Creative writing,PhD

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Entry requirements

Normally, a first-class or upper second-class Honours degree, or overseas equivalent.

The Creative Writing PhD is recommended for applicants who show equal ability in academic scholarship as well as creative work. Before applying to study a PhD with us, it is encouraged that you contact a prospective supervisor who works in your proposed area to check their availability. Please note that members of staff do not normally accept PhD students working on areas outwith the staff member’s area of expertise.

The application

Applications to undertake a PhD in Creative writing must include:

• your full contact details
• proof of English language proficiency if English isn’t your first language. For postgraduate studies, we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent (no individual test score below 5.5, the test must be taken within two years of the programme start date)
• a proposal of between 1,500 and 2,000 words (see below for details).
• a 3-5 page writing sample
• two references, one of which must be academic
• transcripts and certificates of all degrees

Before you apply

In line with Humanities research proposals, the Creative Writing PhD proposal should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words and should cover:

• Title
• Research Question(s)
• Research Context
• Research Methods
• Preparedness: You should outline your suitability and preparedness for undertaking the proposed project.
• Environment: You should outline why you think Strathclyde’s School of Humanities is the best place to undertake your PhD; you should also indicate why you want to work with a particular named supervisor.

In outlining the Research Question(s), Context and Methods, your proposal must include an outline of your creative project as well as a detailed discussion of the critical component of the PhD. The critical component will comprise approximately 25% of the overall word count of your PhD. As the PhD is usually around 80,000 words in total, this means we expect the critical component to comprise approximately 20,000 words.

The critical component often takes the form of a study of a particular theme, theory, history, or specific element of craft in already published works. This will be a theme, theory, history, or element of craft that is relevant to your own creative project. The critical component may also reflect on the connections between the operation of these elements of craft in the published works and in your own creative practice.

Funding opportunities

Offered by the University: The University runs a number of schemes each year for incoming PhD students. These are advertised on our website in the autumn.

The main external funding body Creative Writing students apply to is SGSAH. There is an internal selection process in the autumn of each year.

There are a number of other external funding schemes you can apply to.

Accepting an offer

Once you've accepted our offer, we'll need you to fulfil any academic, administrative or financial conditions that we ask.

UK or EU students

If you're applying as a UK or EU student, you'll then be issued with your registration documentation.

We accept a number of English language tests as proof of proficiency in English. IELTS is the most widely available. Information on this can be found on the British Council Website.

Our current standard requirements are:

• IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)
• Faculty of Science: IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)
• Faculty of Engineering (Undergraduate only): IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)

Some degree programmes have different English language requirements to the above so please check each individual course page for details.

Other English language tests may be acceptable and you can find these here:

• Recognised English language qualifications for pre-sessional and degree entry

If you have a qualification not listed, you should contact our Recruitment & International Office for advice.