masters of creative writing victoria

Writing (MFA)

As one of three programs in Canada offering an MFA in Writing, this program emphasizes both how to write and how to teach creative writing. You’ll focus on developing and perfecting your work in one of five genres: fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting, screenwriting or poetry. We also encourage you to explore new forms, like the graphic novel or interactive media.

You’ll work with internationally published writers and a small cohort of peers in a supportive environment. When you leave our program, you’ll take a polished body of work with you and skills that will help you to get published or produced, to sustain a career in the creative arts and to find a job as a writer, editor or post-secondary instructor.

Quick facts

Students in this program will:

• develop the ability to give and receive creative and constructive editorial feedback in a workshop setting
• develop critical reading skills and a familiarity with a diverse range of contemporary creative works across multiple genres
• understand how to use literary and/or dramatic techniques to create compelling and original creative compositions
• acquire the skills and experience to teach creative writing at the post-secondary level and for community groups
• write a major creative capstone project in your chosen genre

Find a supervisor

All graduate students will be assigned a faculty member who will serve as their academic supervisor.

You don’t need to confirm a supervisor before applying to this program. However, we encourage you to take a look at the faculty contacts to see whose creative work complements yours.

Danielle Geller

Assistant Professor, Graduate Advisor Creative nonfiction, memoir, speculative fiction, documentary studies, archives.

[email protected]

David Leach

Professor Creative nonfiction, literary journalism, the nonfiction novel, adventure travel, ecological literacy, magazine publishing, teaching with technology, sports writing, memory and creative writing, interactive narrative, video games, digital storytelling, extended reality (XR) technologies and generative AI. Note: I am interested in recruiting MFA or Interdisciplinary graduate students in the fields of interactive narratives and digital storytelling.

[email protected]

Deborah Campbell

Associate Professor, Director of Professional Writing, Lansdowne Chair in Fine Arts Creative nonfiction, literary journalism, memoir, biography, travel writing.

[email protected]

Diane Dakers

Assistant Teaching Professor Journalism, media studies, fiction for young adults, nonfiction for children.

[email protected]

Gregory Scofield

Associate Professor Poetry, memoir.

[email protected]

Kathryn Mockler

Assistant Professor Short film writing, feature film writing, TV writing, poetry, short fiction, experimental writing, hybrid genres, editing and publishing, climate/eco writing, small press publishing.

[email protected]

Chair, Associate Professor Stage, screen, collaborative creation, site-specific theatre, multimedia performance.

[email protected]

Lee Henderson

Associate Professor Fiction, creative nonfiction, the graphic novel.

[email protected]

Marita Dachsel

Assistant Teaching Professor Poetry, drama, installations, hybrid genres, fiction.

[email protected]

Maureen Bradley

Professor Film production, experimental film, drama, documentary, Canadian and queer media arts.

[email protected]

Sean Holman

Associate Professor, Wayne Crookes Professor of Environmental and Climate Journalism Environmental journalism, investigative journalism, solutions journalism, community building journalism, government and corporate secrecy, freedom of information, and more.

[email protected]

Associate Professor Poetry, filmmaking, screenwriting, fiction, nonfiction, film/literature/visual art/music/dance of the African diaspora, poetics, philosophy, hip hop culture, and more.

[email protected]

Show me program details

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Your program details

Application deadlines, admission requirements, program specific requirements.

As part of your application, you must submit:

• a portfolio
• a 400-word statement of purpose, which includes a description of the manuscript you want to work on and your specific area of expertise
• your references should be able to give an assessment of your academic standing, talent as a writer, critical ability, capacity for doing self-directed work and teaching potential

Typically, we only accept one applicant per genre per year.

Please submit a portfolio of writing samples in your preferred genre of study. You may submit one of the following:

• 10-15 pages of poetry
• 20-30 pages of playwriting, screenwriting, fiction or creative nonfiction

If applicable, summarize your professional experience and publications in one to three pages for additional consideration.

Submissions in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction must have a minimum 1.5 line spacing.

Submissions in playwriting and screenwriting should follow their industry-standard formats.

Completion requirements

Funding & aid, tuition & fees.

Estimated minimum program cost*

* Based on an average program length. For a per term fee breakdown view the tuition fee estimator .

Estimated values determined by the tuition fee estimator shall not be binding to the University of Victoria.

Ready to apply?

You can start your online application to UVic by creating a new profile or using an existing one.

