The Creative Writing MA at City, University of London

If you are looking to get ideas or information on accommodation, the visa application process, library services, getting to campus, international student life or life on campus, then please stop reading and head back to the main City, University of London website!

From the day I found out about the Creative Writing MA programme at City, to starting an online application, to getting my CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), to booking accommodation – the primary resource I used was the City, University of London website. The website was enough and on the rare occasion when it wasn’t, I always got a quick and informed response to my e-mails from City staff. So, it is safe to say that you are covered when it comes to logistical and administrative matters.

With that caveat, I welcome you to this blog post. I am a student of the Creative Writing (Novels) MA at City. There aren’t more than a dozen students on the programme (give or take a few) each year and unlike most postgraduate programmes, this is a two year full-time MA and perhaps the only programme of its kind that demands a full-length novel as dissertation.

Given these peculiarities, it is likely that many of you will stop reading this post here, while others who are considering the Creative Writing MA or have applied for it or have been offered admission will read on. And if you fall in that sliver of an intersecting set, you are perhaps seeking (like I was, two years ago) some affirmation for the basis of your decision.

Here are some of my reasons for taking the Creative Writing MA programme at City. I find these reasons stand valid still, as the programme comes to a close:

  • You need two years to find your novel-writing habits. The programme gives you enough exercise to develop the writing muscle.
  • You need two years to write a novel. The only way to train to be a novelist is to write a novel, and two years is quite a reasonable time for the average writer to punch out an acceptable first draft.
  • Instead of simply producing a short portfolio at the end of the programme, the writer is compelled to create a full-length work, which provides substantial momentum and confidence to create more.

Perhaps you are also wondering if you should already have an idea for a novel when you enter the programme. It isn’t necessary. The programme can help you choose if you have more than one ideas. But what you need to be absolutely sure of when you apply or sign up is that you definitely want to write a novel.

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City, university of london: creative writing.

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City’s MA Creative Writing allows you to explore your passion through the genre of your choice. The MA Creative Writing offers you the opportunity to develop your creative writing skills in a specific genre of your choice, in Fiction, Non-fiction or Genre Fiction. You will gain an understanding of how to read as a writer, with an informed awareness of the choices faced and the decisions taken by the writer of a text, and this understanding will inform and enrich your own writing practice. You will also acquire an understanding of the business of writing, the different forms and requirements of print and electronic publication, and the role of editors, agents and publishers in the publication process.

The programme is underpinned by the conviction that the imagination is a vital mode of perception and enquiry and that language and literature have the power to transform individual lives and cultures. Our academics have a range of experience and expertise, from novelists and non-fiction writers to publishing industry professionals. Therefore, you will not only gain an understanding of the creative process from inception to completion but of writing as a professional practice. On the course you will develop your technical awareness of and skills in creative writing across a range of genres, as well as in your chosen genre, and also acquire a range of transferable skills.

You will also develop personal and professional attributes such as self-management and direction, awareness of personal responsibility, motivation, flexibility, capacity to deploy academic skills and knowledge, and reflexivity. The course not only prepares you for a potential career in areas such as professional writing or publishing but also for further MFA/PhD study and research, and to expedite your access to such programmes.

Full-Time, 1 years starts Sep 2024

Level RQF Level 7
Entry requirements

- Hold a good Second-Class Honours BA degree or an equivalent qualification.
- Have studied a relevant subject such as English, Comparative Literature, Theatre and Drama, Film and Media Studies, Creative Writing, Humanities.

We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet the standard entrance criteria but who hold alternative credentials and can demonstrate their potential to produce written work at the requisite level, or who can offer prior learning which may satisfy City's requirements for RPL/RPEL. The prime criteria are demonstrable writing ability and commitment to learning. The prime criteria are proven ability and commitment.

For students whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of at least 7.0 is required.

Location City, University of London
Northampton Square
London
EC1V 0HB
EU 20350 GBP for Year 1
England 10920 GBP for Year 1
Northern Ireland 10920 GBP for Year 1
Scotland 10920 GBP for Year 1
Wales 10920 GBP for Year 1
International 20350 GBP for Year 1

Part-Time, 2 years starts Sep 2024

England 5460 GBP for Year 1
Northern Ireland 5460 GBP for Year 1
Scotland 5460 GBP for Year 1
Wales 5460 GBP for Year 1
EU 10170 GBP for Year 1
International 10170 GBP for Year 1

city university london ma creative writing

City’s School of Communication & Creativity is a socially engaged and politically conscious centre of educational excellence and world-changing interdisciplinary research which shapes and influences professional practice. 

