If you are interested in taking a master’s in creative writing but already have busy work and family commitments an online, part-time MA could be the answer. Distance learning has been transformed over the last 40 years from correspondence courses, studied alone at a distance, to a rich, engaging, interactive learning experience that mixes synchronous and asynchronous study.
This guide covers what to consider and look for in an online master’s degree in creative writing.
What is an MA in Creative Writing?
Creative writing can have vague definitions, but in essence, it is writing that is expressive and original and can provide a narrative and plot. It can cover all writing that is not academic, professional, or scientific, encompassing fiction and non-fiction, from poetry to types of journalism and biography.
MAs in Creative Writing are typically designed for those who want to learn from and collaborate with established writers to develop the skills to write their own play, novel, screenplay or non-fiction book.
An MA (Master of Arts) is a postgraduate degree typically, but not always, studied after completing a bachelor’s degree. MAs are classed as Level 7 or advanced learning qualifications.
Students taking an MA are expected to be self-motivated and dedicated to their learning. Studying at this level requires discipline and enthusiasm for the subject, as large parts of the learning are self-directed.
- Do you have a relevant undergraduate degree?
- Do you have relevant or adjacent career experience?
- Do you have a portfolio of work from previous courses or from a hobby?
If you don’t have much experience or exposure taking an undergraduate course in creative writing may be more suitable.
Why Study Creative Writing?
Studying creative writing at master’s level can be personally and professionally rewarding.
Here’s why:
- It provides a supportive framework to push your creativity and explore new techniques and genres.
- Exposure and experience in providing and receiving critique and feedback.
- You get to learn and network with a peer group of practitioners who are passionate about writing.
- Academics and tutors generally have a wealth of industry and wiring experience and can provide invaluable professional guidance.
- Time to write. Committing to structured learning provides a dedicated time to focus on your writing, which can be hard to find time for in a busy schedule.
- As students progress through a master’s program, they build and develop an advanced portfolio of work.
- And finally, personal fulfilment, dedicating time to a passion and seeing your practice develop.
Understanding how a creative writing MA can help you reach your goals is a powerful motivator. Taking the time to write down what you want to achieve by taking an Creative Writing Master’s can help you be clear about the why and help you to identify the right course for your aspirations
Creative Writing MA Course Structure
Master’s degrees in creative writing usually start with mandatory core modules that focus on different aspects of writing. Students can then select one or two elective modules to focus on a type or style of writing and build on the skills practised in the core modules.
Finally, the program concludes with a dissertation or major project, where students get to select the topic and scope of the work with the guidance of a tutor.
Core Module Examples:
- Creative Writing Workshops
- Fiction Forms
- Contemporary Literature Industry
- Reading and Writing Poems
Specialisation/Elective Module Examples
- Creative Nonfiction
- Short Fiction
- Contemporary Essays
- Digital Publishing
Online Learning for Creative Writing
Each university will have its unique course structure, syllabus and character, but below, we will cover some of the standard online learning tools and learning experience you find on modern online master’s degrees.
Creative Writing Online Collaboration
Online students access all the course materials through an online platform called a VLE (Virtual learning environment). It is common for a module or unit to be unlocked on a set weekly or monthly schedule to ensure that all students progress at the same pace, working on though the same questions and able to share what they are experiencing and learning in the class discussions.
There can be live and recorded lectures and tutorials, mini-activities, and asynchronous discussion forums. In addition, there are ample opportunities for one-to-one interaction and feedback with the tutors.
All of the activities and learning activities are to support students with their self-directed study and writing assignments as they develop a portfolio.
If you are new to online education, you may be surprised at the levels of interaction and convenience modern online learning provides. We have further guides about online learning and managing part-time study while working full-time.
Part-time study time-frames
Depending on the course structure, as you research degree options, you will find a mix of time frames to complete a full MA online—from one year full-time to up to five years part-time.
A full master’s degree is made up of 1,800 hours of study. If you are unsure how taking a part-time course could fit your schedule and how long it would take to complete, we have created an easy-to-use part-time study calculator. You just need to think about your typical weekly schedule and put in the hours you could dedicate to study each day, and the calculator will show you how many months it will take to complete different types of university qualifications.
Entry Requirements
To apply for an MA in Creative Writing, you’ll usually need:
- A Second-Class (2:2) undergraduate degree or international equivalent
- An IELTS score of 7.0 or above if English isn’t your first language
If you don’t have a degree, some universities may also consider your relevant writing experience or portfolio. If this applies to you, it’s best to check with your preferred university whether you meet their entry requirements based on your relevant work experience.
Application Deadlines And Documents Required
Most universities offer multiple start dates for their online programmes. The most common are September and January. However, some courses have rolling monthly start dates.
We recommend you start working on your MA course application at least three months before the application deadline – this should give you enough time to prepare your application documents and organise course funding.
So, if you plan on starting in September, it is wise to complete your application by June and October for a January start.
The documents you need to apply for an online MA Creative Writing course usually include:
- An online application form
- CV
- Personal statement
- Previous certificates and transcripts
- Portfolio of work
What are the costs of an MA in Creative Writing?
The course fees are the single most significant outlay for an online MA. For some courses, this may be the only cost involved.
Some programmes may offer optional in-person workshops or event attendance, which would be an extra expense. You will also need a laptop and a good internet connection. Most courses provide access to digital copies of any books on the reading lists. However, you may prefer physical books and need to budget accordingly.
We recommend asking the admissions teams about access to digital resources and any reading lists.
Tuition fees – Depending on the university, these can range from £6,500 to £13,000. Check relevant course pages for specific fee details.
Funding Options
If you’re a UK resident studying for a master’s degree, you could be eligible for a Master’s Loan — a government-funded loan that can cover your course costs. With this loan, you’ll only need to make repayments once you earn over a set amount.
View our guides on funding options for online study.
Scholarships and Grants
Many UK universities offer grants, scholarships or bursaries. That’s why it’s a good idea to check first with your chosen university if they offer these before you decide how you’ll fund your studies.
You can also visit The Scholarship Hub website for information on UK grants, scholarships and bursaries you can apply for.
If you’re a registered UK Study Online newsletter subscriber and meet our eligibility criteria, you’ll go into the draw to receive a scholarship that can be used towards your course tuition fees.