Apply now     How to apply

Faculties & departments

• Faculty of Fine Arts
• Department of Writing

Contact Valerie Tenning at [email protected] or 250-721-7306 .

< Back to Writing overview

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Graduate Coursework

Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing

• Arrow-right #1 University in Australia
• Course code:   D01LF

Course overview

Meet us in person at our mini-expo Want a personal look at how this course can help you achieve your goals? Chat with our course coordinators and admissions staff at our casual mini-expo in Arts West (Parkville campus) on Wednesday 17 April. Find out more

Unearth and connect the shared skills between writer, editor and publisher. With the Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing, you can gain a globally recognised, vocationally viable qualification designed with the changing nature of the publishing industry in mind.

This program has a practical focus aimed at building your knowledge and skill set across a broad spectrum of writing, publishing and editing, including digital writing and publishing, fiction and non‐fiction writing, print production, advanced editing for books and magazines and writing for young adults.

Who is it for?

The Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing is for those who currently work in the creative writing, editing and publishing industry, or have recently completed an undergraduate degree. This qualification is for you if you want to build your project management, research and critical thinking in writing, editing and publishing projects, or develop sound knowledge of the commercial impetus of the global publishing industry.

Related study areas

• Arts, humanities and social sciences
• Culture and communication
• Music, visual and performing arts

Course Finder

Find a course, institution or scholarship in Melbourne or regional Victoria

Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing

The university of melbourne, course details.

CRICOS course code: 058718E

Level of study: Masters Degrees

Unearth and connect the shared skills between writer, editor and publisher. With the Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing, you can gain a globally recognised, vocationally viable qualification designed with the changing nature of the publishing industry in mind.

This program has a practical focus aimed at building your knowledge and skill set across a broad spectrum of writing, publishing and editing, including digital writing and publishing, fiction and non-fiction writing, print production, advanced editing for books and magazines and writing for young adults.

Who is it for?

The Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing is for those who currently work in the creative writing, editing and publishing industry, or have recently completed an undergraduate degree. This qualification is for you if you want to build your project management, research and critical thinking in writing, editing and publishing projects, or develop sound knowledge of the commercial impetus of the global publishing industry.

On graduation from the Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing, you will be ready for work in professional fields including:

• Book publishing
• Freelance writing
• Print production
• Technical writing
• Writing and editing for digital media

Click here for more details on this course.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements for the 200 point program

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have completed an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 70% (or equivalent).

Entry requirements for the 150 point program

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have completed an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a directly related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 70% (or equivalent). Disciplines directly related to this course include Creative Writing.

English language requirements:

IELTS (academic English Only): Overall 7.0 (with written 7.0 and no band less than 6.0) TOEFL Internet-based test: 94 + ; Writing 27; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13; Pearson Test of English Academic: 65 + written communicative skill of 65 and no other communicative skill below 50 Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 185 + no less than 185 in Writing and 169 in each other skill

Similar course options

Related scholarships.

English Literature

• Creative writing
• Key resources
• Referencing
• Shakespeare

Books on Writing

Poetry & creative nonfiction, literary journals, aotearoa nz writing, writers' tools.

• Brainstorming keywords
• Primary sources
• Streaming videos
• Assignment research help This link opens in a new window

English Literature Librarian

• [email protected]
• +64 4 887 3030
• Make an appointment

• The Fuse Box: Essays on Writing from Victoria University's International Institute of Modern Letters Print book available in the Library
• Cambridge Companion to Creative Writing by David Morley (Editor); Philip Neilsen (Editor) Addresses concepts important to the field of creative writing, while maintaining a strong craft emphasis, analysing exemplary models of writing and providing related writing exercises.
• Handbook of Creative Writing by Steven Earnshaw (Editor) Covers the central pillars of writing creatively: the theories behind the creativity, the techniques, and the writing as a commercial enterprise.
• Companion to Creative Writing by Graeme Harper (Editor) Considers key aspects of the practice, profession, and culture of creative writing in the contemporary world.