We support and develop the next generation of practitioners and entrepreneurs who work across, the cultural, creative, music, heritage and media sectors. We are deeply committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we are working to transform these sectors by educating and empowering students from under-represented backgrounds, and supporting them to excel. 

The School brings together our renowned Department of Journalism, with two new Departments: The Department of Media, Culture and Creative Industries; …

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Creative Writing and Publishing MA City, University of London

City, University of London

Course options

Qualification.

MA - Master of Arts

Northampton Square

  • TUITION FEES
  • ENTRY REQUIREMENT
  • UNIVERSITY INFO

Course summary

Key information

Sharpen your business knowledge alongside your creative writing skills and become equipped to work in publishing. If you are a working writer, knowing how the modern commercial industry works will improve your chances of success. This programme gives you practical publishing experience and hones your creative practice.

Course overview

Benefits of this course

You will be introduced to the fast-paced world of commercial publishing and learn the how the different sectors of the publishing industry fit together.

Our digital publishing element shows you how social media and web publishing is vital to finding and sustaining your community of readers.

We aim to improve your skills as a creative writer, particularly as a writer of short stories and novels. You will build the skills and experience needed to better engage with the publishing industry and work within it.

Who is this course for?

If you are a writer seeking to develop publishing industry knowledge alongside writing skills, this programme is ideal. You can get hands-on publishing experience and enhance your creative practice.

Whether you are an experienced writer or relatively new to the field, you will be equipped with new professional competencies from creative digital content to traditional print.

Teaching and assessment

You will learn through a mix of lectures, workshops, tutorials, group work, seminar contributions, study visits, work attachments and independent learning and research.

When you graduate with the Creative Writing and Publishing MA your career prospects will be significantly enhanced.

Whether you aim to pursue writing professionally or work in the publishing industry, you will have the skills and knowledge to succeed.

Our graduates have secured publishing contracts across the world in various different genres.

These include Carlie Sorosiak, whose young adult novel If Birds Fly Back was published by HarperTeen in the US, Macmillan in the UK, Penguin Random House in Spain, and Arena Verlag in Germany.

Modules (Year 1)

Tuition fees.

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£ 19,100 per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

City, university of london, university league table, campus address.

City, University of London, Northampton Square, City of London, EC1V 0HB, England

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Publishing MA

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MA Creative Writing and Publishing

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Creative Writing and Publishing MA

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English, Publishing and Creative Writing at City

English, Publishing and Creative Writing at City

Study, write, publish…

city university london ma creative writing

This site, run by the Department of English at City, University of London, brings together student work from our postgraduate Creative Writing cohorts, together with details of graduate success stories and how you can study with us .

Our Students

Read the latest editions of the City Voice anthologies, showcasing work from students on the different degrees.

city university london ma creative writing

Student success

Read on to find our the success stories of our graduates, whether published, in publishing or elsewhere.

Featured graduates

Amelia Kyazze

Amelia Kyazze

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  Creative Writing MA

City, university of london     school of communication and creativity, findamasters summary.

Unleash your creativity with City's Creative Writing MA programme. Tailored to your passion for self-expression, this flexible course offers specialisations in fiction, genre fiction, or non-fiction. Delve into the art of writing with a curriculum that combines imagination with critical analysis. Gain insights into the writing process, publication industry, and the transformative power of language. Led by experienced academics, including published authors and industry professionals, you will hone your skills across genres and develop transferable attributes for a successful writing career. The modular structure includes core workshops, modules in English literature and publishing, and a dissertation. Assessment methods encompass creative portfolios and research projects. This programme not only equips you for writing professions but also opens doors to further academic pursuits. Join us if you hold a relevant degree and possess a strong writing ability – your journey to becoming a professional writer starts here.

About the course

Key information.

Realise your passion for words and self-expression through a flexible creative writing programme that will develop your skills in your chosen form: fiction, genre fiction or non-fiction. This degree combines a passion for the power of the imagination with intensive study of craft and critical approaches to writing.

Entry Requirements

Hold a good Second-Class Honours BA degree or an equivalent qualification. Have studied a relevant subject such as English, Comparative Literature, Theatre and Drama, Film and Media Studies, Creative Writing, Humanities. We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet the standard entrance criteria but who hold alternative credentials and can demonstrate their potential to produce written work at the requisite level, or who can offer prior learning which may satisfy City's requirements for RPL/RPEL. The prime criteria are demonstrable writing ability and commitment to learning.

Please see the university website for further information on fees for this course.

