The MA in Creative Writing at Nottingham Trent University is one of the longest established postgraduate courses of its kind in the UK, with a strong record of publication by its graduates. Designed for talented and committed writers, the course is taught by a team of award-winning writers and academics.
You will be joining a lively community of other writers and teachers where you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of genres, including fiction, poetry, children's and young adult fiction, and writing for radio, stage and screen.
How you're taught
How will I learn?
The core course consists of a series of lectures and seminars on different aspects of the writing process, with optional modules incorporating practical writing workshops. Students currently choose two options from Fiction, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Poetry and Writing for Radio, Stage and Screen.
The core course regularly hosts talks and readings by writers. Guests have included:
- David Almond
- Neil Arksey
- Carrie Etter
- Jenny Diski
- Joe Dunthorne
- Geoff Dyer
- Michael Eaton
- Alan Hollinghurst
- Kathryn Hughes
- Jackie Kay
- Melanie McGrath
- Jon McGregor
- Hamish Macoll
- Kate Mosse
- Alan Jenkins
- Alan Sillitoe
- Amanda Whittington.
Writers from the English subject team also contribute to the MA as do agents, editors and other writing professionals.
Assessment
Students take the core module, two options and a dissertation (part-time students do the second option and dissertation in their second year). There are two assignments in each option.
Research opportunities
Creative Writing and Critical/Creative Writing PhD supervision is also available. We have a thriving PhD community and specialisms across creative writing and English literature.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.
Learning a new language can:
- enhance your communication skills
- enrich your experience when travelling abroad
- boost your career prospects.
Find out more about the ULP.
Careers and employability
Career development
The unique flexibility of the course enables students to work in a variety of genres including fiction, poetry, children's and young adult fiction, writing for radio, stage and screen, and creative non-fiction. Advice on getting published and lectures on the writing industry are incorporated into the structure of the course, and there are opportunities to meet publishers, editors and agents. Students are encouraged to build strong links with Nottingham's thriving literature community and are invited to participate in local events, readings and festivals.
Every year our students produce and publish their own high-quality anthology of original creative writing. This gives students invaluable insight into the editorial and publishing industry, as well as introducing their work to a wider public.
Many recent graduates have acquired agents and publishing deals.
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, it is vocationally focused and many recent graduates have acquired agents and publishing deals.