• The Situation and the Story by Vivian Gornick ISBN: 9780374528584 Publication Date: 2002-10-11 Physical book available from Kelburn Library
• The Art of the Personal Essay by Phillip Lopate ISBN: 9780385422987 Publication Date: 1994-01-01 Physical book available from Kelburn Library

• 99 ways into New Zealand poetry : over 85 key poems plus 25 poets talk about their work by Paula Green; Harry Ricketts ISBN: 1869791789 Publication Date: 2010 Physical book available at Kelburn Library
• 52 ways of looking at a poem, or, How reading modern poetry can change your life by Ruth Padel ISBN: 9780099429159 Publication Date: 2004 Print book available at Kelburn Library
• Landfall Online available from 2014. Physical copies of older volumes available at Kelburn Library and through the JC Beaglehole Room
• Sport Contains poetry, short stories, novel extracts, essays and art. Published in Wellington by Fergus Barrow. The latest issues are available in print at the Library.
• The Paris Review Use the EBSCO link to access full-text of most recent issues.
• New Yorker Read 6 articles per month via New Yorker website. Use EBSCO or ProQuest to access full-text versions of articles.
• Wasafiri Full text available from 1997
• TLS - The Times Literary Supplement Use Gale Times Literary Supplement Historical Archive for 1902-2014. Use Gale Academic OneFile to access articles after 2014.
• London Review of Books Features articles and essays on fiction and non-fiction subjects.
• Best New Zealand Poems Introduces 25 poems by leading contemporary New Zealand poets. Published by International Institute of Modern Letters.
• Featured Showcases the best of NZ journalism.
• Landfall Showcases new fiction and poetry, as well as biographical and critical essays, and cultural commentary. Published by Otago University Press.
• Sport Features poetry, short stories, novel extracts, essays and art. Published by Victoria University Press.
• PressReader This link opens in a new window Provides access to many domestic and international magazines and newspapers, including NZ Listener and North & South.
• The Art of Creative Research by Philip Gerard Helps writers take their natural inclination to explore and observe and turn it into a workable--and enjoyable--research plan.
• Oxford Dictionary for Writers and Editors Provides a one-stop reference with comprehensive and helpful advice on a very broad range of issues encountered when writing or editing.
• Elements of Style by William Strunk; E. B. White The classic style manual that conveys the principles of English style.
• << Previous: Shakespeare
• Next: Research tips >>
• Last Updated: Mar 21, 2024 8:56 AM
• URL: https://libguides.victoria.ac.nz/english-literature

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a low residency or entirely online program (according to student needs) which focuses on the study of creative writing and poetics, and particularly on the creation, critique, revision, and publication of creative literary works in fiction, creative nonfiction, and/or poetry.

• General Admission Requirements. Admission to Graduate Studies (see Graduate Admission requirements   ).
• A one to two-page letter that states the applicant¡¦s reasons for applying to the program and their personal and/or professional objectives
• Two letters of recommendation.
• A twenty to thirty-page creative writing sample.
• Submit official GRE scores and have an Admissions index of 980 or higher, obtain by the following:  
• GPA on at least the last 60 semester credit hours times 200 Plus 15 times (Verbal + Quantitative - 260).

Degree Requirements: MFA in Creative Writing - Creative Writing

• Twelve (12) credit hours of Creative Writing Workshop courses, to be chosen from the following Core Courses (each of which may be taken up to four times, and of which any combination of four with satisfy the requirement): ENGL 6364 Graduate Creative Nonfiction Writing Workshop   ; ENGL 6361 Graduate Poetry Writing Workshop   ; ENGL 6363 Graduate Fiction Writing Workshop   ; ENGL 6360 Graduate Writing Workshop   .
• Three (3) credit hours of ENGL 6333 Form and Poetics   .
• Fifteen (15) credit hours of elective courses, to be chosen from ENGL and PUBL (courses from other divisions require the approval of the MFA director).
• Six (6) credit hours of MFA Thesis, to be connected with the Thesis Project.  
• Prior to the beginning of the MFA Thesis courses (in item “D.” above), students must submit a MFA Thesis Proposal and gain the approval of a Thesis Advisor. This proposal should be no more than two pages in length, and it should detail the genre of the thesis as well as a specific description of the project. At the time of the proposal’s submission, students must have completed 12 credit hours of Workshop, with at least 6 of those credit hours earned in the same genre as that of the thesis project; that is, 6 out of 12 hours taken for item “A,” above, should be in the same genre as the proposed project.

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Home / Arts / Creative Writing: The Writer's Craft

Creative Writing: The Writer's Craft

Course description

This is a comprehensive, multi-genre course in the craft of creative writing. Through writing exercises, cross-genre readings and engaging discussion, you will explore everything from the structural integrity of the sentence and the symbolic unity of word sounds, to the archetypal patterns in narrative and verse form. In addition to your weekly tutorials, expect to spend approximately three hours per week on your own, completing readings and writing exercises. You will develop the discipline and tools to hone your editorial skills and discover your own distinct voice.

