MA Creative Writing

The MA in Creative Writing at Bristol is designed for writers who would like to begin publishing their work. In warm, supportive workshops, you will be helped to improve your writing and in lectures and seminars, you will increase your understanding of the industrial and critical contexts of contemporary literature.

You will be taught by experienced published writers in extended workshop sessions, where you will be supported to experiment, innovate, and improve your work. This is the heart of the degree, where you develop your understanding of readership and how to create immersive writing that is engaging and memorable.

A special unit introduces you to issues in contemporary publishing, where guest writers and experts from the industry bring up-to-date knowledge and expertise to the programme. This unit is tailored to student needs and designed to help you understand exactly how to begin trying to publish your work.

Welcomed into the University's prestigious Department of English, you'll learn about contemporary critical issues that influence the world of literature. You will be encouraged to read widely and books will be suggested for you by faculty. Over the summer, you'll work with a professional writer to develop your manuscript, just as you would with an agent or editor.

By the end of the programme, you should understand a great deal about the critical and commercial context of your writing. You should be able to speak confidently and intelligently about your work and where it belongs.

Twilight teaching allows people with working or caring responsibilities to study – as do the part-time options. A strong writing portfolio will allow access without a first degree in a related subject – or indeed without a first degree. Times of classes will be announced well in advance so that students can accommodate study in their busy lives. These elements make for diverse, exciting classroom experiences.

Also diverse is the students' work. Of course, we support literary fiction and poets in the British tradition. But we also support genres – including sci-fi, fantasy, mystery and thriller. We support writing for young readers, romance, comedy, and poems of all descriptions and recently supported a graphic novel script.