Creative Writing
    Duration2 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 11,045 / Total
    Next IntakeFebruary 1, 2024

    Creative Writing

    About

    This qualification is an opportunity to develop your skills as a writer in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and scriptwriting for film, radio and the stage. You'll be able to write in a genre of your choice and experiment with at least one other through practical and inspiring activities. You’ll work towards producing a substantial piece of your own creative writing to a professional standard. You'll also hone your practice through sharing, reading and critiquing the writing of your peers in online forums. You’ll work towards producing a substantial piece of your own creative writing to a professional standard.

    Key features of the course

    • Develop writing skills and awareness of approaches to writing 
    • Progress and hone sophisticated writing skills in at least one genre
    • Gain a sound knowledge of, and ability in, a secondary genre
    • Engage in sharing, critiquing and reviewing a variety of writing by your peers.

    The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

    • Knowledge and understanding
    • Cognitive skills
    • Practical and professional skills
    • Key skills
    Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    You must hold a UK honours degree (or equivalent), preferably with at least a 2:1 classification. Although your degree does not need to be in Creative Writing or a closely related subject, you will need some knowledge of the subject to successfully complete this qualification, as the MA in Creative Writing assumes all candidates have the knowledge and skills usually acquired by pursuing the subject at undergraduate level. Please note that this is not a qualification for those who are just starting to write creatively

    If your degree is not in Creative Writing or a closely related subject, we strongly recommend that you read the preparatory work indicated on the MA Creative Writing part 1. Alternatively, you could undertake our open-access creative writing courses on OpenLearn and FutureLearn to ensure your skills (writing, reading, editorial, reflective, analytical) are at an appropriate standard.

    If you don’t have a Creative Writing degree, please also make sure that you provide evidence of your experience of writing – whether through short courses, workshops, or publications – when you apply.

    If you’re in any doubt about the suitability of your qualifications or previous experience, please contact us for advice before you enrol.

    How long it takes

    You will be able to complete this masters qualification within two years by studying one module each year. If you do not study the modules consecutively, you must complete them in a maximum of 10 years to qualify for the degree.

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6.5

    Career

    Career relevance

    If you wish to pursue a freelance writing career this Masters degree will equip you with necessary writing and editorial skills, as well as equipping you with a raft of highly valued transferable communication and collaborative skills necessary to the modern writer’s usual portfolio of occupations.

    If you are aiming for an academic career in higher education, this qualification will provide a route towards a higher level research or writing practice degree (e.g. PhD), which is essential for such a career. A Masters degree can help to enhance your career prospects as a teacher in secondary and higher education (HE); most HE creative writing teaching now demands an MA in the subject.

    If your aim is to enter professions associated with the media, culture, creative or knowledge industries, or if you already have a career in one of these areas and are seeking a further qualification as a means of career development, then a Masters degree, supplemented by relevant skills and experience, can prove invaluable. This degree is pertinent to those careers that directly call upon knowledge of the craft of writing, editing and critiquing (for instance, journalism, publishing, copywriting). It may also be relevant for careers that demand skills in the creative use and analysis of texts of various sorts, critical thinking and organisation, and understanding of culture in a broad sense.

    Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

    Fee Information

    How to Apply

    1. Choose your qualification.
    2. Select your first module and review the entry requirements.
    3. Register for your module online.
    4. Pay – see fees and funding for your available options.
    5. Send evidence to us to confirm you meet the entry requirements.

    When to apply

    • Registration is now open for the academic year ending July 2023.
    • Closing dates vary depending on the modules you choose.

    To ensure you have everything in place ready to start your course, please check the module descriptions – there may be preparatory work you need to submit before your module starts.

    1. Choose your qualification.
    2. Select your first module and review the entry requirements.
    3. Register for your module online.
    4. Pay – see fees and funding for your available options.
    5. Send evidence to us to confirm you meet the entry requirements.

    When to apply

    • Registration is now open for the academic year ending July 2023.
    • Closing dates vary depending on the modules you choose.

    To ensure you have everything in place ready to start your course, please check the module descriptions – there may be preparatory work you need to submit before your module starts.

    Creative Writing

    The Open University UK

    The Open University UK

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Milton Keynes