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Master of Writing

UC's Master of Writing (MWrit) is a coursework-based degree that enables you to specialise and deepen your expertise in professional, academic, creative, or technical writing. Learn more about studying an MWrit through our Te Kaupeka Toi Tangata | Faculty of Arts.

TUITION FEES

2024 tuition fees estimate per 180 points:

• Domestic — $12,276
• International — $46,350

Introduction

For anyone with an interest in professional, academic, creative, and technical writing, this coursework-based Master’s degree allows you to specialise and deepen your expertise.

You will apply skills of advanced textual analysis and written communication to a wide range of contexts, audiences, and styles, and also connect your studies to the community and the workplace. 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.

Students of this highly versatile degree will study, produce, and be assessed on their professional, technical, and fiction and non-fiction writing.

What will my study involve? keyboard_arrow_down

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 keyboard_arrow_down

Entry requirements.

You should have achieved at least a B Grade Point Average in 300-level courses in your undergraduate degree, which should have also had a strong written component.

If English is your additional language, you will also need to provide evidence of your 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.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Writing or use the admission requirements checker .

How to apply

You can enrol online at myUC .

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

Subjects and courses keyboard_arrow_down

Subjects and courses.

MWRIT 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

Further study keyboard_arrow_down

Further study.

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

Careers keyboard_arrow_down

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.

Useful information:

• Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories .
• Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
• For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website .
• Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC .
• Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.

Fees keyboard_arrow_down

2024 tuition fees estimate (per 180 points):

2023 tuition fees estimate (per 180 points):

• Domestic — $11,942
• International — $43,500

SSL estimate (per 180 points):

• 2024 — $1375.50 (capped at 150 points per academic year)
• 2023 — $1240.50 (capped at 150 points per academic year)

Domestic tuition fees

International tuition fees

Student Services Levy (SSL)

Funding your study

Degree structure keyboard_arrow_down

How do i plan my degree.

Within the MWRIT you 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.

For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Writing .

Postgraduate Prospectus 2024

Whakatairanga tāura.

Student stories

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Master of Creative Writing – MCW

Use your passion for writing to transform yourself and the world through an intense exploration of language.

Entry requirements

• Qualification structure
• Courses & specialisations
• Fees & scholarships
• Careers & jobs

Type of qualification

Level of study.

Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.

More about study levels

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete

Where you can study.

• International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Admission application due dates Course enrolment dates for accepted students Semester dates

Study a Master of Creative Writing – MCW

Advance straight from your bachelor’s degree.

The Master of Creative Writing (MCW) is a 180-credit programme that can follow on immediately from your bachelor’s degree in any subject.

Develop your creative process

Produce your own creative writing to challenge your innovative energies. Discover new ways to unlock ideas and connect with readers.

Gain writing experience

Work alongside award-winning authors to write your own novels, poems, short stories, plays, scripts, creative non-fiction and more.

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.

To enter the Master of Creative Writing you will:

• have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree with at least a B grade average across the 200 and 300-level specialisation courses, or
• have a bachelor’s with honours degree or a postgraduate diploma in arts in Creative Writing,  Expressive Arts or English, with at least a B grade average for the qualification.

You will be selected into the qualification on the basis of a process which includes providing:

• a summary of your research interests: a brief (one to two paragraphs) outline of your proposed MCW thesis, summarising your proposed creative project (about 70% of the thesis) and proposed critical project (about 30% of the thesis). Please indicate the genre in which you would like to write your creative thesis in this outline. Critical projects usually take the form of a literary essay, a craft essay, or an exegesis
• a portfolio of your creative writing (please refer below)
• confirmation that your creative writing portfolio is your own personal work.

If you have a bachelor’s with honours degree or postgraduate diploma in arts in Creative Writing, Expressive Arts or English from Massey University as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.

You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

Application closing date

Applications close on 31 October for study commencing the following year.

English language requirements

To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

• Massey University English language requirements

Portfolio of creative writing requirements

Your creative writing sample should be in the genre you wish to pursue in your thesis and limited to 4,000 words maximum for fiction, creative non-fiction, a theatre or film script, or a hybrid writing sample. For poetry, please submit a sample of up to ten poems (about 10-15 pages). If you are unable to upload your portfolio, please upload confirmation that you are sending your portfolio in hard copy to:

Academic Support Massey University Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North

Please enquire for any other questions on required supporting documents.

Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit

Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit. 

• Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
• Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

• review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
• contact us through the Get advice button on this page.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications.  If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the programme if you wish to continue your studies.

The maximum time-frame for completion of this qualification is five years.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification .

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Structure of the Master of Creative Writing

If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

The Master of Creative Writing is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.

Part One is composed of two online distance courses that may be taken full-time in a single semester or part-time over two consecutive semesters.

It is recommended that you take both of the List A courses to fulfil the requirements of Part One, but you may choose to take only one of the courses.

If you choose to take only 30 credits from List A, you must take 30 credits from List B.

A grade average of at least B+ is required in Part One in order to progress to Part Two.

Part Two (120 credits) is a thesis.

In part two you work one-on-one with a supervision. It also includes a programme of online talks and workshops.

Advanced entry

If you have a bachelor’s with honours degree or a postgraduate diploma in arts in Creative Writing, Expressive Arts or English, with at least a B grade average you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.

Courses and specialisations

Credit summary, 180 credits.

• Part One List A course(s) – At least 30 credits
• Part One List B course(s) – Up to 30 credits
• Part Two thesis – 120 credits
• A compulsory workshop

Advanced entry: Those who have already completed specified qualifications in advance of the minimum entry requirements and have been granted credit for it, may be able to complete this degree in 60 - 120 credits.

This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around your completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two, etc.

Course planning key

Part one (choose 60 credits from), list a (choose at least 30 credits from).

An introduction to practices of research with creative texts. Students will learn practical techniques for planning and producing research in critical and/or creative modes. Fostering a critical voice and debating the cultural and social value of aesthetic communication will be integral to the course.

An advanced study and practice of creative writing in its myriad contemporary forms.

List B (Choose no more than 30 credits from)

An advanced introduction to rhetoric and composition as a framework for writing research and writing instruction.

A study of literary culture in Britain and the Pacific during the Romantic and Victorian periods. This course explores relationships between poetry, novels, travel writing and political treatises in the period, focusing on the distinctive nature of literary engagements with contemporary social and political upheavals.

An advanced exploration of contemporary New Zealand fiction and poetry and its relationship to international aesthetic practices, in the context of globalisation and postcoloniality.

An advanced introduction to theories of postcolonial ethics and identity, and their relationship to selected works of literature from a range of postcolonial contexts.

What role does theatre have in the community? Is there a valid place for community theatre in a secular society? If so, what stories need to be told through theatre? How might we tell them? The exploration of these questions will involve, initially, the examination of a range of historical and contemporary models of community theatre. Students will then engage in exploratory workshops, in community research, writing, rehearsals and theatrical performance.

A supervised and guided independent study.

An examination of major developments in approaches to fiction in the twentieth century, focusing on modern and postmodern trends, and on how these have impacted on the rise and alleged decline of distinctions between elite art and popular culture. Texts for analysis are selected from both literature and film and include examples of canonical as well as popular fiction.

This course examines the critical context of contemporary media practice, exploring how media texts, technologies, and institutions respond to and produce processes of globalisation. Students will focus on the use of digital and mobile media technologies, and consciously negotiate decisions regarding the cultural, social, political, economic, ethical and environmental implications of their own media production, distribution and consumption.

Prerequisites: 154204 or 154224 or 154304

Part Two (Choose 120 credits from)

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

Corequisites: 139861

Fees and scholarships

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme.

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

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You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

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Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

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Scholarship and award opportunities

• Massey University Postgraduate Overseas Research Grant

Fees disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice .

Careers and job opportunities

A Master of Creative Writing is one of the most creative and enriching degrees you can do. Employers seek out arts students for their lateral and analytical thinking, communication skills and creative ability.

There are various possibilities for creative writing graduates, including:

• non-profit or corporate freelance writing
• creative arts project coordination
• writing for television, magazines, blogs or the book-publishing industry
• inter-arts collaboration for arts festivals
• writing for public relations
• creative writing in advertising
• performance-related writing and production
• writing and advising on government policy
• writing for social media.

Related study options

Creative writing – graduate certificate in arts.

With a Graduate Certificate in Arts (Creative Writing) you’ll examine inspiring creative writing and start developing your own.

Creative Writing – Bachelor of Arts

Unlock your imagination, expand your creative thinking and polish your writing.

