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MA Creative Writing

Elevate your skills as a writer

Course details

Duration

two years

Delivery

online and part-time

Start dates

January, May and September

Next welcome week

20 January 2025

Next course start date

27 January 2025

Application deadline

10 January 2025

Total course fee

£9,900

Course overview

Develop an array of transferable skills on our MA Creative Writing course. Throughout your studies, we’ll encourage you to reflect on your own practice, explore the fundamental duty of the writer, and guide you in honing your creative identity. 

Unlike other courses, we place a special emphasis on the ethical and environmental aspects of creative writing. You’ll develop the unique ability to combine the art of storytelling with a deep commitment to environmental consciousness. As a graduate, you’ll stand out because you can harness your discipline to respond to the climate crisis and drive positive change in the world. 

By looking at a vast spectrum of literary genres and theoretical approaches, you’ll cultivate a holistic understanding of your craft. Coupled with a broad range of real-world insights into the contemporary publishing industry, you’ll be set to succeed as a published professional writer.  

Our course modules also highlight the importance of collaboration and constructive feedback in bringing creative ideas to life. On top of this, you’ll have unique opportunities to get involved with industry-specific events like the Writing the Earth symposium.  

As a graduate of Arts University Bournemouth, you’ll join a vibrant, thriving community with environmental ethics at its core. Armed with industry-ready skills and a global network, the opportunities you’ll have are boundless. 

Online MA Creative Writing course overview

Watch the course overview video to gain insight into who the course is for, what makes it stand out, what you will learn, and the advantages of studying online with AUB.

Click here to read the video transcript.

Course units

Our academics have designed this course to explore every facet of your craft. The breadth of theoretical and practical knowledge you acquire will help you position yourself in today’s literary publishing scene. Through the common thread of a Reflective Journal, you’ll also document your own transformative journey.

Online MA Creative Writing Q&A

Watch event highlights from our latest Q&A for the Online MA Creative Writing.

Click here for the video transcript.

Kevan Manwaring

Your Course Leader

Dr Kevan Manwaring's research focuses on the ecological imaginary in fantasy and other creative forms. An academic consultant for BBC 4’s The Secret Life of Books, and a contributor to BBC Radio 3’s Free Thinking, he has much experience as a spoken word performer, panellist, and guest speaker. He blogs as the Bardic Academic.  

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"Dedicated writing time, quality professional guidance, and a constructively critical, supportive environment are some of the most valuable things a writer can give themselves."

Dr Kevan Manwaring | Course Leader, MA Creative Writing

Entry requirements

We encourage applications from students with a broad range of qualifications and we welcome students from all educational backgrounds. We’ll take into account the knowledge and skills that you have developed outside the classroom, as well as your previous qualifications.

There are two different routes to entry: the standard  and non-standard  routes. Admissions staff will assess entries to determine which route is appropriate for you when you apply.

Students accepted on the standard route are given offers based on qualifications and supporting documentation alone. If you do not have a qualification at the designated level or in a subject not directly related to the course to which you are applying, you’ll be contacted to request a portfolio, and/or given an interview date.

Fees and funding

The fees that you pay AUB help provide the necessary services and training for you to complete your course. There are a number of different ways that you can pay for your tuition.

EXPLORE FEES AND FUNDING

How to apply

Head to our online application form to apply directly to us. We encourage applications from students with a broad range of qualifications – we'll take into account the knowledge and skills that you've developed outside the classroom as well.

Application process

Meet your Industry Patron

Michelle Zeitlin

Michelle Zeitlin

MA Creative Writing Industry Patron

We’re delighted to welcome Michelle as the patron of our course and have her help our students reach their full potential. Michelle's role involves:

  • Being actively involved in ensuring that the programme is grounded in industry practice and sets students up for success
  • Acting as a vital connection between the industry itself and the course
  • Holding exclusive talks for students
  • Helping students put their work on the map and contextualising projects

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Careers and opportunities in Creative Writing

The versatile, distinctive skillset you acquire on this course will open up a wide variety of options for your future – in terms of both employment and further academic study. Projects such as the anthology submission will be viable for industry publishing, and through your final project, you’ll already have first-hand experience delivering an outstanding pitch.  

You’ll also benefit from guidance as part of the AUB Course Industry Patron scheme: a formal connection with a creative writing practitioner who offers unique collaborative opportunities and close relations within the industry. 

The project management, collaboration, market analysis and critical thinking skills you develop will increase your chances of employability as a writing professional – whether your goal is to be a freelance writer, in-house author, or publisher. On top of this, you’ll develop core soft skills surrounding resilience and flexibility that are highly sought-after in today’s fast-changing global economy.

Here are just a few of the options you could pursue as an MA Creative Writing graduate: 

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Freelance writer or author
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Scriptwriter
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Video game writer
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Newspaper journalist
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Copywriter or proofreader

You could also pursue opportunities in research, lecturing, lexicography, and communications.

Exploring Environmental Narratives through Creative Writing & Photography

Watch highlights from our 'Expressions of Earth: Exploring Environmental Narratives through Creative Writing & Photography' online event.

Video transcripts

Start your creative journey here.

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