English Literature and Creative Writing

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements
Master’s Degree or equivalent in Literature or Creative Writing, usually with an average of at least 65% for UK MAs.

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in English literature or related subject, for example literature in other languages.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Additional Requirements
As part of your application you also need to provide

• A viable research proposal, which should combine a creative and critical element in equal measure (50/50)
• A sample of written work, eg an essay or dissertation chapter of approximately 3000-5000 words
• A portfolio of original writing (no more than 15 poems or 30 pages of prose) showing potential for publication

Details of the research areas can be found on the Department’s website If you are interested in applying for one of our PhD programmes, you may wish to informally contact a potential supervisor for guidance on the proposal prior to submitting your application. Guidance on the structure of the Creative Writing element of the proposal is also available.

Months of entry

October

Course content

This programme was developed by Lancaster University to meet the needs of students exploring the interface between critical and creative modes of research and writing. It provides a rare opportunity for you to pursue innovative cross-disciplinary research in which the balance of English Literature and Creative Writing is roughly 50/50. It would suit applicants who wish to explore fusions of critical/creative writing or parallel pieces of research.

Our students benefit from the research methodologies training we provide in English Literature and/or Creative Writing and from being a part of the vibrant research culture of the Department.

Information for international students

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 7.0, and a minimum of 6.5 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Fees and funding

Find out more at our fees and funding page.