two years, with three intensive teaching residentials in each year of study. The degree is designed to allow students to balance their studies with other responsibilities.

Course Details

• Course fee:
  • Home: Ł20,592
  • Overseas: Ł32,436
• Credits: 180
• Study mode: Hybrid (in person and online)
• Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
• Duration: 2 Years
• Location: Various Locations
• Course code: ELM7
• Course type: Master's degrees

Tutors

• Dr Joseph Reed, University Teaching Associate - Creative Writing
• Dr Yvonne Battle-Felton, Academic Director for Creative Writing
• Rupert Wallis, Teaching Associate for Creative Writing

Course Overview

The course is designed to guide students in writing creatively, with modules taught by published writers. Students will also learn about the theory and craft of writing and participate in a practical group project to gain professional experience applicable to working in literary and creative fields.

Who is the Course Designed For?

The course is designed for those who wish to expand their capabilities as a writer. This may include advancing a project for publication, gaining transferable writing skills, improving the ability to think creatively, or increasing the capacity to express oneself through writing.

Aims of the Programme

By the end of the course, students should have:

• Produced a portfolio of creative writing that demonstrates their skill as a writer and their ability to edit and improve their own writing
• A comprehensive understanding of the genre (or genres) in which they work
• The ability to produce creative work that is original and displays an awareness of the conventions and recent developments of their genre (or genres)

Entry Requirements

The university welcomes applications from students with a variety of backgrounds and professional experiences. As part of the admissions process, students will need to meet certain requirements and ensure they are able to attend teaching sessions in the UK.

Standard Entry Requirements

Typically, a good UK undergraduate degree, such as a 2.1, or international equivalent, is required.

Non-Standard Applications

If students do not meet the standard entry requirements, they are still encouraged to apply. They will need to show they have relevant, professional experience that makes them a strong candidate, and/or have completed higher-level study.

English Language Requirements

The courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not the student's first language, they will need to prove they have sufficient fluency before admission.

Visa Information

The university welcomes applications from international students. If students are coming from overseas, they would attend the in-person teaching sessions for this course with visitor immigration permission.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

In each year of study, students will attend three week-long residentials in Cambridge. Teaching is planned to take place at Newnham College and the Sidgwick Site. Over the course of these three residentials, students will complete four modules: a compulsory core module and three genre-specific modules of their choice.

Assessment

• Compulsory Core Modules:
  • Theory and Practice of Writing: A 4,500-word essay that engages with an aspect of writing relevant to the student's own practice and experiences in workshop. (15% of final mark)
  • Professional Practices: A 1,500-word reflection that considers the experience gained on the module and the way in which that experience relates to professional ambitions. (5% of final mark)
• Genre-Specific Modules: A 1,500-word piece of creative prose (or textual equivalent) engaging with the content of the module for which it is submitted. (5% of final mark) Students will submit six of these assignments over the two years of the course. (30% of final mark)
• Creative Dissertation: A creative project of 15,000 words (or textual equivalent). (50% of final mark)

Fees and Funding

Fees

The total fees for this course are shown above in 'Course Details'. To understand which fee status applies, whether as a home or overseas student, visit the Universitys fee status page.

Funding

The university is dedicated to reducing and removing financial barriers to learning. Visit financial support ahead of the application deadline to find out what options may be available to help students in their studies.

How to Apply

Considering applying? The university looks forward to receiving the application. Applications are considered on a 'gathered field' basis, reviewing them all together after the application deadline.

Key Timings for Application

• The application deadline is 15 January 2026.
• Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held in late February/early March.

How to Apply and What is Needed

The application process involves:

• Creating, saving, and submitting the application
• Uploading supporting documents
• Submitting and managing references
• Paying the application fee
• Tracking the application

Supporting Documents

When submitting the application, students will need to provide supporting information, including:

• CV
• Personal statement
• Writing sample
• Research proposal
• Qualifications and transcripts
• References

College Membership

As an MSt student, students will become a member of a Cambridge College. For the MSt in Creative Writing, the university works with the following Colleges:

• Downing
• Lucy Cavendish
• Selwyn
• Robinson
• Wolfson
• St Edmund's

Student Support

The university is committed to supporting students in their learning journey and offers a variety of support opportunities to meet individual needs.