Creative Writing – Diploma in Arts

With a Diploma in Arts (Creative Writing) you will examine inspiring creative works and explore your personal creative approach through poetry, life writing, scriptwriting, and fiction.

Creative Writing – Graduate Diploma in Arts

Examine great creative works and start writing your own. The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Creative Writing) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in creative writing without completing a second bachelor’s degree.

English – Graduate Certificate in Arts

Understand how words shape our world with the Graduate Certificate in Arts (English).

English – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (English), you can take your undergraduate study of English further.

English – Bachelor of Arts

Develop your passion for literature. Understand how great writing has shaped identity, culture, and society.

English – Diploma in Arts

Do you have a passion for literature? The Diploma in Arts (English) will give you versatile and transferable skills that can open many career pathways.

English – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts

A Massey Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (English) will help you understand how language shapes the world we live in.

English – Master of Arts

With Massey’s Master of Arts (English) you can build on your undergraduate study and follow your passion for literature. Complete advanced research into an aspect of English, rhetoric or theatre studies.

English – Graduate Diploma in Arts

The Graduate Diploma in Arts (English) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in English without having to complete a second bachelor’s degree.

Useful planning information

• Find more courses or qualifications
• Planning your study
• Application process overview
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Key information for students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz

International Institute of Modern Letters Te Pūtahi Tuhi Auaha o Te Ao

Phd in creative writing—te tohu kairangi tuhinga auaha.

Our PhD programme is designed for those who wish to write creatively and think in focussed and original ways about the critical contexts of their writing.

Our PhD programme

Your thesis will consist of a book-length creative project or the text of full-length works for stage or screen, and a substantial piece of critical research. There are regular PhD group workshops, and the programme also requires an ability to work independently. You meet at least once a month with your supervisor, and the supervisor-student relationship is crucial to the progress of your work for the PhD.

Creative component

This is a full-length work for the page (poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction), or the text of full-length works for stage or screen. While the length of the creative component will necessarily vary, depending on the genre, it will usually form about 70 percent of the research for the degree.

Critical component

This is an academic/scholarly study which contextualises the creative component. It cannot simply be a reflection on the process of writing the creative component. The critical component will normally comprise about 30 percent of the research for the degree, or approximately 30,000 words.

In some cases it might be possible to take a hybrid approach so that the thesis interweaves creative and critical research.

Length and mode of study

PhD candidates must be registered for a minimum of 36 months full time, or equivalent, before they submit a thesis for examination. Under normal circumstances a PhD would be expected to take three years of full-time work.

You can enrol as a part-time student for the PhD, although we prefer full-time enrolments. If you are accepted as a part-time student, you will need to commit half your working week to PhD research, and the Faculty needs to be satisfied that you will complete the degree within six years.

The PhD Creative Writing is not generally available as a form of distance learning. While you do not need to live in Wellington, you are expected to be on campus for the six-weekly meetings of the PhD group, and for regular meetings with your supervisors. However, we recognise that in-person attendance may present significant barriers for some students. If you have concerns about this, please let us know early in your application process, so we can discuss the options.

Initial enquiries

In the first instance you should email Damien Wilkins, IIML Director and coordinator of our PhD programme. This first approach should briefly set out your research interests and your creative/critical background.

You can contact him at any time during the year on the details below, but please read the information on this page, and our How and when to apply page, first.

Scriptwriters please note: due to current supervision commitments, our capacity for new students is limited. We apologise for this and encourage you to contact Damien Wilkins to discuss the best timing for an application.

Prof Damien Wilkins

Director Institute of Modern Letters

• [email protected]
• WR16 302, 16 Waiteata Road (Bill Manhire House)

Prerequisites for PhD research

To apply to enrol for any PhD at Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka, you will need a first-class or high second-class Honours or a Master’s degree with an overall GPA of no less than 6 (letter grade B+). Read more about prerequisites . In this case relevant qualifications would include an MA in Creative Writing with Merit or Distinction or a similar qualification in English Literature.

Entry is competitive and each year we turn down more applicants than we can accept. The quality of your proposal will be very important to your success.

Applications

There are three PhD application deadlines each year: 1 March, 1 July and 1 November.

We have prepared information on how to apply, including the programme-specific application requirements for the PhD Creative Writing.

Supervision

PhD students have two supervisors—a primary supervisor, and a co- or secondary supervisor.

Your primary supervisor will normally be a member of the permanent academic staff of the IIIML: Ken Duncum, Tina Makereti, Chris Price or Damien Wilkins.