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Creative Writing and Publishing MA

City, university of london, different course options.

Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, university information, similar courses at this uni, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

MA - Master of Arts

Subject areas

Course type.

Sharpen your business knowledge alongside your creative writing skills and become equipped to work in publishing. If you are a working writer, knowing how the modern commercial industry works will improve your chances of success. This programme gives you practical publishing experience and hones your creative practice.

Course overview

Benefits of this course

You will be introduced to the fast-paced world of commercial publishing and learn the how the different sectors of the publishing industry fit together.

Our digital publishing element shows you how social media and web publishing is vital to finding and sustaining your community of readers.

We aim to improve your skills as a creative writer, particularly as a writer of short stories and novels. You will build the skills and experience needed to better engage with the publishing industry and work within it.

Who is this course for?

If you are a writer seeking to develop publishing industry knowledge alongside writing skills, this programme is ideal. You can get hands-on publishing experience and enhance your creative practice.

Whether you are an experienced writer or relatively new to the field, you will be equipped with new professional competencies from creative digital content to traditional print.

Teaching and assessment

You will learn through a mix of lectures, workshops, tutorials, group work, seminar contributions, study visits, work attachments and independent learning and research.

When you graduate with the Creative Writing and Publishing MA your career prospects will be significantly enhanced.

Whether you aim to pursue writing professionally or work in the publishing industry, you will have the skills and knowledge to succeed.

Our graduates have secured publishing contracts across the world in various different genres.

These include Carlie Sorosiak, whose young adult novel If Birds Fly Back was published by HarperTeen in the US, Macmillan in the UK, Penguin Random House in Spain, and Arena Verlag in Germany.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

Applicants should normally: Hold a good Second-Class Honours BA degree or an equivalent qualification. Have studied a relevant subject such as English, Comparative Literature, Theatre and Drama, Film and Media Studies, Creative Writing, Humanities.

City, University of London is a leading institution, ranked 38th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025). City offers an innovative programme of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses which uphold the university’s commitment to enhancing people’s lives through education. City is a research-driven university and has around 21,000 enrolled students, of which 45 percent are studying postgraduate qualifications. The university community... more

Publishing MA

Full time | 1 year | 30-SEP-24

International Publishing MA

Courses, apprenticeships, information guides and more

City, University of London

City, University of London

Degree level: postgraduate, creative writing (taught), course options.

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Chat with students at this uni

Course summary.

City’s MA Creative Writing allows you to explore your passion through the genre of your choice. The MA Creative Writing offers you the opportunity to develop your creative writing skills in a specific genre of your choice, in Fiction, Non-fiction or Genre Fiction. You will gain an understanding of how to read as a writer, with an informed awareness of the choices faced and the decisions taken by the writer of a text, and this understanding will inform and enrich your own writing practice. You will also acquire an understanding of the business of writing, the different forms and requirements of print and electronic publication, and the role of editors, agents and publishers in the publication process. The programme is underpinned by the conviction that the imagination is a vital mode of perception and enquiry and that language and literature have the power to transform individual lives and cultures. Our academics have a range of experience and expertise, from novelists and non-fiction writers to publishing industry professionals. Therefore, you will not only gain an understanding of the creative process from inception to completion but of writing as a professional practice. On the course you will develop your technical awareness of and skills in creative writing across a range of genres, as well as in your chosen genre, and also acquire a range of transferable skills. You will also develop personal and professional attributes such as self-management and direction, awareness of personal responsibility, motivation, flexibility, capacity to deploy academic skills and knowledge, and reflexivity. The course not only prepares you for a potential career in areas such as professional writing or publishing but also for further MFA/PhD study and research, and to expedite your access to such programmes.

You will complete a total of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit dissertation/extended creative writing piece. You will choose two core elective 15-credit workshop in your chosen genre, four core 15-credit modules, and two 15-credit elective modules in English Literature and/or Publishing. Core modules (4 x 15credits) are: Reading as a Writer, Working as a Writer and two creative writing workshops. MA English electives:

  • Constituting Identity
  • Imagined Communities
  • Literary Cartographies
  • Genre in Context
  • Theorising Women’s Writing
  • Text and Image
  • Digital Publishing
  • Creating and Developing Content in Print
  • Strategic Management of Content: Print and Digital

Assessment method

We encourage you to privately reflect on your professional practice during all of your applied work. In this MA Creative Writing, you will be assessed across the core and elective modules, and in the dissertation and reflective essay. Individual modules in this MA Creative Writing can be assessed through portfolios of creative writing, analytical essays, assessed projects and research portfolios.