Your co-supervisor is likely to be from an academic school or programme outside the IIML.

You should discuss the question of supervisors with Damien Wilkins, as the nature of your proposal will often determine who should be approached for supervision.

Funding opportunities

The University offers a scholarship programme for PhD candidates. Prospective students who would like to be considered for a Wellington Doctoral Scholarship should indicate this as part of their application for admission to the PhD programme. More information about PhD funding . All scholarship-related questions should be directed to the Scholarships Office .

The scholarship process is competitive and that acceptance to the PhD programme does not guarantee a funding package. Applicants who already have a PhD are unlikely to be eligible for a Doctoral scholarship.

Progress and assessment

The University has a system of six-monthly progress reports, which must be completed by the candidate and one or both supervisors. As well, in your first year, you are only accepted for provisional registration for the degree. If the University is satisfied with your progress at 12 months, you move from provisional to full registration.

When your supervisors agree that your thesis is ready for examination, after 36 months of full-time registration or equivalent, copies are sent to three examiners. These usually consist of one internal examiner and two external examiners, who will normally be staff at other universities. An oral examination is also required.

More information and advice

All applications for PhD study at the University are made through the Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR). For any general information about the application process, visit their website or contact the FGR .

Prospective applicants seeking a better understanding of how our programme works in practice are encouraged to read the findings of a research project by PhD Lynn Jenner . The project looks at the PhD Creative Writing—particularly the relationship between the critical and creative components—from the point of view of students, supervisors and examiners. The full research data is available online .

You can also see what our PhD students are working on, by reading our current PhD project profiles .

Majors and Degrees

Creative writing, ba.

Creative Writing will prepare students for careers and jobs in writing, publishing, and teaching.

• Nebraska Medicine
• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff

Nursing’s creative writing award announces winners

• Written by UNMC College of Nursing
• Published Apr 9, 2024

The 2023-2024 UNMC College of Nursing Creative Writing Awards announced winners for this year’s contest. The theme was “Nursing Does That,” encouraging students and alumni to write a story about an experience of how they were changed by caring for an individual who was different than themselves. 

This was the first year offering a contest for alumni, who could submit a story on the same theme.

“We received stories from all our five campuses and from all our academic programs,” said Mark Darby, assistant professor in the UNMC College of Nursing and contest chair. “Our alumni were very supportive, providing not only great stories but funds for our awards this year.”

Darby added, “The stories reflect the deep respect and care our students and alumni provide to the citizens of Nebraska. Nurses face difficult clinical situation and still provide high levels of care.”

This is the fourth year for the contest, which has provided more than $53,000 in awards and resulted in four student stories being published in the American Journal of Nursing.

The top award winners of the student contest will share their stories at a virtual banquet, available at this link , on April 25 from 5-6:30 p.m.

The names of the awardees and the title are below. For previous winners, see the Creative Writing Project website .

Student awards

• Emily Tanner, “Marge Dancing in the Rain”
• Julia Miller, “Your Secret is Safe with Me”
• Sierra Bryant, “I Know That Voice”
• Tayla Goettsche, “His Cat Named Oreo”

Honorable mention

• Greta Rosno, “To My Best Friend Grief”
• Kirsten Hepburn, “Just Hope”
• Kylee Solberg, “Fight Like a Princess”

Publication award

• Alyssa Ramsey, “Compassionate Care – The Heart of Nursing”
• Amanda Gould, “Nursing Can Make You Cry”
• Emma Wareham, “Nursing Does That”
• Ethan VanEnkevort, “Nursing Did That to Me”
• Gabriel Bodeman, “Heartbeat”
• Kaitlyn Gamble, “Pivot”
• Kia Scott-Sellers, “The Ventilator”
• Kylee Solberg, “A New Day”
• Lauren Longacre, “Strangers”
• Lisa Salisbury, “Nursing Does That”

Alumni awards

Alumni top award

• Jan Fuccillo, “A Change of Heart”
• Candy Lussetto, “Nursing Does That”      
• Sharon Redding, “SR- Nursing”

Alumni honorable mention

• Rebecca Stone, “Beautiful Changes”
• Cindy Miller, “Imposter No More”
• Dawn Steinman, “In August Of 1979”
• Mary Martin, “Nursing Does That Changes Lives Forever”
• Katie Weaver, “The Limit Does Not Exists”
• Kay Rockwell, “Nurse Kay”

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