Entry requirements

- Hold a good Second-Class Honours BA degree or an equivalent qualification. - Have studied a relevant subject such as English, Comparative Literature, Theatre and Drama, Film and Media Studies, Creative Writing, Humanities. We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet the standard entrance criteria but who hold alternative credentials and can demonstrate their potential to produce written work at the requisite level, or who can offer prior learning which may satisfy City's requirements for RPL/RPEL. The prime criteria are demonstrable writing ability and commitment to learning. The prime criteria are proven ability and commitment. For students whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of at least 7.0 is required.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees.

England £5460 Year 1
Northern Ireland £5460 Year 1
Scotland £5460 Year 1
Wales £5460 Year 1
EU £10170 Year 1
International £10170 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Provider information.

Visit our website

Our COVID-19 information

City, University of London Northampton Square City of London EC1V 0HB

Course contact details

Admissions - school of communication and creativity.

[email protected]

2 Course options

Please select a course option to view the information for the course

Duration
City, University of London Part-time2 yearsSeptember 2024Please speak to the provider to make an application
City, University of London Full-time1 yearSeptember 2024Please speak to the provider to make an application

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city university london ma creative writing

The Creative Writing (Nonfiction) MA provides you with essential skills and a supportive and challenging environment in which to develop your reportorial and research skills, experiment with approaches to writing narrative nonfiction, reflect on their own and others' work, learn about the publishing industry, and shape a book-length work of narrative nonfiction into a marketable proposal. The course is designed to fit in with the lives of those already working full-time, with students coming in for two evenings per week over two years (with the occasional Saturday workshop). Extra workshops and lectures will take place on occasional Saturdays.
Duration Two years full time.
Level MA
Cost Course Fees: Full-time EU: £8,000 (total fee for two-year course). Full-time Non EU: £14,000 (total fee for two-year course). Students can apply for two industry-sponsored awards, which may lead to agent representation and cash prizes.
 
The ethos is excellence and diversity, drawing on domestic and international students of different ages, experiences and backgrounds. (Our definition of narrative non fiction includes biography, travel, history, life writing, true crime, sports and other forms of sustained and structured nonfiction storytelling.) In summary: this new course is the first of its kind in the UK, and aims to tap into the flourishing narrative nonfiction publishing market. The course, run mainly in the evening, will appeal to journalists, academics, subject experts, those wanting to write a memoir or family history, and many others exploring this form of literary journalism. It is led by award-winning writer and broadcaster Julie Wheelwright, an expert in the field of creative non-fiction. The course is unique as you leave with a complete full-length book, rather than a dissertation or other "academic" piece of work. You benefit from the central London location, giving you access to publishers and agents, research libraries, archives, and major media organisations.
Requirements
You will normally have a UK Honours degree (in any subject) or the overseas equivalent. But successful completion of a certificate course in creative writing, or a professional qualification, or relevant experience may also be acceptable. The prime criteria are proven ability and commitment. You will need to submit 5,000 words of nonfiction and may need to attend an interview as part of the application process. (Overseas applicants may be interviewed by telephone.)
Modules
The course focuses on writing and research skills including identifying a subject, using archives, exploring genres and structuring material. You will also learn how to prepare a manuscript for publishers and agents. It offers a taught component,one-to-one-tutoring, workshops and opportunities to hear guest speakers. The course advisors, made up of leading figures from the non-fiction world, provide you with expert advice and direct exposure to the publishing industry. Modules: Experiments in writing (non-fiction), Literary criticism (non-fiction), Own book, The publishing industry (non-fiction). Teaching is based around a mix of practical workshops, seminars and lectures. All this is supported by one-to-one tutorials and by independent study: notably reading and preparing presentations on set texts and performing set writing exercises. As the course progresses, the emphasis shifts to independent study and is supported by workshops and one-to-one tutorials.
Contact Information
Institution City University London
School of Arts
Northampton Square
London
EC1V 0HB

Tel: +44 (0)20 7040 3400
Department: Department of Creative Writing
Contact Name: Maria Prus, Programme Administrator: Creative Writing
Contact Email: [email protected]
© National Association of Writers in Education 2010-2023
Registered Charity Number 1190424

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City University Creative Writing MA

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Crime Thriller Writing course

Crime and thriller writing.

Short course

The ideal course for those looking to learn the fundamentals of writing their first work of crime fiction with this online course.

3 starting dates

Starting date: 1 st october 2024.

  • Duration: 10 weeks
  • Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
  • Fees: £360 (no VAT)
  • Occurs: Tuesday

Location: Online

  • Booking deadline: 25 th September 2024, 11:59pm
  • Book now for 1 st October start

Starting date: 14 th January 2025

  • Booking deadline: 8 th January 2025, 11:59pm
  • Book now for 14 th January start

Starting date: 29 th April 2025

  • Booking deadline: 23 rd April 2025, 11:59pm
  • Book now for 29 th April start

Want to find out more?

  • Sign up for updates

Testimonials

This course was the best creative writing course I have taken because it really drilled down into some of the fundamentals of novel construction and I learned so much. Caroline was an excellent tutor.

Former student

Outstandingly well put together course from a leading crime writer.

Darah O’Reilly

Caroline is friendly, encouraging, constructively critical, and thoroughly professional. She knows and loves her subject. Her course will both improve your writing and increase your appreciation of crime and thriller fiction.

Niall Boyce

  • Course overview

What will I learn?

Assessment and certificates, eligibility, recommended reading, crime and thriller writing course overview.

This course is also offered as an intensive one-week summer school.

This ten-week crime writing course will include an in-depth look at how to write a thriller and what makes a good crime novel. It aims to make your own writing strong, compelling and ready to submit.

Areas covered will include plotting, characterisation and analysis of all the elements that give a book that page-turning quality.

This crime and thriller writing course is suitable for both beginners and also those who have already started writing but need some direction.

After this crime and thriller writing course, students might also be interested in  Short Story Writing ,  Novel Writing and Longer Works , and  Writers' Workshop .

Who is it for?

For new and more experienced writers who want to learn the fundamentals of writing crime fiction.

Find out more about our Creative writing and publishing courses

  • Learn Creative writing and publishing

Teaching takes place once a week for ten weeks, from 6.30-8.30pm.

City Short Courses follow the academic year, delivering courses over three terms. These include:

  • Autumn  - October
  • Spring - January
  • Summer - April
  • Unique opportunity to learn craft of crime fiction from a best-selling thriller writer
  • Online, intimate classes
  • Awarded a City, University of London certificate

You will learn a variety of techniques from creating characters that live off the page, to how to build a plot and how to use effective description. Other topics include building tension and pace into your writing; creating crime scene settings; and how to use research to bring veracity to your stories. By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define what makes a crime story work
  • Create believable characters that will live off the page
  • Understand plot twists and how to use them to the best effect
  • Use effective description in your writing
  • Build tension and pace into your writing
  • Create settings that evoke a strong sense of place.

There is no formal assessment for the course, but students are expected to contribute to class discussions. Sharing work is encouraged, even though it isn’t a formal workshop setting.

Students who attend 70% of the classes will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

No prior knowledge of crime fiction required as course is suitable for beginners or those who would like more direction.

English requirements

You will need a good level of spoken and written English to enrol on this course.

  • Gone Girl , Gillian Flynn, Weidenfeld & Nicholson, 2013
  • Someone Else’s Skin , Sarah Hilary, Headline, 2016
  • And Then There Were None , Agatha Christie, Harper Collins, 2007
  • Slow Horses , Mick Herron, John Murray, 2017.

Caroline Green

Caroline Green

Caroline Green’s debut adult novel  The Woman Next Door was a Number 1 e-book bestseller.  In A Cottage, In A Wood was a Sunday Times top ten and USA Today bestseller. She is also an award-winning author of fiction for young people. A genre-busting crime series for adults (writing as CS Green) starts March 2021 with  Sleep Tight . Writer in Residence at East Barnet School, she also teaches for City University and Writers and Artist’s Yearbook.

Transform the way you write fiction

Learn how to plot your crime novel with City, University of London short course tutor Caroline Green.

Have a question?

  • Make an enquiry
  • +44 (0)20 7040 8268

What's Happening

Sep  04

Languages Short Course Taster Evening

Open evening to learn about City's short courses and try out a taster class.

Wednesday, 4 th September 2024 , 17:30 – 19:30

Location: Northampton Square

Audience: Public

Sep  11

City Short Courses Online Taster Evening

Join a free taster session for one of our Short Courses.

Wednesday, 11 th September 2024 , 18:00 – 19:30

IMAGES

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  23. Crime Thriller Writing course • City, University of London

    This course is also offered as an intensive one-week summer school. This ten-week crime writing course will include an in-depth look at how to write a thriller and what makes a good crime novel. It aims to make your own writing strong, compelling and ready to submit. Areas covered will include plotting, characterisation and analysis of all the ...